Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Acting to Educate, Engage and Amplify
Drexel University's College of Arts and Sciences is uniquely positioned to examine the causes and effects of racism, homophobia and other injustices, and to develop solutions through the lens of the liberal arts and sciences. In the best Drexel tradition, we are called to examine issues directly, to amplify the voices of the marginalized, to call out the wrongs, and to do everything in our power to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in all of its forms.
The College of Arts and Sciences has taken numerous steps to educate, engage, and advocate for our learning community and those we serve. The charge of the Faculty Council, a conduit between the College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS) faculty and its leadership, is to focus on a broad range of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) issues. Each of our 13 academic departments and affiliated centers has convened diversity councils and committees.
Welcome to our community
Greetings! As students, staff and faculty of the university, we all play an important role in the work of diversity and inclusion in our community. As Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for the college, my primary responsibility is to work with my colleagues to ensure that DEI remains a central focus in all aspects of our work across the campus. This will ensure that the university’s long-term policies and programs enhance DEI efforts and work to strengthen the Drexel community. I am honored to serve the college in this role and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.
I welcome all ideas and feedback! Feel free to reach out to me anytime at sd3366@drexel.edu.
Steve Vásquez Dolph, PhD
Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
College of Arts and Sciences
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The BRIDGE Program
The Drexel College of Arts and Sciences’ BRIDGE program —Build Relationships in Diverse Group Experiences— fosters community among first-year students and supports their transition into college life. The BRIDGE program builds a welcoming community that nurtures growth among underrepresented minority, first-generation, and PELL grant-eligible students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Research shows programs like BRIDGE improve students’ quality of life, GPAs, retention and graduation rates while ensuring that they are well-positioned for success after graduation. The BRIDGE program at the College of Arts and Sciences was launched with a seed gift from distinguished Drexel alum Mrs. Carole Gardner Dodson, Humanities and Social Sciences, ’71.
BRIDGE offers specialized advising, professional development and community-building experiences. Students take an introductory course that helps them acclimate to life at Drexel by connecting them to resources like the counseling center, housing, research opportunities, and study abroad.
Since 2021, the College of Arts and Sciences’ BRIDGE program has grown to over 40 members. Throughout the academic year, the program hosts transformative experiences exclusively for BRIDGE students to ensure they take advantage of Drexel’s many valuable academic and professional opportunities.
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Academic and Professional Development
- Ongoing peer mentoring from current Drexel students
- Workshops on résumé writing, financial aid, graduate school, and more
- Networking events with Drexel alumni
- BRIDGE-only orientation to Drexel’s Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP)
- Connections with Drexel College of Medicine (DUCOM)’s Student National Medical Association and other DUCOM pipeline programs
- Law school and business school tours
Community Building
We value connection and building community ties at Drexel and beyond. As a BRIDGE student, we’ll invite you to share community meals, help with civic engagement efforts, and explore the city with us. We also join student hangouts hosted by the Center for Black Culture, the Student Center for Inclusion and Culture, and many other student organizations.
Entry to the BRIDGE program is limited to 25 students from each incoming class. To learn more or to apply, please email Laurie Zinberg,lgz23@drexel.edu, or Jenna Gregory, jeg362@drexel.edu. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning August 1, 2023.
Drexel’s College of Arts and Sciences is founded on the belief that the future is a place we make – together, united for good. Your investment in our BRIDGE students will help them to realize their greatest potential and provide dividends for generations to come. If you are interested in supporting our BRIDGE program, please consider making a donation.
Your gift recognizes the importance of the BRIDGE initiative and helps us to support our scholars' academic and professional development through dedicated workshops, activities and other resources.
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