Can you believe it’s June already? As Drexel University prepares to celebrate Commencement, Drexel Public Safety (DPS) would like to congratulate the class of 2023 and thank the graduating EMS seniors for their partnership over the last few years. In this edition of PS&U, DPS offers tips for move-out etiquette, summer travel safety, and avoiding scammers. Plus: reflections on Pride Month and Juneteenth, as DPS recognizes the struggles of worldwide social injustices and reiterates its commitment to growth and positive change.
How to Move Off Campus Responsibly and Sustainably
Whether you are a departing senior or just leaving campus for the summer, please be responsible Dragons when you are moving out. The Student Life website provides helpful information including timeline, check-out, trash and recycling guidelines, so be sure to review those details first.
If you are moving out of a neighborhood residence, please follow these guidelines:
- Place all trash in personal trashcans with lids or sealed plastic bags, filled only to the 40-pound limit.
- Donate items to Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc. (less to pack, and better for the environment than throwing unwanted clothing and furniture away!).
- Newspapers and flattened cardboard boxes along with steel and aluminum cans, glass jars and bottles, paper and plastics should be placed out as recycling. Cardboard boxes may never be used as containers for trash/recycling. Free recycling bins can be obtained at the Philadelphia Recycling Southwest Drop-off Center at 3033 South 63rd (call ahead at 215.685.4290).
- Please be aware that by law you are responsible for trash that ends up on your property or sidewalk and can face fines of $50 for each different violation: trash set out early; trash not securely bundled; sidewalk is not litter free; premises are not litter free.
Volunteers Needed for Residence Hall Waste Reduction Effort
Want to help reduce waste during move-out? The Undergraduate Student Government Association is seeking volunteers on June 10, 9:30–10:30 a.m., and June 17, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., to organize, collect and/or claim left-behind dorm and clothing goods. Sign up via Google Forms or through the QR code in this flyer.
Safe Travels, Dragons!
You don’t have to be going far to keep these safety tips in mind for your summer travels. Whether you’re traveling for the day, the week or longer, it’s important to consider the best ways to protect yourself while having fun. Follow these seven travel safety tips from Nationwide to help your trip be a memorable and safe one:
- Do your research: Read reviews and do some research to find out the safest places to stay and the levels of crime in the area.
- Don’t draw attention: If you look like a tourist, you may become more vulnerable to crime.
- Make copies of important documents: Scan and save online copies of your passport, driver’s license, insurance cards.
- Keep your friends and family updated: Give a copy of your itinerary to a few trusted people and check in regularly.
- Be wary of public Wi-Fi: Hackers are always looking to steal valuable information from you. Set up a virtual private network (VPN) that will allow you to securely access the internet.
- Safeguard your hotel room: Lock and dead bolt the door, keep your windows shut and give the impression that you’re in your room, even when you’re not, by hanging the Do Not Disturb sign.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Don’t let your guard down just to snap the perfect picture. Keep your eye on your personal belongings and use good judgment when talking to strangers.
Beat the Scammers With These Tips
When looking for employment opportunities online, please be aware that scammers are equipped to gain your confidence and take advantage of you. This graphic from Public Safety’s Instagram offers five tips to avoid these scams.
P.S. Have You Followed DPS on Instagram Yet?
Safety tips like the above, plus reminders, community updates and more can be found over @drexelpublicsafety! (You can also scan this QR code)
Reflecting on Pride Month
This Pride Month, DPS invited Dispatcher Mia Genovese to reflect on her experiences as a member and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. In her written response, Genovese urged everyone to be aware of the crimes that target the LGBTQ+ community and described relating to being targeted simply for being who she is.
“It’s our job to be there to protect these kids,” wrote Genovese. “When they feel like the whole world is against them, we need to let them know that we are on their side. There are resources out there for help, and we are only a phone call away.”
Genovese further explained her own sense of pride in her ability, as a dispatcher, to be there for her community: “When I was younger, it felt like there was nobody to save me. I take pride in the fact that now, I have the opportunity to be the one who answers the phone in their time of need.”
DPS also invited Kristene Unsworth, PhD, assistant teaching professor in Drexel’s Department of Criminology and Justice Studies and an expert in ethics, information technologies and policy, to share some thoughts on the historical context for Pride Month and its ongoing importance. She explained that Pride is celebrated in June to mark the anniversary of the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights that was ignited by the June 28, 1969, police raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York City.
“Law enforcement is tasked with carrying out laws and enforcing social norms that may or may not reflect the beliefs of individual officers,” wrote Unsworth. “Police raids on gay bars were not uncommon at the time, but on that date, patrons of the bar and community members protested the raid and demanded the right to live openly without fear of being arrested.”
