September 21, 2021

Welcome new graduate students and welcome back to our returning students!

As we begin the fall quarter, the Graduate College would like to remind you of a few important academic policies, dates, deadlines and resources to help you navigate your academic program. We recommend you bookmark this information for future reference.

Graduate College Operations Updates

The Graduate College office space on the 3rd floor of the Main Building (Main 301) will operate with a limited staff and be open for student services between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday during the fall term. All must adhere to the latest health and safety guidance outlined on Drexel's Response to Coronavirus website. Please check back frequently. The Graduate College will offer a mix of virtual and in-person student services, programs, and events throughout the fall term for both online and on-campus students. Please contact us via email at graduatecollege@drexel.edu for questions or to schedule an appointment.

The Graduate Student Lounge on the lower level of Main Building (Main 010A) is open 24/7 and accessible to all graduate students via their DragonCard photo ID. Students are welcome to use the lounge space for social gathering, studying, eating, and events as is consistent with pre-pandemic operations. Students may briefly remove masks to consume food and beverage in the lounge as it is considered a designated eating area (as of 9/20/21). More information is available on the Graduate College website. Please note that this is subject to change and all must adhere to the most recent guidance outlined on Drexel's Response to Coronavirus website.

Academic Dates & Deadlines

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

Fall Quarter Dates & Deadlines:

Monday, September 20 – Classes Begin*
Friday, September 24 by 4 p.m. ET – Deadline to Submit a Graduate Program Completion Form for Summer Quarter Graduates (Required for PhD/doctoral and some Master's thesis programs)
Friday, September 24 – Deadline to Confirm Your Enrollment in your DrexelOne
Friday, September 24 – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance*
Sunday, September 26 by 11:59 p.m. ET – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course in your DrexelOne*
Monday, October 11 – Indigenous Peoples' Day (University Holiday)
Monday, October 18 – Deadline to Submit anApplication for Degree in your DrexelOne
Week of October 25 – Winter Quarter Registration Begins (Review Your Time Ticket Information)
Friday, November 5 – Deadline to Withdraw from a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance*
Wednesday, November 24 – Friday, November 26 – Thanksgiving Break, No Classes
Monday, November 29 – Classes Resume
Saturday, December 4 – Last Day of Classes*
Monday, December 6 – Term Examinations Begin*
Saturday, December 11 – Term Examinations End*
Saturday, December 11 – Fall Quarter Degree Conferral Date (Date that appears on diploma)
Friday, December 17 – Academic Standing Notices Go Out (See Graduate Academic Standing Policy)

*For part of term and semester dates and deadlines, please refer to Drexel's Academic Calendars.

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. Please review frequently for updates.

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.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Course Program of Study (CPoS) & FAQs
• Grades Policy: Graduate Students
• Incomplete Grade Policy & Contract
• Grade Appeals Procedure 
• Course Repeat Policy: Graduate Students
• Leave of Absence Policy
• Graduation Requirements

Resources & Opportunities for Graduate Students

• Visit Drexel University's Information Technology (DUIT) website to get connected or to contact the IT Help Desk.
• Review Drexel's Information Security team resources, best practices and available training.
• Get acquainted with Drexel Learn, Drexel's fully-supported learning management system and Zoom video conferencing.
• Visit the Business Services website for information about obtaining or updating your DragonCard photo ID, parking, and campus dining and retail services.
• Review Campus Maps and Directions.
• Review the commuter and off-campus student resources offered by Student Life, including transportation information, computer labs and printing, and lockers.
• Review the information on the Public Safety website, including walking escorts and emergency phone numbers you should save in your phone.
• Visit the Drexel University Libraries website for the latest updates, as well as fully online resources and services.
• The Center for Learning and Academic Success Services (CLASS) offers peer and professional academic coaching for graduate students, as well as virtual and on-campus academic workshops.
• The Drexel Writing Center provides support through its Graduate Writing Consultants for all writing projects.
• Students seeking information or accommodations for a documented disability should register with Disability Resources. Also see information about policies and reporting from the Office of Equality and Diversity (OED).
• Learn more about our Diversity Advisory Council and Drexel's Anti-Racism Task Force.
• Review Drexel's compliance and privacy services and compliance hotline and website.
• The Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC) offers one-on-one career counseling and professional pointers, including tips for international students. Set up your Handshake account. Save the date for the Virtual Fall Career Fair October 4-6 and attend a prep workshop!
• Students seeking information about applying for competitive national and international fellowships, such as Fulbright, should consult Fellowships Advising.
• Utilize the Health and Wellness Resources available for graduate students, including SupportLinc, our newest 24/7 support service for graduate students, their families, and household members.
• Sign up to share your graduate work, research and experience virtually with peers at the Graduate College & Graduate Student Association's monthly Scholars Share program.
• Invited to present your work at a meeting or conference, including virtually/online? Apply for a Teck-Kah Lim Graduate Student Travel Subsidy Award.
• Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply for the GSA's Health Insurance Deductible Subsidy for up to $100 back toward their Drexel Aetna student health insurance deductible.
• More Graduate College News & Events- Check back periodically for updates!

Don't hesitate to reach out to the Graduate College if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to support you throughout your graduate education at Drexel. 

Best wishes for a successful term!