Academic News & Key Reminders - Fall 2024
September 23, 2024
Welcome new graduate students and welcome back returning students!
As we begin the fall quarter and 2024-2025 Academic Year, 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 (Main 301) is generally open for student services between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The Graduate College office will be closed on Fridays and our team will work remotely to assist you.
Students should check in at the Graduate College office 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 an email response. We offer complimentary filtered cold and hot water, tea, coffee and hot chocolate for graduate students during office hours. Please bring your own reusable cup or mug and help us keep the kitchenette area clean and dry for all.
The Graduate Student Lounge, located 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 for quiet social gathering, meeting, studying, eating and events. Please discard all trash, especially food items, and keep the lounge clean and furniture organized as you found it. Please alert the Graduate College of any issues, spills or food items left behind so we can request cleaning or maintenance ASAP. 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.
Required Title IX Training
All graduate students are required to complete an online module entitled, "Drexel U Got This! - Graduate Student Training", a sexual and gender-based harassment and misconduct prevention program, by Monday, Oct. 14 to be compliant with University policies for the 2024-2025 Academic Year. The training is required for all graduate students, including online students, in the term of entry and once annually in the fall term. Students should have received a separate email with detailed information about how to access and complete the training in Drexel Learn. A copy of the message can be found in the news section of the Graduate College website. Failure to complete the training by Oct. 14 will result in a hold on your account. Questions? Contact eictraining@drexel.edu.
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.
Fall Quarter Dates & Deadlines:
Monday, September 23 – Classes Begin
Friday, September 27 – Deadline to Confirm Your Enrollment in your DrexelOne
Friday, September 27 – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance
Sunday, September 29 by 11:59 p.m. ET – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course in your DrexelOne*
Monday, October 14 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day (University Holiday)
Monday, October 14 – All graduate students: Deadline to Complete Annual Title IX Training
Wednesday, October 16 at 10:30 a.m. ET – Convocation
Monday, October 21 – Deadline to Submit an Application for Degree in your DrexelOne for Fall Quarter Graduation
Monday, October 21 – New graduate students only: Deadline to Complete Mandatory Graduate College Orientation
Week of October 28 – Winter Quarter Registration Begins (Review Your Time Ticket Information)
Tuesday, November 5 – Election Day (No Classes)
Friday, November 8 – Deadline to Withdraw from a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance
Wednesday, November 27 to Friday, November 29 – Thanksgiving Break (No Classes)
Monday, December 2 – Classes Resume
Saturday, December 7 – Last Day of Classes
Monday, December 9 – Term Examinations Begin
Saturday, December 14 – Term Examinations End
Saturday, December 14 – Fall Quarter Degree Conferral Date (Date that appears on diploma)
Friday, December 20 – Academic Standing Notices Go Out (See Graduate Academic Standing Policy)
Monday, January 6, 2025 – Winter Quarter Classes Begin
Doctoral degree candidates and master’s thesis option students should refer to additional deadlines on the Graduation page of the Graduate College website and check with their advisor(s) for program dates and deadlines which may be earlier.
For part-of-term and semester dates and deadlines, please refer to Drexel’s Academic Calendars.
Academic Policies & 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. All international students must have any foreign travel approved by ISSS before leaving the country to remain compliant with their visa status.
Please familiarize yourself with the following academic policies and procedures:
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Academic Standing: Graduate Students – Academic Standing is calculated each term that a student is registered for classes and is based on 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.
Resources & Opportunities
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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. Read “Public Safety & U” for additional safety tips and resources.
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The Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides academic support and resources for graduate students, both on campus and online, through the Center for Learning and Academic Success Services (CLASS) (see upcoming workshops), English Language Center (ELC), and academic partners. Attend the ARC Open House Tues. Oct. 1, 1 to 3 p.m. at Korman Center to get to know the ARC, their spaces, and enjoy refreshments and the Drexel Therapy Dogs!
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The Drexel Writing Center (DWC) provides support through its Graduate Writing Consultants (GWCs) for all writing projects. Make an appointment online or become a GWC! Have a long-term writing project, such as a thesis or dissertation? For more information or to get started, email Elizabeth Kimball, University Writing Program Director, at ek674@drexel.edu.
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Stay up-to-date on the latest Professional Buzz - a blog warehousing relevant information, tips and tools for students and professionals looking for career development and advice. The blog is written and curated by Associate Dean of the Graduate College, Anne Converse Willkomm.
Remember, you must be well to do well. Information about available health and wellness resources for graduate students is outlined on the Graduate College website, including information about the Office of Counseling and Health Services and SupportLinc, Drexel’s Employee Assistance Program, a free 24/7 confidential and professional service for support, guidance, counseling, and resources which is available to graduate students and their families and household members at no additional cost.
Don’t hesitate to contact the Graduate College with any questions or concerns. We are here to support you throughout your graduate education at Drexel. Stop by soon for a complimentary cup of coffee or hot chocolate and browse our monthly displays.
Best wishes for a successful term!