Your Source for Upcoming Events, News, Accomplishments, Policy Updates & More!
OCA Newsletter: Spring 2012 Edition - March 21, 2012
A Bi-Monthly Publication from the OCA & LA Team
Dear Student Organization Leaders,
The latest edition of the OCA Newsletter is now available (click the link below):
OCA Newsletter: Spring 2012 Edition - March 21, 2012
Pay close attention to the contents and updates included in the newsletter, as you and your organization will be held accountable for the information. Please also share this newsletter with all members of your organization.
The table of contents below will help you to navigate the valuable information within the latest version of the OCA Newsletter:
Table of Contents | Sections:
• About the OCA Newsletter
• Submissions to the OCA Newsletter
• Important News & Announcements
Welcome Back Week | Activities Unlimited | FY13 SAFAC Allocations | Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House | UC Clean-Up
• Upcoming Events
LIONESS | Finals Massages | Health & Wellness Fair | Housing Fair | Relay for Life | Leadercast | Online Reservations
• Management & Leadership
CEO LEAD | CollegiateLink | Space Allocation
• Promoting Your Organization
Banners in Armory | DrexelNow | Star Awards
• Policies & Procedures
Manual | Contracts | Waivers | Movies | Service Rates | D.U.S.T. Grant | Bake Sales
• Miscellaneous Announcements
Name the Mascot | Free Music Concert | Register to Vote | TGIF | Yearbook Pics | Lexerd Ads | Zaahah | Ticket Discounts
• Meet Our 2011-2012 LA Team
UCMC: Leming Chen | Liana Dixon | Manoja Muthukumar | Melissa Reilly | Oksana Slobodyan | Laura Wu | Jessica Zou
CCHC: Diamond Mormon-Lewis | Jessica Viola | Heshan Wanigasekera
To review past editions, visit: http://www.drexel.edu/oca/so/OCA_Memos_Updates.asp.
Should you have any questions or suggestions on how we can continue to improve the presentation of this information, please contact our team at LeadershipAssistant@drexel.edu.
The OCA Newsletter (formerly the OCA Memo) is published bi-monthly and is created by the Leadership Assistant Team and the Office of Campus Activities. This newsletter informs student organizations and their leaders about what is happening around campus with your fellow peers and their organizations, as well as providing essential policy information and university news. Also highlighted are student leader and organization accomplishments, upcoming events, leadership news and tips, member engagement suggestions, and special interviews with student leaders!
The OCA Newsletter is also a great way to "Recognize YOU", our student leaders and organizations. We want to highlight as many achievements of yours as possible, and to share this information with the larger Drexel campus community. OCA and the LA Team look forward to advertising your achievements and promoting you in additional ways on campus.
Submissions to the OCA Newsletter:
If you wish to contribute an article, special achievement, upcoming event, news/announcement, be interviewed for our spotlight feature article, etc. for the next newsletter, please email your information to LeadershipAssistant@drexel.edu. Submissions should include: Event Name, Date, Time, Location, Sponsoring Organization(s), Brief Description, and a Contact Email.
We hope you find this newsletter to be a valuable resource and look forward to your future submissions!
The Office of Campus Activities and Leadership Assistant Team
*The OCA Newsletter is created and published by the Office of Campus Activities and Leadership Assistant Team, and is supported by the Division of Student Life. For more information, email LeadershipAssistant@drexel.edu.
Important News & Announcements:
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Spring 2012 Welcome Back Week (WBW) will take place Monday, April 2 through Sunday, April 8. |
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Spring 2012 Welcome Back Week (WBW) will take place Monday, April 2 through Sunday, April 8. |
FY2013 SAFAC Annual Allocations The FY2013 SAFAC Annual Allocations process has begun! You should have received an email from your SAFAC Liaison. If you have not please notify the SAFAC Advisor at safac@drexel.edu. FY2013 SAFAC Annual Allocation Resources:
You can access all of the above resources from your cell phone on our SAFAC Mobile Website! Mandatory Training Session!
