Graduate Student Orientation
The following information is geared toward graduate students enrolled in quarter programs. Students enrolled in the Kline School of Law and College of Medicine should check with their college or school officials about any orientation programs.
Welcome to Drexel University!
The Graduate College with our current graduate students, postdocs, faculty and professional staff members are thrilled to have you join us for your graduate education! The Graduate College, in partnership with each of the colleges and schools, Enrollment Management and Student Success, Student Life, and our campus partners, hosts a series of programs and events, both on campus and online, to help you prepare for your graduate study, acclimate to the graduate community, and learn more about academic, personal, professional, social and cultural resources available to you at Drexel.
If you will be starting your graduate education in a subsequent term (winter, spring or summer), we welcome you to participate in the annual fall programs and events following your first term of enrollment, as well as attend any quarterly new student programs and events which may be offered. In addition, don't hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with a representative from the Graduate College to get started. We are happy to welcome new graduate students personally and get help you started on your academic journey, as well as connect you with representatives from your college or school and other important student services on campus and online.
More information about the Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation and Preparation Course, offered once per year prior to the fall quarter by the Graduate College in partnership with the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) and School of Education.
More information about the International Teaching Assistant (ITA) program, offered once per year in the summer by the English Language Center (ELC).
Graduate Student Orientation (REQUIRED)
The Graduate College requires a self-paced, asynchronous online orientation for all new, incoming graduate students enrolled in quarter programs, including on campus (face-to-face) and online, in Drexel Learn, Drexel's learning management system (LMS). Some also refer to Drexel Learn as "Blackboard Learn" or "Learn" for short. The orientation is a series of modules which provide a high-level overview of and introduction to University policies and services, as well as reminders of required training and compliance items. Students must review all of the modules and complete the short assessment after each in order to be in compliance.
Fall Quarter Deadline: Opened Monday, September 11, 2023 and due by Friday, October 6, 2023
Winter Quarter Deadline: Opened Tuesday, January 2, 2024 and due by Monday, January 15, 2024
Spring Quarter Deadline: Opens Monday, April 1, 2024 and due by Monday, April 29, 2024
Summer Quarter Deadline: TBA
Students will be added to the orientation in their Drexel Learn prior to the start of their term of entry.* Students will receive more information about how to access the orientation and instructions for completion via their their Drexel email. Questions? Contact graduatecollege@drexel.edu.
*Please note that the orientation is listed under "Organizations" (not "Courses") in the left-hand menu in Drexel Learn and in the "Administrative Term". Further, please make sure you pick up your Drexel account in order to log in and access Drexel Learn and the orientation. If you do not see the orientation in your Drexel Learn account under “Organizations,” please first make sure you have the “Administrative Term” visible. You can also visit the Technical Support page to troubleshoot any technical issues.
Click Here to Access Drexel Learn
This orientation is required in addition to any college, school or program-specific orientation or training programs, some of which may also be required. Please check with your assigned graduate academic advisor.
Title IX Training (REQUIRED)
All Drexel graduate students are required to complete an online module entitled, "Drexel U Got This! - Grad Student Training", a sexual and gender-based harassment and misconduct prevention program, in order to be compliant with the University's policies each academic year. The training will appear under "Courses" from the left-hand menu in Drexel Learn and in the "Administrative Term". Please continue to check your Drexel email for instructions on how to complete the training and for the completion deadline. Students who begin in the winter, spring, and summer terms will be added to the training in their term of entry and receive instructions and a completion deadline via their Drexel email.
Fall Quarter Deadline: Due by Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Winter Quarter Deadline: Opened Monday, January 2, 2024 and due by Monday, February 12, 2024
Spring Quarter Deadline: Opened Monday, March 25, 2024 and due by Monday, May 6, 2024
Summer Quarter Deadline: TBA
Students will be added to the training in their Drexel Learn prior to the start of the fall term annually or prior to their term of entry. Students will receive more information about how to access the training and instructions for completion via their their Drexel email.
If you have any questions about the training content or why you're required to do the training, please contact the Office for Institutional Equity and Inclusive Culture (EIC) at eic@drexel.edu. More information and resources, including policies and how to report, can be found on EIC's website.
International Student Orientation (REQUIRED)
New, incoming international students (F-1 and J-1) are required to complete the International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) Mandatory International Student Orientation, a separate asynchronous online orientation in Drexel Learn. The orientation requires students to upload required documents and complete quizzes. The orientation serves as an official activation of F-1 visa status and is required to be completed prior to applying for a Social Security Number (SSN), if needed for compensation of assistantships, fellowships, or other forms of approved employment.
In addition, ISSS hosts an optional meet and greet and a welcome luncheon for all international students and scholars during Welcome Week in September and a series of fall term workshops on a variety of topics relevant to new international students and scholars in partnership with campus partners. Be sure to check your Drexel email for more information and visit the ISSS website. Questions? Contact isss@drexel.edu.
New, incoming international graduate students are also invited to a series of pre-arrival webinars hosted by the Graduate College, International Graduate Student Association (IGSA), ISSS, Health Insurance and Immunizations, Drexel Central, and Drexel Global each year in the summer. The webinars are recorded and archived for later viewing. Visit our International Students page for more information.
Additional Orientation Programs
We encourage all new, incoming graduate students, including those in semester programs and online (as well as continuing students!) to join the Graduate College for a series of optional orientation programs and events as part of Drexel's Welcome Week in September!
