LGBTQIA+ RESOURCES
As a Catholic university, Villanova respects the dignity and sacredness of each person. The University’s Mission Statement affirms that we “seek to nurture a concern for the common good” and “an enthusiasm for the challenge of responsible and productive citizenship in order to build a just and peaceful world.”
VU PRIDE: WHO WE ARE
VU Pride is a group of students, faculty, and staff working together to foster awareness and celebration of LGBTQIA+ identities on campus. We are dedicated to respecting all human beings and building a community of care and compassion.
Villanova's LGBTQ Employee Resource Group has written the following statement to express our care and support for all LGBTQ members of the Villanova community. We sincerely hope that together we can continue to create a Villanova community in which all persons are seen, celebrated, valued, and loved exactly as they are.
We as students, faculty and staff of Villanova University are dismayed by the recent statement from the Vatican that names same-sex unions as a “sin” and suggests that it is a choice to love someone of the same sex. This statement reduces humans in relationships to a single dimension, negating the wholeness and dignity of LGBTQ+ persons in the process. This is a heartbreaking, disaffirming statement that has the potential of doing grave physical and spiritual harm to LGBTQ+ people, particularly youth, who already occupy a vulnerable place in the world. It is especially hurtful considering the Catholic Church’s longstanding exclusion of LGBTQ+ people.
To all LGBTQ+ members of the Villanova community — students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and visitors — we see you, we stand with you, and we celebrate you and your love.
Villanova is a place where we respect the dignity and sacredness of each person. The University’s Mission Statement affirms that we “seek to nurture a concern for the common good” and “an enthusiasm for the challenge of responsible and productive citizenship in order to build a just and peaceful world.” We are passionately committed to that mission and embrace the opportunity to stand against words and actions that run counter to it. As a community engaged in an antiracist movement, we recognize the need to acknowledge that identities are not singular and that we must advocate for all marginalized communities.
The Catholic faith teaches us that all people, including those of all sexual orientations, genders, gender identities, abilities, races, ethnicities, languages, religions and immigration statuses, are created in the image and likeness of God and that we are all created to love ourselves, one another, and our creator. The faith tradition of our University, as our President made clear in his letter to us, calls us to affirm and love all people without reservation and free from all shame and fear. We are all called to become with God co-creators of ourselves and our relationships in order to build up a society of love and justice on earth that eagerly awaits the fullness of God’s love for all of creation.
We join with Villanova students in their calls for the creation of a diversity center and the enhancement of the resources for LGBTQ+ people on campus. We ask Villanova leadership to continue speaking out and affirming the LGBTQ+ community. Villanova is a loving place, and these actions will further serve to spread that love to all members of our community. We offer below a prayer for all marriages, adapted from one created by Equally Blessed, a coalition of Catholic organizations, and hope that it may provide some healing to those impacted. We invite and encourage all Villanovans to explore and support the LGBTQ+ resources at the university and local and national resources, including emergency resources.
A Prayer for All Marriages
Loving God,
You who created each of us in Your own image
and who called us together in community,
We give You thanks for the gift of marriage
and for the many couples
whose love and commitment to each other reminds us
of Your never-ending love for humanity.
We thank You for all the different types of marriages in our world:
young couples beginning a life together, as well as couples celebrating decades of love,
re-married couples and those who found each other later in life,
couples whose marriages are recognized by our state and our Church,
and same-sex couples who are denied that recognition
but who continue to bravely model love and commitment in the face of discrimination.
We thank You for the many kinds of families that are strengthened by these marriages:
families of biological children and adopted children,
blended families and families of choice,
as well as couples without children who work together to nurture communities of love and justice.
We ask You to pour Your blessings onto every marriage
regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Make each marriage one of love, respect and peace.
Guide each couple as they strive to be an example of your love in the world
and surround them with family and friends who honor and celebrate their commitment.
Help us support marriage and family in all of its diversity
and guide us as we speak out against oppression in our Church.
Lead us toward the day when all loving unions will be seen as sacred
and all couples will have the support and recognition of their faith communities.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, who called us to love one another as we love You,
Amen.