Training will cover the application process, policy changes, and liaison information. |
Volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House Looking to do some volunteer work in Philadelphia during spring break? The Office of Campus Activities (OCA) is coordinating opportunities here in Philadelphia with the Ronald McDonald House at 3925 Chestnut Street. You can learn more about the Ronald McDonald House via their website: http://www.philarmh.org/our-programs/chestnut-street-house/. The Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for families of critically ill children receiving treatment in Philadelphia hospitals. Volunteers are needed to clean the facility, develop and provide evening activities for residents, and make baked goods for the residents. Here are more details about each experience:
We would be looking to conduct these service projects on:
It will be wonderful to have Drexel students volunteer and support such a worthy cause. I will coordinate the master list and will be assigning “site team leader” roles for each volunteer session, so if this interests you, please let me know. Participation in this experience will not require a financial commitment from you. We will work together to purchase items/goods needed to support the house – these expenses will come directly from Drexel University. If you are interested in participating in some or all of these volunteer opportunities, please e-mail Ed Kovacs, Director of Campus Activities, directly at eck35@drexel.edu with the following information:
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to let Ed know. If you have any friends who might find the opportunity of interest, please forward this information. |
University City Community Clean-Up Saturday, April 14, 2012 | 9am-2pm | Race Street Lawn Area [Shuttle Pick-Up / Drop-Off] Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has made Saturday, April 14th, 2012 Philly Spring Clean-Up Day. The Mayor has requested Philadelphians to join him once more in hopes of having the largest city wide clean-up event in Philadelphia. The cleanup will take place from 9am-2pm throughout the city. Drexel wants to show their support of this worthwhile initiative and needs your help to make this a success. We are working with the City to send teams of Drexel students, faculty and staff to specific locations throughout Philadelphia. Drexel will provide shuttle service, t-shirts and refreshments for our volunteers. Shuttles will depart at 8:45am from the Race Street Lawn Area (located outside the Library Learning Terrace-Race Street Residence Hall) and return at approximately 2pm. To register, e-mail citycleanup@drexel.edu. Thank you for your support and let's help make Philadelphia a cleaner place. For more information on the Philadelphia Clean-Up you can visit: http://www.philadelphiastreets.com/philly-spring-cleanup.aspx. |
LIONESS: There for the action. Missing from History. Wednesday, March 21, 2012 | 5:30pm-8:00pm | University Crossings Screening Room 028 A film to celebrate women's history month and all the women who have served. Please join members of the Veterans Task Force and Office of Veteran Services for a screening of Lioness: There for the action. Missing from history along with facilitated discussion. For more information and to RSVP contact rebecca@drexel.edu. Pizza and drinks served. |
CAB Presents: Center City Finals Week Free Back Massages Thursday, March 22, 2012 | 11:30am-1:30pm | Recreation Center Lobby Stressed out with term papers, finals & presentations? CAB is here to help by bringing in professionals to give you a back massage! Come enjoy a FREE back massage on Thursday in the Recreation Center Lobby. No tickets needed! |
SAVE THE DATE: Health and Wellness Fair – April 4th Wednesday, April 4, 2012 | 8am-12pm | Drexel Recreation Center A Healthier U invites you to attend the Spring Health and Wellness Fair on April 4, 2012 from 8:00am to 12:00pm at the Drexel Recreation Center. Take advantage of a wide variety of services offered by health and wellness vendors, including:
For faculty and professional staff with Drexel medical plans, Onlife Health will sponsor free blood pressure, BMI, and fasting blood tests. Take this opportunity to "Know Your Numbers" and fill out your Health Risk Assessment, one of the steps required to receive the optional Wellness Credit on your Drexel medical plan premium. This event will also be a great opportunity to speak with representatives from Fidelity, Vanguard, TIAA-CREF, Independence Blue Cross, and Drexel physicians and health professionals. If you have any questions, please email healthieru@drexel.edu. |
Drexel Off Campus Housing Fair Thursday, April 5, 2012 | 4pm-6pm | Drexel Armory [25 N. 33rd St.] Looking for a place to live next year? Want to learn more about resources for students living off campus? Mark your calendar to attend Drexel’s 4th Annual Housing Fair.
