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Word from Jim Tucker, Senior Vice President,
Student Life and Administrative Services
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On March 21, President Fry announced that Drexel is participating in The Chronicle's Great Colleges to Work For program, a study designed to gather benchmarking data within higher education and to recognize institutions that have built great workplaces. The program involves an employee survey that was distributed by The Chronicle to a random sample of each institution's faculty and professional staff on March 21, 2011. I want to extend a thank you to those of you whom have already completed the survey and if you were randomly selected and have not completed the survey, please take a moment to do so by the Friday, April 15 deadline. We value your feedback.
The Chronicle will publish the findings of the survey this summer in a special Academic Workplace supplement. A high response rate helps ensure accurate results and demonstrates the commitment of our workforce. Similar to the employee opinion survey that was administered in February 2010, this type of survey provides valuable feedback that helps us identify ways we can improve.
Thank you in advance for your participation. If you have questions specific to Drexel's participation in the survey, please contact Nadia McCrimmon in Drexel Human Resources at 215-895-2560 or nm64@drexel.edu, or to learn more about the survey visit ChronicleGreatColleges.com.
James R. Tucker
Senior Vice President
Student Life and Administrative Services
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Message from Deborah Glenn, Vice President,
Human Resources
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Spring is a time of renewal and regeneration. It's a time to put away the bulky winter coats and heavy boots in exchange for trench coats and running shoes. It's a time to forget about the snow and ice filled streets and sidewalks and to enjoy the blooming flowers and longer days. As you read the articles in the Spring edition of HR's ENGAGING U newsletter you'll notice an energized commitment to our community. As you begin to enjoy the warmer weather, please take time to think about those who are less fortunate than you by participating in one of the many initiatives Drexel offers for giving, from the Why I Give Campaign to a soon to be announced Faculty and Professional Staff Volunteer Program, there are numerous ways to help someone in need.
This past year has witnessed a multitude of new initiatives; a successful A Healthier U wellness program; a very active HR Advisory Committee; a relaxing new winter break; and we're very close to announcing our first Employee Home Purchase Assistance Program homeowner - there's always something exciting and new going on at Drexel.
Deborah Eskridge Glenn, M.A., SPHR
Vice President
Human Resources
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HR Update
Introducing Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Administration Team
Back row (l-r) Megan Weyler, Chris Roberts, Yolanda Blackson, Zakiya Newton, Andrea Alimmatiris,
and Qadim Ghani
Front row (l-r) Denise Pressley, Frannie Conlan and Lindsay Snyder
The HRIS team supports the entire Drexel community by administering HR information systems, including systems security, university position control salary and budget. They produce a variety of human capital reports and metrics.
Megan Weyler, HR Associate Vice President, leads the HRIS team and has overall responsibility for HR's comprehensive business systems and processes including managing the benefits and operations budgets. Megan, a 15-year Drexel employee, works across all HR functions and oversees the day-to-day operations of the HR office.
Andrea Alimmatiris joined HRIS in 2006 and is currently a Sr. Systems Analyst. Andrea is responsible for the College of Medicine's HRIS-related operations, including position control. She also oversees the administration and implementation of Drexel's internal HR system solutions. On a personal note, Andrea is currently out on leave caring for her newborn baby boy. During her leave, inquiries normally handled by Andrea should be directed to hris@drexel.edu.
Since joining the HRIS team in 2008, Yolanda Blackson, HR Assistant, has been working on HR's paperless initiative and has assisted in converting personnel files onto an electronic filing system. Yolanda also handles employment verifications and file retrieval.
After leaving Drexel for a time to care for her newborn daughter, Frannie Conlan returned to Drexel in 2007 as the Sr. Reports Analyst. Frannie is responsible for human capital reporting for Drexel and the College of Medicine; including inquires, vendor feeds, metrics, management reports and new system conversion/implementation feeds. Requests for such reports can be sent to hrrpts@drexel.edu.
