Updated January 11, 2021
Welcome to a new year with Drexel Engineering. We start this year grateful for our ability to conduct our business operations, research, work and learning both in both remote and hybrid fashions. We acknowledge the work of our facilities team, lab managers, IT and other central support who have positioned us for success. And while nearly all engineering courses will still be delivered remotely, we have support options for all students, weather online or hybrid. Please review the links below and check back often for information on space planning, academic resources and other important announcements.
--Sharon L. Walker, PhD, Dean
While President Fry announced on October 29 that additional select groups of students may return to campus, nearly all engineering courses will continue to be delivered remotely. Our staff have worked diligently to create home kits and interactive components for experiential-specific courses during the fall term so that even in remote mode, the classroom will come to you. We will ensure that work continues in the winter.
The pass/no pass option remains in place for the winter term. Any additional information and updates will be posted to the Office of the Provost FAQ.
Yes, faculty will continue to hold all office hours in remote fashion. Consult your course syllabus for contact information for your faculty members.
Yes! Our student advisors are working virtually and are ready and available to assist you. Email your advisor or make an appointment through DrexelOne under My Success Team.
Yes! The Academic Center for Engineers (ACE) continues to operate virtually. Sign up for an appointment or email coe.ace@drexel.edu with questions.
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.
Many students have started co-ops since the beginning of the fall term; some are taking place on-site and some from home. 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.
We want to ensure there are safe and efficient spaces – from quiet zones and study rooms to space for socially-distanced group work and interactions – for our students who choose to return to campus. See our list of spaces and reservation information.
In addition, the Drexel University Libraries is open virtually and on campus. Visit the Drexel Libraries’ COVID-19 response page for the latest information and updates about navigating the Libraries’ virtual and on-campus facilities and services.
As outlined in Dean Walker’s September senior design update, the grading expectations remain unchanged. That said, we are now able to provide limited, case-by-case access to engineering labs and spaces at the discretion of departments and individual senior design programs. Because our engineering programs are unique and the senior design experience can vary, your senior design coordinator and/or department head will have additional details regarding your specific program.
We are actively working with the Senior Vice President for Student Success to support engineering student clubs and activities. For now, please check the student FAQ on Drexel’s COVID website for details.
We understand that from the pandemic to social and political events, members of our community may also be feeling increased stress, anxiety and uncertainty. We remind you that a wealth of safety, mental health and well-being, as well as spiritual and religious resources are available and encourage you to take advantage of them.
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.
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.
The Center for Learning and Academic Success Services (CLASS) provides peer and professional academic coaching for all graduate programs at the university. In addition, graduate students are welcome to attend academic workshops.
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.
The Graduate College continues to offer TA and graduate student resources on the graduate coronavirus updates webpage.
We understand that from the pandemic to social and political events, members of our community may also be feeling increased stress, anxiety and uncertainty. We remind you that a wealth safety, mental health and well-being, as well as spiritual and religious resources are available and encourage you to take advantage of them.
Please contact your undergraduate admissions representative.
Join admissions representatives for One-on-One Live Chats.
Yes, we do! Take a look at the Drexel Undergraduate Admissions winter entry webpage for details.
Many in-person admissions events have been suspended, but we are excited to offer you a wide variety of virtual opportunities.
Please visit Drexel’s Coronavirus: Information for Prospective Students webpage for more information.
The majority of engineering courses will remain remote. Our facilities staff and lab managers have already played a crucial role in ensuring necessary operations continue, and they will continue to do so in winter term. Faculty should speak directly with their department head if they have questions or concerns about returning to campus. Staff should refer to the survey available through DSA-E, and/or discuss with their immediate supervisor. Please note that any final decisions and plans will be made in consultation with HR as well as in alignment with University policy, and we will continue to work with our HR business partner on unique circumstances as appropriate.
Dean Walker activated the Drexel Engineering Post-COVID Reentry Advisory Committee in tandem with the University announcement of a broader Return Oversight Committee (ROC). This group includes: the college leadership team of assistant/associate deans and department heads; faculty members Jennifer Atchison, Richard Cairncross, Adam Fontecchio and Richard Knight; and staff members Haley Dervinis and Wayne Hill. Representatives on the ROC include: Wayne Hill and Cameron Abrams (buildings/space); Caroline Schauer (research); Kapil Dandekar and Kevin Scoles (academic); and Haley Dervinis and Katie Meier (student life).
Package deliveries are being managed at the department level. Please look for an informational email from your department head for further details.
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.
Please refer to the Drexel Response to Coronavirus website FAQ for faculty and staff.
All members of the Drexel community received a message from President Fry on September 28 (subject “Safety and Self-Care in Challenging Times.”) It contains a wealth of resources, including a number of direct links, email addresses and phone numbers to take advantage of in any way that benefits you.
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