Graduate Student Orientation
The following information is geared toward graduate students enrolled in quarter programs. Students enrolled in Elkins Park Campus programs, 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 Office of Graduate Studies with our current graduate students, postdocs, faculty and professional staff members are thrilled to have you join us for your graduate education! The Office of Graduate Studies, in partnership with each of the colleges and schools, Enrollment Management, 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 Office of Graduate Studies 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 (Highly Recommended)
The Office of Graduate Studies highly recommends completing a self-paced, asynchronous online orientation for all new, incoming graduate students starting in the fall, 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 should review all of the modules and complete the short assessment after each.
Students will gain access to the orientation modules in Drexel Learn prior to their term start. 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.
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 prior to their term start. Students will receive more information about how to access the training and instructions for completion via their their Drexel email.
If you have any questions about the training content or why you're required to do the training, please contact Drexel's Office of Civil Rights Compliance (CRC) at civilrightseducation@drexel.edu. More information and resources, including policies and how to report, can be found on CRC'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 Office of Graduate Studies 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 Office of Graduate Studies, 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.
In-person attendance is required for all new, incoming graduate TAs and TFs and those who started after the fall term who have not yet attended the orientation (i.e. TAs who entered 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.
Monday, September 14, 2026
12 to 4 p.m. ET
DiPiero Grand Meeting Room & Terrace, GHall Rooms 220/221
Gerri C. LeBow Hall
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training (REQUIRED)
This session provides an overview of the core principles and professional standards essential to the ethical and responsible conduct of research. Topics covered include data acquisition and management, authorship, peer review, mentor-mentee relationships, research misconduct, and the protection of human and animal subjects. Through case studies and interactive discussion, participants will explore real-world ethical dilemmas and learn strategies to uphold integrity in their research practices. Face-to-face 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.
The training is conducted by the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI). 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.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Health Sciences Building, Room HSB6E03
Additional Optional Programs
Welcome & Resource Fair
Join us for an optional student welcome and resource fair! This is an optional orientation program which is part of Welcome Week and is open to all Drexel students. 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.
Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13, 2026
12 to 5 p.m. ET
Monday, September 14, 2026
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET
Behrakis Grand Hall
Inside James Creese Student Center
3210 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Breakfast with President Merlo
President Merlo welcomes new students to Drexel University! We suggest that you travel light do not bring bags as all bags will be subject to a bag check. Advanced registration via DrexelOne is required.
Monday, September 14, 2026
9:30 to 11 a.m. ET
Daskalakis Gym
Inside the Daskalakis Athletic Center
Meet & Mingle with ISSS
Join us for a casual and friendly Meet & Mingle with the International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) Team! This is a great opportunity to get to know the staff, connect with other international students and scholars, and learn more about the resources available to you. Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with others through fun and interactive activities like international trivia and coloring a collaborative world map. Drop by, say hello, and take a well-deserved break with us!
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
11 a.m. to 1p.m. ET
ISSS Office Lobby
Main Building, Second Floor, Suite 222
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
IGSA Shopping Trip
The International Graduate Student Association (IGSA) organizes a group shuttle trip to nearby grocery and essential stores (Target, Costco, local supermarkets) to help new international students stock up on essentials.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
2 to 4 p.m. ET
Meet at the Mario the Dragon Statue at the southeast corner of 33rd and Market streets prior to 2 p.m. departure
GSA Graduate Student Food Festival
This event will serve as a relaxed welcome gathering for new and returning graduate students, combining food, informal networking, light games, music, giveaways, and graduate student resource-sharing. For new students, this event will provide an opportunity to experience Drexel and Philadelphia through local food, music, and community-building activities. The event will provide students with an opportunity to meet Graduate Student Association (GSA) student leaders, connect with graduate students across programs, learn about upcoming GSA initiatives, and begin the academic year with a stronger sense of community.
Thursday, September 17, 2026
1 to 3:30 p.m. ET
Perelman Plaza
Outside of Main Building
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Visit the Office
We encourage all new, incoming graduate students, including those in semester programs and online (as well as continuing students!) to stop by the Office of Graduate Studies 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.
Office of Graduate Studies
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 is now available in your DrexelOne portal and mobile app. 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 the subsequent fall's Welcome Week.
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 Office of Graduate Studies for the latest updates, news, events and opportunities for graduate students! Use #DrexelGradLife