Qadim Ghani has served as the HR Business Manager since joining the Drexel HR team in 2009. He manages the benefits, wellness, and HR budgets, and is responsible for the tuition remission, Grant-in-Aid, and tuition exchange programs. Qadim was recently appointed as the Home Purchase Assistance Program Administrator and is committed to President's Fry's initiative to make Drexel a better neighbor to the community. If you are interested in learning more about the Home Purchase Assistance Program, please contact Qadim at qadim.i.ghani@drexel.edu.
Zakiya Newton, HRIS Specialist, joined the HRIS team in October 2010 and is responsible for processing personal change information into the HR Information Systems and managing and monitoring the paperwork process for new and re-hired employees via Banner Applications. Zakiya also prepares and processes status change forms and regularly conducts audits to ensure error-free data.
A member of the HRIS team since 2001, Denise Pressley, Sr. Operations Analyst, is responsible for the oversight of day-to-day activities within the HRIS function. Denise administers position control budgets and leave accruals and provides oversight of personal changes within Drexel's system. She also works closely with the Sr. Systems Analysts to ensure operational standards and data integrity during implementation periods.
Chris Roberts joined the HRIS team as a Jr. HRIS Analyst in June 2010. Chris is responsible for processing manual personnel transactions and Electronic Personnel Action Forms (EPAFS) into the Banner system for Drexel and the College of Medicine. Roberts audits and manipulates large amounts of employment data to ensure compliance and accuracy and works closely with Drexel's benefits provider to ensure timely and accurate processing of benefit eligibility deduction changes into the system.
Lindsay Snyder, Sr. Systems Analyst, has been with the HRIS team since 2005. Lindsay's primary role is to oversee the implementation, modification, and troubleshooting of all external HR solutions, including the online performance management system, OrgPlus, and job application sites. She also maintains the HR website and assists with creating and editing HR courses in BbVista.
Training and Development Offering More Classes in 2011
2011 is already on track to be another busy year for the Training and Development team. The well-received Employee Development Series is gearing up for its second year following an aggressive delivery schedule in 2010 which included 27 sessions delivered to 360 professional staff members across the university. The series objective is to enhance and develop the interpersonal skills of Drexel's non-management professional staff.
For 2011, two new topics, "Giving and Receiving Feedback" and "Team Up for Success" will be introduced to the current curriculum, with revised sessions expanded to three hours in length which started in January. Additional topics being offered include Understanding Others, Communicating Clearly, Resolving Conflict and Shifting Gears, Change and Transition Management, as well as Effective Email Communication, and many others. A full menu of topics and course descriptions can be found on the Human Resources website under, "Your Career/Professional Development/Employee Development Series". Sessions will be offered on the Main and Center City Campuses for both Drexel University and Drexel University College of Medicine professional staff members, with a different topic offered each month through December.
To help kick off the 2011 Performance Management Evaluation cycle, Training and Development offered goal setting workshops, "Creating SMART Goals", from January through March. In addition to these workshops, the Training and Development team continues to work on several projects for 2011, including Orientation for new Employees, Managing Performance Issues, online versions of the new FMLA and Introductory Period Policy training, and additional Performance Management workshops (to be offered during 2nd and 3rd quarters). Several projects are also underway for the College of Medicine including Service Excellence online training for Drexel University Physician (DUP) staff members.
Spotlight on Service
Focusing on excellence in service has been Dr. Howard Miller's passion for many years. As the Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs for Drexel University College of Medicine, Dr. Miller has made service excellence one of the cornerstones of his practice plan for the past three years. To that end, he partnered with Kim Stott, Executive Director, HR, and other members of the HR team to develop a comprehensive plan to assist with this effort. Together, Dr. Miller and the HR partners convened a group of physician champions who met to craft a mission statement and guiding principles that detailed their purpose and commitment to service. An organization-wide recognition program was launched and cross-functional work teams were established to focus on opportunities for improvement in patient access, communication, patient satisfaction surveys, facilities, technology, and employee development.
In January and February, a series of four Town Hall meetings were scheduled to update College of Medicine faculty and professional staff members about the initiative; recognize employees who were deemed models of excellence in service delivery; and outline next steps in the process. The first Town Halls were well attended.
