For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

Culture and Community

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 justice.

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 Culture and Community issues. Each of our 13 academic departments and affiliated centers has culture and community representatives.


Welcome to our community

Steve Vásquez Dolph, PhD

Greetings! As students, staff and faculty of the university, we all play an important role of supporting academic culture and community. As Associate Dean for Culture and Community for the college, my primary responsibility is to work with my colleagues to ensure that everyone’s unique contributions remain a central focus in all aspects of our work across the campus. This will ensure that the university’s long-term policies reflect the unique breadth of 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 for Culture and Community
College of Arts and Sciences


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 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 60 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.


Program Benefits

How to Apply

Support BRIDGE


Latest News

English Language Center students celebrate their college decisions

English Language Center Supports International Students with Skills to Succeed at Drexel and Beyond

The English Language Center (ELC) continues to meet a key part of its mission of preparing students to participate fully in the Drexel community, including gaining admission to undergraduate and graduate programs of study. The ELC held a Decision Day 2025 party to celebrate students' confirmations to Drexel and other colleges and universities across the U.S.

Read More

Omani students visit Drexel as part of English Language Center program

Drexel English Language Center One of Three U.S. Programs to Host Omani Students Seeking Admission to American Universities

Drexel’s English Language Center (ELC) is proud to host its second cohort of 26 students through a multi-year agreement with the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman – Cultural Division.

Read More

Sean Hyatt, BS Psychology '23

Sean Hyatt '23 Awarded Danté Austin Scholarship for LGBTQ+ Advocacy

The Danté M. Austin Memorial Scholarship is awarded to one local student annually by the Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) of Greater Philadelphia.

Read More