While the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community has improved, Unsworth notes that there is still room for change: “Many people within the LGBTQ+ community have had negative interactions with the police, and a number of Pride organizations have barred law enforcement from participating in annual parades or events…. Open expression of LGBTQ+ culture is even coming under the gun in some jurisdictions, with local governments passing new laws that criminalize, specifically drag and transgender expressions of identity, under the guise of protecting children and public safety.”
Unsworth added: “Public safety must mean safety for all to express themselves without fear of violence or retribution. This June, we can recommit to making positive change happen throughout our communities.”
Juneteenth From the Perspective of a Black Police Officer
Drexel Police Officer Tim Adkins shared his perspective on Juneteenth as a day he celebrates “to remember the end of slavery while simultaneously celebrating the Black community — a day to look back and reflect on past ancestral pain and wholeheartedly embrace freedom and equality for all.”
Adkins said he is “humbled” to be a part of a Drexel community that “fosters acceptance and diversity,” adding, “As I look back to see how far we have come, I am reminded of the collective responsibility we share to brighten the future.”
A Huge Thank-you to the Drexel EMS Seniors
Drexel’s Department of Public Safety is grateful for the dedicated work of Drexel Emergency Medical Services (EMS) graduating seniors. Congratulations to Joy Baek, Lea Bonsignore, Cynthia Chi, Mollie Keech, Morgan Mack, Sanya Malhi, Chrissy Rathsack, Alyssa Reis and Julin Sivriev! Thank you for your service to the Drexel community and mentorship to rising Drexel EMS members. DPS caught up with a few of the seniors and learn about their plans for after graduation. Best wishes to the entire class of 2023, and good luck to all current and incoming EMS members!
- Joy Baek will be continuing their PhD in chemistry at Drexel in the fall.
- Lea Bonsignore will be pursuing Drexel’s accelerated physician assistant option and beginning graduate school in the fall.
- Cynthia Chi will be continuing their education as a physician assistant student at Drexel.
- Mollie Keech, Alyssa Reis and Julin Sivriev are currently in the BRIDGE program and will continue their time at Drexel in the physician assistant program.
- Morgan Mack is currently pursuing a master’s degree in health sciences.
- Chrissy Rathsack will graduate with her BSN, will be taking the NCLEX in July and hopes to work at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s emergency department.
Interested in joining Drexel EMS next term? Learn more at drexelems.org, by following @drexelems on Instagram, by looking up the organization on DragonLink or via email at duemspromotion@drexel.edu.
Community Commitments
Cookies With Cops — June 6
Join Public Safety on June 6 from 2–4 p.m. on Korman Quad for an afternoon treat and conversation with Drexel Police. In addition to monthly scheduled Cookies With Cops events, look for Drexel Police around campus and in the community for other fun events.
National Night Out — Aug. 1
Meet DPS on Aug. 1, from 5–9 p.m. on Lancaster Walk for an evening of resources and fun interactive activities. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. While also providing a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Two-part Self-Protection Course, SAFE
Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), is split into two sessions: SAFE I and SAFE II. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, we strongly recommend you register with a fellow Dragon! Participation in the techniques is recommended, but not required. Registration is required 72 hours prior to the class. You can register via Eventbrite for these classes. These classes are also available by request for your group.
- SAFE I classes will be offered the second week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. Upcoming classes are on June 12 and 14, and July 10 and 12.
- SAFE II classes will be offered the fourth week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m., and cannot be taken until you have completed SAFE I. Upcoming classes are on June 26 and 28, and July 24 and 26.
Additional DPS Educational Programs
You can request any of the following presentations and trainings by completing the Request a Presentation Form.
- Your Safety Is Our Goal: This virtual workshop is a great way to learn how to stay aware of your surroundings and always be prepared, not scared, when moving through the city.
- Fire & Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness: The Office of Fire and Emergency Services offers tailored, data-driven awareness and training programs, by request, to help the Drexel community reduce the risks of fire, medical emergencies, elevator entrapments, power outages, gas leaks, and other common challenges.
- Workplace Safety Program: The Public Safety & U workplace safety program is designed to empower and educate members of the Drexel community and can be customized to address the unique security challenges of your unit.
We Are Here for You When You Need Us
Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Drexel’s Public Safety Communications Center is staffed 24/7 to serve you, whether or not you choose to remain anonymous when making a report. It is vital that crimes are reported promptly to Drexel Police so that they can be investigated, and so that Public Safety can connect the victim(s) with proper resources. You can also contact DPS through the Drexel Guardian app. Drexel Guardian will not track you nor share your information unless you initiate an emergency. To download the app, search for “Rave Guardian” in the app store or Google Play store.
Emergency Numbers
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141
Walking Escorts
215.895.2222
To learn more about Drexel Public Safety, visit drexel.edu/publicsafety.