The following message was sent to Drexel students on Aug. 4:

Dear Drexel Dragons,

I hope you and those in your life are staying healthy during this global pandemic. At Drexel University, the health of our Dragons is the most important consideration when planning our return to campus this fall. Whether you are living on or off campus, we need your full participation to ensure that the Drexel community is as safe as possible. It is your responsibility to respect those around you and take proper precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We are examining every facet of learning, living, and working at the University to ensure that the latest evidence-based public health measures are in place to make our campus as safe as it can be. However, our ability to reduce risk and stay safe, healthy, and open depends on all of us following the protocols that Drexel has put in place, particularly wearing face masks, monitoring your health via the Drexel Health Tracker App, maintaining physical distance, and especially minimizing large gatherings and avoiding parties. Learn more about what is expected of all Drexel Community members at Drexel's Response to Coronavirus page.

As a reminder, you will be required to complete the COVID-19 Student Training course and sign the online Dragon Pledge. By taking The Dragon Pledge, you commit to maintaining a culture of health and safety and acknowledge our shared commitment to adopt the critical, proactive measures that will keep our University community safe. The COVID-19 Student Training & Pledge is currently available via the DrexelOne student checklist 24 hours after you have registered for the term.

Throughout higher education, there is a concern that students will not strictly abide with new health rules on campus. While we understand that this will be an adjustment for all of us, we will be enforcing these guidelines and there will be consequences for those who do not adhere to them. We will be communicating the necessity of following our new health rules repeatedly and extensively to everyone on campus. Drexel Dragons are strong and resilient — we will all get through this together.

We know the risk from COVID-19 cannot be immediately eliminated; however, adherence to these protocols will minimize this risk. Remember, you are a steward of Drexel University both on and off campus and you should always err on the side of safety. You are encouraged to monitor Drexel's Response to Coronavirus page for the latest COVID-19 guidelines.

Sincerely,

Subir Sahu, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Success