As we approach the end of the fall term and winter break closure, we would like to remind you of some important dates, deadlines, academic policies, requirements, and information about campus operations.
Please continue to refer to Drexel’s Response to Coronavirus website for the latest guidance, FAQs, and for contact information should you have any questions.
Graduate College Operations
The Graduate College office space on the 3rd floor of the Main Building (MAIN 301) will continue to operate with a limited staff and be open for student services between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, except during the winter break closure (see below). Please contact us via email at graduatecollege@drexel.edu for questions or to schedule an appointment.
As a friendly reminder, there is no eating or drinking in the Graduate College office space in Main 301. Any beverages should be taken to go and enjoyed in a designated eating area.
The Graduate Student Lounge on the lower level of Main Building (Main 010A) is open 24/7 and accessible to all graduate students via their DragonCard ID. The lounge will remain open and accessible during the winter break closure, but please adhere to the guidance below regarding campus safety and security. Students are welcome to use the lounge space for social gathering, studying, eating, and events. Students may briefly remove masks to consume food and beverage in the lounge as it is considered a designated eating area. More information about the lounge is available on the Graduate College website.
Winter Break Operations
The University will close for the winter break beginning Friday, Dec. 24, 2021 and reopen on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, the first day of winter quarter classes. Regular business operations, including online/remote, will be suspended or have significantly reduced hours and staff during the winter break closure. This includes mail and deliveries, trash pickup, cleaning, maintenance, weather-related services, and other auxiliary services.
During the closure, you may not receive a response from faculty, academic advisor(s), the Graduate College, ISSS, Drexel Central, and other administrative offices until the University reopens on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out ahead of the break to discuss any academic questions or concerns you may have.
Campus Safety & Security Reminders
The Graduate College is committed to the well-being and safety of our graduate community. Some graduate students may need to be on campus during the winter break closure to staff ongoing activities, projects, and operations. It is especially important that students communicate such plans with their supervisor(s) to ensure the safety and security of all members of our campus community. Time off taken by graduate students during the winter break closure does not count towards vacation time as per the Vacation Policy for PhD and Doctoral-Level Students.
Building doors will be locked and accessible by DragonCard ID only. Please ensure you have proper access prior to the winter break closure. Any changes to schedules, clearances, and access must be forwarded to Drexel Public Safety via DPSR@drexel.edu in advance.
Please Note: In case of an emergency, Drexel University Public Safety will be available and can be reached at 215-895-2222 (TTY: 215-571-4141) or dial 911. Please also contact Public Safety regarding any Environmental Health and Safety concerns.
Additional emergency numbers, including local emergency rooms and crisis response centers, can be found on the Counseling and Health Services website.
Please take the proper precautions to remain safe if you need to be on campus. We encourage you to refer to the Public Safety website for the latest news and for ways to stay safe on campus.
Academic Dates & Deadlines
Please refer to the Academic Calendars on the Provost’s website for all academic dates and deadlines which are subject to change. You should also consult with your individual college or school officials and graduate academic advisor(s) for additional dates, deadlines and requirements.
Remaining Fall Quarter Dates & Deadlines:
Saturday, Dec. 11 – Term Examinations End*
Saturday, Dec. 11 – Fall Quarter Degree Conferral Date (Date that appears on diploma)
Wednesday, Dec. 15 by 12 p.m. EST – Grade Submission Deadline
Friday, Dec. 17 – Academic Standing Notices Go Out (See Graduate Academic Standing Policy)
Friday, Dec. 24 – Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022 – Winter Break (University Closed)
Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 – Winter Quarter Classes Begin
Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022 by 4 p.m. EST – Deadline to Submit Graduate Program Completion Form for Fall Quarter Graduation (Required for doctoral and some Master's thesis programs)
*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 should 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 review the following policies:
Reminder: REQUIRED Online Title IX Training
If you have not already completed the REQUIRED online training module entitled, "Drexel U Got This! - Grad Student Training", a sexual and gender-based harassment and misconduct prevention program, please do so immediately to be compliant with the University's policies for the 2021-2022 Academic Year. We will be communicating with those out of compliance in early January 2022. The training will help you understand your right to a discrimination and harassment-free learning environment, as well as your role in contributing to Drexel’s inclusive environment.
Take Care & Be Well
We know the past year plus has been challenging and has required continuous adaptation and patience. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Graduate College if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to support you through this challenging time and throughout your graduate education at Drexel.
Please also refer to the following health and wellness resources and seek support as needed, including through SupportLinc, a free 24/7 confidential and professional service for support, guidance, counseling, and resources.
Wishing you a safe, healthy, restful, and restorative winter break,
Elisabeth J. Van Bockstaele, Ph.D.
Chief Strategy Officer
Senior Vice President for Graduate and Online Education
Dean, Graduate College and Graduate Schools of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies
Professor of Pharmacology & Physiology
College of Medicine