The relationship between Drexel University and our surrounding neighborhood is an interdependency that enriches the lives of all members of our Philadelphia community. This partnership continues even as the University operates remotely. The University, through the Office of Government and Community Relations, Public Safety, Student Life, and other departments, communicates regularly with our neighbors and works with them to resolve issues and complaints.
Off-campus students play an important role in developing a positive relationship between the University and the community, so we ask that our students be good neighbors. The following are a few suggestions for being the best neighbor you can be, adapted from an annual communication developed and sent jointly by Student Life and Public Safety:
- Introduce Yourself: Personally introduce yourself to your neighbor. If you feel comfortable, exchange phone numbers with them so you can contact each other if there are concerns. As you do so, as long as we are under COVID-19 pandemic protocols, be sure to maintain at least six feet of distance and wear a mask.
- Consider Your Neighbors' Lifestyles: Get to know your neighbors — what they do for a living, what their schedules might be like, etc. Sometimes having this information can remedy problems before they even start; for example, if they work nights, quiet mornings will be important to them. If they have young children, quiet evenings will be very valuable to them. Similarly, you can offer information that will help them be more considerate of your lifestyle.
- Show Respect: Many neighbors have owned their homes for several decades and have a great investment in the community.
- Wear a Mask and Maintain Distance From Others: Take extra precautions to keep your neighbors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wear a mask and maintain social distancing from those outside your household in shared spaces such as building lobbies, laundry rooms, mailrooms, etc., and in public spaces outside when social distancing is not possible.
- Offer a Helping Hand: Shovel snow, rake leaves, or get involved in the block or community association:
- Maintain the Appearance of Your Property: Keep your property clean and clear of debris. Be aware of the schedule for trash and recycling pick-up (typically on Mondays except for holidays). Put out trash after 7 p.m. the night before pick-up. If a holiday falls on a Monday, then pickup is Tuesday. Also, responsibly take care of trash that has blown onto the property. Help keep the neighborhood clean by participating in clean-ups that are announced in your neighborhood and city-wide. Fines for trash related issues cost $50 and include: Sidewalks Not Litter Free, Premises Not Litter Free, Trash Set Out Early, and Trash Not Securely Bundled.
- Alert Your Neighbors to Gatherings: These days, it’s not advisable for you to host large gatherings in your residence due to the health and safety risks involved. If you're planning a small gathering that you expect will get loud, give your neighbors plenty of warning about when it will start and how long you expect it to last. Leave them a telephone number to contact you if they need to ask you to turn the music down.
- Be Aware of Shared Walls: If you're in a row home or any structure where you and your neighbors share adjacent living spaces, be mindful of your noise levels. Consider moving TVs and speakers away from the partition walls.
- Be Considerate With On-Street Parking: Parking can be a major challenge in any city. Take precautions to leave space for your neighbors. This may include speaking with guests about places to park near your residence, or being mindful of the amount of space left between vehicles.
All students, regardless of residence, are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct. Reported violations of the Code are handled by the Student Conduct process outlined on the Student Life website. Remember, you are a steward of Drexel University both on and off campus.
“See Something, Say Something, Do Something”
Call Public Safety
Emergency Numbers
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141
Walking Escorts
215.895.2222
To learn more about Drexel Public Safety visit drexel.edu/publicsafety.