For questions and accommodations, please contact the Office of Commuter, Graduate and Transfer Student Programs and Services at 215-895-1328 or email offcampushousing@drexel.edu. |
Drexel University Relay for Life Saturday, April 14th – Sunday, April 15th, 2012 | 2pm-2am | Drexel Armory [25 N. 33rd St.] The American Cancer Society and this year's Drexel Relay For Life Committee are proud to present Relay For Life at Drexel University. For those that are new to "Relay," here is a little history of the event. Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event dedicated to celebrating the lives of survivors and those impacted by cancer, remembering those we have lost to the disease, and fighting back to find a cure. The student led, student filled Drexel Relay For Life Committee puts together quite an event at the Armory every year, with live bands, DJ's, food, giveaways, (lots of coffee & energy drinks), competitions, heartfelt ceremonies, pageants, and then some. Help celebrate more birthdays by raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society, and have some fun along the way. This is the sixth year for Relay at Drexel University, having raised over $200,000 for the cause. This year, the committee has announced a goal of $64,000. As a member of the Drexel community you have an opportunity to help the American Cancer Society significantly and participate in a successful Drexel tradition. So join us on April 14th-15th, from 2 p.m. - 2 a.m. in the Armory. We need the support of every student, staff member, and administrator on campus to reach this goal. Go to drexelrelay.com to register your team to participate in what has become Drexel University's largest philanthropy event, an event for the whole university to enjoy. Feel free to email DrexelRelayForLife@gmail.com with any questions you may have. Every participant matters, and every dollar counts. |
SAVE THE DATE: Drexel Hosts “Chick-fil-A Leadercast” – May 4th Friday, May 4, 2012 | 8am-4:30pm | Mitchell Auditorium, Bossone Research Enterprise Center
The choices you make define the leader you become. And the choices you make are not just about you. They’re about having a positive impact at Drexel, in your organizations, your community, and beyond. That’s what Chick-fil-A Leadercast 2012 is all about. Life changing events start with a simple choice. Choose to attend Chick-fil-A Leadercast 2012 on May 4th – a signature event during the “Spring 2012 CEO LEADership Weeks” series sponsored by the Good Idea Fund and presented by the Office of Student Leadership Development & Traditions. Advance Registration Required: RSVP at Drexel.edu/OCA/Leadership. Students can earn CEO LEAD credits for attending: 3 credits for the all-day conference; 2 credits for the half-day conference; 1 credit for attending one speaker session. |
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The Event and Conference Services Office is excited to announce the debut of the new, online Virtual Campus Reservation System. The system will allow student organizations to check availability of general purpose event venues and conference rooms reserved through the Event & Conference Services online. The Virtual Campus Reservation system brings the convenience of checking certain spaces on the University City campus of Drexel University with fully interactive, real-time access to scheduling information online. Registered users have the power to browse availability for various locations from any computer. The reservation process will be more streamlined, offering planners a one-stop-shop for viewing room images and capacities based on event types and requesting audio visual support from Drexel University Student Technicians (D.U.S.T.). Users will be able to check the status of their request, as well as review all past submissions at any time. To learn more about upcoming workshops, contact the Event & Conference Services Office at reservations@drexel.edu. |
CEO LEAD: Stay Connected to Drexel's Hallmark Student Leadership Development Program CEO LEAD, Creating Experiential Opportunities for Leadership Education and Development, is Drexel’s hallmark student leadership development program. Join the CEO LEAD listserv and receive e-mail announcements about workshops, schedule changes, additional opportunities, and other information about the CEO LEAD program: http://drexel.edu/oca/l/ceo_listserv.asp. CEO LEAD is based on the theory of the Social Change Model and consist of two parts: the typical workshop series and a shared classroom experience. For a list of upcoming workshops, visit www.drexel.edu/oca/l/workshop_schedules.asp. The Spring Series will begin the week of April 9th. |
