Graduate Student Orientation

The following information is geared toward graduate students enrolled in quarter programs. Students enrolled in the Kline School of Law and College of Medicine should check with their college or school officials about any orientation programs.

Welcome to Drexel University!

The Graduate College with our current graduate students, postdocs, faculty and professional staff members are thrilled to have you join us for your graduate education! The Graduate College, in partnership with each of the colleges and schools, Enrollment Management and Student Success, Student Life, and our campus partners, hosts a series of programs and events, both on campus and online, to help you prepare for your graduate study, acclimate to the graduate community, and learn more about academic, personal, professional, social and cultural resources available to you at Drexel.

If you will be starting your graduate education in a subsequent term (winter, spring or summer), we welcome you to participate in the annual fall programs and events following your first term of enrollment, as well as attend any quarterly new student programs and events which may be offered. In addition, don't hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with a representative from the Graduate College to get started. We are happy to welcome new graduate students personally and get help you started on your academic journey, as well as connect you with representatives from your college or school and other important student services on campus and online.

Graduate Student Orientation (REQUIRED)

The Graduate College requires a self-paced, asynchronous online orientation for all new, incoming graduate students enrolled in quarter programs, including on campus (face-to-face) and online, in Drexel Learn, Drexel's learning management system (LMS). Some also refer to Drexel Learn as "Blackboard Learn" or "Learn" for short. The orientation is a series of modules which provide a high-level overview of and introduction to University policies and services, as well as reminders of required training and compliance items. Students must review all of the modules and complete the short assessment after each in order to be in compliance.

Students will gain access to the orientation modules in Drexel Learn on or around Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Students will receive more information about how to access the orientation and instructions for completion via their their Drexel email. Questions? Contact graduatecollege@drexel.edu.

Winter Quarter Deadline: Monday, January 27, 2025

If the orientation and assessments are not completed by the deadline, a registration hold will be placed on your student account preventing you from being able to register for classes for the subsequent term and until you complete the orientation.

Please note that the orientation is listed under "Organizations" (not "Courses") in the left-hand menu in Drexel Learn and in the "Administrative Term". Further, please make sure you pick up your Drexel account in order to log in and access Drexel Learn and the orientation. If you do not see the orientation in your Drexel Learn account under "Organizations," please first make sure you have the "Administrative Term" visible. You can also visit the Technical Support page to troubleshoot any technical issues.

Click Here to Access Drexel Learn

This orientation is required in addition to any college, school or program-specific orientation or training programs, some of which may also be required. Please check with your assigned graduate academic advisor.

Title IX Training (REQUIRED)

All Drexel graduate students are required to complete a self-paced, asynchronous online module entitled, "Drexel U Got This! - Grad Student Training", a sexual and gender-based harassment and misconduct prevention program, in order to be compliant with the University's policies each academic year. The training will appear under "Courses" from the left-hand menu in Drexel Learn and in the "Administrative Term". Please continue to check your Drexel email for instructions on how to complete the training and for the completion deadline. Students who begin in the winter, spring, and summer terms will be added to the training in their term of entry and receive instructions and a completion deadline via their Drexel email.

Students will gain access to the training course in Drexel Learn beginning Monday, December 23, 2024. Students will receive more information about how to access the training and instructions for completion via their their Drexel email.

Winter Quarter & Spring Semester Deadline: Sunday, February 2, 2025

Failure to complete the training by then will result in a hold on your account. This hold will prevent you from being able to register for classes for the upcoming term. If a hold is placed on your account, please navigate to the course on Drexel Learn and follow the directions under the "Announcements" tab on the left pane to have it removed.

If you have any questions about the training content or why you're required to do the training, please contact the Office for Institutional Equity and Inclusive Culture (EIC) at eic@drexel.edu. More information and resources, including policies and how to report, can be found on EIC's website.

ISSS Mandatory Immigration Modules & I-20 Registration (REQUIRED)

New, incoming international students (F-1 and J-1 visas) are required to complete ISSS Mandatory Immigration Modules & I-20 Registration, online via their Drexel Learn portal. Students can watch the immigration modules/videos asynchronously online while in their home country, but must complete the I-20 registration only after they arrive in the U.S. The registration serves as an official activation of F-1 visa status and is required to be completed prior to applying for a Social Security Number (SSN), if needed for compensation of assistantships, fellowships, or other forms of approved employment.

