Drexel University offers many specialized services that provide support for student wellness and success. See below for resources in the following areas:
Academic
Bookstore
Drexel University Barnes & Noble Bookstores are conveniently located on all three Philadelphia campuses and provide textbooks, school supplies, Drexel clothing and gifts, and general merchandise. Drexel bookstores also coordinate programs for ordering Convocation and Commencement regalia and class rings.
Center for Learning and Academic Success Services (CLASS)
The Center for Learning and Academic Success Services (CLASS) empowers students to develop skills and strategies that foster academic success and personal growth through purposeful interactions with peer and professional staff. CLASS supports Drexel University students’ efforts to achieve their academic goals through a variety of services, including: Academic Coaching, Tutoring, Workshops and Events.
Disability Resources
Disability Resources (DR), under the Office of Equality and Diversity, empowers individuals who have documented disabilities by working together proactively to provide reasonable accommodations. To ensure that all qualified individuals with disabilities receive the information and resources they need, all officers, deans, department heads, faculty members, academic advisors, directors, and supervisors must refer any individual who requests an accommodation to Disability Resources. All referrals, even if initially made verbally, must be followed up in writing.
Drexel Writing Center
The Drexel Writing Center (DWC) helps all members of the Drexel community think through and develop their writing projects, primarily through one-on-one consultations with Peer Readers, Graduate Writing Consultants and Faculty Readers. DWC is staffed by undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and professional tutors. With an undergraduate and graduate staff that spans a wide variety of disciplines, the DWC is a place of cross-disciplinary work where readers and writers learn from each other.
English Language Center
The ELC provides tutoring and language, writing, and research consultations for Drexel international students. Additionally, ELC offers a language support consultation from which students can receive an individual development plan and support resources for self-study/on-going tutoring.
For further assistance with language, graduate students make take a free, no-credit University course (HUM006: Oral communication for non-native speakers) to improve spoken language proficiency.
Graduate College
The Graduate college oversees more than 230 programs across the University and works closely with the Dornsife to advocate for the graduate student experience, including interdisciplinary research, professional development, academic support, and developing policies.
Information Technology
Information Technology provides university-wide instructional, administrative, and research services using its robust computing and communications infrastructure. IT provides support for accounts, computers and software, network, email, video, and more! Nesbitt Hall has a computer lab exclusively for Public Health students where limited printing is available.
Library
Drexel University Libraries has four physical locations and a dynamic online presence with access to over two million items. Students have access to printing, scanning, and computing, other AV materials, and borrowing privileges.
Steinbright Career Development Center
The Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC) offers personalized career guidance and world-class know-how. From our undergraduate and graduate co-op programs and career workshops, to career counseling, career fairs, national and international hands-on experience, the Steinbright staff can help shape students’ careers–and give them the edge they need to succeed.
Drexel Central
Drexel Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund (SEF) was established as a partnership between Student Life, Institutional Advancement, and Drexel Central to support students who are in need of immediate financial assistance due to unexpected emergency expenses. The SEF is designed to provide one-time funding for temporary hardships such as accidents, illness, death of a family member, or natural disasters.
Financial Aid Office
From scholarships to loans to work-study and more, take a look at the best ways to fund your education and what to complete to make the most of these opportunities. Financial Aid is housed under Drexel Central with the Bursar’s Office and the Registrar, where you can find more assistance with course registration, FAFSA and billing, academic records, and Commencement. Master’s level students are encouraged to review further financial aid programs and financing resources available.
Federal Work-Study Program
Federal Work-Study is a need-based program designed to create part-time employment opportunities for eligible students. Work-study funding is awarded as part of a student’s financial aid package. Students search and apply for work-study positions and if hired, earn up to the amount offered for the year through bi-weekly paychecks based on the hours they work.
Health and Wellness
During these times of great uncertainty, Dornsife reminds you to take care of your physical and mental health. Learn more about Drexel’s Counseling Office, Office of Disability Resources (ODR), Drexel Student Health Center (DSHC), Office of Equality & Diversity (OED), Health Insurance, Immunizations & More.