CollegiateLink: Assigning Officer Positions / Event Management & Promotion CollegiateLink allows groups to create a Facebook-type webpage where mission and goals, pictures, documents, and rosters can be uploaded, and it provides a mechanism to recruit new members. Click here for a comprehensive resource guide to managing and updating your organization’s CollegiateLink website. Further, CollegiateLink has a bulletin board and events calendar that provides a wonderful opportunity to promote activities, meetings, fundraisers, and service projects. Events can only be created by student leaders associated with an organization. You can set the audience and an event RSVP during the event creation process. Click here for a how-to guide to create and promote organization events in CollegiateLink. Additionally, it is important that student organizations update officer status. On the left-hand menu under roster, click “manage roster”. Within the roster, click “edit positions” and you can assign leadership positions. Leadership positions must be up-to-date and when transitions occur, make these changes immediately. Further, under the “manage positions” link, you can edit and add positions unique to your organization. Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to effectively update organization officers in CollegiateLink. |
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Office and storage space are available to recognized student organizations to support the transaction of business. Allocation of space is conditional upon proper, appropriate usage and care. Please complete the CollegiateLink form found here (https://drexel.collegiatelink.net/form/start/2106) or access it via the Office of Campus Activities (OCA) CollegiateLink page. The form must be completed thoroughly and completely – failure to do so will result in your application not being considered. Organizations that currently have space MUST reapply. Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on Friday, April 20. Questions can be e-mailed to askOCA@drexel.edu. The space allocation process is coordinated by OCA, Student Union Operations (SUO), and the Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA). |
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In an effort to make the Armory not only an athletic facility, but also a social one, the Office of Campus Engagement (OCE), OCA, Recreational Athletics, and student organizers propose an opportunity for all student organizations to design a banner to show school spirit and create awareness on campus. Banners would be printed on 4'x7' vinyl as a permanent installation in the Armory. Student organizations will have creative freedom in the design, but must be approved by OCA. The cost to each organization would be $70-$100, depending on how many groups participate. Student organizations should indicate their interest by e-mailing Dan Simmons, Associate Athletic Director for Recreation, at recathletics@drexel.edu – this will allow us to gauge interest and move forward with details. |
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Changes have been made to the ways in which student organizations can promote events. The Drexel Digest has been replaced by a University Events Calendar, which has a variety of easy-to-use features and provides University-wide exposure for events. The submission form can be found here. Student organizations should populate all events into the Events Calendar. In addition, DrexelNow, a new online publication, has been launched. It features real-time news and feature stories for the Drexel community, links to Drexel’s social media outlets, arts and athletics schedules, and a feed from the Events Calendar. Once a week, students will receive an e-mail version of DrexelNow that features the best content from the site, as well as selected news, announcements, and events. For general questions about DrexelNow or the Events Calendar, contact now.editor@drexel.edu. For technical questions, e-mail websupport@drexel.edu. |
Star Leader, Organization, and Professional Awards Nominations We want to honor and recognize you! Star Awards are presented quarterly and applaud our Student Leaders, Organizations, and Faculty/Staff Advisors. Their programs and achievements illustrate dedication to campus engagement and enriching student life at Drexel. These award recipients demonstrate the core values promoted by the Office of Campus Activities by educating, engaging, inspiring, and transforming not only themselves, but their fellow peers and the Drexel community as a whole. We encourage you to nominate outstanding leaders, organizations, and faculty members who have played an integral role in improving our campus. Nominations are currently being accepted for the Fall 2011 and Winter 2012 terms. Click here for nomination forms. |
| OCA has created an encompassing policies and procedures manual that will serve as a one-stop resource for everything related to student organization management, event planning, publicity, finances, food and catering, space allocation, etc. The manual is live and will appear on the OCA website HERE. |
Contracts (including updates for non-paid speakers) Any event where an outside entity (vendor, speaker, disc jockey, inflatable games, sound systems, food donations, etc.) is arranged, contracts must be executed. Contracts formalize the agreement and outline expectations between Drexel University, on behalf of the student organization, and the contracted party. In order to begin the contract process, organizations must submit a “request for contract” via CollegiateLink or hard copy form four (4) weeks in advance of the program. Failure to do so will jeopardize the event. Students are not permitted to sign contracts and if done, the student becomes personally liable for all expectations (including financials) in the contract. Contract request forms should be directed to Casey Sharkey, Coordinator for Campus Engagement, in the SAFAC Office at pcs44@drexel.edu. Even when a speaker or panelists are not being paid, a “confirmation e-mail” must be completed. In order to facilitate this confirmation, e-mail Casey Sharkey with the following information: |
