As the first academic year of the new millennium begins at Drexel and MCP Hahnemann Universities, it is my pleasure to welcome both our new students and those returning to continue their studies.

Drexel has always committed itself to providing the best educational experience for students. An important part of that commitment is involving all students in community service beginning in their freshman year. To help achieve that goal, this year’s freshman class will be the first to benefit from two exciting new programs: Dragon Week and The Drexel Experience.

The first annual Dragon Week will allow students to orient themselves to university life. Our student surveys have consistently shown that freshmen are more likely to succeed if they have friends and are involved in campus activities. Dragon Week gives new students the extra time needed to explore our campus and city, learn about their major, and make friends on their first extended period away from home.

After experiencing Dragon Week, freshmen will enroll in The Drexel Experience, a new course developed the Office of the Provost under the leadership of Richard Astro that combines the previous courses University Seminar and Co-op 101. As part of this course, our 2,200 freshmen will teach this fall at 94 School District of Philadelphia schools, impacting more than 50,000 children. The program will operate in partnership with Junior Achievement of Philadelphia and Philadelphia READS.

Our University believes that academic success is not the only means to measure good students. Young people possess exceptional energy and ideals that should be channeled into serving their communities. Dragon Week and The Drexel Experience will continue to ensure that Drexel students become good citizens as well as skilled professionals.

C.R. "Chuck" Pennoni Interim President