Signed,
Villanova Staff and Faculty
Adam Smith, VISIBLE
Alex Iannucci, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Alexander Diaz-Lopez, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Alexandra Delboy Zenteno, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Amanda Constable, Office of Financial Assistance
Amber Viescas, CLAS IT Department
Anne Fink, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
Atiya Love, Office of Intercultural Affairs
Bobby Nichols, Campus Ministry
Brian McCabe, Campus Ministry
Candice Post, University Counseling Center
Carly Cohen, Office of Intercultural Affairs
Carly Gulasarian, Daniel M. DiLella Center for Real Estate, Villanova School of Business
Catherine Stecyk, Center for Research and Fellowships & Presidential Scholars Program
Celina Alexander, Intergroup Relations Program
Charles Ashley, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Chelsea Benincasa, Center for Research and Fellowships & Presidential Scholars Program
Chelsea Romito, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Cheryl Morris, Digital Fundraising
Chesley Turner, Center for Church Management
Christa Bialka, Department of Education and Counseling
Christie Vuoto, Career Center
Christina Butler (she/her), Career Development & Pre-Law Advising
Rev. Dr. Christy Lang Hearlson, Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Dana Jacob, Alumni Relations
Danielle Ross, McNulty Institute for Women's Leadership
Dillon Eppenstein, Director for Residential Programs - Office for Residence Life
Dominic Canzanese, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Ed Sloane, Campus Ministry
Edward Wahesh, Department of Education and Counseling
Elisa Wiley, CLAS IT
Elizabeth Sokolowski, Music Activities
Eloise Berry, Office of Intercultural Affairs
Emily Wetzel-Ulrich, Office for Undergraduate Students
Eric Goins, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Evan Schares, Department of Communication
Gayle Doyle, College of Engineering
Gerald Beyer, Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Gloria Angel, Moran Center for Global Leadership, VSB
Gregory Hannah, Office of Disability Services
Janice Sylvester, Learning Support Services
Jared James May, Office for Mission & Ministry
Jasmine Thornton, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Jesse Frey, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Jessica Taylor, DiLella Center for Real Estate
John Edwards, Campus Ministry
Jordan Toy, Office for Undergraduate Students
Joseph Calderone, OSA, Campus Ministry
Joseph Hohman, Office of Residence Life
Judy Duroseau, Alumni Relations
Julia Sheetz, Campus Ministry
Kaitlin Gottuso, Office of Research Protections
Kate Giancatarino, Campus Ministry
Kate Szumanski, Office for Undergraduate Students
Kathryn Getek Soltis, Center for Peace and Justice Education
Katie Haymaker, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Kelsey Fenner, Center for Research & Fellowships
Kevin Donahue, University Information Technology (UNIT)
Kevin Grubb, Career Center & Office of the Provost
Kim Cahill, Moran Center for Global Leadership
Kimberly Kane, VSB Graduate Admissions
Kirstin DeFusco Houtz, College of Professional Studies
Krista Malott, Department of Education and Counseling
Lauren DePiero, Center for Research & Fellowships
Lauren Higgins
Lauren Ward, Center for Access, Success and Achievement
Leigh Stewart, University Advancement
Leslie Castrejon, Center for Access, Success & Achievement
Liesel Schwarz, Sustainability Manager
Linda Jaczynski, Center for Worship and Spirituality
Luciana MacNamara, University Counseling Center
Maggie Songer, Career Center
Mark Levand, Theology & Religious Studies
Maureen Fitton, Campus Ministry
Melanie Subacus, Classics
Michael Levitan, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Michelle Sherman, Campus Ministry
Mike Westrate, Center for Research and Fellowships & Presidential Scholars Program
Mimi Moran, Student Involvement/Fraternity and Sorority Life
Natalie Sheridan, University Counseling Center
Nicholynn Keefer, Office of the Bursar
Nick Tumolo, Dean of Students Office
Nicole Subik, Learning Support Services
Olivia D'Aiutolo Mendenall, College of Professional Studies
Olivia Farkas, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Patrice Soares, Learning Support Services
Peter Chi, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Peter Muller
Rachel Skrlac Lo , Department of Education and Counseling
Randy Weinstein, Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning
Rita Di Carlo, VSB Graduate Programs, Career Services
Robert Jantzen, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Sage Milo, Center for Research & Fellowships
SaraBeth Baker, Office for Undergraduate Students
Sarah Hernandez, Office Fraternity and Sorority Life
Sean McElwee, Campus Ministry
Shalyssa Smith, Office of Residence Life
Sharon Centers, Villanova School of Business
Sheila Doherty, Experienced Career Services
Shonna Kydd, Alumni Relations
Stacy Andes, Health Promotion
