FAITH AND LEARNING SCHOLARS

Faith and Learning Scholars are Villanova undergraduates who see unique advantages to studying in an environment where each member of the community is free to express a faith tradition and explore how faith informs learning. Faith and Learning Scholars are sponsored by the Center for Faith and Learning, which structures conversation among student scholars and faculty mentors.

The Center for Faith & Learning Scholar Program seeks to encourage the next generation of young adults to integrate the individual's faith journey with on-going quest for lifelong learning.

SCHOLAR SELECTION

Students become Scholars by:

  • Choosing to apply to be a Faith and Learning Scholar OR
  • Being nominated by a member of the Villanova University community

Eligible students must:

  • Have rising sophomore class status
  • Possess and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25
  • Demonstrate interest in "faith as a journey" learning process
  • Complete application and interview process in the spring of freshman year
  • Submit:
        - An essay
        - Unofficial Villanova University transcript
        - 2 personal references

      

PROGRAM DESIGN

The Center for Faith and Learning will provide the structure for student-faculty interactions by pairing each student scholar to a faculty mentor and facilitating gatherings for the program participants. 

Five meetings are planned for scholars and their faculty mentors during the first year. 

  • Students will be invited to a "meet & greet" gathering at the beginning of their sophomore academic year
  • Student scholars and faculty mentors meet twice a semester in a group setting for dinner and to discuss an assigned reading relevant to the nature, purposes, and challenges of faith and learning.

At the end of their sophomore and junior academic years, students will be offered the opportunity to continue in the program for another year.

The CF & L Scholar program involves a "2 dinner dialogues per semester" format which begins in sophomore year and continues through senior year/graduation. (Past Readings & Dialogues)

      

Villanova University seeks to prepare the next generation of young adults to integrate faith and learning into their emerging adult life.

In addition, the Center for Faith and Learning hopes to encourage young scholars to consider advanced degrees and life in the academy as a future vocation.

    

"Our dinner dialogues were always like a breath of fresh air for me -- they helped me take a step back and consider my faith, something that I don't always make time for in my day-to-day life. Those moments became very important to me over the past three years."

"I have had the opportunity to meet a group of people all with the same focus of school and integrated faith.  I never thought I would be able to connect with these students (and faculty) in one setting. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to experience faith and learning these three years."

"I'm a more confident person. Not just in my faith life, though that's certainly true, but I feel like a more well-rounded individual for having participated in this program. I'm more open. I'm more comfortable talking about myself and my experiences."

Center for Faith and Learning Directory

Scholars Program Dinner Schedule 2024-25

*All Dinner Dialogues take place in Garey Hall, Room 10A, 6-8 p.m.*

  • Tuesday, September 24, 2024 - St. Augustine Community 
  • Thursday, October 24, 2024 - St. Thomas of Villanova Community 
  • Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - St. Monica Community 
  • Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - St. Augustine Community
  • Thursday, January 30, 2025 - St. Thomas of Villanova Community
  • Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - St. Monica Community
  • Tuesday, February 18, 2025 - St. Augustine Community

Community Dinner

*All Scholars and Mentors Attend*

Thursday, April 3, 2025

6-8 p.m. 

Connelly Center, Villanova Room