Academic News and Key Reminders - Winter 2026
January 5, 2026
Happy New Year! Welcome new graduate students and welcome back returning students!
As we begin the winter quarter, the Office of Graduate Studies would like to remind you of a few important academic dates, deadlines, policies, procedures, and resources to help you navigate your graduate studies. We recommend you bookmark this information for future reference.
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. and 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Otherwise, our team is available to assist you remotely during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday).
Students should check in at the office using their DragonCard ID at the digital kiosk located at the front desk or email graduatecollege@drexel.edu for assistance. Please expect 1-2 business days for an email response. We offer complimentary cold and hot filtered water, tea, coffee and hot chocolate for graduate students during office hours. Please bring your own reusable cup or mug and help us keep the kitchenette area clean and dry for all.
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. Please alert the Office of Graduate Studies of any issues, spills or food items left behind so we can request cleaning or maintenance ASAP. More information about the lounge, including how to reserve it, is available on our website. New students will receive access to the lounge during their first week of classes.
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.
Winter Quarter Dates & Deadlines:
Monday, January 5 – Classes Begin
Friday, January 9 – Deadline to Confirm Your Enrollment in your DrexelOne
Friday, January 9 – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance
Sunday, January 11 by 11:59 p.m. ET – Deadline to Add/Drop a Course in your DrexelOne
Monday, January 19 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (University Holiday)
Monday, February 2 – Deadline to Submit an Application for Degree in your DrexelOne for Winter Quarter Graduation
Week of February 9 – Spring Quarter Registration Begins (Review Your Time Ticket Information)
Friday, February 20 – Deadline to Withdraw from a Course with Academic Advisor Assistance
Saturday, March 14 – Last Day of Classes
Monday, March 16 – Term Examinations Begin
Saturday, March 21 – Term Examinations End
Saturday, March 21 – Winter Quarter Degree Conferral Date (Date that appears on diploma)
Friday, March 27 – Academic Standing Notices Go Out (See Academic Standing: Graduate Students)
Monday, March 30 – Spring Quarter Classes Begin
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:
Academic Transformation Updates
In the fall, the Provost’s Office shared an update on Drexel’s Academic Transformation. The transformation includes the integration of several colleges and schools and academic and administrative units, as well as the transition from the quarter to the semester calendar beginning in August 2027 (Academic Year 2027-2028). For more information, we encourage you to review the most recent announcement, website, Academic Transformation Information for Students SharePoint site, which includes a list of Frequently Asked Questions, and/or to submit any additional questions via the Academic Transformation Questions Form.
Resources & Opportunities
- Review Campus Maps & Locations and plan ahead so you will arrive at your scheduled classes on time.
- Review various transportation options and the Drexel shuttle bus schedules. Plan your travel and commute to campus.
- Discount Alert! Full-time Drexel students are eligible for a 15-percent discount on monthly SEPTA passes purchased through DrexelOne through the SEPTA ComPass Program. All passes must be purchased by the 15th of the month before the pass you are purchasing. For example, the deadline for buying a February pass is 11:59 p.m. on January 14.
- Get acquainted with your DrexelOne portal and Drexel Learn, Drexel’s current Learning Management System (LMS). For questions about Learn or trainings and workshops, contact the Instructional Technology Group (ITG) at itg@drexel.edu. You can also view tutorials on YouTube and read their blog. Further, watch the “Discover Blackboard: Drexel’s Learning Management System” webinar.
- Note: Drexel is transitioning to Canvas as its new Learning Management System (LMS). For more information and a timeline, as well as additional resources, read the latest update.
- Visit Drexel University’s Information Technology (DUIT) website to get connected or contact the Help Desk for assistance at 215.895.2020 or helpdesk@drexel.edu. For issues with your Drexel email or accounts, contact accounts@drexel.edu.
- Learn more about utilizing your student Microsoft Office 365 account, including email and apps.
- Review Drexel’s Information Security team resources, best practices and available training. For any security related questions, please contact informationsecurity@drexel.edu.
- Review the information on the Public Safety website, including campus safety tips, how to request a walking escort and emergency phone numbers you should save in your phone. Read “Public Safety & U” for additional safety tips and resources.
- Register for upcoming Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC) workshops, drop-in resume review sessions, and browse information about career services for graduate students. Prepare for the Engineering and Technology Career Fair Jan. 21 (virtual) and Jan. 27 (in person) and attend a prep workshop!
- Visit the Drexel University Libraries website and online tutorials (including Library 101) and watch the “Introducing Drexel Libraries and Services & Navigating the Waters of Academic Integrity with Artificial Intelligence (AI)” webinar.
- The McGonigal Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides academic support and resources for graduate students, both on campus and online.
- The Drexel Writing Center (DWC) provides support through its Graduate Writing Consultants (GWCs) for all writing projects. Make an appointment online or become a GWC! Have a long-term writing project, such as a thesis or dissertation? For more information or to get started, email Elizabeth Kimball, University Writing Program Director, at ek674@drexel.edu.
- Students seeking information or accommodations for a documented disability should register with Disability Resources.
- Review important policies and reporting protocols from the Office of Civil Rights Compliance (CRC).
- Review Drexel’s compliance and privacy services and compliance hotline and website.
- Browse DragonLink for a list of recognized student organizations and upcoming events hosted by student organizations.
- Don’t miss the monthly DrexelNow graduate student newsletter edition for the latest graduate-specific news, events and opportunities. And, follow Drexel accounts on social media!
- More Office of Graduate Studies News - Check back periodically for updates!
Take Care & Be Well
Remember, you must be well to do well. Information about available health and wellness resources for graduate students is outlined on the Graduate Studies website, including information about the Office of Counseling and Health.
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 contact the Office of Graduate Studies with 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, tea, hot chocolate, or to refill your water bottle. Be sure to bring your own travel cup or mug.
Best wishes for a successful term!