7 Cups
7 Cups is an online service that connects its users with caring listeners who help provide emotional support for non-crisis issues, along with other functions such as guides on maintaining mental wellness.
Known as the world’s largest emotional support system, 7 Cups features trained Drexel listeners — part of a network that numbers over 300,000 — ready to help you. At Drexel, we encourage students to utilize its free 24/7 peer-to-peer anonymous online chat function for support. To sign up for 7 Cups, visit Drexel’s 7 Cups page and submit the Drexel-specific password “dragons” to enter the website.
ComPsych® GuidanceResources®
Now available to all graduate students, the GuidanceResources® program offers 24/7 confidential support, resources and information on a variety of work-life topics, including:
- Confidential Emotional Support
- Personal Health, Wellness & Relationship Support
- Personal & Professional Development Resources
- Travel & Cultural Assimilation Guidance
- Legal Guidance
- Financial Resources
Students may access GuidanceResources® in the following ways:
- Phone: 1-888-628-4824
This toll-free number gives you direct, confidential 24/7 access to a GuidanceConsultant® who will answer your questions and, if needed, refer you to a counselor or other resources. - Online
- Download the App
User name = LFGsupport
Password = LFGsupport1
Office of Counseling and Health Services
Counseling and Health supports students with personal, physical and psychological challenges that interfere with their ability to complete their academic goals. We offer programs, services and resources to assist students with embracing and maintaining good health.
In light of Drexel’s response to Coronavirus, the Counseling Center’s operations are fully remote. Therapists are able to conduct teletherapy using a HIPPA compliant, confidential Zoom platform to preserve our students’ privacy. Learn more or schedule an appointment by visiting the link above.
Office of Disability Resources (ODR)
Housed under OED, the Disability Resources team provides equal opportunity and equal access to education, employment, programs and activities for individuals at Drexel University. ODR empowers individuals who have documented disabilities by working together proactively to provide reasonable accommodations. Disability Resources also provides education and guidance across the broad University community.
Drexel Student Health Center (DSHC)
The Drexel Student Health Center (DSHC) is staffed with faculty physicians and nurse practitioners from the Drexel University College of Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine. DSHC provides a range of health services in a confidential environment. Whether you need allergy shots or immunizations, treatment for women’s health issues or sports medicine, we’re here to help you maintain a quality lifestyle. DSHC provides a range of health services in a confidential environment.
Office of Equality and Diversity (OED)
The Office of Equality and Diversity (OED) is committed to promoting, supporting and providing resources to sustain a living, learning and working environment of diversity, equality, fairness, inclusion and respect where all members of the University community are valued. OED is responsible for ensuring that the University complies with its own policies and with federal, state and local laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment based upon race; color; religion; gender; pregnancy; national origin; age; disability; sexual orientation, identity, and expression; and veteran status. In addition to investigating complaints, OED utilizes various conflict resolution processes to address complaints of discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Furthermore, OED oversees the Office of Disability Resources, where students may seek accommodations for a documented disability.
General Mental Health Resources
The Counseling Center has collected a number of guides and links to helpful information about common challenges that college students encounter. Check out the links below for resources and brochures. Additionally, you may wish to contact the below hotlines for immediate support: National Alliance for Mental Illness or Crisis Text Line.
Health Insurance
In support of our students’ continued good health and the health of our University community and in compliance with Drexel University policy, all full-time students, including online students, must carry health insurance. Those students who have comparable health insurance may waive participation in the Drexel University sponsored plan by submitting proof of coverage. Students enrolling in the Drexel Plan will have their health insurance cost placed on their student account.
All full-time students must demonstrate proof of health insurance each year, by either waiving or enrolling in the Drexel Health Insurance Plan at the beginning of each academic year.
The Haven
As part of a national recovery movement across US college campuses, Drexel University has partnered with The Haven at College, a unique residential community for Drexel students in recovery from substance use issues. The Haven at College is the national provider of on-campus substance use treatment and recovery support services that meets college students where they are.
