Campus Digest — September 2019
It’s one of the most exciting times on Drexel University’s campus — the start of the new academic year! New students are welcomed to campus, returning students start new classes and co-ops, and everywhere you turn, there is the excitement created by new possibilities.
To help you kick off the new year on the right foot, here are a few happenings and important announcements to keep in mind this month and throughout the new school year:
Celebrate Co-op’s Centennial this Academic Year!
This fall term starts off a year of celebrating the 100th anniversary of Drexel’s renowned cooperative education program. Learn more on this anniversary website about how co-op has been equipping Drexel students like you for the future since 1919, and will continue to make real-world impact as we head into the future.
Continue to check the website and DrexelNow throughout the year for more co-op stories, information and events in celebration of this important University milestone.
Campus Dining Enhancements for 2019-20
Drexel Business Services relies on feedback from students as the primary driver to improve dining services. They listened to your feedback, and have implemented these exciting dining enhancements on campus for the new academic year:
Reusable Bottomless Cup – New this academic year, first-year residential dining plan holders will receive a reusable cup, part of the Cupanion® Fill-It-Forward reusable cup program. Students with a Cupanion® cup receive unlimited beverages in select dining locations across campus using the cup. Every time a student scans the barcode on their reusable cup via the Cupanion® mobile app, the Fill-It-Forward program donates one cup of clean water to communities in need. It’s estimated that each student who uses the app will donate over 600 cups of clean water this academic year!
Reusable To-Go – OZZI is a reusable take-out container program that allows students to take their meal to-go at the all-you-care-to-eat Handschumacher Dining Center using a sustainable-friendly reusable container. Visit the Handschumacher Dining Center for more information.
Remodeled: The Market at Northside Dining Terrace – The Market at Northside Dining Terrace was renovated over the summer! The Market features local produce (in partnership with The Common Market), local products from Philadelphia-based entrepreneurs (in partnership with The Enterprise Center), convenient meal options and common convenience items. The Market accepts all forms of payment, including Dining Dollars and DragonDollars.
Farm Stand – There is a Farm Stand on campus thanks to a partnership between Drexel Campus Dining and The Common Market. You can use your Dining Plan (meals or Dining Dollars) or DragonDollars to purchase fresh, local produce! Starting Sept. 25, the Farm Stand will operate every other Wednesday from 1:30–3:30 p.m. on the Race Street Lawn (rain location is Northside Dining Terrace). Future Wednesday dates in 2019 include Oct. 9, Oct. 23, Nov. 6, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4.
For more information regarding Drexel Campus Dining location hours or menus visit drexel.edu/dining or contact campusdining@drexel.edu.
New Merchants Added to the DragonDollars Program
Drexel Business Services recently announced three new merchants to the DragonDollars program. The following businesses now accept DragonDollars:
- Giant Heirloom Market, 3401 Chestnut St.
- Wawa, 3300 Market St.
- Panera Bread, 200 S. 40th St.
Adding DragonDollars to your DragonCard is easy via the GET Portal. You can add funds on demand or set-up the auto-load feature. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on how to auto-load, review the DragonCard section of the Drexel Business Services website. Visit the DragonDollars Directory for a complete list of merchants who accept DragonDollars.
What’s Under Construction This Fall?
Here’s a look at some of the construction you’ll encounter on Drexel’s campuses this fall as part of ongoing efforts to refresh the University’s living, learning and working spaces. For a more complete list of major projects, visit this page on the Real Estate and Facilities website.
Academy of Natural Sciences Library and New Exhibit Hall Renovation – The Academy is renovating the existing Library Reading Room into an exhibit space and consolidating library functions adjacent to the Reading Room. Completion is anticipated in February 2020.
Arlen Specter US Squash Center (developer: US Squash) – Construction is in progress to convert the Armory into a national center for US Squash by renovating the Armory’s interior, creating 20 courts, athletic training facilities, audience amenities and community use spaces. Construction is planned to be substantially complete in early fall 2020 to host the US Open Squash Tournament.
Bentley Residence Hall Renovation and Expansion – Students will begin moving into the renovated and re-named Bentley Hall in mid-September. The renovation addressed the needs of the building envelope and modernized the building throughout to provide an improved living experience. The project also includes an approximately 11,500 square foot, two-story addition — currently under construction — to provide critical space to relocate the Pennoni Honors College into the heart of the campus. The addition is expected to be completed in spring 2020.
Center for Automation Technology (CAT) Renovations – Construction is in progress on approximately 5,685 square feet of wet research laboratories and technical support spaces for the College of Engineering in the CAT. The project is anticipated to be completed in winter 2019.
Powell Elementary/Science Leadership Academy Middle School – Drexel and partner Wexford Science & Technology are developing the school on the western end of the University City campus at 36th and Filbert streets. Design has reached the construction document phase, building permit applications are underway, and a formal groundbreaking is expected in September 2019, with a project completion targeted for fall 2020 or spring 2021 occupancy.
Schuylkill Yards (developer: Brandywine Realty Trust) – Scaffolding has been erected and demolition has begun in preparation for the installation of the new façade for 3025 Market Street (the former Bulletin Building), which will be completed in the first quarter of 2020.
Vidas Bubble – Construction is in progress for a seasonal air-supported structure over three existing tennis courts at the Vidas Athletics Complex, allowing year-round play. The facility is expected to be prepared for seasonal use in late fall 2019.
Use Your Drexel ID to Save on Career Apparel
Drexel’s LeBow College of Business will be collaborating with JCPenney at the Cherry Hill Mall on Sept. 22 from 6–9 p.m. to offer discounts to Drexel students on professional business attire. This discount is also extended to Drexel employees. Show your Drexel ID and save up to 60 percent on career apparel, shoes and accessories. Free mini makeovers, hair consultations at the salon, and deals on headshots will also be available. For more information, please review these event details or contact Lisa DeLuca, Director of Undergraduate Career Services at lisa.deluca@drexel.edu
Register for R.A.D Public Safety Training
Drexel Public Safety hosts free R.A.D. Self-Defense Courses for Drexel students, employees and the immediate community, teaching the basics of hands-on defense training taught by certified instructors. The R.A.D. for Women fall 2019 course series is held as a four-date series on October 8, 9, 15, and 17. Registrants must attend all four weekday classes to complete the program in full. All classes will be held in the evenings, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Gather a group of friends and have fun while learning the basics of self-defense!
To register, please complete the form on Drexel Public Safety’s website.