There are no tricks here with needing to know important November deadlines from Human Resources and letting your voice be heard on important issues at Drexel and in the Nov. 7 Pennsylvania elections.
Here’s what was heard around campus this month.
Important November Deadlines From Human Resources
By Nov. 1: Complete the Annual Conflict of Interest and Commitment Disclosure by navigating to the Employee tab in DrexelOne, and select Conflict of Interest Disclosure under the Compliance and Privacy Programs channel. Also complete your required Enterprise Learning Courses, available on Your Transcript in Career Pathway.
By Nov. 9: Complete the last steps in the professional staff annual performance development process and the Faculty Annual Review process.
By Nov. 14: Complete your benefits selections for 2024 through the open enrollment process; changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2024. You can contact the Benefit Center with any questions by phone at 1.844.690.3992, by email at help@mybenefitexpress.com, or via the chat function (general questions only) in the enrollment portal.
By Nov. 30: Log points for the 2023 Wellness Incentive Program. Visit the HR website for a list of all the ways you can earn points. Remember, you must complete your annual (2023) Personal Health Profile before any earned points will be paid out in your paycheck.
Public Safety Wants to Hear From You
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) invites you to participate in a community survey aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the services DPS provides. The survey includes a five-point rating scale, multiple-choice questions, and the opportunity to write in specific recommendations. It should take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and the survey is open through Nov. 15.
Last Call to Request a Mail-in or Absentee Ballot for Nov. 7 Election
This year, municipal and judicial elections will be held in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on Nov. 7. If you’re planning to vote absentee or by mail, the last day to request that ballot is Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. Otherwise, head to the polls between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Nov. 7 to make your voice heard! To double-check your polling location, visit pavoterservices.pa.gov.
Join the Nov. 1 ‘Frank Conversation’ on Immigration Status and Identity
This virtual conversation will focus on the dynamic relationship between immigration status, identity and sense of belonging at Drexel. International Students and Scholar Services will provide a brief overview of statuses including nonimmigrant visas, deferred action for childhood (DACA), undocumented students, dreamers and asylum seekers. The overview will be followed by a conversation with panelists about how these might influence Drexel student, faculty and professional staff experiences on campus. Relevant support and educational resources at Drexel and beyond will be highlighted. Register now on Zoom.
How You Can Help Drexel Address Climate Change
The Climate Action Plan Committee wants your help! Here are some ways you can help Drexel tackle one of society’s most pressing challenges.
- Answer this quick poll question: What do you think is the most important action Drexel could take to address climate change?
- Join the Nov. 1 or Nov. 7 Climate Action Plan conversation, happening on Zoom.
- Nominate yourself to join a Climate Action Plan subcommittee.
Seasonal Vaccine Reminders
Enrolled members in all the Drexel medical plans have access to seasonal vaccines for flu, COVID, shingles, pneumonia and more – and they are covered at 100 percent when billed through your medical and/or pharmacy benefits with a $0 copay. For details, read HR’s posted announcement.
Need More COVID Tests?
You can place an order at covid.gov/tests to receive four free rapid tests at your residence. Additionally, Drexel will continue to offer coverage for at-home COVID tests along with COVID vaccinations with no-cost sharing for members enrolled in a Drexel medical plan, even though the government no longer requires employers to do so. For details, read HR’s posted announcement.
Learning Opportunities From Drexel Benefits Providers
- In-person Consults With TIAA, Nov. 2: To schedule a one-on-one consultation meeting with TIAA Representative Sabrina Evenosky, visit TIAA's website. Meetings are one hour and take place at the Human Resources office, 3201 Arch St., fourth floor, suite 430. You can use the same link to schedule a virtual meeting with a TIAA representative.
- Understanding the Adoption Process, Nov. 14, 3–4 p.m.: During Adoption Awareness Month, learn more about the adoption process from Progyny, including what to consider, the different pathways, average costs and legal considerations.
- SupportLinc’s Free Trainings of the Month: November’s topic is holiday budgeting. Register for the Nov. 1 webinar, happening at 8 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. December’s topic is healthy relationships. Register for the Dec. 6 webinar, happening at 8 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Have a SAFE Fall: Try Out DPS’ Self-Protection Classes
Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), is split into two sessions. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, it is strongly recommended that you register with a fellow Dragon. Participation in the techniques is recommended, but not required. Registration is required 72 hours prior to the class via Eventbrite; these classes are also available by request for your group.
SAFE I classes are the second week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. Upcoming classes are on Nov. 8 and Nov. 13. SAFE II classes are 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 Nov. 22 and Nov. 27.
Available Now: Public Safety’s Annual Security Report
In compliance with the Clery Act, Drexel University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report containing important safety information, policy statements and crime statistics. Public Safety recently published the 2023 report, which contains three years of crime statistics and current security policies, at drexel.edu/cleryreport. If you have any questions or concerns regarding reported Clery statistics, please call 215.895.1550 or email cleryact@drexel.edu.
Policy Compliance Program Updates
The status of the following Official University Policies recently changed:
- PO-66: Sabbatical Leave — Approved as interim policy via expedited review process. Summary of changes: Proposals will be rated and placed into one of three categories instead of two. Summary data on the sabbatical process and individual rating feedback will be provided to applicants.
- PO-53: Learning Management System — Under expedited review.
- PO-103: Academic Integrity as it Pertains to Artificial Intelligence — Under expedited review.
Please visit the Policy Directory for a list of all Official University Policies and information about them, including their current statuses.
Reminder for Departments Expecting Receipts of Funds
Please email General Accounting at acct11@drexel.edu with the expected receipt (deposit) amount as well as FOAPAL to apply this receipt.