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Student organizations have a responsibility to host events which reflect the interests of Drexel students. That being said, events which create risk to student health and increase the potential of injury require participants to sign a waiver releasing the University and its employees, and the organization from liability. Groups sponsoring high-risk activities should contact OCA immediately in order to secure waivers. All participants must sign the waiver prior to trip departure and completed waivers must be returned to OCA. The University reserves final right to approve or deny high-risk activities. |
Movie Screening Policies & NEW Submission Form There are very specific policies regarding student organizations to have the rights to show a film in a public setting on behalf of their student group. In order to show any movie, your organization must obtain the copyrights or abide by the aspects of the federal copyright laws. Not obtaining copyright is a violation of federal copyright law. Movies and films purchased or rented from stores are for home/private viewing only. If you, as an individual student, are watching a movie and want 100 of your closest friends to watch it with you, you are permitted to show it by renting the movie (as an individual). Yet, if you are hosting an event on behalf of your Drexel student organization, this becomes a public viewing that Drexel University is sponsoring and for permission to do so, requires the student organization to follow the procedures outlined below. Three (3) ways for a Drexel University student organization to show a movie:
When your student organization desires to host a movie screening on campus, the OCA Movie Form must be completed and submitted via CollegiateLink a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to booking your event with Event Services. Want to show a movie on campus? Submit the NEW OCA Movie Form via CollegiateLink: |
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Student organizations should be mindful of the FY2012 hourly rates for services. Drexel University’s fiscal year runs from |
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The Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee (SAFAC) has allocated $3,800 for 2011-2012 to be distributed to recognized undergraduate/joint student organizations by the Office of Campus Activities (OCA) to subsidize Drexel University Student Technicians (D.U.S.T.) expenses. To be eligible to receive a D.U.S.T. Grant, the event must meet all the following criteria:
D.U.S.T. Grant Award Levels:
For questions, e-mail OCA at askOCA@drexel.edu. D.U.S.T. Grants are awarded after the event. |
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All groups who are interested in hosting this type of event need to read the Bake Sale guidelines. Bake Sales are a new privilege for student organizations, therefore this initial year of implementation and compliance is critical for continuance of this program. Please read the Bake Sale Guidelines. If you have questions about Bake Sales, please direct them to the OCA at 215-895-1328 or at askOCA@drexel.edu prior to hosting your event. You can also visit an OCA staff member in the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC: Lower Level, Creese Student Center). |
Academy of Natural Sciences: Name the Mascot Contest The Academy of Natural Sciences (ANS) of Drexel University has a new mascot and they want your help in naming it. Visit their Facebook page to learn more. ANS will be unveiling the fabulous new T.rex mascot during Bicentennial Weekend on March 24 and 25, and they’re hoping you’ll help them name it! If they choose your entry, they’ll announce your name during the weekend, you’ll get personal recognition on ansp.org, and most importantly, you’ll have the deep satisfaction of naming an Academy icon. Submit your names (keep it clean) NO LATER than Thursday, March 22nd to socialmedia@ansp.org. Use "Mascot Name" as the subject. |
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society – FREE STUDENT TICKET OFFER Friday, March 23, 2012 | 8pm | Kimmel Center The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society (PCMS) invites students to hear Musicians from Marlboro on Friday, March 23 at 8 pm at the Kimmel Center. Called "a virtual guarantee of musical excellence" (Washington Post), the Musicians from Marlboro touring program was created as an extension of Vermont's world-renowned Marlboro Music Festival. For the season's second of three Marlboro concerts, master artists collaborate with exceptional young musicians in a program of works by Haydn, Beethoven and Brahms. Featured artists include Romie de Guise-Langlois, clarinet; David Bowlin, violin; Robin Scott, violin; Kyle Armbrust, viola; Emily Deans, viola; Peter Stumpf, cello; and Gabriele Carcano, piano. Click here to sign up for your FREE student tickets. |
