It’s May, which means it’s the busy season just before the end of the academic term and the fiscal year (as well as the start of summer and Summer Fridays!). In addition to everything else you’re working on, there are opportunities for you to be a more engaged and participating member of the Drexel community through courses, membership on an important committee and, of course, the Employee Olympics!
Here's what was heard around campus this month:
A Few Slots Still Open: Drexel Public Safety Oversight Committee
Want to make a difference in your Drexel community? Come join the newly established Drexel Public Safety Oversight Committee (DPSOC), which is working to provide both transparent oversight and thoughtful insight into the safety and security needs of our diverse community. The committee is still looking for a few more students, staff and community members to round out its membership — to be considered, just fill out and submit the online DPSOC nomination form.
Employee Olympics Return on June 15!
Kick off the summer and network with colleagues at Drexel’s annual Employee Olympics event, returning to the University City campus (and virtually) on June 15 from 2–5 p.m.
Don’t miss the snacks and treats, noncompetitive summer-fun games on the Fitness Plaza, or the fuzzy appeal of Drexel’s therapy dogs! Eligible faculty and professional staff can also participate on campus in the non-competitive Fun Walk along the banks of the Schuylkill River, or select from either basketball, dodgeball, baggo or beach volleyball (weather-permitting). Earn 25 wellness points for participating in the sport of your choice. If you’re not on campus that day, you can register for the virtual Fun Walk and earn wellness points for walking (or competing in the fitness activity of your choice) from home.
Registration is now open and ends on June 10. In the meantime, save the date on your calendar. Visit the HR website for more information.
Reminder: Half-Day Summer Fridays Begin June 17
As a token of the University’s appreciation for your hard work and dedication to Drexel, the University will again observe half-day Summer Fridays starting on June 17 (the first Friday after Commencement) through Sept. 9 (one week before students return for fall move-in). Special arrangements for time off should be made for faculty and professional staff whose responsibilities may not permit them to take a half day on Friday. More details can be found on the HR website.
You Make the Difference: Nominate a Colleague for the 2022 President’s Awards
The Drexel University President’s Awards, back after a long hiatus due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the exceptional faculty and professional staff members who have had a significant impact on the Drexel community. The nomination period is now open until July 11 at 8 a.m. You can nominate individuals or teams in three categories: excellence (professional staff only), civic engagement (faculty and staff), and diversity and inclusive community (faculty and staff). Please visit the HR website for details about how to prepare and submit a nomination.
Support Philly Youth by Hosting a WorkReady Intern on Campus This Summer
Each summer, in supporting WorkReady Philadelphia, Drexel hosts a cohort of high school interns on its Philadelphia campuses for paid working experiences. The University will fully fund intern positions on Drexel's campuses, allowing Drexel faculty and professional staff to mentor and support interns at no cost to their departments. The 2022 WorkReady program runs from July 5 through Aug. 12. Any Drexel departments that would like to host an intern can find more information on the Drexel WorkReady website or contact one of the program coordinators: Porsche Murray, plm82@drexel.edu, or Rachael Johnson, rej53@drexel.edu, 215.895.2850.
Watch: Robert Livingston Sparks a Conversation With Senior Leadership
Since the beginning of the year, the Drexel senior leadership team has been reading and discussing "The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations" by Robert Livingston, PhD, a social psychologist at Harvard Kennedy School and a leading expert on the science underlying bias and racism in organizations. On April 25, Livingston visited campus for a “fireside chat” with Drexel's senior leadership team about The Conversation and the importance of speaking and confronting hard truths in order to spark change. A recording of the event is now available for viewing (sign in with your Drexel credentials).
By Popular Demand: New Project Management Courses in Career Pathway
You asked, and the HR Talent Development team answered! New online courses and learning bundles focused on project management are now available in Career Pathway (sign in with your Drexel credentials). In an effort to provide insight into the skills and knowledge needed to manage projects effectively, these courses and learning bundles will teach you the fundamental concepts as well as more specialized skills like scheduling and communication related to project management.
The project management bundle is just one of several new online courses and learning bundles now available in Career Pathway, offering information from experts, ideas to ponder and skill-building suggestions on a range of topics including professional growth, essential skills and technical skills. For more information on these new offerings, including specific courses and access instructions, please visit the HR website.
Stay SAFE This Spring: Take a Self-Protection Class
Public Safety’s self-protection program, SAFE, aims to give Drexel students, faculty and professional staff the practical skills, resources and knowledge to increase their personal safety and protect themselves in an unsafe situation. The program focuses on your 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 for more information.
How New & Revised University Policies Are Being Processed
The newly formed Policy Council has completed its training and is prepared to review new and revised Official University Policies. The Director of Policy Compliance is now processing Intake Forms for new and revised Official University Policies in batches ONLY on the second Tuesday of every month. You may submit Policy Intake Forms at any time, but please note that the Director of Policy Compliance will review and process the forms only on the second Tuesday of the month. The current Interim Process for policy review is described in further detail on the Policy Compliance website. Please submit Policy Intake Forms and send questions regarding the policy compliance process to policy@drexel.edu.
Drexel Employee Discounts With Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union
As the preferred credit union partner of Drexel Athletics and official financial wellness partner of A Healthier U, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU) offers the Drexel community a special free Checking Account Package and 25 percent off auto, personal and home equity loans. To learn more, visit Drexel’s home page with FMFCU or the FMFCU branch at 3200 Chestnut St.