Drexel Engineering Return to Campus
A message from Drexel Engineering Dean Sharon Walker
Updated August 19, 2020
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. As President Fry announced in a message to the Drexel community, courses will be conducted in remote format for the fall term.We will offer select graduate 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)?
As noted in President Fry’s August 19 announcement, all undergraduate courses will be taught remotely. We are 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.
- 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”).
- Who is involved in planning at the college-level, and how is the college represented in campus-level decision making?
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).
- 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.
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