While these days life is anything but ordinary, I am proud to acknowledge that our community of Dragoneers remains extraordinary. You started this term pivoting to remote co-op experiences. You have found camaraderie in creative ways by joining your peers for virtual club activities. And now you are making your voices heard and acting as a force for change as part of Drexel’s Anti-Racism Task Force. On behalf of the entire college faculty and staff, we continue to be grateful for and impressed by your adaptability, resilience and understanding as we update our plans.
Today, I write in follow-up to President Fry’s announcement about an expanded return to the Drexel campus for winter term and to help you understand what this means for your College of Engineering experience. Our goal is to ensure a safe and engaging experience for all, through all course modalities. Here are the highlights for now:
Almost all Engineering courses will continue remotely: while we have shifted in some cases to hybrid and face-to-face options for class, nearly all engineering courses will still be delivered remotely. Our programs are unique in that many are conducted in lab and studio settings. So, we've made this decision to be in compliance with occupancy standards to meet local health department requirements as well as the current restrictions on lab head counts mentioned by President Fry. Please keep an eye out for another email from your department head that will contain additional details.
Many courses will continue remotely: while we have shifted in some cases to hybrid and face-to-face options for class, nearly all engineering courses will still be delivered remotely. Please keep an eye out for another email from your department head that will contain additional details.
Student clubs and activities: we are actively working with the Senior Vice President for Student Success to support engineering student clubs and activities. For now, please check the student FAQ on Drexel’s COVID website for details.
Space planning: we want to ensure there are safe and efficient spaces – from quiet zones and study rooms to space for socially-distanced group work and interactions – for our students who choose to return to campus. These spaces will likely be in a combination of Bossone, Randell and Curtis halls, and we are making great progress along with the Offices of the Registrar, Health and Safety and Facilities to identify these co-curricular spaces. Stay tuned for more information, which we will share prior to the start of winter term. In addition, the Drexel University Libraries is open virtually and on campus. Visit the Drexel Libraries’ COVID-19 response page for the latest information and updates regarding those services.
We are here for you: your advisors remain available for one-on-one appointments and your faculty’s virtual office doors remain open. To echo another recent University email, we understand that from the pandemic to social and political events, members of our community may also be feeling increased stress, anxiety and uncertainty. Let us continue supporting our fellow Dragoneers with care and empathy, and remember that a wealth of safety, mental health and well-being, as well as spiritual and religious resources are available to you.
Please also remember that as we have additional information and details to share, we will continue to update the college’s Return to Campus FAQ webpage. Thank you for your attention to this important information.
