Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA
4-year | Private
Enrollment: 22,344

Academic years of attempt: 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23
Academic year of inaugural cancellation: 2024-25

Classification: successful student-led cancellation effort

Frequency of cancellation: unclear

Academic calendar

2020-21

For the first time, Drexel announced it would close early on Election Day, November 3, 2020 “to allow time for the Drexel community to vote.”

Timothy Hanlon, Student Body President, signed onto a fall 2020 letter calling for the suspension of classes on Election Day. Yale campus leaders and a coalition of student body presidents drafted the letter, which argued class cancellation was necessary “to ensure that all members of our community—including students, faculty, and employees—are prioritizing efforts to empower our fellow Americans to vote.”

Proposal for Octavius Catto’s Day of Civic Service at Drexel

2021-22

Drexel closed at 2 p.m. on Election Day, November 2, 2021 “in an effort to encourage voter turnout and in support of the USGA’s expanded efforts to make this a day of service.”

2022-23

Drexel Closing Early on Election Day, November 8

2024-25

Drexel University Won’t Hold Classes on Election Day

Student newspaper: USGA secures Election Day off