Academic Transformation
Drexel is one of the few universities bold enough to fully reimagine its academic model and curriculum — with more flexibility, more interdisciplinarity, and a renewed focus on what makes us distinct. This includes:
- Integrating our schools and colleges to reduce complexity and unlock innovation;
- Transitioning to a semester calendar for all programs to support enhanced recruitment, retention, partnership and co-op success;
- Redesigning our curriculum into one that increases flexibility and distinction, supports student learning outcomes and integrates core competencies;
- And developing greater consistency in practices and policies across academic units to support flexibility and collaboration.
Since the start of Drexel’s strategic planning, teams of faculty, professional staff and administrators have come together to design and advance a plan that holistically addresses shifts in higher education and across industries. As part of this process, the University Advisory Committee on Academic Structure (UACAS) was charged in November 2022 with reviewing the organization of our academic units to ensure our structure is aligned to best meet the institution’s strategic priorities.
Based on the input of hundreds of stakeholders, internal and external data, survey responses, historical strategic planning and more, the UACAS recommendations were shared with Drexel faculty and professional staff in June 2023 and assessed for feasibility by teams of working groups (view a timeline of the UACAS process). This process has yielded a compelling, community-developed vision and vetted roadmap for becoming the University students and society need. In September 2024, Provost Paul Jensen announced plans for the University to adopt the UACAS recommendations.
Faculty and professional staff are encouraged to visit the Academic Transformation SharePoint for the current status of working group progress. Additionally, please visit the following subpages for more information:
- University Advisory Committee on Academic Structure
Learn about the work for the UACAS, which laid the groundwork for the community-developed vision guiding Drexel’s academic transformation. - Implementation Structure
View the structure of teams that are leading this work and opportunities to get involved. - Working Groups
Meet the teams that are leading the design of the Academic Transformation.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Drexel’s academic transformation?
Visit the links below to read messages from the Offices of the President and Provost related to the University’s academic structure work.
- Academic Transformation Update (February 27, 2025)
- SharePoint Launch, Working Groups Kickoff and Proposed Unit Integration (January 24, 2025)
- Working Groups Launch for Academic Transformation (December 18, 2024)
- Designing Drexel's Academic Transformation: Call for Working Group Nominations (October 15, 2024)
- Embracing a Vision for Academic Transformation (September 11, 2024)
- Important Update on the University’s Academic Structure for Students (May 9, 2024)
- Update to the Community on Academic Restructuring (April 19, 2024)
- Seizing Opportunities to 'Spring Forward' at Drexel (March 12, 2024)
- Feasibility Phase Kicks Off for UAC Recommendations (November 16, 2023)
- Preparing for Feasibility Studies on UAC Recommendations on Academic Structure (August 23, 2023)
- Joint University Town Hall & Faculty Senate Meeting (July 11, 2023)
- Recommendations from the University Advisory Committee on Academic Structure (June 20, 2023)
- University to Review Academic Structure (September 29, 2022)