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.
BRIDGE Program
The Drexel College of Arts and Sciences’ BRIDGE program —Build Relationships in Diverse Group Experiences— seeks to foster community among first-year students of color and ease their transition into college life. Launched from a seed gift made by Mrs. Carole Gardner Dodson (Drexel CoAS Humanities and Social Sciences, ’71), the BRIDGE program builds a welcoming community that nurtures growth among underrepresented minority students in the College of Arts and Sciences. Research shows programs like BRIDGE improve students’ quality of life, grades, and graduation rates, and ensures that they are well-positioned for success after graduation.
Our program offers specialized advising, professional development opportunities, and community-building experiences. Students take an introductory course that helps them acclimate to life at Drexel by establishing connections to resources like the counseling center, housing, research opportunities, and study abroad. Throughout the year, we offer programs exclusively for BRIDGE students to ensure they take advantage of Drexel’s many valuable academic and professional opportunities.
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. If you’re interested in applying, please fill out this form. Applications will be 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.
First Forward Program
The College of Arts and Sciences’ First Forward program supports first-generation college student's academic success and personal development by helping them build a peer network and leverage Drexel’s excellent resources. Our First Forward community creates a welcoming space where students feel seen, heard, and valued during their educational journey. As a result, students in the First Forward program have fun, gain confidence, and engage with other first-gens as they transition to campus life. In addition, the First Forward program assists students as they explore all that Drexel has to offer during their time here and beyond.
- Supportive peer mentoring
- Access to dedicated faculty advisers
- Monthly peer networking events and workshops
- Inclusive orientation to campus resources
The College of Arts and Sciences First Forward Program is open to current first-generation undergraduate students at Drexel. If you are interested in applying, please fill out this form. Applications for the 2023 academic year must be submitted no later than August 1, 2023.
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