February, the shortest month of the year, is ending soon. There’s still time to participate in the Center for Black Culture’s donation drive for Black History Month, and you can now purchase a book written by Black alumni about their experiences before and after graduation. Plus, looking ahead to March, keep an eye out for Recyclemania 2022 and an onsite biometric screening for benefits-eligible faculty and professional staff who participate in the Wellness Incentive Program (worth $100 in program points!).
Here’s what was heard around campus this month:
Celebrate Black History This Month and Beyond
- Through Feb. 28, the Center for Black Culture (CBC) is partnering with the Eco Foundation on a donation drive to help support community members with donations of fresh produce, toiletries and non-perishables. Donations can be left at the first floor of the Rush Building, 30 North 33rd St.
- “A Legacy to Share” is a collection of 50+ stories that chronicles the vibrant lives of alumni who have excelled across multiple fields and industries and highlights Black students and alumni who cut through the incessant obstacles faced throughout this country's history to enjoy successful careers and a zest for lifelong learning. The book is available for purchase in person at the University City Barnes & Noble bookstore (33rd and Chestnut streets), or through the online order form. One-hundred percent of the revenue from book sales will support Drexel University Black Alumni Council (DUBAC) scholarships for current and future students.
Although Black History Month 2022 is coming to a close, the CBC reminds us that this celebration need not end with the month of February, and the Center continues to acknowledge Black excellence every single day. Sign up for the CBC's official newsletter, The Vibe!
Register for “Frank Conversation: Generational Diversity”
This frank conversation, taking place virtually on March 3 from 11 a.m. to noon, will focus on a wide range of topics related to aging and the working and living experiences of different generations. During this session, panelists will discuss stigmas and disparities associated with the aging experiences that are unique to interacting with multiple generations on campus. Drexel’s Age-Friendly University designation will be highlighted, and there will be discussion of what aging means in America today and how it intersects with the many other identities we have. Register via Zoom.
Announcing the Inaugural Policy Council
After reviewing the nominations, the Selection Panel has selected the inaugural members of the Policy Council. You can now view the list of members on the Policy Council webpage.
As a reminder, all existing Official University Policies must be converted to the Word document version of the new Policy Template (with each relevant section of the template completed) and submitted to the Director of Policy Compliance by Feb. 28. Only Policies that are submitted in the new template will be reviewed and included in the Official University Policy Directory after Feb. 28. In addition, all new or proposed policies and material changes to existing policies must be submitted through the interim process described on the Policy Compliance website. If you have any questions, please refer to the Policy Compliance FAQs, or contact policy@drexel.edu.
Campus Race to Zero Waste: Join Us at These Collection Events
Campus Race to Zero Waste, formerly RecycleMania, is a friendly competition and benchmarking tool for college and university recycling programs to promote waste reduction activities to their campus communities. This year, Drexel is hosting a collection event on all three Philadelphia campuses. Acceptable items include electronic, computer equipment, old and used-up toner and ink cartridges, and batteries of all kinds:
- Center City: New College Building, Geary Lobby, March 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Queen Lane: Outside main entrance in front of flagpole, March 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- University City: Tent behind Recreation Center (33rd and Market streets), March 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information and resources for Campus Race to Zero Waste, including helpful infographics and more ways to get involved, visit the Real Estate and Facilities website.
Learn and Earn at an Onsite Biometric Screening
On March 23, Drexel University is offering an onsite biometric screening in Behrakis Grand Hall, Creese Student Center (32nd and Chestnut streets) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for benefits-eligible faculty and professional staff who participate in the Wellness Incentive Program. This 15-minute screening, worth $100 in program points, is a great way to capture an overall snapshot of your health. To schedule your appointment, log in to the wellness incentive portal and select “Complete Your Health Screening” from the “To Do” list, then select “Schedule” under “Attend an Onsite Health Screening Event.” If you can’t make it or prefer to do your biometric screening elsewhere, follow the instructions on the program website, or in the Health Advocate portal, to schedule an appointment directly at LabCorp. Participation is limited, and slots are going fast, so be sure to register ASAP!
LaScala's Fire Now Open in Chestnut Square
LaScala's Fire, located in Chestnut Square (3200 Chestnut St.), is now open. LaScala's Fire's menu is wood-fired Italian American with a modern twist and features wood-fired pizza, stromboli, calzone, salads, and other favorites. Open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., this new University City location is BYOB through April. The LaScala's Fire team invites the Drexel community to enjoy a special Happy Hour menu at the University City location only from Monday through Friday, 3–5:30 p.m.
