December 14, 2023

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. 

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. ET Monday through Friday.* Students should check in 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. Just bring your own reusable cup or mug! 

*Please note that the Graduate College office will close early at 12 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15 and will close for the winter break one day earlier than the University beginning Friday, Dec. 22; however, our staff will be available remotely through noon on Friday, Dec. 22. We will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Read on for University winter break closure information. 

The Graduate Student Lounge 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 space for social gathering, meeting, studying, eating and events. More information about the lounge, including how to request to reserve it, is available on the Graduate College website. Please discard all trash, especially food items, and keep the lounge clean and furniture organized as you found it. This is especially important over the winter break closure. Please alert the Graduate College of any issues, spills or food items left behind so we can request cleaning or maintenance ASAP. 

Winter Break Closure

The University will close for the winter break at end of business day on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 and reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. As a reminder, the Graduate College office will not be open on Friday, Dec. 22; however, staff will be available remotely through noon on Friday, Dec. 22. Please note that other offices may also have reduced hours or staff as we approach the winter break closure. 

Regular business operations will be suspended or have significantly reduced hours and staff during the winter break closure. This includes dining facilities, student centers, mail and deliveries, trash pick-up, cleaning, non-emergency maintenance, weather-related services, and other auxiliary services. 

During the break, 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 Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out ahead of the break or during the first week of January to discuss any questions or concerns you may have prior to the start of the winter term on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. 

Reminder: 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. 

Campus Safety & Security Reminders

The Graduate College is committed to the well-being and safety of all our community members. Some graduate students may need to be on campus during the winter break closure to staff ongoing activities, projects, and operations. Please communicate any plans to be on campus with your supervisor(s) so they are aware. Heed warnings of severe winter weather as it may take longer for facilities staff to clear snow or ice. Call 215.895.MELT (6358) for the latest weather-related information for all campuses. Drexel Public Safety is available 24/7 during the break. Please take a moment to review the safety resources, tips and information on the Public Safety website, save emergency numbers in your phone, and download the Drexel Guardian app, which directly connects you to the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center, including Environmental Health and Safety, in the event of an emergency. 

Students in University City should call 215.895.2222, or simply 2222 from any campus phone line, in case of an emergency or to request a walking escort. Do not hesitate to call. Students on the Center City Campus should call 911 in case of an emergency. For non-emergency assistance or to request a walking escort on the Center City Campus, please call 267.359.2380 to access the Center City Campus Security Office. 

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. 

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. 

Saturday, Dec. 16 – Term Examinations End* 
Saturday, Dec. 16 – Fall Quarter Degree Conferral Date (Date that appears on diploma) 
Wednesday, Dec. 20 – Grade Submission Deadline for Faculty  
Friday, December 22 – Academic Standing Notices Go Out (See Graduate Academic Standing Policy) 
Monday, Dec. 25 – Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 – Winter Break (University Closed) 
Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024 – University Reopens 
Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024 by 4 p.m. EST - Deadline to submit a Graduate Program Completion Form for doctoral candidates, and some Master’s thesis candidates, graduating in Fall Quarter 

Please note that all PhD and most professional doctoral programs should follow the E Forms process outlined on our website while a few professional doctorates should follow the original D Forms process until further notice. Please also note that some programs may have EARLIER deadlines. 
Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 – Winter Quarter Classes Begin 
Friday, Jan. 12, 2024 by 12 p.m. EST – Deadline for probation meeting and/or plan for remediation with advisor & Deadline for Reinstatement 
Friday, Jan. 12 by 4 p.m. EST – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance 
Sunday, Jan. 14 by 11:59 p.m. EST – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course via DrexelOne 
 

*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. You should also familiarize yourself with the new policy on Academic Integrity Pertaining to Artificial Intelligence. All students MUST 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. All international students must have any foreign travel approved by ISSS before leaving the country to remain compliant with their visa status. 

Are you traveling out of the country during the break? Will you be taking a Drexel issued laptop and related devices abroad? If so, please contact Drexel University Export Control Compliance in the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) at export@drexel.edu. 

Please familiarize yourself with the following academic policies and procedures: 

- 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.

- Academic Integrity Pertaining to Artificial Intelligence 

- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 

- Course Program of Study (CPoS) & FAQs 

- Grades Policy: Graduate Students 

- Incomplete Grade Policy & Contract

- Grade Appeals Procedure  

- Course Repeat Policy: Graduate Students 

- Leave of Absence Policy 

- Graduation Requirements  

- Religious Observances Policy & Calendar 

- Vacation Policy for PhD and Doctoral-Level Students 

Take Care & Be Well

Most importantly, we hope you take some time over the break to relax, spend time with loved ones and take care of YOU! 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. 

Please also refer to the Health & Well-Being at Drexel website for information about campus health and counseling programs and so much more to support your wellbeing. And, check out Drexel University Libraries’ LibGuides for ideas for how to relieve stress and maintain intellectual wellness. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Graduate College if you have 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 holiday display to learn more about how different cultures and religions celebrate the holidays. 

Wishing you a safe, happy, healthy and restorative winter break!