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Drexel University's Office of Government and Community Relations (OGCR) would like to remind the student body to Register to Vote! The deadline to register for the 2012 Pennsylvania Statewide Primary is Monday, March 26th, 2012. If you need a Voter Registration Form, OGCR will be glad to provide you with the necessary application. We are located in the Main Building, 2nd Floor, Suite 228. Please note that if you do decide to use the assistance of our office, the Registration Forms need to be submitted to us by Monday, March 26th, 2012 before 5 P.M. That will give us enough time to mail the documents and meet the Voter Registration deadline. For more information, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at (215) 895-2109 or visit the Committee of Seventy website at www.seventy.org. |
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the Good Idea Fund awards student activity fee funds toward individual student, faculty, and staff ideas for Student Life and campus based initiatives to engage the undergraduate student body. Goals of the Good Idea Fund: Have a Good Idea? Submit an Application! |
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Portrait sessions are scheduled throughout the year in 3012 MacAlister Hall. Students must schedule their appointments by logging onto Herff Jones’ 24-hour scheduling site (http://www.ouryear.com) and entering school code 87172. Students can also call 1-800-687-9327 during normal business hours, to schedule an appointment during upcoming sessions or at another time at one of Herff Hones’ studios across the country. When scheduling an appointment, students will receive complete details on how to prepare for their portrait sitting and other pertinent information. All students who sit for a senior portrait will receive a copy of the 2012 Lexerd yearbook by mail during Fall 2012. The next on-campus portrait sessions will be held: For more information about portraits, contact Mike Durinzi at medurinzi@herffjones.com or for more information about the Lexerd, contact Natalie Shaak at 215-571-3575 or nds37@drexel.edu. |
Lexerd Yearbook Congratulatory Advertisements This is an amazing opportunity for parents to create a memory for their 2012 graduate that will last forever! Submit a congratulatory ad for publication in this year’s Lexerd, Drexel University’s yearbook. These eye catching ads are a great way for families and friends to recognize a graduating seniors’ college career. If you or your parents would like to purchase an ad, contact Natalie Shaak at nds37@drexel.edu or 215-571-3575. Please note that online purchasing options are coming soon. Ad space is limited. Friday, March 23, 2012 is the deadline for purchasing an advertisement. |
Support Drexel’s Experiential Learning Course through zaahah Drexel University’s Experiential Learning course is run through EdVenture Partners and LeBow’s Center for Entrepreneurial Learning. The purpose is for students to have a hands-on experience conducting market research, as well as planning and executing a campaign for a company. In the past, students have worked with clients such as Chevrolet, the FBI, Citi, Subaru, and the CIA. This term, the class is working with startUP Productions to launch zaahah. Zaahah is the world’s first collaborative social search engine. Users have access to real-time collaboration with others searching and interested in the same information. It allows users to store useful websites, documents, and files in project folders, which can be shared with others. Zaahah does not reveal any personal information in order to maintain privacy. It is projected to generate millions of users in the near future! Register to help kick-off the start of zaahah and support LeBow’s Experiential Learning class in their goal to generate 75,000 users! ** OCA does NOT endorse zaahah, nor should this message be construed as a relationship ** |
Discounts at the Wachovia Complex/Wells Fargo Center Take advantage of Drexel’s partnership with the Wells Fargo Center with exclusive deals on most events at the Wells Fargo Center. Visit www.wellsfargocenterphilly.com/discount and enter promo code 719DREXEL to receive discounted offers on upcoming events. Don’t see the event you’re looking for? For other discounts or for questions, contact Angela Deeb at ADeeb@comcast-spectacor.com. |
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Click here to learn more about the 2011-2012 LA Team and to contact them directly. Click here to download the Winter Term 2012 LA Office Hour Schedule. Please reach out to your LA liaison assigned to your student organization should you need assistance or want to set-up a meeting - contact information is provided in the downloadable PDF and in the LA bio's. To find out which LA is assigned to be your student organization's liaison, click here. For general info, feel free to contact any LA team member at LeadershipAssistant@drexel.edu. |


