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
Read more
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.
Read more
Academic Development
- Ongoing peer mentoring from current Drexel students
- Weekly BRIDGE study hall with tutoring
- A personalized BRIDGE section of UNIV S101 in the first term
- Workshop on financial aid
- Connections with the Korman Center for ongoing tutoring and academic coaching
- BRIDGE-only orientation to Drexel’s Undergraduate Research Experience Program (UREP)
Professional Development
- Networking events with Drexel alumni
- Connections with Drexel’s graduate colleges, including Drexel’s Pre-Health services
- BRIDGE-only career assessment through Steinbright Career Development Center
- Workshops on résumé writing and graduate school application
Community Building
- Special Welcome Week event
- Civic engagement opportunities throughout the year
- Hangouts and community meals on campus
- Explore Philadelphia during social events throughout the year
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 July 2024.
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.
Latest News
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
Drexel Libraries Exhibit Explores the Latin American "Cartonera" Movement
"Drexel Cartonera: Memorias al cartón," an exhibit featuring handmade books created by students in the Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages, is on display through June.
Read More
English Language Center Hosts the First Cohort of Omani Scholarship Students Seeking Admission to Universities
26 Omani students are spending the 2023–24 academic year at Drexel to improve their English and receive support as they apply for admission to selective colleges and universities in the U.S.
Read More