The following message was sent to Drexel students on Aug. 14:
Dear Drexel Dragons,
At Drexel University, we continue to plan for our phased reopening in a manner that ensures the safety of all our Dragons in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can expect that some courses this fall will look a bit different than they have in the past, but the opportunity to pursue your academic passions and engage with faculty and peers remains as strong as ever. Whether you're taking face-to-face or remote courses, the guidelines below will help to ensure a safe and successful learning experience for all. Further guidance regarding the return to campus and COVID-19 can be found at Drexel’s Response to Coronavirus website.
Guidelines for Face-to-Face Classes:
- Masks must be worn at all times when on campus (University City, Center City, and Queen Lane), in all buildings (lecture rooms, studios, labs, making spaces, libraries, study spaces, residence halls, and the Recreation Center) facilities, leased properties, and when outside in on-campus spaces. One mask will be provided to each student by Drexel University, but students are encouraged to bring additional cloth masks.
- Maintain social distancing (at least 6 feet between you and another person) when you are on Drexel's campuses, including in the classroom.
- Read your syllabus before coming to class to familiarize yourself with the class's theme and the due dates of assignments, projects, and exams. Make sure you have all readings, videos, and other materials required for the class, and that you complete any readings/activities by the appropriate due dates.
- We understand that it might be challenging to see your instructor's expression when they are wearing a mask. If you are unclear on anything your instructor says during class, we encourage you to raise your hand and ask questions. You could also email your instructor with your questions after class via Blackboard.
- Attend your instructor's office hours (either on campus or virtual). Attending office hours provides the opportunity to further engage with your professors, ask questions, and get additional support. It is also an opportunity to clarify any difficulties that you might have with the course material. Instructor contact information is located on the course syllabus.
- Follow the guidelines detailed in the Dragon Pledge, including using the Drexel Health Tracker app.
- Do not come to class if you are not feeling well.
- Do not come to class if you might have violated the Dragon Pledge.
Guidelines for Remote Synchronous Classes:
- Read your syllabus before coming to class to familiarize yourself with the theme of the class and the due dates of assignments, projects, and exams. Make sure you have all readings, videos, and other materials required for the class, and that you complete required readings/activities by the appropriate due dates.
- Locate a quiet space to participate in class to reduce distractions.
- Please plan to keep your video on during all class times. This facilitates interaction between all class participants.
- Use the "mute" function, unless you are asking questions or engaging in discussion. This will help to reduce any distracting background noises.
- Attend your instructor's office hours. This will help you to clarify any difficulties that you might have with the course material. You could also email your instructor with any questions using the email function in Blackboard.
As always, if you feel like you are in need of additional academic support, the staff members in the Center for Learning and Academic Success Services (CLASS) are ready to help. Please don't hesitate to reach out to their team of academic coaches by emailing academicsuccess@drexel.edu. Additional academic support and tutoring is available online through the offices of the Learning Alliance. And if you are in need of accommodations due to the guidelines outlined in this email, please contact Disability Resources at disability@drexel.edu. For more information on Disability Resources' COVID-19 accommodations, visit their COVID-19 Resources page.
Sincerely,
Paul E. Jensen, PhD
Nina Henderson Provost
Subir Sahu, PhD
Senior Vice President for Student Success