Since its founding in 1891, Drexel University has stood out among other universities for many reasons: its urban campus, co-op system, and, perhaps most distinctive, its 10-week quarter system.
Across generations of Drexel students, many view this system as a source of pride and pressure; it defines Drexel as the university it is today. However, this will soon change: starting in August 2027, Drexel University will officially switch to a semester-based calendar with longer 14-week terms, five-day breaks added in the fall and spring, and a 12-week summer term with a break.
Administrators cite the reasoning as offering better alignment with other colleges, deeper learning experiences, stronger flexibility, and more opportunities. After over a century of the quarter schedule, this change will be very abrupt for current students, has caused concern among alumni, and may raise second thoughts among prospective students. As the quarter system approaches its end, students and alumni reflect on what the university may gain or lose by leaving it behind.
Reactions are mixed, with many expressing concern about how the change could alter the school’s cultural and academic identity. Students like Lulu Choi ‘27, a Westphal student, emphasize that the longer breaks and a traditional calendar sound appealing; however, she does not “understand the point” of moving away from a system that has been in place all these years. She believes that the change is unnecessary and may hurt Drexel’s image.
Additionally, Christine Lee ‘28, a nursing student, says she prefers the current quarter system because “It makes you do work, change out classes you don’t like…and is fast paced for a good reason, [ensuring] you prioritize studying.”
While students were concerned that this may drastically affect the co-op system by leading to fewer opportunities or less flexibility, administrators have promoted the “split” summer term as allowing both co-op cycles to tap into the conventional summer internship season.
Not only are students worried, but alumni are too. David Pedorenko, class of ’80, disagrees with the change and feels that moving away from the quarters could harm Drexel’s reputation and students’ work ethic. He believes that the quarter system was a very good model for post-college jobs.
“The quarter system at Drexel University helped prepare me for the work world… it is very fast paced, but I was ready for it,” Pedorenko told The Triangle. In changing the schedule, he worries that students will lose their work ethic.
Additionally, there are worries that this new calendar with the co-op system could mean more programs become exclusively five-year programs, which could hurt students’ personal and financial plans.
Despite these drawbacks, students acknowledged the potential benefits, such as longer breaks and a lower risk of burnout. While Drexel’s decision to move to a semester schedule is worrisome for many who are connected to the university, it presents a promising opportunity for the university to get in step with other colleges.