Welcome from Administrators & Current Student Panel
Join us for a welcome from University leadership and a panel of current graduate students, including international and collect some Drexel swag! This is an optional orientation program which is part of Welcome Week and is open to all graduate students. The welcome and panel session will also be webcast live and recorded.
Monday, September 18, 2023
9 to 10 a.m. EDT
Main Auditorium
Main Building
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Welcome remarks will be given by:
- Anne Converse Willkomm, MFA, Associate Dean, Graduate College, Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences
- Katie P. Zamulinsky, Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Life, Enrollment Management and Student Success
- Mladenka Tomasevic, MS, Executive Director, International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS)
- Tsz Kwok, EdD '16, Director of Academic Administration, Director of Graduate Multicultural & Equity Affairs, Adjunct Faculty Member, Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Cimi Patani, President, Graduate Student Association (GSA), MS student in electrical engineering, College of Engineering
- Yash Gupta, President, International Graduate Student Association (IGSA), MS student in business analytics, LeBow College of Business
In addition, we will have the following students on our panel:
- Alex Ashley, PhD student in chemical engineering, College of Engineering
- Karena Escalante, PhD student in education leadership and policy, School of Education
- Yash Gupta, President, International Graduate Student Association (IGSA), MS student in business analytics, LeBow College of Business
- Cimi Patani, President, Graduate Student Association (GSA), MS student in electrical engineering, College of Engineering
Watch the Welcome [YouTube]
Drexel Welcome & Resource Fair
Join us for a University-wide welcome and resource fair! This is an optional orientation program which is part of Welcome Week and is open to all Drexel students. Browse 50+ tables and meet with representative from Drexel's student and academic services offices, colleges and schools, student organizations, local businesses and more! Collect Drexel swag and enjoy Philadelphia-themed snack items. Current student volunteers will be available to answer questions, show you around campus (bring your class schedule!), and introduce you to their favorite spots on campus and ways to get involved. Note: Undergraduate students should plan to attend the Involvement Fair in Week 2 to meet with undergraduate and joint student organizations. Students will also be able to pick up their DragonCard ID (submit your photo online in advance) at the DragonCard office inside Creese Student Center.
Monday, September 18, 2023
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT
Behrakis Grand Hall
Inside Creese Student Center
3210 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
2023 Drexel Welcome & Resource Fair Guide [PDF]
View Event Photos
Visit the Graduate College
We encourage all new, incoming graduate students, including those in semester programs and online (as well as continuing students!) to stop by the Graduate College office space in the Main Building (Suite 301, 3rd Floor, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104) during office hours to learn more about the resources and services available to graduate students at Drexel. We offer free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cold and hot-filtered water for graduate students. Be sure to visit our website for the latest graduate student news and events.
Graduate College Office
Main Building, Suite 301
3141 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
We also have a Graduate Student Lounge space on the lower level of the Main Building which is open 24/7 for graduate students and accessible by DragonCard photo ID. New students will have access beginning Welcome Week.
Graduate Student Lounge
Main Building, Room 010A
3141 Chestnut Street, Lower Level
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Welcome Week
Welcome Week occurs once per academic year prior to the start of the fall quarter. A complete list of Welcome Week programs and events open to new, incoming graduate students will be available in your DrexelOne portal and mobile app in early September 2024. Please "register" by adding the event to your personalized Welcome Week schedule. Spaces are limited. Please note that some Welcome Week programs are only open to new, incoming graduate students or undergraduate students and require advanced registration. Students starting in winter, spring and summer terms will be invited to participate in Welcome Week 2024.
DragonLink
Drexel students should also browse DragonLink for a list of recognized student organizations and upcoming events hosted by student organizations, including the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and International Graduate Student Association (IGSA).
Accommodation Requests
Disability Resources provides equal opportunity and equal access to programs and activities for all individuals at Drexel University and empowers individuals who have documented disabilities by working together proactively to provide reasonable accommodations. To request accommodations for this event, please contact the Disability Resources at disability@drexel.edu. We appreciate requests at least 72 hours in advance. Thank you!
Additional Resources for New Graduate Students
Review the New Student Resources for a checklist of to-dos for new, incoming graduate students.
Information for Incoming Fulbright Scholars
Fulbright scholars have the unique opportunity to participate in graduate study, research, creative projects or teaching worldwide. Drexel offers incoming Fulbright scholars an opportunity for a truly comprehensive academic experience. Drexel offers the best of all worlds – a booming campus culture located in the heart of one of America’s great cities. To make the most of your experience at Drexel, you are encouraged to:
- Join one of Drexel’s academic, cultural, sport and other student groups through Campus Life.
- Browse opportunities for activities & involvement through Student Life.
- Explore everything Philadelphia has to offer. From museums to good eats, there is no shortage of activities to explore! Find out more about living in Philadelphia by clicking on the "Guides & Resources" listed above.
Questions? Seek support through the following resources:
- Scholars should contact their academic advisor for questions related to their academic plan of study and course schedule.
- For assistance with required Fulbright paperwork and general inquiries, please contact the Office of Global Engagement at global@drexel.edu.
Checks must be mailed to the Cashier’s Office at the address below:
Cashier's Office
Suite 106, Main Building
Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Follow the Graduate Community
Follow the Graduate College for the latest updates, news, events and opportunities for graduate students! Use #DrexelGradLife