May

As we prepare to celebrate the many achievements of our graduates, I am pleased to announce that Sheryl Lee Ralph, award-winning actress and producer, will address the Class of 2024 at Drexel’s University-commencement ceremony on June 14.

Early this morning, Drexel Public Safety officers, with critical assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department, removed the unauthorized pro-Palestinian encampment on Korman Quad after protestors complied with police warnings to disperse peacefully.

In consultation with Chief Mel Singleton and our Public Safety team, it has been determined that we now have the personnel and systems in place to safely return to normal operations on the University City campus tomorrow, Thursday, May 23, with a number of additional security procedures.

After discussions with Chief Mel Singleton and our Public Safety team, we will maintain the current status of operations for tomorrow, May 22. To recap: Labs, studio classes and simulation classes will continue being held in-person, while lecture classes will remain virtual. Students should contact their faculty member with any questions. We also will continue to provide in-person health and counseling services to members of our community.

Tomorrow, labs, studio classes and simulation classes will return to being in-person, while lecture classes will remain virtual. Students should confirm with their faculty member if they have any questions. We also will continue virtual operations for all nonessential personnel through tomorrow. Anyone with questions about working remotely should contact their supervisor. Faculty and professional staff for labs and studios will be considered essential, while researchers engaged in critical activity that requires in-person work will be allowed access to campus with approval from their dean or division head.

As of now, about 40 to 60 individuals are participating in this encampment without the University’s permission or authorization. As we shared in last night’s message, to minimize the possibility of further disruptions, including attempts by protesters to occupy our learning and working spaces, we have placed our buildings and facilities on lockdown, with access provided only to those with clearance from Drexel Public Safety.

An estimated 75 pro-Palestinian protesters began to set up an encampment on campus at the Korman Quad. The protesters gathered at City Hall and marched to campus as part of Philly Palestine Coalition’s Nakba Day march to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Following a national search, we are pleased to announce that Interim Dean Gina Lovasi, PhD, MPH, has been appointed Dana and David Dornsife Dean of the Dornsife School of Public Health.

I am writing to share recent updates on how we are stepping up our efforts to strengthen Drexel's ability to attract and retain top students like you and secure our future as a leading student-centered, experience-driven research university.

How do we best protect free speech while simultaneously taking strong action to prohibit or respond to speech or conduct that may violate our nondiscrimination policies?