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Mission and Ministry

SERVICE & JUSTICE EXPERIENCES

Students putting up the walls of a house

Service and Justice Experiences (SJEs) are immersion opportunities where students build relationships with other Villanovans and community partners committed to working for change. During University breaks, students, faculty, and staff travel to learn from and serve alongside communities who are engaged in the struggle for justice internationally, domestically, and locally. Grounded in the Catholic Augustinian values of truth, unity and love, SJEs are open to all students, regardless of faith identity, who are willing to think critically about social issues and commit to working for the common good.

SJEs start with five weekly group meetings on campus to build community, engage in social analysis around a specific theme, and share in prayerful reflection. Then, over semester break, small groups spend a one-week immersion experience with their partner community where they gain first-hand experiences of and insights into the lives of people they encounter, take part in service, and develop a critical awareness of social issues.

All participating students must abide by the SJE program guidelines and bring an open mind and heart for the experience. They must be willing to listen attentively, share honestly, serve generously and question passionately.

What else do SJEs Involve?

  • Participate in three mandatory SJE Trainings before break
  • Engage with your group members through community building opportunities
  • Reflect on your community partner’s mission and theme
  • Attend the post-immersion retreat 

 

Know Before You Go


Important Dates


To Lead an SJE

  • Build community with your group before, during and after your immersion.
  • Be the main point of contact between your group and your community partner.
  • Fill out the SJE leader application for Spring 2025. The application will remain open until all spots are filled.
  • Participate in a short, informal interview with the SJE Leadership Team.

Program Coordinator: Abigail Gorman

"Being in Camden, NJ, was an eye-opening experience that served to remind me not to believe the stereotypes imposed on different areas. The people of Camden were so kind, open and amazing to us! They are the reason I look back at this experience so fondly."

—Valentina Wey ’23 CLAS

"Service and Justice Experiences have changed my life! It’s like having little parts of me scheduled everywhere I had the privilege to serve! Forever keeping those bonds I made and the lessons I learned with me! I’m proud to have participated [in] and led them!"

—Jack Brenner ’19 VSB

"I reminisce about the SJE often! From long car trips and fun hikes to painting an entire house and folk dancing, I became so close to a group of individuals that I had never met before in a quick instant! I realized this SJE how kindhearted and altruistic people can be when I just meet them, and I will never forget the wonderful experiences we shared together."

—Megan Tsou ’23 VSB

“Love, when it is true, is always directed away from oneself. It is transcendent. The two-fold commandment of love, therefore, translates into working for the common good, [and] working for the common good is service.” –The Augustine Way