Heard Around Campus — July

In the time before the start of the 2018–19 academic year, Drexel is cleaning up and preparing to greet new and returning students to campus. Those Dragons might not recognize the construction and transportation changes happening around the University City Campus — but those changes have already started, and might be impacting your commute.

Here’s what was heard around campus in July.

Traffic Advisory: I-76 Ramp Closure and SEPTA Rail Improvements

Chestnut Street Bridges Project Update

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has released a Summer 2018 Construction Update related to its multi-year project to rehabilitate the Chestnut Street bridge over the Schuylkill River and eight other nearby structures. This project impacts vehicular and pedestrian travel to and from Drexel’s University City Campus.

Starting July 21, the ramp from westbound I-76 to 30th Street will close for one month to complete repairs and resurfacing. During the month-long closure, I-76 West motorists normally using the ramp will be directed to exit at South Street, turn right on South Street, left on 22nd Street and left on Market Street to reach 30th Street. 

Visit chestnutstreetbridges.com for additional information on restrictions and closures affecting both motorists and pedestrians from now through December. Drexel advises students, faculty, professional staff and visitors to expect delays and detours when traveling by vehicle through the affected areas and to use public transportation and carpools whenever possible.

SEPTA Rail Improvements

SEPTA’s Southwest Connection Improvement Program, taking place from Aug. 4 through Aug. 19, will rebuild the mainline infrastructure on the Media/Elwyn Line between 30th Street Station and Arsenal Interlocking, just below University City Station, portions of which date more than 80 years. This track area also supports Wilmington/Newark and Airport Line services.

Special construction Regional Rail timetables will be in effect for the Media/Elwyn and Wilmington/Newark Line Service. The Airport Line will operate as Shuttle Bus service with a special construction schedule. Most trip travel times will increase on the affected lines; please plan your travel accordingly.

Consult SEPTA’s Southwest Connection Improvement Program webpage for complete details on how this work will impact service.

President's Awards Nominations Extended to Aug. 17

There’s still time left for you to nominate your fellow full- and part-time faculty and professional staff from across the University for the President's Awards. Both individuals and teams are eligible, with the exception of vice president and vice provost positions and above, including deans and chairs.

President's Awards will be given in three categories: 

• Award for Excellence for Professional Staff
• Award for Diversity & Inclusive Community for Faculty and Professional Staff
• Civic Engagement Award for Faculty and Professional Staff

To make a nomination, visit the President's Awards site. Contact Lindsay Norlen at 215.571.4644 with any questions.

Wellness Incentive Program Reminder

Drexel’s 2018 Wellness Incentive Program for benefit-eligible faculty and professional staff is winding down. Don’t forget to get your full $400 credit! If you’re unsure about ways to earn points, click here or email Wellness Administrator Monica Fauble at mfauble@drexel.edu for some personalized advice!

University City Campus Cleanup

Real Estate and Facilities is coordinating the annual University City Campus Clean-up from July 30 through Aug. 31. The Clean-up is an opportunity for departments and offices to dispose of obsolete or broken equipment, furniture and other large, non-hazardous materials.

To participate, submit a WebTMA work request noting “Campus Clean-up” and providing a description of the items to be removed in the action requested. (Some oversized pieces of equipment and sensitive items may not qualify for the Campus Clean-Up and will require special handling for disposal.) Be sure to clearly identify the items to be discarded, marking items with the work order number (FM-XXXXX) if possible. Email facilities@drexel.edu or call 215.895.1700 with any questions.

Items being disposed of from laboratories may not include hazardous waste or dangerous chemicals; for all hazardous waste, contact Environmental Safety & Health at 215.895.5891 to arrange a special pick-up.

Any items that can be recycled for use by other University departments should be posted on the Drexel Surplus Exchange (SharePoint site; sign-in required). For items that have residual value but are no longer useful for the University, contact drexelsurplus@drexel.edu to see if they can be sold through the Surplus Sales program.

Countdown to Convocation

Save the date! The Convocation for the next academic year will be held on Sept. 27 in the Main Building Auditorium. Gathering and robing will be held at 10:30 a.m., with the procession and ceremony occurring at 11 a.m. A reception will be held after the event.

Diversity & Inclusion Spotlight: College of Nursing and Health Professions

The College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) is committed to including and serving underrepresented and underserved populations. In working toward this goal, CNHP hired Veronica Carey, PhD, CPRP, in January 2017 to serve as the first Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for CNHP. She is charged with ensuring the College creates a diverse and inclusive environment where all members of the community are respected and valued. The College’s Board of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion disseminated a climate survey about the culture at CNHP and received valuable information from faculty, professional staff and students.

There are several examples of CNHP faculty supporting the achievement of a diverse and inclusive environment on campus and through research. For example, during her seven years as a member of the Health Sciences Department faculty, Associate Research Professor Janell L. Mensinger, PhD, conducted prominent research on eating disorders, weight stigma and body concerns using a social justice lens, including critically examining issues of gender and race, and a “Weight Inclusive Approach.” Mensinger is continuing that important work as a current faculty member in the Dornsife School of Public Health.

In another example, Associate Professor and Director of the PhD Program in Nutrition Sciences Jennifer Nasser, PhD, RD, presented at the College of Medicine’s 2017 sex and gender conference and, as a follow-up, initiated a project on gender-identity issues in health care treatment with Carey.

In addition to the College’s scholarly work, CNHP faculty and professional staff have participated in trainings to foster an inclusive community, including LGBTQ+ Ally training and a training to develop tools for attracting diverse applicants to the College.

This Diversity & Inclusion Spotlight was excerpted from the Inclusive Community Review: FY2017 Accomplishments (formerly called the Diversity Achievement Plan Accomplishments Supplement), an annual report celebrating the diversity and inclusion-related achievements of each of Drexel’s academic and administrative units. For general questions about diversity and inclusion initiatives at Drexel, please contact the Office of Equality & Diversity at oed@drexel.edu.