It’s always good to prepare (for retirement and for staying safe, for example). And it’s also always a good idea to treat yourself with care — like checking in with yourself and taking a moment to review available resources for May’s Mental Health Month, as well as engaging in physical activities and the beautiful spring weather outdoors. For all of those parts of your life, Drexel has you covered with events coming up in the next few weeks; plus, it's all free of charge for professional staff and faculty.
Here’s what was heard around campus in April:
Share Your Thoughts on Retirement With Care
A decision to opt for retirement is very personal and very complex. As Human Resources evaluates opportunities for a voluntary retirement incentive program, your insights can provide a broader understanding and tailor resources to better assist Drexel employees at every stage of their retirement planning journey. For this reason, your feedback is valued regardless of your current age and years of service, and we highly encourage you to assist us by completing an anonymous two-minute survey. The survey will close on May 3.
Stay Prepared With Public Safety’s Enterprise Learning and Roundtables
Drexel Public Safety’s Enterprise Learning module called “Drexel University Active Threat: We’re Prepared, Are You?” includes information on dealing with violence and active threats. You will learn the importance of understanding potential threats and reporting them prior to something happening; the importance of a threat assessment; actions you could take to keep yourself safe; and what to expect from the police response. Completion of this module and all required Enterprise Learning courses is due by Nov. 1, 2024, for all faculty and professional staff.
In addition to the mandatory online module, the Department of Public Safety is hosting a series of optional virtual roundtables on the following days from 11–11:45 a.m. to keep you informed and provide you with tips and resources for being a good partner in safety. You can register for these roundtables through Career Pathway:
- Welcome to DUPD! (May 1)
- The 4 W’s: How to Call Public Safety (May 7)
- Drexel Guardian App: How to Turn Your Smartphone Into a Personal Safety Device (May 10)
- Staying Connected With Public Safety: Keep Yourself and the Campus Safe (May 21)
- Crime Prevention Tips; Be a Good Witness; How Not to Be a Victim (May 28)
- Fire and Medical Safety; Emergency Preparedness (June 6)
Resources and Upcoming Events to Support Your Mental and Emotional Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Taking care of your mental health can help you live a happier and more fulfilling life, and making small changes like practicing self-care, connecting with a counselor, talking to someone you trust or trying new activities can make a big difference. Always remember: reaching out for support is a sign of strength and self-awareness. Please take advantage of the many resources Drexel provides to faculty and professional staff to support your mental and emotional well-being.
Below are a few highlighted emotional wellness events being offered by Drexel’s Wellness Incentive Program this year, each of which will earn you 15 points ($15 in your paycheck). Register for these events and more in Career Pathway, and visit the HR website for information about how to log into the program and earn points.
- Therapeutic Art Making to Address Burnout (May 21, 11–11:45 a.m.)
- Living With Uncertainty (July 17, 12–1 p.m.)
- Cultivating Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion (August 14, 12–1 p.m.)
If you’d like to understand if you or a loved one may be at risk for depression, Health Advocate has an online assessment you can take. (Please note: The assessment is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis. Please consult your doctor for professional medical advice and treatment.)
Enjoy Spring, and a Stroll, at the Gateway Garden
With spring flowers in full bloom at the Gateway Garden (32nd Street and JFK Boulevard), the Drexel community is invited to take a stroll, a moment to rest between classes, or take your lunch break in the garden and enjoy the seasonable weather any time. You’re also invited to partake in the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s community programming at the garden, including the weekly "Meet the Brewers" series on Wednesdays from 5–7 p.m. (you must be 21+ to attend) and the weekly Maker’s Market on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring Philly-made art, ceramics, jewelry, skincare and more.
This spring's "Meet the Brewers" events run on the following Wednesdays from 5–7 p.m.:
- Lagers vs IPAs: What’s the Difference With Love City Brewing? (May 1)
- Fresh Beginnings With Triple Bottom Brewing (May 8)
- Pairing Fruit and Brews With Conshohocken Brewing Co. (May 15)
- Garden Tiki Party With Otto Distilling (May 22)
- Runaway to the Circus With Fat Lady Brewing (May 29)
- Urban Village (June 5)
As a reminder, the Gateway Garden is available for Drexel departments to reserve through the Campus Reservation System, but it is also open to the public.
Schedule an In-person Consultation With TIAA
To schedule a one-on-one consultation meeting with Drexel’s TIAA representative Sabrina Evenosky, visit tiaa.org/schedulenow. Meetings are one hour long and will take place at the Human Resources office (3201 Arch St., suite 430) on May 2 and June 27. If you need assistance scheduling an in-person investment advice session, contact 800.732.8353, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
News Dragons SOAR: HR’s Yearlong Onboarding Plan for Staff
New Dragons SOAR (Successful Onboarding and Accessible Resources) is Drexel Human Resources’ full-year onboarding plan for new professional staff hires to provide support and information and clarify requirements, in addition to the New Dragon Welcome orientation program that new professional staff members attend shortly after hire. Starting in May 2024, all new professional staff members will have the onboarding plan assigned to their transcripts in Career Pathway. Managers should encourage new hires to refer to the onboarding plan frequently and follow-up on the requirements, recommendations, and information included in the plan. For details, please review the announcement on the HR website.
You’re Invited: Climate Café on May 8
Join Drexel Climate & Sustainability on May 8, 12–1 p.m., at the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement (3210 Cherry St., first floor) for the first ever Climate Cafe at Drexel. Climate Cafe is part of an international movement to provide an open, informal and private space to explore thoughts, feelings and experiences related to the climate crisis. This community-building space is an opportunity to unpack and share concerns about climate change. Everyone in the Drexel community is welcome to attend. Download the PDF flyer to learn more.
Employee Olympics June 18: Pickleball, Basketball Skills Challenge and More!
The annual Employee Olympics returns on June 18 from 2–5 p.m., and registration will run from May 20 to June 14. Save the date, and in the meantime, get excited for this year’s sports: baggo, dodgeball, beach volleyball (weather permitting) and — new to this year — pickleball! There will even be a “basketball skills” challenge running through the event and a couple of mini-yoga sessions. To register, visit the HR website from May 20 to June 14. If you have any questions about the event, email Intramurals Coordinator Louis Monroe at ldm72@drexel.edu.
24 Hours of Impact: May 15
What impact will you make? On May 15, join the Drexel community for a day of giving and support the areas of the student experience that resonate with you. Every gift counts! Learn more at drexel.edu/24.
FY24 Resources From the Office of the Comptroller
- FY24 Year-End Closing Schedule: In preparation for the 2024 fiscal year-end close, these guidelines and calendar outline the standard closing requirements. Please review and circulate this information so that everyone is familiar with the guidelines and important deadlines. This resource will assist in making the year-end closing process more efficient.
- FY24 Accrual and Deferral Process: This timeline describes the accrual and deferral process for the upcoming fiscal year close. The handling of prepaid expense deferrals and expense accruals will be consistent with the last eight fiscal years. Examples of treatment of prepaid expenses, accrued expense, and accrued accounts receivable treatment are described within.