Stefanie Knauss, Department of Theology and Religious Studies
Suzi Wentzel, Office for Mission and Ministry
Sydney Lobosco, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Sydney Scheiner, Dean of Students Office
Tom DeMarco, Dean of Students Office
Trudy Pacella, Office for Mission and Ministry
Victoria Ostroff, University Counseling Center
Villanova Students
AB
Aidan Fecko
Ajani Martin-Abascal, Student Government Association
Alexa Thompson
Alexis Price, Student Government Association
Allison Bajada
Allison Baroni
Amanda Adams, Department of Education and Counseling
Amanda Piazza
Amanda Rappa, Student Body President
Ana Valentina Wey
Anabel Waplinger
Andrew
Andrew Kline, SGA College of Engineering Senator
Angelica Garcia, Campus Ministry
Austin Glass, SGA Class of 2022 Senator
Bilge Deniz Kocak
Beste Bilen, Villanova School of Business
Bonnie Pulla
Brandon Catanzaro
Bridget
Caroline Levine, Student Body President
Casey Driscoll
Catherine
Catherine I, Student Government Association
Cathy Nguyen
Cheyenne Z, Department of Communication
Chloe Benson, Class of 2021
Chloe Cherry
Christiana Holguin
Christina Tillinghast
Christine Onder
CJ
Claudia Pineda, College of Engineering
Colette Termaat, Presidential scholar
Diana Gabriella Hume
Emma
Elise Pelletier, Peer Minister
Elizabeth Greco, Student Government Association
Elizabeth Vaughn
Emily Jaenicke
Erica Marciante
Erin
Frank Frabizzio
Gabriella Loftus, Student Government Association
Gigi Schimpf
Grace Cook
Grace Pawelczyk, Campus Activities Team President
Greg Smith
Harry Wasnak, SGA Class of 2023 Senator
Holly Hanson
Irene Koch, SGA Internal Communications Chair
Isabel Langas
Ivanica Skalko, Student Body Vice President
Jacob Janavel
Jenna Fazio
Jessica Marasco
Jessica Sardina, Peer Minister
Josh Busch
JT
Julia Wolfthal
Juliana Cosenza
Kaitlin Hahn
Kate Flynn
Kathryn Keough, Class of 2022
Katie Canning, Class of 2022
Katie Jordan
Katie Kelly, Student Government Association
Katie Lynch
Kristine Rivera, Office of Intercultural Affairs Ambassador
Lily Bui
Lindsay Gallagher, Class of 2022
Lucy Baxter, SGA Class of 2022 Senator
Lucy Cobble
Madeline Scolio, Global Interdisciplinary Studies
Marcus Rose
Mark Wheeler, Graduate Arts and Sciences
Mary Swikle
Matt DiCaro
Michelle Ky
Nicole Cain
Qing Hu
Rita Harrobin
RC
Ryan Batkay, College of Nursing
Ryan Cullum, SGA Director of Public Relations
Ryan Dery
SAF
Sadia Decastro
Salina Berhane
Samuel Forray (he/him/his), IFC Senator
Sarah McAvoy, Student Government Association
Taleen Postian
Taylor McDermott
Edith Reddy
Yolanda, College of Arts and Sciences
- To educate the Villanova community regarding issues of sexual orientation
- To foster a welcoming community for LGBTQIA+ students
- To combat homophobic attitudes on campus
- To present an environment that does not make assumptions about its members with regard to sexual orientation and/or gender;
- To promote a tolerant atmosphere at Villanova for people of all sexual orientations through education;
- To foster discussion on issues related to sexual orientation;
- To provide support for people with friends and family who are of a minority sexual orientation; and
- To acknowledge and respect the values and beliefs of the Villanova community as a Catholic and Augustinian university.
As a Catholic university, Villanova respects the dignity and sacredness of each person. The University’s Mission Statement
affirms that we “seek to nurture a concern for the common good” and “an
enthusiasm for the challenge of responsible and productive citizenship
in order to build a just and peaceful world.”
Towards that end, all people, including people attracted to members of the same sex, are deserving of pastoral care. All of us need the redemptive love of Christ. Pastoral care puts its focus here for all of us. Love of neighbor, of all neighbors, is a Gospel demand in accord with which all of us will be judged.
Oasis is a confidential, small group opportunity where a safe zone is established to engage in an open dialogue about the issues relevant to queer or questioning individuals. Participants share their experiences and connect with one another during the biweekly meetings.
Oasis is open to students who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and wish to connect with others through the topics of sexual orientation and gender identity. These meetings offer relief from feelings of isolation and an opportunity to find true friendship and the authentic Augustinian community that results from a common dedication to the truth and a shared vision of the dignity of the human person.
Oasis meets regularly in the evening throughout the semester. For further information contact Father Joe Calderone via phone (610-519–7477) or email. We will discreetly respond to all earnest calls and emails with the location and time of our next meeting.
Students can also find resources within Student Life through VU Pride and Safe Zone.
The It Gets Better Project's mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them.