The Haven is hosting Virtual meetings every day from 5:00PM-6:00PM PST or 8:00PM-9:00PM EST. Login here or call in using your phone: +1(872) 240-3412 Access code: 661-666-741
Immunizations
Drexel University requires all entering full-time undergraduate and graduate students to complete an immunization record. Students should have the form completed by their physician or attach records verifying the dates of the vaccines.
International students may have the QuantiFERON or T-Spot test (to satisfy the PPD requirement) in their country; however, the results must be in English and must be attached to the record. If this is not possible, International students must have the PPD test done and read in the United States upon their arrival to the United States. Contact for the Office of Health Insurance and Immunizations for additional assistance or information.
New and Expecting Parents
Drexel University offers private spaces where nursing mothers may express breast milk during the workday. Designated Lactation Room locations and reservation information for all Drexel campuses can be found here.
Single-Person Restrooms
Drexel University supports a welcoming and inclusive environment throughout all levels of operations and business practices. We want all community members to feel comfortable and secure in their surroundings. Under University policy and local law, individuals have the right to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity and expression. Additionally, visit Refuge Restrooms for more information on single-person restrooms off campus, in Philadelphia.
Personal
Commuter Student Resources
A University office that acts as an advocate for Drexel students that live off-campus, focused on supporting all aspects of the commuter experience, including student engagement and off-campus housing.
International Student and Scholar Services
International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) offers programs and services to international students, scholars, and faculty by organizing culturally enriching opportunities for all members of the Drexel community. Additionally, ISSS staff can advise international students, scholars and faculty on immigration, cultural, financial, academic and personal concerns, such as housing, VISA preparation, SEVIS payment, health insurance and immunization, and more.
International Student Resources
Students from nearly 100 countries have made Drexel their choice for graduate education. Drexel is proud to serve as home to a welcoming and inclusive community dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and society. Learn more about services and resources available to international students.
Office of the Ombuds
It is the role of the Ombuds to seek to resolve conflicts and complaints for all members of the University community-students, faculty, and staff-that are not subject to other dispute resolution processes, such as: interpersonal relations, academic integrity, allegation of ethical or misconduct issues, career management, fear of coming forward or of acting to stop unacceptable behavior, fear of retaliation or allegation of retaliation, abuse of power, bullying, unfair treatment, policy issues, safety issues, working conditions, tenure appeals, or issues dealt with by OED. The Ombuds is not the advocate or representative of any group or person, but impartially seeks to assist any member of the University community.
Office of Spiritual and Religious Life
The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life, the Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and the Office of Campus Engagement collaborate with students and campus or community chaplains to cultivate a culture of mutual respect for the variety of faith traditions on campus. We encourage all students at Drexel University to take advantage of the spectrum of resources available both on and off campus to support their spiritual development and identity. Student Life strives to provide sacred, educational, and fellowship spaces, and to foster inclusive and interfaith experiences led by professional staff, and campus and community chaplains.
Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion
The Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion (SCDI) supports and empowers students of all backgrounds as they build a sense of community that reflects the diversity of Drexel University’s student body. Our office engages Drexel’s AHLANA(1), LGBTQIA+(2), first generation and international student populations through direct advocacy, and intentional identity-based community building. We are active advocates for student diversity, intersectional social justice, and education on campus; and we work to ensure our students feel their whole identity is included and respected during their time here at Drexel.
Office of Veteran Student Services
The Office of Veteran Student Services coordinates a campus-wide effort to ensure that student-veterans and military dependents are able to access high-quality campus services with ease; our goal is to create a truly military-friendly campus community through our welcoming and informative approach
Safety and Security
Drexel ALERT
Drexel University’s emergency notification system that enables fast and efficient dissemination of critical information to students, faculty and staff of the Drexel University community.
Drexel Guardian
Turn your cell phone into a personalized blue light emergency phone. In the event of an emergency, Drexel Guardian allows the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center to immediately access important information about you, such as your name, photograph, important medical information, and location, when you call 267.298.1442 or use the app on your cell phone — dramatically increasing the odds that they can find you and help you. The service is free and voluntary, and the information you provide is kept completely confidential.
