Campus Digest — April 2019

As of the beginning of this month, spring term has begun, and there a lot of exciting things to look forward to on campus outside of the warmer weather.

In this month’s installment of the Campus Digest, read about updates from Drexel University’s Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) as well as construction updates and other things you should know this month.

From the USGA

Run or vote in the USGA 2019–2020 elections — It’s that time of year again! The USGA is looking for the next generation of student leaders on campus interested in helping Drexel’s student government foster relationships with administration and work on campus-wide initiatives.

For those interested in joining the organization, the last info session will take place in the USGA office (Creese 051) at 7:30 p.m. on April 16. Attending an info session is mandatory in order to apply for the elections on the USGA’s Dragonlink page. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. April 19.

Then, all Drexel students can cast their votes on the USGA’s Dragonlink page from 9 a.m. on April 22 to 5 p.m. on April 25. Every vote counts so spread the word and vote for the representatives that will represent you!

Participate in EarthFest — The University’s annual Earth Day celebration is just around the corner! EarthFest, celebrating Drexel’s commitment to environmental sustainability, will take place on April 23 from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. on Lancaster Walk.

This block party-style celebration will have food, fun, games and giveaways and will showcase University stakeholders, local businesses and organizations with “green” initiatives.

The USGA will staff a table, handing out USGA merchandise and water bottles made exclusively for the event. The call on all Drexel students’ participation in the event to showcase the student body’s interest in and commitment to sustainability efforts on campus.

The event is free and open to the entire Drexel community. Rain date is April 24.

Plus, from Drexel Green... And all week long, you can show your Drexel Green pride by participating in the #DrexelEarthWeek Instagram Contest. Enter for a chance to win by posting your sustainability-themed photos throughout Earth Week (April 22–April 27) with the hashtag #DrexelEarthWeek. Photos must be acceptable to general audiences, represent the theme of Earth Week/sustainability and include Drexel pride or location. For official rules and full contest details, please visit drexel.edu/earthweek.

Construction Updates

Recently Completed on Campus:

• Armory exterior renovations (interior renovations and minor punch list items are continuing)

• Bossone Research Enterprise Center – third floor laboratory renovations

Construction in Progress:

Bentley Residence Hall Renovation and Expansion — With the help of a $5 million gift, the University is renovating and expanding Bentley Hall (formerly Calhoun Hall), with American Campus Communities serving as the developer. The renovation will address the needs of the building envelope and modernize the building throughout to provide an improved living experience with occupancy in fall 2019. The renovation will also include a two-story addition to provide critical space to relocate the Pennoni Honors College into the heart of the campus, anticipated to be completed in spring 2020.

Buckley Bubble — A seasonally used inflatable structure is being constructed over Buckley Recreational Field that will allow for year-round use of the field. First inflation of the structure is expected in late fall 2019.

College of Computing and Informatics at 3675 Market St. — Renovations of the 10th and 11th floors were completed and ready for students by the beginning of the spring term. Renovations of Drexel’s leased space on the 9th floor will be completed before the start of the fall 2019 term.

Fabric Discovery Center (3101R Market St.) — Construction is complete, and the space is ready for equipment installation.

School of Education Consolidation in 3401 Market St.— Planning is underway for minor renovations to accommodate the consolidation of the School of Education in 3401 Market St., with move-in expected in spring 2019.

Mechanical Systems Upgrades in Progress:

Bossone Research Enterprise Center Chiller Plant —  The chiller plant is being upgraded to optimize the chilled water and ice plant cooling systems and reduce equipment vibration harmonics.

Queen Lane HVAC — Existing rooftop air handling units are being replaced with new custom units serving the vivarium space, including new building automation controls for enhanced temperature and humidity control. Existing HVAC components in the cage wash and vivarium areas are being upgraded for more accurate pressurization control.

URBN Center Mechanical Systems — Significant upgrades are being made to the existing air conditioning systems that serve the core of the building. Substantial completion is expected in early summer 2019.

For a complete list of major current projects, please visit drexel.edu/facilities/design/currentProjects.

Things You Should Know…

Plastic Bag Recycling Now Available on Campus — Drexel University’s Real Estate and Facilities has teamed up with the Fresh Grocer supermarket to provide two recycling bins on the University City Campus for plastic bags and plastic film, which cannot be recycled through the regular University single-stream recycling program. The bins are located in the Recreation Center Lobby (33rd and Market streets) and by the Information Desk in the Creese Student Center (32nd and Chestnut streets). Check out the DrexelNow article for more details, and please remember these items cannot be placed in Drexel’s regular comingled recycling containers.<

Sign up for The Common Market Farm Share — This summer and fall, eat well and support local farms with The Common Market Farm Share! Sign up to receive a box fresh and locally grown foods delivered conveniently to Drexel for pick-up every two weeks from June–November.

So, what exactly is a “farm share”? The Common Market Farm Share is a subscription to seasonal, local foods, all sourced from nearby family farms. Members receive their choice of share, including a small or large produce share, a dozen certified-humane eggs, artisanal cheese share, antibiotic-free poultry share, full meat share, freshly baked bread share, and/or a plain or flavored yogurt share.

The summer + fall season includes 12 bi-weekly deliveries from June to November. To view pricing and share information, click here.

Download Drexel Guardian, Public Safety's Emergency App – Have you downloaded Drexel Guardian yet? Drexel Guardian is a mobile application that, in the event of an emergency, allows the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center to immediately access important information about you, such as your name, photograph and your location when you initiate contact through the app. Drexel students can download the app by searching for "Rave Guardian" in the iTunes store or Google Play. For more information about Drexel Guardian and how it works, visit Public Safety's website.