In February, the first all-hands online training program was launched to introduce faculty and professional staff members to the fundamentals of service excellence at the College of Medicine. This course will be followed by others designed to build and enhance skills needed to truly transform the culture to one that is relentlessly focused on and committed to delivering the best possible service to patients and one another.
The team is excited about the progress made to date and looks forward to continuing to partner with the College of Medicine to bring its commitment to quality, compassionate care to life.
Drexel's Talent Acquisition Team
The Talent Acquisition team has been re-organized for 2011 to better serve the Drexel community. The team incorporated a new workforce development program led by Sarah Steltz. Sarah will manage summer internship programs for high-school students and conduct career counseling sessions for current Drexel employees. She will also work in conjunction with the President's Office and the Office of Government & Community Relations on programs that encourage the University City community to consider Drexel as an employer of choice. As the team continues to enhance the services they provide, there has been a change in consultants as well. Melissa Quinn has moved from HR Partner to Senior Consultant and will focus on hiring related projects for the College of Medicine; and Kristin Kelleher has been promoted from Coordinator to Associate Consultant.
Talent Acquisition team goals in 2011 include an on-line hiring guide for managers and administrators that will be going live in the Spring; several supervisory trainings that include interviewing, reference checking, employment eligibility verification (I-9's) and hiring international employees. They also plan to introduce a relocation guide and enhance policies, practices and procedures to improve efficiency, compliance, consistency and ultimately save time and increase retention!
Feel free to reach out to your Talent Acquisition consultant for any of the following services:
- Job Descriptions – development, edits and ensuring consistency
- DrexelJobs and DrexelMedJobs posting facilitation
- Advertising – ad placement and diverse sourcing
- Recruiting, screening and/or interview assistance for difficult-to-fill and select positions
- Employment Offers (including promotions) – collaboration w/Compensation to determine equitable salary, composition and extension of formal written employment offer
- New Hires – new hire paperwork, background checks and on-boarding/orientation
- Projects – in coordination with hiring managers, we assess, recommend and implement hiring related projects to improve effectiveness, efficiency and alignment with University and HR policies and procedures
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Health & Benefits
Meet our Benefits Team
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Back row (l-r) Chris Brutsche, Jeanine Davis
and Terri Safford
Front row - Kristin McCarthy |
Drexel's four-person benefits team is led by Chris Brutsche who directs the day-to-day functions of Drexel's comprehensive benefits program. In addition to analyzing and designing competitive and cost-effective benefit plans, Chris oversees the strategy development and legal compliance for all benefit plans. A graduate of West Chester University with over 15 years of benefits experience, Chris worked in many industries, including banking, high-tech and pharmaceutical companies in the Philadelphia region.
Terri Safford is the Senior Benefits Consultant and has the responsibility for all Health and Welfare benefit plans for active faculty and professional staff and retirees. Terri brings over 20 years of experience to Drexel and has worked in senior level positions for a variety of corporations, specializing in exceptional customer service and problem resolution.
Benefits Consultant Jeanine Davis administers Drexel's 403(b) plans, non-discrimination testing and related retirement plan functions. Jeanine joined Drexel in November, 2010 and is a graduate of Temple University where she received a B.B.A. in Human Resource Management. Jeanine holds a PHR Certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute, a FPC Certification from the American Payroll Association and is a Six Sigma White Belt.
Kristin McCarthy joined the Benefits team in July, 2010 as a Benefits Consultant. Kristin comes to Drexel with eight years of benefits administration experience as a Benefits Specialist and Analyst. Over the years she has worked with numerous local and national companies ranging from 50 to over 100,000 employees. At Drexel, Kristin's responsibilities include benefits billing processes, communications, new hire orientation, event coordination and front-line customer service.
