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New Student Resources

Graduate College representative welcome two new graduate students at orientation check-in table with balloons and welcome sign

Onboarding Checklist for New, Incoming Graduate Students

Here are some important steps to help you get started with your graduate education at Drexel:

  1. Complete REQUIRED Graduate College Graduate Student Orientation and other required orientation modules and trainings, including Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation and Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training, if applicable, which are outlined on the Graduate College website.

  2. Check in with your assigned graduate academic advisor about any college, school, department or program orientations, some of which may be required.

  3. New international graduate students should refer to the information on the New International Students page of the ISSS website and emails from ISSS with additional requirements and information for F-1 and J-1 students. New international graduate students must complete the ISSS Mandatory Immigration Modules & I-20 Registration as outlined on the Graduate College website. ISSS also offers an optional in-person orientation and programs during Welcome Week and throughout the fall term and academic year.

  4. Get connected. Visit Drexel University's Information Technology (DUIT) website for instructions on how to pick up your Drexel accounts, set up your email, download necessary software, etc. You can also contact the IT Help Desk to troubleshoot any technical issues. We recommend bookmarking the IT website for future reference.

  5. Touch base with your assigned graduate academic advisor about your official academic Plan of Study and register for classes. Don't forget to sign the Student Financial Obligation (SFO) and Tuition Repayment Agreement and also confirm your enrollment in your DrexeOne portal! These items are required every term.

  6. Review the information in your personalized DrexelOne portal, including on the Academics tab. (Example- You can click on "Buy Books" on the Academics tab under Registration to see any assigned textbooks or materials for your registered classes. You'll also want to check your course syllabi for required texts or materials and confirm them with your professors.) Your DrexelOne portal is a vital tool which directly reflects the information in your Drexel student account, including billing and financial aid. You should log into DrexeOne often to check for alerts or announcements related to your student status and account, as well as check your Drexel email regularly. Several different Drexel offices will communicate with you via your Drexel email and some messages may prompt action or response on your part.

  7. Submit a photo for your DragonCard student photo ID and read more about how and when to get your DragonCard. Students may pick up their card one week prior to the start of the registered term at any DragonCard office location. Students must be registered for classes to be eligible to pick up their first DragonCard. A DragonCard is required for access to all University buildings, classrooms, labs, etc. Online students may also request a DragonCard. The Business Services website also has information about Parking Services and the Barnes & Noble Bookstores and other campus retail.
  8. Review your financial aid package, billing information, and registration/enrollment status and contact Drexel Central if you have any questions. And, review the Financial Resources page. You should also review the Course Program of Study (CPoS) policy.

  9. Review your Health Insurance & Immunizations requirements and enroll/waive deadlines. Please note that doctoral students with full-time assistantships/fellowships (teaching, research, etc.) should also review the Graduate College's Doctoral Student Health Insurance Subsidy information and consult with your graduate academic advisor about eligibility. Review information and resources on physical, social, and emotional health on Drexel's Health & Well-Being website.

  10. Complete REQUIRED online Title IX Training for graduate students by the posted deadline. Please continue to check your Drexel email for instructions and the completion deadline. More information about Title IX and available resources, training and education can be found on the Office for Institutional Equity and Inclusive Culture (EIC) website.

  11. Notify Disability Resources if you have a documented disability (physical, learning, temporary, etc.). Drexel University is committed to providing equal access to its programs and services to qualified students.

  12. Familiarize yourself with graduate policies and procedures, including those listed on the Provost's website, as well as Drexel's Academic Calendars. We recommend you bookmark these pages for later reference. In addition, be sure to review the Student Code of Conduct and any graduate handbooks, policies or procedures provided by your academic program and in your course syllabi - all of which you are responsible for!

  13. Review the New Student Resources for a list of student support services and resources.

  14. 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). And, check out a list of upcoming program and events on the Graduate College website. Check back throughout the year for more.

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