Heard Around Campus — October 2025

Only treats, no tricks this fall around Drexel University’s campus! Please be mindful of important upcoming deadlines for required enterprise learning and conflict of interest disclosure (Nov. 3), the performance development process (Nov. 11), and benefits open enrollment (Nov. 12). Plus: Register for upcoming events, including the annual celebration of Drexel authors and editors on Nov. 6. or a self-protection class hosted by Drexel Public Safety.

Required Enterprise Learning and Conflict of Interest Disclosure Due Nov. 3

As part of Drexel’s commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and informed workplace, all faculty and professional staff must annually complete enterprise learning in Career Pathway. There are four courses required this year:

• Understanding Title IX at Drexel
• Drexel University Protection of Minors and Reporting Child Abuse
• Drexel University Information Security Compliance
• CR-1 Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (NOTE: Many faculty and professional staff members completed this module by spring 2025. If it does not appear in the active tab on Your Transcript in Career Pathway, check the completed tab to confirm that you have already fulfilled this requirement. If it’s on your completed tab, you do not need to take any further action.)

All enterprise learning, as well as your annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure (accessed via DrexelOne), must be completed by Nov. 3. These requirements must be completed promptly to ensure eligibility for the announced 2% salary increase for eligible employees taking effect in January 2026.

Professional Staff and Managers: Complete Performance Development by Nov. 11

The 2025 performance development process concludes after Nov 11. By now, you should have completed both the professional staff and department head/manager review. Please note that the electronic signature step must be completed by staff members by Nov. 3, and by department head/managers by Nov. 11. Your performance development process will not be marked as complete unless both signature steps are fulfilled, and you must complete all steps to ensure eligibility for the announced 2% salary increase for eligible employees taking effect in January 2026.

Get Ready to Vote on Nov. 4

Ever year is an election year — are you ready to vote, Dragons? The 2025 general election is on November 4. In Pennsylvania, polls are open for in-person voting from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and mail-in ballots must be received by your county’s election office by 8 p.m.

You can check your polling place on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website. The Committee of Seventy's Voter Guide allows you to see the candidates and questions you will encounter when you vote, so you can research and plan ahead. For New Jersey voters, in-person early voting has already begun; you can find complete details on how and when to vote on the New Jersey Voter Information Portal. For more information about voting in this election, visit drexel.edu/vote.

Enroll in Your 2026 Benefits Now Through Nov. 12

Open enrollment runs through Nov. 12, and all changes during this open enrollment will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. If you take no action, most of your current benefits will carry over into 2026. However, the following benefits require re-enrollment each year:

• Medical Insurance Waiver (if you do not actively choose the Medical Waiver in the WEX platform, you will be enrolled in the POS plan and deductions for the premiums will be taken out of your pay for the entire plan year 2026)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

After Nov. 12, 2025, no changes can be made unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event (e.g., marriage, birth, divorce, or gain/loss of coverage).

For additional assistance, contact the HR Service Center at hr@drexel.edu. Visit the open enrollment website for helpful resources, including the open enrollment guide and checklist [PDF].

Trick-or-Treat With Fraternity and Sorority Life

On Oct. 31, celebrate Halloween with Drexel Public Safety and Fraternity and Sorority Life and participate in some trick-or-treat fun. Stroll down Greek Row, grab some sweet treats, and say hello to DPS from 5–7 p.m. For more information, email greeklife@drexel.edu.

Donate to the Military Family Care Package Drive Nov. 11–Dec. 1

Public Safety is partnering with the Center for Military & Veteran Services to collect non-refrigerated products that are in boxes, cans or plastic bottles and donate them to families of active-duty service members. You can drop off donations Nov. 11–Dec. 1 at:

• Main Building, Suite 106 or 225, 3141 Chestnut St.
• Drexel Police Headquarters, 3219 Arch St.
• Korman Center, 15 S. 33rd St.
• Lindy Center for Civic Engagement, 3210 Cherry St.
• Drexel Recreation Center, 3301 Market St.
• Health Sciences Building, 60 N. 36th St.

Then, on Dec. 3, help wrap care packages for families at the Rec Center lobby from 9:30–11 a.m. For more information, visit the care package drive event listing. 

Treat Your Coworkers to a Team-Building SAFE Class

Public Safety’s self-protection program, SAFE, aims to give Drexel students, faculty and staff the practical skills, resources and knowledge to increase their personal safety and protect themselves in an unsafe situation. These three-hour classes are offered on specific Tuesdays and Saturdays each month. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, Public Safety strongly recommends that you register with a fellow Dragon; the course would be a great opportunity for team-building! Participation in the techniques is recommended but not required. Sign up for the following classes by emailing dpssafe@drexel.edu. You can also request a class if you have a larger group that you would like to schedule outside of these monthly class dates.