Saxbys’ Regionally Inspired Menu Items, for a Limited Time
For a limited time, Saxbys Coffee on 34th Street has added three new regional grilled cheese and cold brew-based drink pairings to its menu inspired by the culture and traditions of New Jersey, Pittsburgh, and Ohio. The New Jersey-inspired pairing, the Disco Tot Grilled Cheese and Blueberry Muffin Cold Brew, is a twist on the class diner dish, disco tots. Or if you are a pierogi fan, you will love the Pittsburgh-inspired pairing. Check out descriptions of all three pairings on Saxbys’ website!
Chestnut Street Caterers Spring Menu Available Through May 31
Chestnut Street Caterers, Drexel University’s food service provider, presents their spring menu, “Flavor in Bloom,” available for events held March 1 through May 31. This seasonal menu features bright side dishes like spring vegetable sauté and roasted beet and arugula salad, plus the dragon fruit chia mango parfait for dessert. The menu also offers iced tea or water infused with your choice of peach-mint, strawberry-basil, cucumber, and more. As a reminder, Drexel departments on the University City Campus are required to use Chestnut Street Caterers for catering needs totaling $100 or more. For more information, including ordering catering services, visit the Chestnut Street Caterers website.
Campus Dining Spotlight: Chef Tom Ramsey
Drexel Business Services recently sat down with Tom Ramsey, executive chef for Drexel Campus Dining, to learn all about his passion for serving Dragons. Check out the interview on the Business Services newsfeed.
Public Safety Advisory: Robberies/Carjackings in Philadelphia
Drexel Police are advising the campus community of a continued increase in armed robberies, known as carjackings, in the University City and Philadelphia area. Stay safe with these tips and resources:
- Use a walking escort: Request a walking escort by calling 215.895.2222 or using the Drexel Guardian App if you feel unsafe walking to or from your car.
- Remain vigilant in hotspots: Be aware of your surroundings while getting in and out of vehicles, in driveways and parking lots, and at gas stations, ATMs, and poorly lit streets.
- If you are a victim of carjacking: Avoid verbal and physical confrontations. Instead make a mental note of the suspect and your vehicle's description, and please report promptly. Remember: Your vehicle can be replaced, but you are irreplaceable.
Stop by the Next Cocoa With Cops
On March 9, Drexel Police will be hosting their monthly meet-and-greet from 5-6:30 p.m. at the southeast corner of 33rd and Arch streets (near the entrance to Buckley Field). Enjoy a hot cocoa and a friendly chat!
Confronting Antisemitism Through Storytelling
In an effort to inform the Drexel population about the issue of antisemitic rhetoric and behavior, a partnership between the Pennoni Honors College, Drexel Hillel, Jewish Studies and the College of Arts & Sciences seeks to create a storytelling event on the Drexel University campus in spring 2022. The goal is to bring together students, faculty, staff and members of the community to consider the present-day implications of discrimination against Jews. Rather than a panel discussion or conference, this event will showcase stories that reflect real-life experience and give a more vivid, first-hand account of antisemitism. You are invited to submit a story for this project, however big or small, about antisemitism as it may have occurred to you or that you observed as a Jewish person or Jewish ally.
Updates & Reminders From the Comptroller
- In preparation for the upcoming asset verification, an individual survey was sent to each fixed asset custodian on Feb. 21, with a link to identify dispositions and/or confirm equipment. The email will be sent from drexelinv@assetservices.com. Please check your junk mail folder if you did not receive this email and were supposed to. General Accounting will utilize the data collected by Asset Services as the annual fixed asset confirmation. Please see the Feb. 17 Comptroller announcement for details.
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has increased the NIH Salary Cap for Executive Level II to $203,700, effective January 2, 2022. The salary cap is a mandated provision of Congress that limits the amount of direct salary that can be charged to an NIH grant or contract. Salaries above the $203,700 limit must be allocated to the impacted grants cost share fund (281XXX). For full context of the guidance, a historical record of the salary cap, and other important details, please review Comptroller’s Feb. 14 announcement.
- Departments that are expecting any receipts of funds (deposits): Please email General Accounting at acct11@drexel.edu with the expected receipt amount as well as FOAPAL to apply this receipt.
