Spring Events at Drexel University

Students in the crowd at the 2025 University-wide Commencement ceremony. In 2026, the ceremony will take place June 11.

Spring has sprung in Philadelphia and at Drexel University, and there are plenty of opportunities to help you grow a thriving social and academic life. The spring quarter will give students chances to celebrate life at Drexel before the end of the school year and the time when a new herd of Forever Dragons graduates.

If you’re looking for more events to fill your calendar, DragonLink (where you can find on-campus and virtual student organization and University events), the University’s events calendar and DrexelNOW will have you covered.

Campus Engagement

Involvement Fair, April 7: From 4–6 p.m. on Race Lawn, talk with friendly faces from dozens of Drexel’s student organizations. All students are encouraged to attend and find their new niche — there’s bound to be something for you.

The Inauguration of the 16th President of Drexel University, April 13–17: Antonio Merlo, PhD, will be formally invested as Drexel’s president. Several events are happening throughout the week, including:

• Fireside Chat with Andrew Hamilton, PhD and Antonio Merlo, PhD, April 15: Hamilton, the immediate past president of New York University (NYU), and Merlo, who came to Drexel after serving as NYU’s Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, will discuss higher education’s current moment. The event starts at 5 p.m. in the Mandell Theater.
• Investiture Ceremony, April 16: At 10 a.m. in the Daskalakis Athletic Center, Merlo will be officially installed as Drexel’s 16^th Classes will be suspended from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and a community-wide reception outdoors on Lancaster Walk will immediately follow the ceremony.
• DU Civic Engagement Day, April 17: From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, Dragons can pack resource bags for food insecurity and STEM education, assist with garden cleanup and more. There will be food and live music.

Drexel Dance Marathon, May 16: Teams involved with the Drexel Dance Marathon will raise money throughout the quarter until it’s time for the big event. Funds support families of patients at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia through the Children’s Miracle Network Program, as well as research, discovery, training, education, advocacy and outreach. You can donate to a team, join one yourself or attend the Dance Marathon. 

Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) elections and debate, beginning April 1: Interested students can apply to serve the student body by joining USGA. On April 13 at noon, the Campaign Rules and Ethics Acknowledgement (CREA) form is due, and by 11:59 p.m. on April 15, students must have 50 nominations. In-person interviews with the Elections Committee occur April 17 and 18 before election night on April 20. The USGA president and vice president pairs will also hold their first debate on April 1, where candidates will share their platforms, discuss key issues and answer questions from moderators and the audience.

Drexel Drag Show, May 15: The 14^th annual drag show will feature drag kings and queens from the Drexel community. All Drexel students get in free with their DragonCard, and non-students can purchase $5 tickets.

Drexel Fashion Show, June 6: At 6 p.m. in the Curtis Atrium, graduating seniors and MS fashion design students from the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design will showcase their original collections in this annual show.

Academic and Career Events and Reminders

Spring Career Fair, April 14: From 1–5 p.m. in the Drexel Recreation Center Gym, students who register on Handshake can network with prospective co-op and full-time employers.

Application for degree deadline, May 1: Confirm with your adviser that you are on track to graduate, then complete the process by this date.

Course Registration, May 4: Registration for summer quarter classes begins May 4 for some students, including student-athletes, graduating students, Pennoni Honors College students, ROTC participants, veterans and their dependents, BS/MD students and performing arts scholarship recipients. Other populations should check their time ticket information; registration continues until May 25.

Memorial Day, May 25: The University will be closed, and no classes will be held. Co-op students should check with their employers.

Classes end, June 6

Term examinations begin, June 8

Commencement 2026, various dates throughout May and June

• Graduation Fair, May 13: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Recreation Center Lobby, get everything you need for graduation, including tickets, regalia, class rings, graduation announcements, diploma frames and more.
• President’s Toast, June 8: At 4 p.m. in Main Building, join President Merlo for a toast and class photo.
• College and school ceremonies, various dates
  • May 14: College of Medicine, 8:45 a.m.
  • May 21: Pennsylvania College of Optometry, 2 p.m.
  • May 29:Thomas R. Kline School of Law, 11 a.m.
  • June 10: College of Computing & Informatics (10 a.m.), School of Education (12:30 p.m.), College of Nursing and Health Professions (2 p.m.), Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship (2 p.m.), Goodwin College of Professional Studies (5 p.m.)
  • June 11: Bennett S. LeBow College of Business and School of Economics (8:30 a.m.), Pennoni Honors College: Custom-Designed Major (8:30 a.m.), Dana and David Dornsife School of Public Health (8:30 a.m.), College of Arts and Sciences (12:30 p.m.), School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems (12:30 p.m.)
  • June 12: College of Engineering (8:30 a.m.), Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design (12:30)
• University-Wide Ceremony, June 11: At 5 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park, the graduate and undergraduate classes of 2026 will celebrate Commencement.