This fall, Drexel freshmen will begin their college experience during Dragon Week, September 19-24. The inaugural program is designed to help orient freshmen to campus and the college experience.

The goals of Dragon Week are to ensure that students have their computers operating, know their major, feel comfortable with University City and Philadelphia and are acquinted with at least 100 fellow students. The program will also allow students to set set up their dorm rooms and learn about Financial Aid and other student services.

According to Timothy Perkins, vice president of Lifelong Learning and International Programs, "the leading reason why freshmen drop out is the lack of friendships and extracurricular activities. Dragon Week will give students the head start they need to succeed."

Dragon Week will include programs on personal health and Drexel Co-op. Students will visit the Pennsylvania Convention Center for University 101, an introduction to Philadelphia and the freshmen curriculum, and also participate in volunteer service projects in Fairmount Park.

For more information, call 215/895-2200 or e-mail NewStudentWeek@drexel.edu.