August

You may be aware that there have been discussions about changing enrollment options for students during their co-op cycle. A new policy has been adopted beginning with the upcoming fall/winter co-op cycle that supports students’ continued progress toward degree completion. We want to make you aware of the background behind this policy and the impact it is intended to have on the academic experience.

As announced in Monday's message from the Return Oversight Committee, Drexel will become mask recommended in our academic spaces, and in all indoor public areas except for health care settings, effective September 6. Drexel continues to recommend wearing high quality, well-fitting masks when indoors and around others. However, consistent with public health guidance in the context of a heavily vaccinated campus, indoor masking is no longer required after September 6.

After the sudden passing of Dean Penny Hammrich left the School of Education in need of an interim leader, Erin McNamara Horvat, PhD, senior vice provost for Faculty Advancement and Undergraduate Affairs, will serve as interim dean of the School, beginning August 22. A seasoned administrator, Dr. Horvat joined Drexel University in 2015 as professor and associate dean for Academic Affairs in the School of Education and in 2016 joined the Office of the Provost. She served as senior vice provost for Faculty Affairs from 2016-2019 overseeing policy and procedures and faculty development for all colleges and schools. 

Following a national search, David S. Brown, PhD, will become the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, beginning September 1. A scholar of political science with expertise in political institutions and their impact on economic development, Dr. Brown is currently the Divisional Dean for Social Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, an Association of American Universities (AAU) and R1 research institution. 

Join us on September 21 to mark the start of the academic year with Drexel’s 2022 Convocation ceremony. Convocation marks the beginning of the academic year and offers us the opportunity to celebrate our mission of teaching, research and service to society. Our keynote speakers this year are driving change through their innovative work, collaborative approach and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our community.

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of Penny Hammrich, PhD, Dean and Distinguished University Professor for the School of Education. In her tenure at Drexel, Penny made an indelible impact on the School of Education and was admired and beloved by everyone both in the School and across Drexel.