Presidential Inauguration — Classes Suspended 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., April 16
This message was shared with faculty and professional staff on March 9, 2026.
Dear Colleagues,
On Thursday, April 16, Drexel will celebrate the inauguration of President Antonio Merlo with an investiture ceremony at 10 a.m. in the Daskalakis Athletic Center, followed by a community reception. The inauguration of Drexel’s 16th president is a historic moment for our University and an opportunity to shine a light on our strengths and bold vision shaping our future.
To allow our community to participate in the investiture portion of the inauguration celebration, classes will be suspended from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 16. This includes undergraduate and graduate courses across most quarter programs.
Presidential inaugurations are rare institutional milestones and moments that draw national attention. They offer a platform few other occasions provide: the chance to demonstrate institutional momentum to prospective students, donors, civic leaders, and partners whose engagement is essential to our next chapter. Your presence would honor both the history we are celebrating and the future we're building together.
You can register to attend by March 23, and faculty participating in the academic procession who need to order regalia must do so by March 12. For the full schedule of inaugural week events and additional details, visit drexel.edu/inauguration. A livestream option will also be available for those unable to attend in person. Questions may be directed to inauguration@drexel.edu.
For faculty teaching courses during this time, please consider whether an asynchronous alternative or makeup session might work for your class. If you have professional staff responsibilities that require you to work during this period, please communicate with your supervisor about managing your schedule.
Please note that classes at the College of Medicine, Pennsylvania College of Optometry and the Kline School of Law will be held as scheduled. Additionally, if your work involves clinical assignments, please check with your manager.
Thank you for your understanding and support. We're excited to kick off this next phase of Drexel's history together.
Sincerely,
Paul E. Jensen, PhD
Executive Vice President
Nina Henderson Provost