SAFE ZONE
Safe Zone is a visible presence on campus that supports the LGBTQIA+ community and provides undergraduate and graduate students education and training related to LGBTQIA+ topics and issues. We strive to create a community of respect and care for each person.
Safe Zone is a visible presence on campus supporting the LGBTQIA+ community that provides education and training related to LGBTQIA+ topics and issues. We strive to create a community of respect and care for each person.
The Safe Zone workshop provides support for the LGBTQIA+ community at Villanova and educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Safe Zone helps to create a welcoming and open environment for all and seeks to provide opportunities for increased awareness and visibility of LGBTQ-related issues and needs.
Safe Zone community members who have taken both workshops display a Safe Zone logo on their door showing their support of the LGBTQIA+ community. We are currently revamping and working on new logo designs for Fall 2022! If you are a faculty or staff member that is interested in receiving LGBTQIA+ education, please contact Dr. Alex Iannucci, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
About Safe Zone Training Sessions
Each semester, Villanova students are invited to sign up for the initial workshop, called VU Safe Zone Workshop Part 1, which is two hours and is offered 3-4x each academic year.
Upon completing VU Safe Zone Workshop Part 1, participants are expected to register for a second training within the year called VU Safe Zone Workshop Part 2. Part 2 is designed to give students additional tools to help navigate the experiences LGBTQIA+ students may face at Villanova.
Registration Details
After filling out the registration form, you will receive a reminder email a few days prior to your registered training session.
Contact Carly Cohen, program specialist for the Office of Intercultural Affairs, with any questions or concerns.
LGBTQIA+ RESOURCES
ON-CAMPUS DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICES
EDUCATION AND DIALOGUE
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI)
202 TOLENTINE HALL
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) is committed to cultivating an academic environment that is 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.
Contact: Dr. Terry Nance, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; 610-519-5719
Intercultural Affairs
214 DOUGHERTY HALL
The Office of Intercultural Affairs creates and supports programming that fosters a community of respect and inclusion with a special focus on underrepresented students.
Contact: Dr. Eloise Berry, Director, Office of Intercultural Affairs; 610-519-6633
Intergroup Relations
202 TOLENTINE HALL
Intergroup Relations (IGR) is an educational experience about issues of social justice and teaches students, faculty, and staff to create meaningful relationships and dialogue among people from different sexual, social, economic, racial, and ethnic groups.
Website
EMERGENCY SUPPORT
Public Safety
GAREY HALL
The Department of Public Safety is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Contact: Emergency: 610-519-4444
Non-Emergency: 610-519-6979
Title IX investigator: 610-519-6378
Title IX Coordinator
204 TOLENTINE HALL
The Title IX Coordinator works with the Villanova community and Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) team on education and training to help prevent incidents of discrimination.
Contact: Ryan Rost, Title IX Coordinator, 610-519-8805
Dean of Students
213 DOUGHERTY HALL
The Dean of Students Office is committed to supporting and assisting students in their overall development and as members of the greater Villanova community.
Contact: Tom DeMarco, Dean of Students; 610-519-4200
Residence Life
STANFORD HALL, GROUND FLOOR
Resident Assistants are on duty in the evening and overnight hours and serve as valuable resources for students in resident halls.
Contact: 610-519-4152 or residencelife@villanova.edu
HEALTH SERVICES
Counseling Center
HEALTH SERVICES BUILDING
Counseling Center services are free of charge to current students. Call for an appointment between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Contact: 610-519-4050
Student Health Center
HEALTH SERVICES BUILDING
The Student Health Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Contact: 610-519-4070
SPIRITUALITY
Campus Ministry
ST. RITA’S HALL
Campus Ministry stands united against any targeting of people based on perceptions about identity or beliefs.
Contact: John P. Edwards, Director for Center for Pastoral Ministry Education; 610-519-3507 Fr. Joe Calderone, OSA, staff advisor to OASIS; 610-519-7477
ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES
VU Pride and OASIS
VU Pride and OASIS are LGBTQ+ ally groups on campus where all are welcome. OASIS is a confidential group for the LBGTQ+ student community.
Contact: vupride@villanova.edu and oasis@villanova.edu
Anonymous Crime Reporting at VU
Anonymous Crime Reporting allows individuals to report any type of criminal activity occurring on campus. All reports are responded to by a Public Safety Officer or other University official.
Website
EthicsPoint
EthicsPoint is an anonymous reporting tool for wrongdoing on campus and is available online or via phone.
Contact: 855-236-1443
Website
Nova Safe
Nova Safe is a free smartphone app designed to help the Department of Public Safety respond quickly to emergency situations.
