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End of Quarter Academic Reminders, Winter Break & Return to Campus Information for Graduate Students

December 11, 2020

As we approach the end of the fall term and a year that has challenged us in ways we never could have imagined, we want to reiterate Dr. Sahu’s message from Dec. 8. We encourage you to take care of yourself and take a break this winter break.


Graduate College Operations Due to COVID-19


The Graduate College will continue to operate remotely and by appointment only. Please contact us via email at graduatecollege@drexel.edu to schedule an appointment. We are accepting and processing all forms digitally and will continue to offer our regular co-curricular and professional development programming virtually. Please visit the Graduate College website for more information about our policies, programs and resources. 


For the latest information, please visit Drexel’s Response to Coronavirus website or call the Drexel COVID Questions line at 215.703.2335.


Graduate Student Virtual Town Hall Friday, Dec. 18 at 12 p.m. EST


The Graduate College will be hosting a virtual Town Hall for graduate students on Friday, Dec. 18 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST to help answer your questions about Drexel’s ongoing response to COVID-19 and our campus community plans.

 

Please click on the link below to register in advance with your Drexel email address by Wednesday, Dec. 16:


Click Here to Register for the virtual Town Hall


Reminder of Upcoming Academic Dates & Deadlines


Please refer to the Academic Calendars on the Provost’s website for all academic dates and deadlines which are subject to change. You should also consult with your individual college or school officials and graduate academic advisor(s) for additional dates, deadlines and requirements. 

Fall Quarter 2020 
Saturday, Dec. 12 – Fall Term Examinations End 
Saturday, Dec. 12 by 11:59 p.m. EST – Deadline to Opt in for Pass/No Pass Grading Option for Fall Quarter Classes with Academic Advisor Assistance (Please note that you cannot opt in for a P/NP grade if the final grade has already been entered. Please discuss this option with your academic advisor.) 
Saturday, Dec. 12 – Fall Quarter Degree Conferral Date (Date that appears on the diploma) 
Wednesday, Dec. 16 by 12 p.m. EST – Fall Quarter Grade Submission Deadline for Faculty
Friday, Dec. 18 – Fall Quarter Academic Standing Notices Go Out (See Graduate Academic Standing Policy) 

Winter Break 
*UPDATED* Wednesday, Dec. 23 – Winter Break Begins Early, University Closed
Dec. 23 – Jan. 3, 2021 – Winter Break, University Closed
Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 – University Reopens

Winter Break Information

Drexel University will be closed for the winter break beginning end of business day on Tuesday, Dec. 22 and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. Regular business operations, including remote/virtual, will be suspended or have significantly reduced hours and staff during the winter break closure. 

 

Because of the winter break closure, you may not receive a response from your faculty, graduate advisors, the Graduate College, Drexel Central, and other administrative offices until the University reopens on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. Please understand that we will be here to assist you through Tuesday, Dec. 22 and prior to the start of the winter term in January. In the meantime, we encourage you to work with your academic advisor ahead of the winter break to discuss any academic concerns you may have. 

 

Return to Campus Updates – Winter Quarter 2021


President John Fry provided a summary of key updates about remaining safe during the winter break and the University's plans for the start of the winter term is his message on Dec. 10. As we continue our phased return to campus, we would like to remind you of the plans for the winter term:

  • Quarter-based graduate and undergraduate programs scheduled to begin January 4 will be delayed by one week and will begin on January 11. 

  • Week of January 11: Classes will be fully virtual to allow for the completion of a quarantine period for students who moved to campus. 

  • Week of January 18: Some classes will move to a face-to-face or hybrid format, while the majority of classes will remain remote. 

  • Weekly COVID-19 testing required for students in on-campus research, face-to-face or hybrid learning, as well as those living in Drexel housing or buildings connected to campus properties. 


It's important to note that winter quarter will take place over nine weeks instead of ten, including for fully online programs. Although this is a compressed timeframe, we have been working closely with faculty to ensure a quality academic experience as well as the health and safety of our community.

For the latest information about return to campus health and safety protocols, testing and more, please visit Drexel’s Response to Coronavirus website or call the Drexel COVID Questions line at 215.703.2335. We will continue to provide necessary updates as we approach the start of winter term.

Reminder of Important Academic Policies & Procedures 


Please refer to the academic policies and procedures listed on both the Provost’s and Graduate College websites. Additional policies are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, including the Academic Integrity policy and conduct process. All students should be aware of and knowledgeable of these policies and procedures. 

International students (F-1 and J-1) should refer to the latest updates, policies and information on the International Students & Scholars Services (ISSS) website. 


Please review the following policies: 

  • Academic Standing: Graduate Students – Academic Standing is determined each term that a student is registered for classes and is based on both the term and cumulative GPA. A student’s academic standing is reflected on his or her permanent academic transcript. A graduate student must maintain a minimum 3.00 term and cumulative GPA to progress toward graduation. Please note that individual programs may set higher standards. Please click on the policy for definitions, actions and requirements. 

  • Pass/No Pass Grading Option – The Pass/No Pass Grading Option will continue for the winter quarter. Please review the FAQs at the link to determine your eligibility and consult with your graduate academic advisor about whether or not this option is right for you and any implications for your Graduate Academic Standing or Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). 

  • Grades Policy: Graduate Students 

 

Virtual Resource Fair Sessions 

 

All new, incoming graduate quarter program students, including online students, are invited to register for the Graduate College's Virtual Graduate Student Welcome & Resource Fair sessions as part of Dragons Unite: 2021 welcome back programming. Each virtual fair session will feature a live welcome, overview and 5-6 different offices/departments/organizations from across campus who will engage in live chat, discussion and share information about their student resources and services, encouraging any appropriate follow up.

We know the past year has been challenging and has required continuous adaptation and patience. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Graduate College if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to support you through this challenging time and throughout your graduate education at Drexel.

Wishing you a safe, healthy, restful and restorative winter break, 

 -The Graduate College Team