In addition, ISSS hosts additional in-person and optional programming for all international students and scholars during Welcome Week in September and a series of fall term workshops on a variety of topics relevant to new international students and scholars in partnership with campus partners. Be sure to check your Drexel email for more information and visit the ISSS website. Questions? Contact isss@drexel.edu. See below for more information.

New, incoming international graduate students are also invited to a series of pre-arrival webinars and informational workshops hosted by the Graduate College and campus partners each year during the summer before arrival. The webinars are recorded and archived for later viewing. Visit our International Students page for more information.

Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation (REQUIRED)

Each year prior to the start of the fall term, the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), in partnership with the Graduate College, offers a Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation designed to help TAs and Teaching Fellows (TFs) succeed by introducing them to the principles and practices of effective teaching and highlighting valuable teaching and learning resources at Drexel. The TA Orientation is followed by a yearlong TA Mentorship Circle, which provides an opportunity for TAs to continue to network with each other and learn and develop their teaching skills throughout the fall, winter and spring terms.

In-person attendance is required for all new, incoming graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Teaching Fellows (TFs) and those who started after the fall term who have not yet attended the orientation (i.e. TAs entering in winter, spring and summer terms). The orientation will not be livestreamed or recorded. Those unable to attend must contact teaching@drexel.edu in advance. TAs unable to participate in person will need to complete a small-group consultation and assignment.

Note: Students who complete the International Teaching Assistant (ITA) summer program are exempt from this orientation, but they are welcome to attend. Returning TAs are also welcome to register for one or both programs.

For more information and the link to register, visit the TA Orientation and Mentoring Circle page.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training (REQUIRED)

RCR training is required for all individuals as assigned by their school, college or program, as well as all trainees, fellows, participants, and scholars receiving support through any NIH training, career development award (individual or institutional), research education grant, and dissertation research grant. Face-to-face RCR training is also strongly recommended for undergraduate and graduate level students, as well as faculty, who plan to conduct research, regardless of the funder, for individuals who have not otherwise completed live RCR training.

This year, the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) is offering a one-day in-person training will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Individuals can register using this form. As physical space is limited, depending upon registration, we may ask individuals to switch to remote, if they are not a required attendee. To obtain completion, the entire training must be attended. If you attend on-site, food will be provided. For more information, visit the RCR page.

Additional Optional Orientation Programs

We encourage all new, incoming graduate students, including those in semester programs and online (as well as continuing students) to join the Graduate College for a series of optional orientation programs and events as part of Drexel's Welcome Week in September!

Welcome from Administrators & Current Graduate Student Panel

Join us for an optional welcome from University leadership and a panel of current graduate students, including international and collect some Drexel swag! This is an optional orientation program which is part of Welcome Week and is open to all Drexel graduate students. The welcome and panel session will also be webcast live and recorded.

Monday, September 16, 2024
9 to 10 a.m. ET

Main Auditorium
Main Building
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Welcome remarks will be given by:

Anne Converse Willkomm, MFA, Associate Dean of the Graduate College, Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences
Katie P. Zamulinsky, EdD, Associate Vice Presidnet and Dean of Student Life
Mladenka Tomasevic, MS, Executive Director, International Students and Scholars Services
Ash Karale, President, Graduate Student Association, PhD Program in Physics, College of Arts and Sciences
Essien Oku Essien, President, International Graduate Student Association, PhD Program in Communication, Culture & Media, College of Arts and Sciences

In addition, we will have the following students on our panel:

Ash Karale, President, Graduate Student Association, PhD Program in Physics, College of Arts and Sciences
Essien Oku Essien, President, International Graduate Student Association, PhD Program in Communication, Culture & Media, College of Arts and Sciences
Melanie Rudloff, Master's Program in Marketing, LeBow College of Business

Watch the Recording [YouTube]

Drexel Graduate Student Welcome & Resource Fair

Join us for an optional graduate student welcome and resource fair! This is an optional orientation program which is part of Welcome Week and is open to all Drexel graduate students. Browse 50+ tables and meet with representatives from Drexel's student and academic services offices, colleges and schools, student organizations, local businesses and more! Collect Drexel swag and enjoy Philadelphia-themed snack items. Current student volunteers will be available to answer questions, show you around campus (bring your class schedule!), and introduce you to their favorite spots on campus and ways to get involved. Students will also be able to pick up their DragonCard ID (submit your photo online in advance) at the DragonCard office inside Creese Student Center.

