CASA PROGRAMS
As part of its commitment to providing an academically distinctive, culturally diverse learning community, CASA offers programs and initiatives for pre-college and college students aimed at preparing individuals for both academic and personal success. Programs take place throughout the calendar year to accommodate the various student's CASA supports.
PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS
The St. Thomas of Villanova Scholars (STOVS) program is a three-week summer program that takes place in July, where invited incoming freshmen begin their college career. During STOVS, students have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with college-level courses, connect with University faculty and administrators, and meet some of their new best friends.
During this summer program, students take a 3-credit Augustine and Culture Seminar (ACS) class, a 3-credit Economics (ECO) course or a 3-credit Philosophy (PHI) course (based on major selection and committee recommendation). In addition to the ACS, ECO, or PHI course, STOVS also take a non-credited mathematics course, in preparation for the college-level math required by their major and college.
Throughout the three-week program, students meet and work with professional counselors and campus leaders to get a jump start on their college career. Through one-on-one meetings, students will begin to identify and work toward their academic, social and career goals. Students are invited to apply to the STOVS program in May, after submitting their deposit to attend Villanova University. Selection to participate in the program is competitive and highly selective.
The Academic Advancement Program (AAP) is an outstanding admission and resource program designed for highly motivated students who have strong academic credentials and could benefit from additional academic and financial support. The program provides an educational opportunity to such students and aims to facilitate their academic and personal transition to college.
The AAP program helps promising students achieve academic success and supports them toward their goals.
There are no costs associated with the AAP Summer Bridge Program.
Before the first semester at Villanova, AAP students participate in the AAP Summer Bridge, a five-week residential academic experience at no cost to participants. Room and board are provided, along with course materials, and all activities and excursions are included. Participation is by invitation only to jumpstart success at Villanova with AAP.
AAP participants live together, along with Peer Counselors, in a residential hall. Day to day, they experience college life and learning in a supportive and fun environment, setting the stage for a smooth transition in the fall.
AAP students take four courses during the Summer Bridge:
- English (3-credit course)
- Science Lab Competency (1-credit course)
- Mathematics
- College Reading and Writing
In addition, students take part in enrichment workshops, field trips, on-campus activities and social events.
AAP participants can expect to spend Mondays through Thursdays taking classes, studying independently and socializing with friends. Evenings are dedicated to free time and study time, with occasional activities. Classes do not meet on Fridays; students use this time for academic work as well as leisure. Most weekends feature an on-campus event or trip, with downtime as well. Three meals a day are provided on weekdays, and brunch and dinner on weekends.
During the Summer Bridge, strong bonds are formed with peers, advisors and faculty, ensuring a strong and confident start at Villanova.
Orientation: June 27-29, 2025
Program: June 30-August 1, 2025
Full program details will be provided to confirmed participants.
Selection Criteria
Selection for participation is made through the Admissions Office and is based on students’ high school transcripts, college essays and family income levels. Students residing in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C. are eligible for the AAP program.
Before the first semester at Villanova, AAP students must participate in the AAP Summer Bridge Program. During the Bridge Program, AAP students will preview campus life and academic life at Villanova by taking courses, building connections with other incoming students and participating in fun activities. Following the Bridge Program, AAP participants receive support and resources through CASA for the duration of their time at Villanova.
PRE-ORIENTATION PROGRAMS
UNITAS is a residential, pre-orientation weekend program for our incoming first-year students. It is a fun-filled educational weekend designed to help our new students transition to college.
Our mission is to help those new members of the community become better acclimated with campus; build connections with students in their incoming class year and continuing students; and ideally help them become future leaders here at Villanova.
- To develop a positive sense of self.
- To develop the attitude and skills to be a successful college student.
- To be able to cope with developmental changes over the college years.
- To understand the impact of culture (family upbringing, race, ethnicity, gender, family income, community, religion, body type, mental or physical differences, sexual orientation, geographic location, age, and other social identifiers) on the individuals perceptions and values.
- To develop a sense of social ethics and responsibility.
- To create a network of social support in the Villanova Community. This network includes students, faculty, and staff.
Dates: Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, 2025
Where: On Campus, Residential
Who: Anyone in Villanova University's Class of 2029!
Cost: $125
Please sign the UNITAS 2025 Release Form with a pen and fax it to Mr. Kevin Covington at 610-519-4519, or send a photograph of the signed document via email.
Registration is closed!