Curricular Redesign Implementation: Resources and Exemptions

This announcement was shared with faculty and staff on October 10, 2025.

Summary

Undergraduate Curriculum Redesign Handbook has been distributed; Graduate Handbook coming soon.
All programs are expected to align redesigns with handbook standards, with some exceptions where noted.
Exemption requests may be submitted for requirements that present implementation challenges.
Requests must show good-faith effort, specific barriers, and alignment with Transformation goals.
Curricular Leads will coordinate exemption requests for centralized review.
A detailed process map is available on the Transformation SharePoint.

Dear Colleagues,

Across Drexel’s academic units, faculty and professional staff are deeply engaged in redesigning undergraduate and graduate programs in support of Academic Transformation. These intensive efforts reflect our shared commitment to delivering a transformative academic experience — one that is rigorous, relevant and responsive to the world our students are entering.

To support this work:

The Undergraduate Curriculum Redesign Handbook was created and has been shared by Curricular Leads across all academic units.
The Graduate Curriculum Redesign Handbook is in final review and will be shared shortly.

These comprehensive resources reflect the substantial contributions of the faculty and professional staff who engaged in Transformation workstreams, as well as the thoughtful review and input of colleagues across the University.

Reimagining with Intention

Academic Transformation is a bold, once-in-generation reimagining of our academic enterprise. This effort goes beyond optimizing individual programs; it is about designing a stronger, more coherent portfolio of programs that collectively reflect our institutional mission and better serve our students.

By aligning program designs with shared standards, we can:

Ensure our curricula meet the evolving needs of our students and society
Promote consistency across programs to improve student experience and flexibility
Strengthen Drexel’s leadership in experiential, interdisciplinary education

Programs are expected to be redesigned in alignment with the standards outlined in the handbooks, which represent the designs developed and approved through the Academic Transformation workstreams. In a few cases, requirements reflect the strategic priorities of University leadership and are noted as pending Faculty Senate review.

Navigating Implementation Challenges

We understand that some requirements may be difficult to implement, even with good-faith efforts. In such cases, programs may request exemptions through a structured, multi-level review process established by the Provost’s Office and Faculty Senate.

Exemption requests must demonstrate:

Exhaustion of reasonable efforts
Specific, program-level barriers
Alignment with the broader goals of Academic Transformation

The Exemptions Process moves from departmental review to the Central Review Team, with final approval by the Provost. The Central Review Team is a six-member team with equal representation appointed by the Provost’s Office and Faculty Senate.

More details, including the Exemptions Process and Exemptions Request Form, can be found on the Transformation SharePoint.

Next Steps: Connect with Your Curricular Lead

To quickly and effectively address challenges that may affect multiple programs, the Curricular Leads for each unit will collect known exemptions requests over the next two weeks. These issues will be consolidated and sent for review to the Central Review Team.
The Curriculum Redesign Handbook(s) will be updated and distributed if exemptions that affect multiple programs are approved.
For issues affecting individual programs, or other issues that arise after this time, programs should use the form and follow the process outlined.

This is a pivotal moment to shape Drexel’s future academic identity — and your work is central to that vision. It represents a meaningful shift in how we collaborate across the University to support our students. The work is demanding, but also energizing. Together, we are designing curricula that reflect both our shared aspirations and the evolving needs of those we serve.

Sincerely,

Paul E. Jensen, PhD
Executive Vice President
Nina Henderson Provost