DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AT VILLANOVA
WELCOME
At Villanova, we believe that diversity is at the heart of all teaching and learning experiences. Whether student, staff or faculty, we know that to grow is to broaden perspectives and develop new insights on the world. A complete Villanova education must include active involvement with communities outside the walls of our classrooms and an exploration of new relationships within our own community. We are committed to forging relationships across and through lines of difference. I invite you to explore these pages and to share your thoughts on how we can continue to enhance Villanova’s diversity initiatives.
Teresa A. Nance, PhD (She, Her, Hers)
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Chief Diversity Officer
Professor, Department of Communication
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Villanova University, as a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education, recognizes diversity as an integral component of the teaching and learning experience and as an essential element of the ongoing intellectual, social and spiritual development of every member of the Villanova community.
Accordingly, Villanova University will be a diverse community. We commit ourselves to cultivating an academic environment marked by genuine curiosity about different perspectives, ardent receptivity to knowledge generated through intercultural connections and a genuine sensitivity to the variety of human experiences marked by domestic and global differences.
OFFICES & GROUPS
Villanova's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion serves as a centralized resource for the University community. But a wide variety of academic programming, curricular initiatives and groups in the diversity, equity and inclusion space are active within our Colleges and across our University.
Center for Access, Success and Achievement (CASA)
Office for Mission and Ministry
Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women's Leadership
Office of Veterans and Military Service Members
VISIBLE: Villanova Initiative to Support Inclusiveness and Build Leaders
Student Life
- Office of Intercultural Affairs
- International Students Services Office
- Office of Disability Services
Find out more about student organizations and programming through the Office of Intercultural Affairs and Office of Student Involvement.
FEATURED EVENTS
Events focused on topics surrounding and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion take place across campus throughout the academic year, including these notable annual events:
MLK Jr. Day of Service
This day of service celebrates the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday by bringing the Villanova community together to improve lives, bridge social barriers and move our nation closer to the "Beloved Community" that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. envisioned. There are opportunities for members of the University community to volunteer throughout Greater Philadelphia and on our campus.
Special Olympics Fall Festival
Fall Festival is regarded as the largest university student-run Special Olympics event in the world led by Villanova University's Special Olympics Committee.
Freedom School
Villanova hosts an annual Freedom School in January in observance of the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom School sessions may cover a variety of topics, such as immigration, the possibilities and challenges of globalization, the rule of law and respect for human rights, affirmative action, education and social justice, peacemaking and peacekeeping, nonviolence and nonviolent social change, and the sins of racism and white supremacy.
One Book Villanova
One Book Villanova is a distinctive educational program that engages all segments of the campus community – students, staff and faculty – in activities presented throughout the academic year which explore dominant themes presented in a selected book.
LGBTQ+ Awareness Week and Pride Week
VU Pride is a group of students, faculty and staff working together to foster awareness and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities on campus. VU Pride offers an array of programs and community builders through the year, primarily planned by students in VU Pride. Programs typically include an LGBTQ+ Awareness Week in the Fall and a Pride Week each Spring. In addition, VU Pride hosts a number of educational and social opportunities through the year for VU Pride members, open to all.