Make Saving for Retirement a Priority
in 2011
Experts estimate that in the American workforce as a whole, workers will need 70 to 90 percent of their pre-retirement income to maintain their current standard of living when they stop working. Lower income earners may need more than 90 percent. Among workers 25-64 years of age, only a little more than half participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Drexel offers a generous retirement savings program for full-time faculty and professional staff. The University (not including the College of Medicine) offers two contribution plans: a voluntary plan for faculty and professional staff age 25-34 and a mandatory participation plan for those over 34. Plans are outlined below:
VOLUNTARY PLAN (under age 35)
Minimum Employee Contribution
(as percentage of salary) |
University Contribution |
TOTAL |
| 2% |
3% |
5% |
| 3% |
4% |
7% |
| 4% |
5% |
9% |
| 5% |
7% |
12% |
Additional employee contributions up to the annual legal limit are permitted. |
MANDATORY PLAN
| Age |
Minimum Employee Contribution
(as percentage of salary) |
University Contribution |
TOTAL |
| 35-39 |
2% |
7% |
9% |
| 40-49 |
2% |
9% |
11% |
| 50 and over |
2% |
11% |
13% |
A Retirement Representative will be available on the University City Main Campus at 3201 Arch Street, Suite 430 on April 7 from TIAA-CREF and on April 19 from Vanguard. Representatives will also be available on the Center City Hahnemann Campus at the Bellet Building (1505 Race Street) on April 14 (TIAA-CREF) and on April 20 (Vanguard). To schedule one-on-one appointments call TIAA-CREF at 800-732-8353 and Vanguard at 800-662-0106 ext 14500.
A Healthier U - Physical Activity - "Can You Handle the Truth?"
According to Vic Tringali, Director, University Wellness, during this time of year there is a concerted effort made by many health and fitness-based companies to market claims for physical activity and exercise programs. Many of these claims are exaggerated or totally false. You'll hear everything from "guaranteed weight loss" to "washboard abs" in minutes. The TRUTH is that physical activity has so many undisputed positive effects on health that exaggerating claims and providing misleading information is not necessary. The link between regular physical activity and good health has been repeatedly and firmly established in countless research studies.
The TRUTH is that regular physical activity over months and years produces long-term health benefits and reduces the risk of many chronic health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. It can also increase your chances of living longer, help you control your weight, decrease your risk of colon cancer and hypertension and reduce anxiety and depression. Overall, the more physically active you are, the more health benefits you gain.
"If there was a magic bullet, I think physical activity would certainly qualify as the top contender."
—Dr. Wayne Westcott
The Center for Disease Control recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity per day for a minimum of 5 days per week. To meet the goal of 30 minutes a day of physical activity, you don't have to do all 30 minutes at once. Scientific evidence shows you get the same health benefits from breaking 30 minutes up into three 10-minute or two 15-minute intervals throughout the day, if you prefer. When choosing an activity, participants should consider their current level of health and fitness as well as their particular areas of interest. I encourage you to take advantage of the many scenic walking paths located on the Drexel campus which are listed on the A Healthier U website. Walking is an excellent way to incorporate physical activity into your day and also interact with other Drexel faculty, students, and professional staff.
The TRUTH is some form of physical activity is right for everyone; no matter what your age, physical ability or limitations, it's never too late to start!
Drexel Honored as one of Greater Philadelphia's Healthiest Employers
Drexel University and 11th Street Family Health Services of Drexel University were jointly honored as one of Greater Philadelphia's Healthiest Employers and will be recognized for commitment to health in the workplace at an awards breakfast hosted by Philadelphia Business Journal on June 2.
Drexel University was ranked a healthiest employer for its wellness services provided by A Healthier U in the company category (1500-4999 benefits eligible employees) and 11th Street Family Health Services of Drexel University in the company category (0-99 employees). Companies were honored for their efforts to keep their workforce healthy and supporting a healthy lifestyle.
See the complete list of winners at Philadelphia Business Journal.
Approach Your Health in a New Way
Looking for a quick workout on your lunch break? Try one of the 30 or 45 minute group exercise classes that can fit in your daily work schedule at Drexel Recreation Center!