• Nov. 11, 5–8 p.m.
• Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Dec. 2, 5–8 p.m.
• Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Jan. 6, 5–8 p.m.
• Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Celebrate Drexel Authors and Editors on Nov. 6

The Drexel University Libraries and the Office of the Provost are pleased to continue the annual tradition of honoring Drexel faculty, staff and students for their scholarly and creative publications during the 2025 Celebrating Drexel Authors Event. This year’s event takes place on Nov. 6, from 4–6 p.m. in the A.J. Drexel Picture Gallery. Visit the Libraries’ events calendar for more information and to register.

Did you publish a book in 2024? Please let Drexel Libraries know! Fill out the Authors Recognition Form by Oct. 31 to be included in this year’s program. You can find eligibility details on the Drexel Libraries website.

Call for Nominations: Compliance Ambassadors Certificate Program

Compliance Program Services (CPS) is accepting nominations from now through Nov. 10 for the Compliance Ambassador Certificate Program, a professional development opportunity that prepares Drexel faculty and professional staff to serve as liaisons to CPS and as proactive compliance and ethics partners for their colleges, schools or administrative units. The mission of the Compliance Ambassador Program is to spread awareness, communications and educational materials to advance compliance and ethics standards at the unit level. Visit the Compliance Ambassador Program SharePoint for full details on the program, how to get nominated, and session dates. The next orientation workshop is Nov. 12, via Zoom. Email compliance@drexel.edu with any questions.

Snag Discounts With Campus Travel Management

Are you planning for holiday season travel? Or perhaps preparing to host family locally but don't have the capacity to house out-of-town guests? You are eligible for discounted hotel rates in Philadelphia and around the country, for both business and personal travel, through Drexel's Campus Travel Management program. You can find more information on the Accounts Payable & Procurement Services website. 

• For local hotel stays: Use the "Book a Hotel in Philadelphia" link for competitive rates locally in Center City and University City.
• For hotel stays outside of Philadelphia: Use the "Campus Travel Management Affiliates Website" to view discounts through other universities around the country that are part of the Campus Travel network. If you are planning travel to New Orleans, for example, select “Tulane University” to view rates with participating hotels in range of that campus. Likewise, the New York University link will help you find discounted rates in New York City.

403(b) University Retirement Plan Contributions Reinstated for 2026

Drexel University’s employer contribution to the 403(b) retirement plan will be reinstated in 2026, reflecting the University’s commitment to supporting the financial well-being and retirement readiness of our employees. Salary deferral agreements will be reinstated with the first payroll in January 2026.

If you wish to make changes to your current salary deferral:

• Log in to DrexelOne and select the Employee tab.
• Scroll down to the My Benefits heading on the left-hand side of the screen and select the link for “Retirement Plan management” which will directly connect you to your account on TIAA.org without having to supply additional login credentials.
• Select Manage Contribution Amount under the Accounts menu. Update the percentage for your contributions and the date to make your change effective. 

Catch-up Contributions for High Earners Moving to Roth in

Under Secure Act 2.0 Section 603, 401(k) and 403(b) catch-up contributions for employees who are aged 50+ and who earned more than $145,000 in 2025 must make their catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax) starting in 2026. Drexel’s 403(b) plan must comply with this new law. This change affects how these contributions are taxed, moving employees from a pre-tax to an after-tax basis, which may impact take-home pay and retirement tax strategies. For more information, review the related announcement on the HR website.

Drexel Takes Second-Place in Healthiest Employers of Pennsylvania Award

Drexel was named the second-place winner among organizations with 1,500 to 4,999 employees in the 2025 Healthiest Employers of Pennsylvania. This award evaluated all aspects of workplace well-being and focused on ranking and awarding “people-first organizations taking a more proactive approach to their employees’ health.” 

Drexel University's comprehensive and competitive benefits offerings are designed to support the health, wellbeing and work-life balance of faculty and professional staff, as well as their families. As part of its commitment to fostering a culture of wellness, Drexel’s A Healthier U initiative includes the Employee Wellness Incentive Program and a host of resources supporting employees’ physical, emotional and financial well-being. Learn more on the Drexel Human Resources website.

When Should HR Host the Next Employee Olympics?

Please take HR’s one-question survey to help determine when the next Employee Olympics will be. Please note: You must be signed in to your Drexel account to respond. Thank you for your feedback!

Journal Entry Workflow 3.0 Training Nov. 13

The Office of the Comptroller is hosting a virtual training for Journal Entry Workflow 3.0 on Nov. 13, from 1–2:30 p.m. Register in Career Pathway; Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

Submit Course Materials for January 2026 Term Start Dates

The eCampus FAST Adoption Portal is now open for faculty to submit course materials for January term start dates. You can access the portal via the “Faculty” tab in DrexelOne. Resources and support available are available to assist with submitting course adoptions information, including the Quick Start Guide [PDF] and FAQs for Faculty [PDF]. You may also contact the Drexel Online Bookstore team at drexel@ecampus.com. 

Drexel Business Services relies on feedback from the University community to continuously improve services. You can share your feedback by emailing dbs@drexel.edu.