End of Term and Winter Break Reminders
December 17, 2024
As we approach the end of the fall term and winter break closure, we would like to remind you of some important dates, academic policies, resources, 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. Monday through Thursday.* The Graduate College office is closed on Fridays, but our team is available remotely to assist you.
*Please note that the Graduate College office will be closed for the winter break at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19 and our staff will be available remotely on Friday, Dec. 20. The University will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Read on for university winter break closure information.
The Graduate Student Lounge, located 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 for quiet social gathering, meeting, studying, eating and events. Please discard all trash, especially food items, and keep the lounge clean and furniture organized as you found it. This is especially important during the winter break closure as there may not be regular trash pickup or maintenance. Please alert Facilities at 215.895.1700 of any issues, spills or food items left behind or to request cleaning or maintenance.
The University will close for the winter break at the end of the business day on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 and reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. 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 Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. 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. 6, 2025.
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 of the break.
International Travel Guidance
A new presidential administration begins in the US on Jan. 20, 2025. ISSS advises all international students and scholars to return to the US before Jan. 20, 2025 to avoid any unexpected travel issues. Enrolled students should return to the US prior to the start of the winter term on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Drexel University engages in research, scholarly, and creative activities that involve the development or use of products, goods, hardware, software, materials, information, or technology. Such activities may be subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations (Export Control). 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’s Export Compliance at export@drexel.edu.
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. 14 – Term Examinations End
Saturday, Dec. 14 – Fall Quarter Degree Conferral Date (Date that appears on diploma)
Wednesday, Dec. 18 – Grade Submission Deadline
Friday, Dec. 20 – Academic Standing Notices Go Out (See Academic Standing: Graduate Students Policy)
Monday, Dec. 23 – Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 – Winter Break (University Closed)
Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 – University Reopens
Monday, Jan. 6 – Winter Quarter Classes Begin
Friday, Jan. 10 by 4 p.m. ET – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance
Sunday, Jan. 12 by 11:59 p.m. ET – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course via DrexelOne
Doctoral degree candidates and master’s thesis option students should refer to additional deadlines on the Graduation page of the Graduate College website and check with their advisor(s) for program dates and deadlines which may be earlier.
For part-of-term and semester dates and deadlines, please refer to Drexel’s Academic Calendars.
Academic Policies & Procedures
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.
Please familiarize yourself with the following academic policies and procedures:
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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.
This winter break, as you gather with loved ones or find moments of quiet reflection, consider the significance of the knowledge you've acquired and the inquiries you've dared to explore. It is through your intellectual curiosity and ambition that our academic and professional community thrives, and we are continually inspired by the passion each of you brings to our university.
Wishing you a safe, happy, healthy and restorative winter break!