Monday, September 16, 2024
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET

Main Building
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Download the 2024 Fair Map & Guide [PDF]

ISSS New International Student Orientation

ISSS hosts an optional new international student orientation, which includes a complimentary breakfast, introduction to ISSS and campus/social life, a networking luncheon, and information how navigating the American classroom during Welcome Week. All new, incoming international students and scholars are invited to attend the orientation.

Thursday, September 19, 2024*
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET

Mitchell Auditorium & First Floor Lobby
Bossone Research Enterprise Center
3126 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Download ISSS Orientation Flyer [PDF]

*New international graduate students who are required to complete in-person Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training must register for and attend RCR training as listed above. These students will be able to attend other ISSS workshops and activities throughout the term and year.

Visit the Graduate College

We encourage all new, incoming graduate students, including those in semester programs and online (as well as continuing students!) to stop by the Graduate College office space in the Main Building (Suite 301, 3rd Floor, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104) during office hours to learn more about the resources and services available to graduate students at Drexel. We offer free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cold and hot-filtered water for graduate students. Be sure to visit our website for the latest graduate student news and events.

Graduate College Office
Main Building, Suite 301
3141 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104

We also have a Graduate Student Lounge space on the lower level of the Main Building which is open 24/7 for graduate students and accessible by DragonCard photo ID. New students will have access beginning Welcome Week.

Graduate Student Lounge

Main Building, Room 010A
3141 Chestnut Street, Lower Level
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Welcome Week

Welcome Week occurs once per academic year prior to the start of the fall quarter. A complete list of Welcome Week programs and events open to new, incoming graduate students will be available in your DrexelOne portal and mobile app in early September 2024. Please "register" by adding the event to your personalized Welcome Week schedule. Spaces are limited. Please note that some Welcome Week programs are only open to new, incoming graduate students or undergraduate students and require advanced registration. Students starting in winter, spring and summer terms will be invited to participate in Welcome Week 2024.

DragonLink

Drexel students should also browse DragonLink for a list of recognized student organizations and upcoming events hosted by student organizations, including the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and International Graduate Student Association (IGSA).

Accommodation Requests

Disability Resources provides equal opportunity and equal access to programs and activities for all individuals at Drexel University and empowers individuals who have documented disabilities by working together proactively to provide reasonable accommodations. To request accommodations for this event, please contact the Disability Resources at disability@drexel.edu. We appreciate requests at least 72 hours in advance. Thank you!

Additional Resources for New Graduate Students

Review the New Student Resources for a checklist of to-dos for new, incoming graduate students.

Information for Incoming Fulbright Scholars

Fulbright scholars have the unique opportunity to participate in graduate study, research, creative projects or teaching worldwide. Drexel offers incoming Fulbright scholars an opportunity for a truly comprehensive academic experience. Drexel offers the best of all worlds – a booming campus culture located in the heart of one of America’s great cities. To make the most of your experience at Drexel, you are encouraged to:

Join one of Drexel’s academic, cultural, sport and other student groups through Campus Life.
Browse opportunities for activities & involvement through Student Life.
Explore everything Philadelphia has to offer. From museums to good eats, there is no shortage of activities to explore! Find out more about living in Philadelphia by clicking on the "Guides & Resources" listed above.

Questions? Seek support through the following resources:

Scholars should contact their academic advisor for questions related to their academic plan of study and course schedule.
For assistance with required Fulbright paperwork and general inquiries, please contact the Office of Global Engagement at global@drexel.edu.

Checks must be mailed to the Cashier’s Office at the address below:

Cashier's Office
Suite 106, Main Building
Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Follow the Graduate Community

Follow the Graduate College for the latest updates, news, events and opportunities for graduate students! Use #DrexelGradLife