In a time of global uncertainty and unending change, the liberal arts and sciences have never been more necessary or valuable. The College of Arts and Sciences stands ready.

The College challenges students to see beyond their own perspectives, understanding the problems of today to pioneer the solutions of tomorrow. With a diverse range of programs spanning the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, we drive positive change in the world in a wide range of areas, from cancer research and environmental sustainability to social activism and disaster preparedness, and so much more. Through our comprehensive, real-world approach to education we empower graduates to respond confidently to the world’s most pressing issues — now and long into their future.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

In 1990, the present-day College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS) was created out of a combination of the College of Science and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Our current strategic planning process is an opportunity for us to review our distinguished past and align our core values toward future success. The College’s core mission is central to ensuring excellence in foundational education across the entire University. We are a dynamic and diverse community of inquisitive scholars and thoughtful learners, each focused on making a positive impact on the world around us. We strive to build the knowledge and skills needed to develop students as leaders in a changing world with an eye toward improving the common good.

Next Steps

CoAS has retained an independent consultant firm, Fairmount Ventures, to lead our strategic planning process. Fairmount has worked with nonprofits and higher education institutions in the Philadelphia region over the last 28 years in the areas of strategic planning, executive recruiting, program design, and fundraising. To ensure the methods of this process are comprehensive and inclusive, Fairmount has engaged a wide range of CoAS students, faculty, and staff to take part in conversations in order to garner a variety of insights and perspectives on the College, and inform its future direction. To date, Fairmount has executed the following activities in collaboration with CoAS leadership:

• Interviewed thirty-six (36) members of the CoAS community including students, faculty and staff
• Conducted four (4) focus groups – one for students, faculty, staff, and alumni/parents (27 total participants)
• Facilitated one, kick-off Steering Committee meeting, with plans to host additional meetings throughout the remainder of the planning process

We look forward to any comments, questions, or suggestions you wish to share as we work together to create a new strategic plan for the College.

Norma Bouchard, PhD
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Drexel University