Expand your mind. Learn something new.  Take a look at your 2013 performance appraisal and refresh yourself on your educational goals. Talk to your supervisor about training opportunities or view the HR Learning & Development Calendar.

Recommit yourself to job safety.  Correct and report any unsafe actions. Do the job right the first time. Remember the O&M Guiding Principles: Think it! Do it! Say It!

Get connected -Check out the FRES website and intranet content.   Click on Info for: Penn Community in the lower right hand corner and use your PennKey to access FRES-only content.

Pat a colleague on the back.  Fill out a Step Up nomination form for someone who has gone "above and beyond" with outstanding customer service, been remarkably proactive, shown a commitment to teamwork, or offered emergency response.

Think "Green" in 2014.  Remember that FRES has achieved Level 3 Green Office Certification, and would like to continue our efforts towards environmental sustainability. Learn what can be recycled at Penn, and be conscious of your energy use, especially during the Power Down Challenge, Feb 3 - Mar 2.

New Administrative Practices Introduced at FRES

Last fall's FRES Annual Leadership Retreat generated a series of initiatives that staff will begin to see put into practice. Specifically, FRES will focus this year on meeting organization and planning, as well a delegation of authority and approval at new levels to improve processes. 

Best Practices for Meetings at FRES was recently shared via email, and the document also is posted on the FRES Intranet, under Staff Resources. All staff are asked to review these guidelines for scheduling meetings and actions to take before and during each meeting. (Intranet requires Pennkey and Password.)

The intent of delegation of signature authority approval levels to Executive Directors, Directors and Project Managers is to improve the overall processing efficiency and speed, ranging from sign off for construction cost events, change orders and other professional services to sole source purchases and approving use of new smart phones.  Along with the additional delegation of authority comes added responsibility for thorough review of the paperwork to confirm that the pricing appears fair and reasonable, and that the documentation is in accordance with contract and University requirements.  Periodic reviews will be conducted to confirm compliance with processes and procedures.  

Facial hair came into focus in November as approximately a dozen FRES men grew mustaches in observance of "Movember" -- an annual event designed to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and other male cancers, and associated charities. The goal of Movember is to change the face of men's health. The entire FRES staff was invited to vote on which man "changed his face" the most (or the best!), with the honor going to Julian Goresko, sustainability associate on the environmental sustainability team.

This year, FRES supported the People's Emergency Center (PEC), an organization that is located in our backyard at 39th and Powelton Streets.  The PEC provides care and help for homeless women and children.  They not only provide them with a place to stay, but they teach them the skills needed to live on their own and be financially independent.  PEC is also a great community partner that invests in commercial and neighborhood revitalization efforts.  

FRES thanks the volunteers who organized our annual holiday charitable collection: Co-Chairs: Carole Mercaldo and Taylor Berkowitz. Engagement Committee Members: Lauren Robinson, Chereese Martin, Heidi Wunder, Laura Ford, Karen DiMaria, Juanita Lewis, Jackie Conrad, Agnes Donaldson, Joe Gaither, Debbie Stokes, Gerry McGillian, Roshelle Hill, Karen Hughey, Jim Bean, Jen Rizzi, Karen Gibson, Nancy Barr, and Michelle Robinson.

The Dallas Chapter of The American Institute of Architects presented a 2013 Built Design Awards Honor Award to the architecture firm Gensler for The Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts. The AIA Dallas Design Awards recognizes outstanding work by Dallas architects, both in the metropolitan area and across the country. The purpose of the awards program is to honor the architects, clients, and consultants who work together to achieve design excellence.

* Honoree = The Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts in Van Pelt Library, Gensler Architects

NEW RETAIL ON CAMPUS

Check out the latest additions to Penn's retail portfolio:

Federal Donuts will add a University City location to its list of stores in February. "We are excited to welcome the homegrown Philadelphia venture, Federal Donuts, to our neighborhood as they will provide another enticing venue on Sansom Row.  The innovative menu is quite unique from current offerings around Penn," commented Ed Datz, executive director of real estate in FRES. "This super popular concept should translate well to our campus and add to the vibrancy along this historic city block." Check out a sampling of Federal Donuts' menu at federaldonuts.com.

An end-February opening is expected for Chattime Hand-drawn Noodle & Japanese Restaurant at 3608 Chestnut. This addition to the food scene (to be located next to Wawa) will offer hand-drawn noodles, Japanese sushi, and hibachi and teriyaki menu items, as well as Taiwanese Bubble Tea. Chattime's website is under construction.

Work continues on a number of new projects managed by FRES Real Estate department as the Spring 2014 semester opens. Site work for the planned office building at 3901 Walnut Street should be visible by the end of January. Demolition work, too, should begin in this period to make way for 3939 Chestnut, the HUB II project that will add residences and retail to this corner of campus. Brisk construction over the winter has resulted in the rise of the residential tower at 31st and Chestnut Streets, called EVO. This 33-story building (pictured) will increase housing options for graduate and professional students in University City. 

ARTS & CULTURE

Through February 8, the 40th Street Artist-in-Residence Program is hosting the 4th Annual Friends & Neighbors Exhibit. Each artist participating in this year's AIR program has invited two friends, neighbors, students or colleagues to showcase their work in this special exhibit. Visit Saturday February 8th, 1-4pm, at 4007 Chestnut Street, First Floor.

$24.5M Restoration of ARCH Completed

The start of the Spring 2014 semester marked the completion of the $24.5 million renovation of Penn's Arts, Research and Culture House (ARCH), the late-Gothic Revival building located at 36th Street and Locust Walk. The ARCH will offer a central location on campus for students to gather, study, dine, enjoy art exhibitions and stage or attend performances. The ARCH is home to three cultural resource centers: La Casa Latina, Makuu: The Black Cultural Center and the Pan-Asian American Community House. These student-focused centers share the building with the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, a new caf�, lounges, study spaces and a high-tech multi-use auditorium/classroom. While the building was open for the start of classes on January 15, the University community plans to celebrate the re-opening on February 6 with an open house. Read the full press release from University Communications. 

Design & Construction Department: Mark Breitenbach, Steve Becker

Architect: SaylorGregg Architects

Construction Manager: Torcon