End of Term and Winter Break Reminders
December 12, 2025
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 and procedures, resources, and information about campus operations.
Office Operations
The Office of Graduate Studies 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 office is closed on Fridays, but our team is available remotely from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET to assist you.*
*Please note that the Office of Graduate Studies will be closed for the winter break beginning at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Our staff will be available remotely from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24. Following the winter break, the University will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, which is the first day of classes for the winter term. Read on for university winter break closure information.
Winter Break Closure
The University will close for the winter break beginning at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24 and reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, which is the first day of classes for the winter term. 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 Office of Graduate Studies, ISSS, Drexel Central, and other administrative offices until the University reopens on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out ahead of the break to discuss any questions or concerns you may have prior to the start of the winter term.
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 Office of Graduate Studies 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 on campus. Drexel University employs DrexelALERT, an emergency notification system that provides fast dissemination of critical information. 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 New College Building Security Desk.
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 by a supervisor to Drexel Public Safety via DPSR@drexel.edu in advance of the break.
International Travel Guidance
International students and scholars should review the “Immigration Updates” on the International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) website. ISSS has published a Travel FAQ section in the ISSS Student Portal in SharePoint (requires log in via Drexel Single Sign-On) to support international students and scholars navigating travel planning. The FAQs address common questions about re-entry to the U.S., required documentation, and travel considerations. We encourage all international students and scholars planning international travel this summer to review this information carefully and to reach out to ISSS for any immigration-related questions.
Export Control
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, December 13 – Term Examinations End
Saturday, December 13 – Fall Quarter Degree Conferral Date (Date that appears on diploma)
Friday, December 19 – Academic Standing Notices Go Out (See Academic Standing: Graduate Students)
Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 12 p.m. ET – Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 – Winter Break (University Closed)
Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 – University Reopens & Winter Quarter Classes Begin
Friday, Jan. 9 by 4 p.m. ET – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance
Sunday, Jan. 11 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 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
Please refer to the academic policies and procedures listed on both the Provost’s and Office of Graduate Studies websites. Additional policies are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, including the Academic Integrity policy and conduct process. 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.
Please familiarize yourself with the following academic policies and procedures:
Wishes for the Season
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!