Lost and Found
Dornsife does not maintain a lost and found. All lost items will be turned in to Public Safety. If you’ve lost something on campus, it may have been turned into Public Safety, the Creese Student Center Information Desk Lost and Found, or the Library Lost and Found.
Public Safety and Police Department
Police and security forces provide a highly visible presence around the clock in buildings and public spaces. The Department offers safety and awareness trainings and resources to members of the Drexel community. Drexel Police are trained in first aid, CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Additionally, Drexel Police off several free safety programs, including bike and computer registration and the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program.
Walking Escorts
To ensure the safety of all students, faculty and professional staff walking to/from and around the University City Campus, Drexel Public Safety security officers provide walking escorts upon request within our patrol boundaries: 30th to 36th Streets and Chestnut to Spring Garden Streets. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a result of our partnership with the University City District, escorts are also provided by University City District Ambassadors from 10:00AM to 3AM between 30th Street and 42nd Street from Wallace Street to Woodland Avenue and from 42nd Street to 50th Street from Market Street to Woodland Avenue. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more information and to request a walking escort:
- Call Public Safety at 215-895-2222
- Use one of the many building and blue-light emergency phones located across campus
- Ask any Public Safety Officer on patrol or inside a building
Student Life
Campus Engagement
The Office of Campus Engagement believes that an incredibly valuable aspect of Drexel University’s education happens outside of the classroom. Participation in student organizations is where leadership is developed, community engagement occurs, and intellectual, religious, and social interests are met. These opportunities enrich and enhance your Drexel experience, while the interpersonal and organizational skills you exercise will prove invaluable in your co-op and when you graduate. Through DragonLink, our online student organization directory, get connected to student organizations that interest you.
Campus Map
Drexel University is made up of multiple campuses. Find directions from different parts of the country, public transit directions, and maps detailing which building is which.
The Dana and David Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships
The Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships is dedicated to engagement in our neighborhood, offering enriching resources for a diverse community. At the Dornsife Center, Drexel provides resources and skilled training in order to develop a community of shared opportunity. We address the needs of our communities in a way that strengthens, empowers and educates, while maintaining a strong commitment to economic and social justice.
Dining
Non-first year students may register for an Aramark Voluntary Dining Plan. Meals swipes are the backbone of your dining plan and are accepted at the Handschumacher Dining Center, The Café at Perelman Center for Jewish Life, and at Urban Eatery. Dining Dollars supplement meal swipes and are included with each dining plan and can be used for purchases at all Drexel Campus Dining locations.
Dragon Card
The DragonCard is the official University ID card for students, faculty, and professional staff and must be carried at all times.
Drexel Recreation Center
The state-of-the-art Drexel Recreation Center is the heart of fun and play at the University. Ranked the Best Gym in Philadelphia in 2015 by the readers of Philly.com, the 18,000 sq. ft. facility serves as the foundation for all recreational services at Drexel, including intramural sports, club sports, personal fitness, and health/wellness. The Recreation Center includes a multi-purpose gymnasium, elevated jogging track, squash courts, climbing wall, exercise studios, group fitness classes and more. Note: Beginning in the spring quarter of 2020, the Rec Center will go virtual.
Housing
University Housing manages both on-campus and off-campus housing options for undergraduate and graduate students. Be sure to apply for on campus housing early, as spaces are very limited and fill up quickly. Additionally, Drexel offers Gender-Inclusive housing options. Please note that Drexel does not offer temporary housing or housing options for non-Drexel affiliates, such as children and partners.
University Housing manages both on-campus and off-campus housing options for undergraduate and graduate students. Be sure to apply for on campus housing early, as spaces are very limited and fill up quickly. Additionally, Drexel offers Gender-Inclusive housing options. Please note that Drexel does not offer temporary housing or housing options for non-Drexel affiliates, such as children and partners.
