January 5, 2023

Welcome new graduate students and welcome back returning students!

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

Graduate College Operations

The Graduate College office on the third floor of the Main Building, Suite 301, is generally open for student services between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Students should check in using their DragonCard ID at the digital kiosk located at the front desk or contact graduatecollege@drexel.edu for assistance. Please expect 1-2 business days for a response. As a reminder, we offer complimentary filtered cold and hot water, tea, coffee and hot chocolate for graduate students during office hours. Be sure to bring your own reusable cup or mug a we have discontinued providing paper and plastic products.

Please join the Graduate College for our virtual meet and greet sessions during the first week of classes to get to know our faculty, professional staff and student leaders, to learn more about how we serve graduate students, and about our upcoming programs and events this term.

The Graduate Student Lounge on the lower level of Main Building (Main 010A) is open 24/7 and accessible to all graduate students via your DragonCard ID. Students are welcome to use the lounge space for social gathering, meeting, studying, eating and events. More information about the lounge, including how to reserve it, is available on the Graduate College website. New students will receive access to the lounge during their first week of classes.

Academic Dates & Deadlines

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

Winter Quarter Dates & Deadlines:

Monday, January 9 – Classes Begin*
Friday, January 13 – Deadline to Confirm Your Enrollment in your DrexelOne
Friday, January 13 – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance*
Sunday, January 15 by 11:59 p.m. ET – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course in your DrexelOne*
Monday, January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (University Holiday)
Monday, February 6 – Deadline to Submit an Application for Degree in your DrexelOne for Winter Quarter Graduation
Week of February 13 – Spring Quarter Registration Begins (Review Your Time Ticket Information)
Friday, February 24 – Deadline to Withdraw from a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance*
Saturday, March 18 – Last Day of Classes*
Monday, March 20 – Term Examinations Begin*
Saturday, March 25 – Term Examinations End*
Saturday, March 25 – Winter Quarter Degree Conferral Date (Date that appears on diploma)
Friday, March 31 – Academic Standing Notices Sent (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 MUST 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 familiarize yourself with the following academic policies and procedures:

• Academic Standing: Graduate Students – Academic Standing is calculated each term that a student is registered for classes and outputs both the term and cumulative GPA. The cumulative GPA is calculated using all prior terms of graduate enrollment at Drexel. A student’s academic standing is reflected on their 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
• Religious Observances Policy & Calendar

Resources & Opportunities

• Register to participate in upcoming programs and events offered by the Graduate College, including our highly anticipated annual Financial Literacy Series – The Tax Talk Jan. 25 and an exciting new workshop on Fashion Brand Stories as told by the author, Dr. Joseph Hancock Feb. 23.
• Review Campus Maps & Locations and plan ahead so you arrive at your scheduled classes on time.
• Review various transportation options and the Drexel shuttle bus schedules.
• Get acquainted with your DrexelOne portal and Drexel Learn, Drexel’s fully-supported learning management system.
• 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.
• Review the information on the Public Safety website, including campus safety tips, how to request a walking escort and emergency phone numbers you should save in your phone.
• Visit the Drexel University Libraries website for a virtual orientation and resources.
• 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.
• Review important policies and reporting protocols from the Office for Institutional Equity and Inclusive Culture (EIC).
• Learn more about our commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI), Diversity Advisory Council and Drexel’s Anti-Racism Task Force.
• Review Drexel’s compliance, policy and privacy services and compliance hotline and website.
• 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.
• Look out for the monthly DrexelNow graduate student newsletter edition and monthly Doctoral Student Newsletter for the latest news, events and opportunities.
• More Graduate College News & Events- Check back periodically for updates!

Take Care & Be Well

Most important, please take care of yourself. You can only do well if you feel well. Information about available health and wellness resources for graduate students is outlined on the Graduate College website, including information about SupportLinc, Drexel’s Employee Assistance Program, a free 24/7 confidential and professional service for support, guidance, counseling, and resources. And, check out Drexel University Libraries’ LibGuides for ideas for how to relieve stress and maintain intellectual wellness.

Drexel also recently launched a new Health & Well-Being at Drexel site as your University-wide hub for information campus health programs and so much more to support your wellbeing.

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. Stop by soon for a complimentary cup of coffee or hot chocolate and be sure to bring your own cup or mug.

Best wishes for a successful term!