June is always a month of change at Drexel — the end of spring term and the start of summer term, the closing of the fiscal year and, of course, Commencement. This year, it feels like more of a time of change than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changes on campus and to campus services.
Here’s what was heard around campus this month:
Drexel Explores Remote Work Options With Pilot Program
While some Drexel faculty and professional staff have returned to campus, about half of Drexel’s workforce is expected to continue working remotely, and many employees have expressed an interest in continuing to work remotely at least part of the time even when the pandemic is over. For this reason, Human Services (HR) has established a remote work pilot group as Drexel formulates how best to expand its Flexible Work Arrangement Policy (HR-61). Since the pilot’s launch earlier this year, HR had its participants complete a baseline survey and now plans to host focus group discussions to expand on these findings. For details on how the pilot program has worked and a summary of survey findings, please visit the HR website.
Reminder: 403(b) Match Reinstatement Begins July 1
Due to the financial impact primarily caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Drexel suspended employer contributions to the 403(b) retirement plan from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021. Effective July 1, 2021, the University will fully restore the employer match and basic contributions to the 403(b) retirement plan at the previous levels of up to nine-percent maximum for employees under 50 and up to 11-percent maximum for those 50 and older. For more information and FAQs regarding the reinstatement, please consult this PDF.
Support Local at the Gateway Garden
Looking to support local businesses and enjoy the day outside? Don’t miss this upcoming programming at the Gateway Garden (32nd and Market streets), including fun workshops, shopping and food trucks:
- Meet the Makers is a unique event series of individual workshops (six events in the summer term) hosted by Philadelphia-area-based brewers. Registration is required, and you must be 21+ to attend. Featured brewery/cidery will offer beverages for purchase at the event. The next Meet the Makers will be held June 30, 5–7:30 p.m., with Urban Village Brewing Company. Register via this link. Plus, save the date for these Meet the Makers later this summer:
- July 7, 5–7:30 p.m. — Bitter Brews Neshaminy Creek Brewing
- July 21, 5–7:30 p.m. — TBA
- 4, 5–7:30 p.m. — Love City Brewing
- 18, 5–7:30 p.m. — 2SP
- The Makers Market, held every Thursday through the summer term from June 24 to Aug. 26, 1–4 p.m., features Philly-made art, ceramics, jewelry, skin care and more. There is no registration or fee for this event, and it is open to the public. The event on June 24 has an excellent lineup to explore:
- Upcoming Food Truck Schedule for the Gateway Garden:
- June 30, 5–7:30 p.m. — Happy Hour Dive Cart
- June 24 and July 1, 1–4 p.m. — J&S Juices and Smoothies
Learn About the Delaware River Watershed Initiative on June 29
On June 29, 12–1 p.m., Drexel’s Administrative Professionals Learning Community (DAPLC) is hosting a virtual networking event with Roland Wall, director of the Patrick Center for Environmental Research. In the past 17 years, Roland Wall has worked in a variety of positions for the Academy of Natural Sciences. Starting as a science writer, he developed and managed the Academy’s Town Square program and led the Academy’s involvement in the Urban Sustainability Forum. Most of the earth's surface is covered by water, and most of the human body is composed of water — two facts illustrating the critical linkages between water, health and ecosystems. Wall is planning to discuss the history of discharges into the Delaware River and how the Delaware River Watershed Initiative was started to address the current forms of pollution we're facing. This event is open to all Drexel faculty and professional staff. Please register in Career Pathway via DrexelOne.
Win a Free Fitbit in Drexel’s Healthy Hydration Wellness Challenge
You can still enter to win a Fitbit and earn points for the Wellness Incentive Program at the same time! Registration for Healthier U’s “Healthy Hydration” challenge launches June 28, and the challenge officially begins on July 5 (although you may register until July 12). Log your hydration habits at least once a week between July 5 and August 1 to be entered into a raffle to win a free Fitbit. Every participant who logs weekly will also receive 25 Wellness Incentive Points ($25).
“Healthy Hydration” is open to all benefits-eligible employees who participate in our Wellness Incentive Program as well as spouses and partners eligible for the Wellness Incentive Program. Remember, every sip counts!
Smash the Mental Health Stigma at this Wellness Seminar
What is the difference between depression and grief or sadness? How might we support a loved one who suffers from depression, or seek support ourselves? On July 28, 12–1 p.m., Smashing the Stigma: Recognizing Signs of Depression and Receiving Support will answer these questions and more. This event is aimed to demystify depression by exploring common signs and symptoms, how to recognize them in yourself or other people, and how to find support. The seminar will also provide an overview of evidence-based treatments for depression, covering various psychotherapeutic and pharmacological approaches. This wellness workshop is open to all benefits-eligible faculty and professional staff and worth 15 Wellness Points ($15) toward A Healthier U’s Wellness Incentive Program. Please register in Career Pathway.
Introducing the DEI Media Library
The Office of Equality & Diversity (OED) has a new web page featuring media resources and archives of past events related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Explore recordings of OED’s “A Frank Conversation” series, which aim to provide DEI education specific to different dimensions of identity and are offered in partnership with other members of the University. Two recent panel discussions, “Honoring Pride Month: A Frank Conversation About Gender and Sexuality” and “Looking Back to Move Forward: A Frank Conversation in Commemoration of Juneteenth” are now available for viewing, along with many other meaningful and educational videos.
Mail Services Has Moved to Real Estate and Facilities
Beginning July 1, Mail Services, previously under the jurisdiction of Business Services, will be operated by Real Estate and Facilities (REF). All information regarding department mail service can now be found on the REF website. At this time, all contact info and processes remain unchanged from the transition. Please contact mailservice@drexel.edu if you have any questions.
Policy Update: CPS-2
This month, the Office of Compliance, Privacy and Internal Audit updated the Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policy (CPS-2). This revision is intended to document current practices, make the policy more responsive to the needs of Drexel community members, and provide the resources necessary for conflict disclosure, review and resolution. Here’s what you need to know:
- Title changed from “CPO-2” to “CPS-2.”
- Policy section detail includes examples and links to the related University policies that address the issues presented.
- New “Review Recusal” procedure added at section VI. F., acknowledging that at times the resolver’s own conflicts prevent reviews. This process provides resolvers with an avenue to ensure the most ethical review of the conflict(s) presented.
- New “Violations” section added at the end of the policy, alerting community members that violations will be appropriately addressed.
- New “Definitions” section added with important terms for the policy.
Multi-year Encumbrances for Externally Sponsored Research Funds
Drexel is pleased to announce the launch of the multi-year labor encumbrance feature for externally sponsored research funds in Banner and Web*Finance beginning in July 2021 for FY’22. Multi-year labor encumbrances are a feature in Banner that allows labor (salary and fringe) to be encumbered through the budget period end date on an award. Questions pertaining to the release of this new functionality can be emailed to pjr27@drexel.edu.
Reminder From General Accounting
Departments who are expecting any receipts of funds (deposits): Please email General Accounting at acct11@drexel.edu with the expected receipt amount as well as FOAPAL to apply this receipt.