Things are popping up with the start of the Spring quarter. Learn how to register for free SEPTA usage, swing by the refreshed Gateway Garden and learn more about a new eatery scheduled to open in the fall.
Here’s what was heard around campus last month:
SEPTA Key Advantage Pilot Program: How to Register
Drexel is thrilled to announce its partnership with SEPTA in providing transit passes to full time employees – at no cost, for both professional and personal use on all SEPTA transit services. The six-month pilot program, known as SEPTA Key Advantage, will run from May 1 to October 31, 2022.
For complete details on eligibility, how it works, and how you can get started, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions [PDF] and How-to User Guide [PDF]. If you already have a Key card, you can enroll into the program now. The deadline for enrollments for a May coverage month is April 20.
You can obtain a SEPTA Key card and/or receive help with registration and enrolling into the program by visiting Drexel Human Resources Office, 3201 Arch Street, during business hours or stopping by one of the following tabling events held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.:
- April 5: Center City, Academy of Natural Sciences, The Commons
- April 7: Queen Lane, Atrium
Reminders to Faculty and Staff About Ramadan
EarthFest 2022: Save the Date, Save the Planet
Drexel’s EarthFest is back to its full glory this year! This annual, block party-style event celebrates Earth Day and the University’s commitment to environmental sustainability. It also showcases University stakeholders, local businesses and other organizations with “green” initiatives. Save the date — April 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (rain date April 20) — for free food, games, giveaways, demonstrations and so much more along Lancaster Walk and at the Gateway Garden, spanning 32nd and 34th streets and Market and Arch streets. Please contact campusengagement@drexel.edu with any questions.
Announcing the CPS Compliance Ambassadors Program
Compliance Program Services (CPS) is launching a new certificate program for Drexel University faculty and professional staff. Through the CPS Compliance Ambassadors Program, Drexel employees will serve as liaisons to CPS and develop into proactive compliance and ethics partners for their college, school or administrative unit.
The nomination deadline is April 11, and the first workshop is on April 13, via Zoom. Compliance Ambassadors are to be nominated by their supervisor. Full instructions and application submission information can be found on the Compliance Ambassadors Program SharePoint site.
Spring Is Here at the Gateway Garden
The Philadelphia Horticultural Society will refresh the Gateway Garden (located at 32nd Street and JFK Boulevard) with spring blooms in early April, and Drexel Business Services is excited to share the garden event lineup. The Maker’s Market returns, beginning April 7, and runs every Thursday from 3–6 p.m. The weekly market features Philly-made art, ceramics, jewelry, skin care and more.
Meet the Makers also returns to the Gateway Garden beginning Wednesday, April 6, from 5 – 7:30 p.m., featuring Sacred Vice Brewing Co., a tiny gem located in the Harrowgate neighborhood of Philadelphia. The brewers will share their love for saisons, also known as farmhouse ales. Beer will be available for purchase to be enjoyed at the Garden or to go; you must be 21+ to attend. Future Meet the Makers include Triple Bottom Brewing on April 13, Dressler Estate Cider on April 20, and Stickman Brews on April 27.
“Frank Conversation” Series Explores Diversity in Its Many Forms
“A Frank Conversation” is a series of virtual panel discussions led by the Office of Equality and Diversity (OED) aimed to increase awareness about a range of topics related to diversity in a casual and inviting “kitchen table” atmosphere. The series provides education through personal experiences of members of the University community, grounded in broad contexts to promote an inclusive culture of belonging at Drexel. There is now a separate archival page for the series on the OED website where you can watch recordings of all seven events held so far, including this month’s “Frank Conversation: Generational Diversity.” To find out about future events in this series, follow the OED Event Calendar and/or subscribe to OED’s newsletter.
Take a Step (or Many) to Improve Your Health With the Wellness Incentive Program
In 2021, employees participating in A Healthier U’s Wellness Incentive Program collectively took 495,245,216 steps and exercised for 2,538,316 minutes — all while earning money in their paychecks! Want to fall into step with your colleagues for 2022? Check out the Wellness Incentive Program and all it has to offer for your physical, emotional and financial well-being. For questions about the program, please email Wellness Consultant Monica Fauble at mef55@drexel.edu.
Stay SAFE With Public Safety’s New Self-Protection Classes
Public Safety’s new self-protection program, SAFE (Self-Awareness for Everyone), aims to give Drexel students, faculty and staff the practical skills, resources and knowledge to increase their personal safety and protect themselves in unsafe situations. The program focuses on mindset, self-awareness, techniques that could assist in the event of a physical assault, and information on how and to whom you should report incidents and any safety concerns. Classes are currently being scheduled by request for either individuals or groups. To schedule a session, please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu.
Policy Process Implementation Update
Starting April 4, the Director of Policy Compliance will be processing Intake Forms for new and revised Official University Policies in batches ONLY on the second Tuesday of every month. You may submit Intake Forms at any time, but please note that they won’t begin to be processed until the next second Tuesday. For example, on Tuesday, May 10, the Director of Policy Compliance will review and begin processing Intake Forms received from April 13 through May 10.
The Policy Compliance website has more information on the current Interim Process for policy review. Please submit Policy Intake Forms and send questions regarding the process to the Director of Policy Compliance at policy@drexel.edu.
Alumni Weekend 2022: Registration Is Open
Alumni Weekend is back, live and in-person! From May 19–22, the biggest alumni gathering of the year includes events like Spirits Tasting, Drexel After Dark, and — new for this year — the Drexel Makers Market Festival, an outdoor market featuring the products of Drexel makers and entrepreneurs, live music, food trucks, a beer (and spirits!) garden and more. Register on the Alumni page.
Reminder From Comptroller
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.
Coming to Campus Next Fall: Pret A Manger
Drexel Campus Dining is excited to announce that Pret A Manger (“Pret”) is expected to open in September 2022 at 3400 Lancaster Avenue in The Summit. Pret creates joy through freshly made food and organic coffee. Look out for its official opening later this year!
