Drexel Engineering Return to Campus
A message from Drexel Engineering Dean Sharon Walker
The safety and wellbeing of our Drexel Engineering community remains paramount as we move into the final weeks of summer quarter and plan for the fall term. While the majority of engineering courses will be conducted in remote format, we will offer select courses with research components face-to-face, provided public health and other guidance permits. Please bookmark this page and make it your first stop for information, as all engineering-specific news will be posted here—and updated—regularly.
Resources
- Drexel Response to Coronavirus Resources: Information about the COVID-19 response plan for each area of the University, as well as external support services and resources.
- Dean’s Messages to the Community: A comprehensive list of the Dean’s announcements to the community.
- Drexel Student Life: Information about the fall return to campus relating to the student campus experience, including residence hall and dining hall information, and recent messages to students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Current Engineering Undergraduate Students
- How will I know the modality (delivery format) of my engineering course(s)?
All students should check Drexel Central’s course registration page for detailed information on course modalities.
- How did you make decisions about Engineering course modalities?
In addition to following guidance from state and public authorities, as well as the Drexel Public Health Advisory and Return to Campus Oversight Committees, the Engineering leadership team in consultation with facilities directors took a multipronged approach to this decision making, which included reviewing course content and engineering building spaces, in combination with surveying faculty regarding instructional requirements. We are also hard at work creating take-home kits and interactive components for experiential-specific courses so that even in remote mode, the classroom will come to you.
- Will there be a pass/no pass option?
The pass/no pass option was implemented for Summer 2020. Any additional information and updates will be posted to the Office of the Provost FAQ.
- Will my professor still hold office hours?
Yes, faculty will continue to hold all office hours in remote fashion. Consult your course syllabus for contact information for your faculty members.
- Are student advisors still available?
Yes! Our student advisors are working virtually and ready and available to assist you. In addition, our Academic Center for Engineers (ACE) continues to operate virtually. Email coe.ace@drexel.edu or contact the Director of ACE Ilene Marker with questions.
- Are mask requirements different for Engineering labs?
In addition to the Drexel University mask policy, all Engineering students, faculty and staff are expected to follow proper safety procedures and protocol, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in all engineering classrooms and labs. This is no different than the use of protective eyewear during experimentations.
- What about my student activities and Engineering student clubs?
The College will be working with student organizations to plan a variety of on-campus events in addition to remote activities. Watch for event details in A4E and in College newsletters. In addition, leaders of all student organizations were notified by the Office of Student Life in mid-July regarding access to space and hosting club events, and each organization is assigned a “Campus Engagement (CE) Contact.” Please refer to that email and reach out to your CE contact with questions and concerns.
- What will my on-campus experience look like (physical distancing, residence life, dining, etc.)?
You can find an infographic about life as a “remote Dragon” – created by students for students – in A4E under “Tools.” Engineering faculty have also been collaborating in their own BBLearn site to share resources and development opportunities as we prepare to optimize continuing remote instruction. Please refer to the Drexel University student FAQ page for answers to all other related questions.
- I am a current international student. Where can I find more information regarding my situation?
Drexel Student Life and International Students and Scholars Services has created a comprehensive FAQ for international students, and we advise our international engineering student community to bookmark the Current International Student page.
- What about my engineering co-op?
Since every co-op is unique, we advise you to contact your co-op advisor with any questions or concerns about how COVID-19 will or will not impact you.
For Current Engineering Graduate Students
Current Engineering Graduate Students
- What about my research and access to campus labs?
Access to facilities is limited to essential personnel only. All Engineering research (e.g., papers, literature reviews, proposals, simulations, theory) is to be conducted remotely. Please develop a remote work plan with your advisor.
- Are mask requirements different for Engineering labs?
In addition to the Drexel University mask policy, all Engineering students, faculty and staff are expected to follow proper safety procedures and protocol, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in all engineering classrooms and labs. This is no different than the use of protective eyewear during experimentations.
- I am a current international student. Where can I find more information regarding my situation?
Drexel Student Life and International Students and Scholars Services has created a comprehensive FAQ for international students, and we advise our international engineering student community to bookmark the Current International Student page.
- How can I stay connected to the Drexel engineering community?
The Graduate College launched Zoom Room office hours that feature a variety of guest speakers and topics relevant to the graduate community, similar to the normal in-person coffee and workshops. RSVP here.
- What if I have other questions?
The Graduate College continues to offer TA and graduate student resources on the graduate coronavirus updates webpage.
New Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate Students
- I am a new Drexel Engineering undergraduate student. Where can I find more information about Welcome Week?
We’re so glad you are joining the #Dragoneer community! Check out the Drexel Engineering incoming students webpage for more on welcome week, advisor bios, and other frequently asked questions. Also consider joining incoming first-year students to explore the Drexel campus in Minecraft! Chat and participate in some activities in the virtual world. Register now.
- I am a new undergraduate/graduate international student. Where can I find more information regarding my situation?
Drexel Student Life and International Students and Scholars Services has created a comprehensive FAQ for international students, and we advise our international engineering student community to bookmark the New International Student FAQ page.
- What information do you have about first-year enrollment deferral?
Admitted students may request a defer based on specific circumstances. More information is available on the Undergraduate Admissions deferred enrollment page.
Future Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate Students
- What is the best way to contact college undergraduate student admissions?
Please contact your undergraduate admissions representative.
- What is the best way to contact college graduate admissions?
Join admissions representatives for One-on-One Live Chats.
- Do you have a winter start option?
Yes, we do! Take a look at the Drexel Undergraduate Admissions winter entry webpage for details.
- Will you still be hosting open houses? Can I take a virtual tour?
Many in-person admissions events have been suspended, but we are excited to offer you a wide variety of virtual opportunities.
- What if I have other questions?
Please visit Drexel’s Coronavirus: Information for Prospective Students webpage for more information.
Engineering Faculty and Staff
College of Engineering faculty and staff should refer to the BB Learn Academic Continuity site, MS Teams site, and Dean’s messages, respectively, regarding announcements that detail internal procedures, training and development resources, and other updates.
- What are the campus phases, and which one applies to me?
Note that the research ramp-up phases (Red, Yellow, Green) are different from the HR return to campus phases (1, 2, 3, 4). All Drexel Engineering faculty and staff were notified the week of July 27 of their assigned return phase via email (subject “Return to Campus Phase Plan”).
- How are package deliveries being handled?
Package deliveries are being managed at the department level. Please look for an informational email from your department head for further details.
- Who should I contact with research-related questions?
If you have an inquiry related to labs and research, please contact Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs Caroline Schauer. You can also visit Drexel’s Coronavirus: Information for Faculty and Staff webpage for more information.
- Where can I find information on other changes to the work environment and updates on university travel?
Please refer to the Drexel Response to Coronavirus website FAQ for faculty and staff.
Upcoming Events