Students seeking off-campus housing may use the University database to search for apartments in the University City and greater Philadelphia areas and learn more about leases, off-campus safety, sustainability efforts. Additionally, student may wish to explore University-Affiliated Housing options.
Students are encouraged to utilize third party websites to find housing accommodations, however, advise students to be weary of scams, as websites contain postings have not been reviewed by Drexel.
To see where current Dornsife students live, visit the Student Housing Map.
Intramural Sports
The Intramural Sports Program is designed to offer various leagues, tournaments, one-day events, and special events throughout the year to serve a large & diverse student body. To meet the mission of the Recreational Athletics Office, ISP has policies and procedures to ensure fair play, sportsmanship, and good will among all participants & staff. ISP aims to provide student development opportunities through participation-both as a player and as an employee-within the entire program.
Lindy Center for Civic Engagement
The Lindy Center for Civic Engagement promotes the ideals of social responsibility and public service by facilitating community based experiential learning for students, faculty, and staff. Through collaborations with the community, the Lindy Center improves the public good on the local, national, and global levels while enriching the scholarship and character of Drexel through enhanced education. Volunteer opportunities can be found here.
Philadelphia
We embrace the city and view it as our extended campus. Check out some of the unique opportunities our hometown has to offer.
Residential Living and Student Conduct
Residential Living and Student Conduct (RLSC) uses a student-centered approach to create an inclusive environment that fosters personal growth, effective problem solving, and collaborative conflict resolution. RLSC promotes safety through proactive education and access to resources through the Code of Conduct.
Student Center Services
The Creese Student Center offers lounges, meeting rooms, retail dining locations, a fully-equipped theater, and more. Creese also houses administrative and academic offices and is home to many student organizations at the Greenawalt Student Development Center. The Information Desk located on the first floor offers power strip rentals, vending machine refunds, laptops, temporary DragonCards, bike pumps, SEPTA discounts, employment opportunities, and more.
Take a Virtual Tour of Campus
Get a firsthand glimpse of what it’s like to be a Drexel Dragon. Take a tour of Drexel before you even set foot on campus.
Transportation
Bike Share
Bike Share is open to all students and employees with a valid Drexel University ID and in good standing with the University. There is no rental fee to use a Drexel Bike Share bike. To be eligible to participate in Drexel Bike Share, students/employees must complete an annual Drexel Bike Share Membership Agreement. The use of a Drexel Bike Share bike includes a helmet, u-lock, cable and lock key.
City Transportation
See the city by foot, by bike, by bus, and more.
Drexel Shuttle
Drexel University provides transportation across its three campuses: University City, Center City, and Queen Lane. Students, faculty and professional staff are permitted unlimited use of this service at no charge. The bus service includes three fixed routes (Powelton/Spring Garden, Dragon, and Queen Lane) and operates Monday through Friday.
LUCY Shuttle
Together with SEPTA, UCD operates the Loop through University City (LUCY) bus that carries hundreds of thousands of passengers from 30th Street Station to nearby jobs every year. LUCY® is free to students and employees of the University of Pennsylvania, University of Pennsylvania Health System, University City Science Center, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. All others can ride with Trans or TrailPass, transfers, or $2.50 bus fare. LUCY has a wheelchair lift and two wheelchair tie-downs per bus.
Parking
Daily parking rates and lot locations, apply for an on-campus permit, or pay a parking citation.
SEPTA ComPass & NJ Transit
SEPTA ComPass provides full-time students with a 10% discount on monthly Transpasses and Trailpasses through the Drexel Connect Portal. The NJ Transit provides full-time college students with a 25% discount on NJ TRANSIT monthly passes. See the Commuting section on the Campus+Community tab on DrexelOne for purchase.
Vehicle Assistance
Locked out of your vehicle, or in need of a jumpstart? Call the University City District at 215-387-3942 for free vehicle assistance during emergency situations between 10AM-3AM, seven days a week. (For lock-outs, a waiver form must be signed.) Be sure to explore the UCD for additional safety services and events.
