Campus Digest — November 2019

The fall term is winding down, and before settling in for the holidays, here are a few things happening around campus this month that students should be prepared for:

From the USGA

Town Hall — Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) will host a Town Hall at 7 p.m. on Nov. 19 on the topic of student space on campus. Town Hall is an open-forum environment where students can present their problems and concerns directly to the relevant Drexel administration in a Q&A session. Previous Town Hall discussion topics have included housing and diversity and inclusion, and the USGA has been working with administration to make progress on student feedback. Some student space needs planned for discussion include, but are not limited to: commuter, inclusive, study, academic, performing arts, student resources/centers and student organizations. All students are encouraged to attend and ask questions!

Upcoming Campus Events 

Reminder: International Education Week — As recounted in an email from the Office of the Provost sent on Nov. 8, Drexel will host events and programs in celebration of International Education Week from Nov. 18–22 and the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of the Institute for International Education's efforts to promote programs that "prepare [us] for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences."

A full calendar of events can be found here.

Prepare for Homecoming 2020 — As explained in emails from the Office of Student Life, Homecoming is Drexel’s winter tradition and will run from Jan. 13–19 this year. Students are encouraged to form teams and participate in the Spirit Week competition as well as attend the Homecoming Men’s and Women’s Basketball games that weekend. 

For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit the Homecoming website. 

Holiday Drives

Donate Items for the Camp Out For Hunger — The Department of Public Safety is collecting donations throughout November for the Philadelphia Camp Out For Hunger 2019, an annual event that collects items for Philabundance. Last year, Public Safety filled their police wagon with items, and they are hoping to exceed that goal this year with your help.

You can drop off the following items through Dec. 2 at the Drexel Public Safety suite in 3201 Arch St. (3rd floor) or Drexel Police Headquarters at 3219 Arch St.:

• Peanut butter and jelly
• Cooking oil
• Canned tuna, meat, fruits, vegetables, stew and/or soups
• Oatmeal and/or breakfast cereal
• Whole grain pasta and/or rice
• 100 percent juice
• Boxed, non-refrigerated milk
• Cash donations to purchase food items

To make a cash donation, request a donation box, or if you have any questions, please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu or Officer Logan Wells at ldw52@drexel.edu.

Contribute to Drexel’s Annual Active Duty Care Package Drive — From now until Dec. 4, you can drop off items like certain packaged foods, toiletries and other items at three locations on the University City Campus to be included in boxes sent to active duty service members. A full list of needed items, and where to drop them off, can be found here.

Items will be packaged during an event on Dec. 6 at the Drexel Recreation Center Lobby from 10 a.m. to noon.

From Public Safety

Apple 15-Inch MacBook Pro Recall — Apple is recalling a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units because the battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk. If you have a 15-inch MacBook Pro, Drexel Public Safety advises you to follow the instructions on Apple’s website to determine if your unit has been recalled and how you can get your battery replaced. Details: 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program.

From Real Estate and Facilities

Drexel Wins Award for Exceptional Grounds Management — For the second time in three years, the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) has recognized Drexel University with the Honor Award for exceptional grounds management in the Urban University category of its 2019 Green Star Awards. In applying for the award, Drexel Grounds Department Director Scott Dunham and Assistant Director Tony Gale described the overall beauty of the University’s campus landscape, the hard work of their crewmembers and their solutions to common challenges.

PGMS gave Drexel positive marks for:

• Overall turf conditions, including color, height, thickness and edges.
• Maintenance of landscape beds and thoughtful selection, diversity and placement of plants.
• Open design incorporated into an urban environment.
• Effective solutions to landscaping challenges, including water runoff and potential safety concerns.
• Sustainability practices, such as permeable paving, retention basins, moisture sensors, tree inventory and local plant purchasing, composting, and organic pesticide use.
• Strong knowledge and utilization of budget.

Learn more about Drexel’s sustainable landscaping solutions on the Real Estate and Facilities website.