In this issue, find helpful reminders for bicycle safety (for both cyclists and drivers), resources for a smooth and tidy spring move-out and a warning about phone scams targeting international students.
Plus: Drexel Public Safety (DPS) wants your feedback! As part of its accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), DPS invites the University community to comment on DPS’ compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. The Drexel University Police Department and Drexel Public Safety Communications Center have been accredited by CALEA since November 2011. The accreditation process provides information to support continuous improvement and professional excellence. You can add comments on both the Drexel Police portal and the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center portal through June 15. Thank you for your participation!
Bicycle Safety Is for Everyone
May is Bicycle Safety Month, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants you to know that bicycle safety is a shared responsibility among all road users – cyclists and drivers alike. Since bicycles are considered vehicles, bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as drivers, and drivers should treat them as they would other vehicles.
For Drivers:
- Traffic safety is a shared responsibility. When driving, look out for bicyclists, never drive distracted, and look left-right-left and behind when turning right on red. Yield to bicycles as you would other vehicles.
- If you see a bicyclist, maintain a safe distance: Bicyclists are most often killed by drivers who strike them with the front of their vehicles, often at high speeds. The higher the vehicle speed, the higher the likelihood a bicyclist will be seriously injured or killed.
For Bicyclists:
- Just like seat belts help save lives in a motor vehicle crash, bicycle helmets save lives, too. When biking, always wear a correctly fitting helmet.
- Compared to vehicles, bicyclists are harder to see because of their smaller size. To make it easier for drivers to see you, have reflectors and lights on your bike, and wear retroreflective and bright clothing.
- Bicyclists ride in the same direction as traffic, and obey street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a vehicle. Never text, listen to music, or do anything that can distract you from keeping your eyes, ears, and concentration on the road and traffic.
Moving On, Moving Up, and Moving Out
It’s that time of year again! The move-out process can generate a lot of chaos — and trash — if you don’t plan ahead. If you’re leaving campus and/or the neighborhood this spring, follow these tips for a smooth move-out:
- Residence halls: Consult Student Life's resource page for complete spring move-out instructions. Spring quarter move-out begins Friday, June 6. Residents who do not have a summer residential assignment must plan to be completely moved out and checked out by 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 14. Drexel has contracted with University and Student Services (USS) for a custom summer storage service. USS is the only approved vendor allowed to deliver your stored items to your residence hall room or American Campus Communities apartment before you arrive in the fall. If you need to have your belongings stored for the summer months, please refer to USS Summer Storage for more information.
- Off-campus residences: Drexel Business Services provides resources for bulk trash pick-up, options for furniture donations, and other tips for a successful departure. In addition to doing your part to help maintain the neighborhood, please be aware of the bulk trash curbside pick-up service and donation service available to you if you live in the following areas: West Powelton, Powelton Village, and Mantua neighborhood (specifically Mantua Avenue through Market Street and 31st through 42nd streets). The services will run from June 18 through July 9.
Phone Scams Targeting International Students
Drexel Public Safety recently urged students to be aware of potential scams targeting international students, claiming failure to file Form AR-11, threatening deportation or legal action. Scammers generally have some personal information that they have gathered from public sources. It is important to keep in mind that government agencies will never ask you to transfer money to an individual. They do not accept Western Union, MoneyGram, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp or gift cards as payment for immigration fees. If you receive a threatening call, do not engage, hang up immediately and call Drexel Police at 215.895.2222. Do not provide any personal information. Additional information regarding common scams targeting international students and acceptable methods for paying filing fees can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Drexel’s Office of International Students and Scholars Services is also a resource for international students seeking additional immigration-related guidance and information.
DPS Website: New Look, Same Resources
You may have noticed that Drexel Public Safety’s website seems different. It’s a new look, but the same content, including essential safety tips, daily and annual crime reports, forms for reporting crimes, concerns or commendations and everything you need to know about policing and security, communications and operations and fire and emergency services. One recent content update is the Workload and Crime Dashboard, which has been updated with 2024 information. Explore and bookmark the many helpful resources on the DPS website.
Community Commitments
Cookies With Cops
The next Cookies With Cops event will be on June 3 at 10 a.m. on Korman Quad. Stop by for a sweet treat and friendly conversation!
SAFE: Hands-on Self-Protection Classes at Drexel
Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), is open to any student, faculty or professional staff member looking to develop skills for fostering their personal safety. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, it is strongly recommended that you register with a fellow Dragon. Participation in the techniques is recommended but not required. Registration is required 72 hours prior to the class. During the summer months, classes are available by request for your group. Monthly classes start back up in September.
Safety Trainings Available by Request
You can request any of the following presentations and trainings by completing the Request a Presentation Form.
- Your Safety Is Our Goal: This virtual workshop is a great way to learn how to stay aware of your surroundings and always be prepared, not scared, when moving through the city.
- Fire & Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness: These tailored, data-driven awareness and training programs address how to prevent and respond to fires, medical emergencies, elevator entrapments, power outages, gas leaks and other emergencies.
- Public Safety & U Workplace Safety Program: This educational program can be customized to address the unique security challenges of your unit.
Follow Drexel Public Safety on Instagram for safety tips, department events, plus our new feature: FAQ Friday. Get answers to frequently asked questions about the public safety department!
We Are Here for You When You Need Us
Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Drexel’s Public Safety Communications Center is staffed 24/7 to serve you, whether or not you choose to remain anonymous when making a report. It is vital that crimes are reported promptly to Drexel Police so that they can be investigated, and so that Public Safety can connect the victim(s) with proper resources. You can also contact DPS through the Drexel Guardian app. Drexel Guardian will not track you nor share your information unless you initiate an emergency. To download the app, search for “Rave Guardian” in the app store or Google Play store.
Emergency Numbers
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141
Walking Escorts
215.895.2222