Several classes such as Circuit Express, Kickboxing, Abs, Body PumpTM Express and Aqua Aerobics all last either 30 or 45 minutes and are scheduled during the lunchtime hour.
Check out the group exercise schedule for times and room locations!
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HR Events
2011 Drexel Health and Wellness Fair
Over 500 students, faculty and professional staff attended the Health and Wellness Fair on February16 at the Drexel Recreation Center sponsored by the Healthier U Committee . Free health screenings, fitness demos, healthy foods and financial counseling were offered by the various vendors. Congratulations to the grand prize winner Connie Gable from Student Life and Administrative Services, Business and Finance department. Connie won an iPad in the raffle prize drawing.
Black History Month Closing Luncheon
The Black History Month Closing Luncheon for faculty and professional staff was introduced three years ago and it keeps getting bigger and better. This year's Luncheon was held on Friday, February 25 in Behrakis Grand Hall. The event included remarks by Deborah Glenn, Vice President Human Resources; Renee Amoore, Drexel Trustee and Human Resources Committee Chair; Nicole Gay, Program Manager, School of Education, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies; Dr. John Rich, Professor, Chair: Department of Health Management and Policy and author of Wrong Place, Wrong Time: Trauma and Violence in the Lives of Young Black Men; and the crowd enjoyed performances by Yenneeka Long, Business Manager, Materials Science and Engineering and the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble were also included in the cultural program. Many attendees commented on the spirit of the festivities, the music, the food and the performances.
"I just wanted to let you know that I had a good time at the reception today. The entertainment, vendors, and food were enjoyable."
—Christine Turner, Pre-Award Program Administrator, Office of Research Administration,
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Around Campus
Drexel Home Ownership Program
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Qadim Ghani, Program Coordinator |
The Drexel Homeownership Assistance Program is moving full steam ahead since President Fry's announcement at the 2010 Convocation in October. The program, part of the President's multi-prong approach to solidifying Drexel as great neighbors to the Community, has taken off with over thirty preliminary interviews for interested Drexel University and Drexel University College of Medicine employees.
The President's initiative will provide a $15,000 forgivable loan for purchase and a $5,000 forgivable loan (not to be combined) for exterior renovations within the defined boundaries. For more information contact Qadim Ghani, Human Resources Business Manager, at 215.895.6898.
Program Coordinator, Qadim Ghani, a West Philadelphia resident, is excited about the program. Noted Qadim "This is a phenomenal opportunity to enable pride through home ownership. Drexel and the community form a symbiotic relationship, improving the area by encouraging employee homeownership is in the long range best interest of employees, the community, and Drexel as a whole."
Qadim has worked to secure partnerships with area banks, realtors, moving companies, home inspection agencies, and titling companies to ensure every phase of the process flows smoothly. Advice and information is available for credit counseling, guarding against predatory lending, money management, and the rights and responsibilities of a homeowner. Qadim's focus has been on being proactive and anticipating the needs and questions of future and often first-time homeowners - a critical factor for this program's success. Additionally, partnerships have been formed to ensure that low to moderate income families also receive added partner sponsored incentives.
Dress Down in Blue Jeans, So They Can Dress Up
Tired of dressing up for work every day? On April 21st you can simplify your morning routine while also helping Philadelphia Youth! Donate $10 before April 20th and you can participate in "Dress Down, So They Can Dress Up Day" by wearing jeans to benefit Philadelphia Youth Network's Save Summer Jobs Campaign.
The Save Summer Jobs Campaign asks all citizens to help offer our city's young people the opportunity to spend their summer in educational, constructive, and potentially life-changing employment experiences. Last year, over 11,000 students were placed at more than 1,300 worksites throughout the region, giving many participants their first professional work experience. This year, government funding will be cut drastically and the number of jobs will drop to an all-time low of 5,500. Every dollar raised will help provide a meaningful summer experience for a young Philadelphian.
The more funds we raise, the more summer jobs we can save. Questions? Want to get more involved? Please contact Sarah Steltz, Program Manager, Workforce Development at ses89@drexel.edu. For more information on the Save Summer Jobs campaign, check out Save Summer Jobs Campaign.
