October 30, 2025

This message was sent to all graduate and professional degree students on Oct. 30.

Whether you’re just beginning your advanced studies or well on your way to completing your degree, you are part of a vibrant University community at a transformative moment. In August 2027, Drexel will transition all academic programs currently operating on the quarter calendar to a semester calendar, a change designed to enrich the academic journey, expand opportunities and strengthen connections across disciplines and with partners worldwide.

Graduate and professional degree programs that already follow a semester calendar will continue according to program-specific guidance.

Why This Change Matters

This transition is part of Drexel’s bold Academic Transformation initiative, which is shaping the future of education at our University. By moving to a semester calendar, we’re creating a more unified and comprehensive academic experience, making it easier for students to collaborate across programs, engage in research and experiential learning, and participate in national and international opportunities that operate on semester timelines. This new calendar also supports improved course sequencing, advising, and financial aid processes, while maintaining the structure needed for programs with specialized accreditation, clinical rotations, or cohort-based formats.

What Students Can Expect

• A Consistent Framework: All graduate and professional degree programs will now follow a semester structure for consistency in credits, registration, and policies. Some programs, particularly those in the health professions and other accredited fields, will maintain unique calendars or course sequences to meet professional and accreditation requirements.
  Your program’s calendar will be tailored to ensure you receive the instructional hours, clinical experiences, and research opportunities required for degree completion and licensure.
• Secure Graduation Plans: As long as you continue to make satisfactory progress in your current degree program, the transition to semesters, by itself, will not extend the time needed to complete your degree. Students will work closely with their academic advisor and/or program director to plan their academic path and transition from the quarter to the semester calendar.
• Financial Stability: As long as you continue to make satisfactory progress in your current degree program, the transition to semesters, by itself, will not increase the total cost of your program. Billing, financial aid, and scholarships will be adjusted to reflect semesters instead of quarters, with careful attention to continuity and transparency. For those with assistantships, fellowships, or contracts, we’re working closely with your program to clarify timelines and details related to appointments. More details to follow.
• Personalized Support: Your academic advisor and/or program director will be your first point of contact throughout the transition. They will help you navigate the transition and stay on track toward your goals.

How the Transition Will Happen

• Fall 2025: Faculty have begun redesigning all programs and courses.
• Summer 2026 onward: Academic advisors and/or program directors will work with you to plan your academic path on the semester calendar.
• Summer 2027: A one-time transition term will align quarter-based programs with the new semester calendar, designed to minimize disruption and help you maintain progress toward your degree. Details about the transition term will continue to be shared as they are finalized.
• August 23, 2027: Semester calendar officially begins, unless otherwise noted in your program-specific calendar.

Resources and Community

We know that change can bring questions, and we’re here to support you.

• Your academic advisor and/or program director should be your first point of contact for guidance and planning.
• Review information for students on the Provost's Office website, which includes frequently asked questions (FAQs). Additional FAQs will be posted as they become available.
• Review previous announcements archived on the Provost's website.
• Ask a Question: You may also submit questions directly to the Academic Transformation Team in the Provost’s Office using the Academic Transformation Questions Form.

We’re grateful to have you as part of our graduate and professional student community during this pivotal moment in Drexel’s history. Your passion for discovery, growth, and real-world solutions strengthens us all. We are confident that this transition — including the curricular innovation driven by the full redesign of quarter programs — will make your academic experience even richer, more connected and more impactful.

The success of every student — no matter when you began your Drexel journey — is our top priority.  We're excited for you to help shape what comes next.

Sincerely,

Paul E. Jensen, PhD
Executive Vice President
Nina Henderson Provost