This is Why I Give to Drexel
Further proof of Drexel University's strength as an inspiring academic community and a positive workplace, even our faculty and professional staff members are engaged in giving back. During the Why I Give campaign's inaugural run last year, which was put in place to receive Annual Fund gifts from faculty and professional staff, more than 1,500 faculty and professional staff gave, which is roughly 53 percent of the workforce. Since last year's campaign ended, hundreds more employees have been inspired and are ready to give. Others are just as eager to give again.
The successful first run left us all excited for the future. The campaign will continue to focus on participation and gifts of all sizes are welcome, including annual gifts to Drexel University and Drexel University College of Medicine support scholarships, financial aid, new construction, leading-edge technology, and groundbreaking research. The funds received through the campaign are allocated immediately to the areas of greatest need.
Throughout the year, as faculty and professional staff begin to send their gifts, many will begin leaving their personal reasons for supporting Drexel through testimonials on the interactive Why I Give website.
Of the campaign, Elizabeth Dale Ed.D., Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement, says, "I give to Drexel because of its outstanding position in the community. We work at a leading research University that excels in every dimension of scholarship and learning. Looking at the Why I Give site, it's refreshing to be a part of a group that embraces a genuine sense of community at Drexel."
The gifts, the Why I Give testimonials, and the campaign data all add up to show how employees of Drexel University and Drexel University College of Medicine have begun connecting by way of a sincere bond with the mission and goals of this great institution.
Because Drexel's culture of philanthropy transcends daily work life and becomes a part of real life, the results of gifts can be seen every day in the students' successes as scholars, business-people, doctors, lawyers and athletes; and in Drexel's increasing recognition on the world stage.
Why I Give is a concrete way of letting our employees know that their gifts can do make a difference. And so the question remains, why will you give this year?
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Save the Date
Recovery 2011 - Donate Blood
The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give Blood. Drexel University sponsored blood drives will take place on the following days:
4/26/11 Drexel University Greek Challenge (Behrakis Grand Hall, Creese Student Center)
4/26/11 Drexel University TKE (Tau Kappa Epsilon House)
For more information, please contact Rebecca L. Weidensaul, Ph.D. at rebecca@drexel.edu
Disability Awareness Week
Drexel will celebrate its second annual Disability Awareness Week Monday, April 4 through Friday, April 8, 2011. For more information about Disability Awareness Week, please contact Jenny Dugger at jkd27@drexel.edu or visit drexel.edu/studentlife
Inspire a Child to Dream Day
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Drexel will host the annual "Inspire A Child To Dream Day" on Thursday April 28, 2011 from 8 to 3. The program is modeled after the national "Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work®" program for children and relatives of Drexel University and Drexel University College of Medicine faculty and professional staff between the ages of 7 and 14. This year's theme is "Community Service and Volunteerism".
To get the children involved in community service and volunteerism, we are asking each child that attends the program to bring a new children's book to be donated to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, a Drexel partner hospital. In addition, the children will make get-well cards and board games as the main group activity. Cards and games will be delivered to the hospital.
If you are interested in registering your child for Inspire a Child to Dream Day, please download the registration and parental consent forms (both required) at the HR website or at the Equality and Diversity site.
Please return registration and consent forms by April 18, 2011 to:
Althea Wallace, Human Resources, 3201 Arch Street, Suite 430 or fax to 215-895-5813, or
Sherri Manson, The Office of Equality and Diversity, 30 S 33rd St or fax to 215-895-1268
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Engaging U is published by Drexel Human Resources.
Email Althea Wallace, HR Programs Support Manager
or call 215-895-2582 for more information.
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Human Resources
3201 Arch Street, Suite 430
Philadelphia, PA 19104
This message to Drexel Announcement Mail was approved under the authority of James Tucker,
Senior Vice President for Student Life and Administrative Services
Philadelphia Health & Education Corporation d/b/a Drexel University College of Medicine
is a separate not-for-profit subsidiary of Drexel University. |
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