Website
SARC Team
The Sexual Assault Resource Coordinator (SARC) team is a group of Villanova staff and faculty members who have completed extensive training on how to support survivors of sexual violence at Villanova. SARC team members are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: 484-343-6028
OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES
Delaware County Victim Assistance Center
Phone: 610-566-4342
Uwill Crisis Phone Line: 833-646-1526
The Attic Youth Center
255 South 16th Street
Philadelphia, Pa. 19102
Provides opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community.
Website
Mazzoni Center
1348 Bainbridge Street
Philadelphia, Pa. 19147
Provides comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBTQIA+-focused environment.
Website
Institute for Welcoming Resources
Provides resources to facilitate a paradigm shift in multiple denominations whereby churches become welcoming and affirming of all congregants regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Website
New Ways Ministry
Educates and advocates for justice and equality for LGBTQ Catholics and reconciliation within the larger church and civil communities.
Website
PFLAG
The first and largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their parents, families, and allies.
Website
The Trevor Project
Provides confidential support for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Website
William Way LGBTQIA+ Community Center
1315 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, Pa. 19107
Encourages, supports, and advocates for the well-being and acceptance of sexual and gender minorities in the Greater Philadelphia region through service, recreational, educational, and cultural programming.
Website
Below is a list of inclusive restrooms which any person is welcome to use. These restrooms can benefit many different people, including parents with children, people who may require the accompaniment of a caregiver of a different gender, trans and gender-nonconforming people, or people who simply would prefer additional privacy.
Building, Location and Accessibility
Charles Widger School of Law
Ground floor near the cafeteria
Accessibility: Yes
Driscoll Hall
First floor in the hallway between 132 and 134
Second floor by elevator
Accessibility: Yes
Falvey Library
First floor near Holy Grounds
Accessibility: Yes
Garey Hall
Second floor (two restrooms)
Accessibility: No
Health Services Building (HSB)
Two restrooms located on each floor
Accessibility: Yes
John Barry Hall
First and Second floors
Accessibility: No
Kennedy Hall
First floor (two restrooms)
Accessibility: No
Middleton Hall
First, second and third floors
Accessibility: No
St. Augustine Center for Liberal Arts (SAC)
Ground floor (two restrooms)
Accessibility: Yes
St. Rita's Hall
Ground and first floors
Accessibility: Ground (no), first (yes)
Structure Lab
Main Floor (two restrooms)
Accessibility: Yes
Technology Services Building (TSB)
First and second floors
Accessibility: Yes
Tolentine Hall
First, second and third floors
Accessibility: Yes
It is the practice of Villanova University that any student, faculty or staff may choose to be identified within the University community with a chosen first name that may differ from the individual's legal first name.
Scholarships for LGBTQIA+ Students
Gender and Sexuality Information
Victory Empowerment Fellowship & Internship Scholarship
The Victory Empowerment Fellowship consists of two programs provided by the Victory Institute: the Candidate & Campaign Training and the International LGBTQ Leadership Conference and a year-long mentorship program.
The fellowship covers flight, hotel, and registration for Victory's Candidate and Campaign Training and International LGBT Leadership Conference, and includes a mentorship program.
Applications for the Victory Empowerment Fellowship will officially open in November.
Victory Institute's Victory Congressional Internship
The Victory Institute's Victory Congressional Internship and Victory Congressional Fellowship are developing the next generation of out public leaders. Each summer, the Victory Congressional Internship brings outstanding LGBTQ college students to Washington, D.C., for an intensive leadership program, including:
- An eight-week Congressional internship with a member of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus or an LGBTQ-friendly member of U.S. Congress to learn firsthand about the federal legislative process; and
- An educational and leadership development program to learn about the legislative process and careers in policy-making.
Sign up to receive information for next year's scholarship program.
International LGBTQ Leaders Conference
Every December, more than 500 LGBTQ elected officials, leaders, and advocates from across the world come together for the International LGBTQ Leaders Conference in Washington, DC. The conference includes three days of networking and skills-building as we strategize the year ahead in our movement for equality.
Last year’s speakers included U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Virginia Delegate Danica Roem, and dozens of others.
Feel free to reach out to Mario Enríquez, Director of Domestic Programs, with any questions: mario.enriquez@victoryinstitute.org.
VU PRIDE
Help us in our campaign to eliminate homophobia from our campus and create a welcoming community for all students. Email us!
RESOURCES
- Inclusive Glossary
- Financial Resources for LGBTQIA+ Students
- Choosing an LGBTQIA+ Friendly College
- The LGBTQIA+ College Guide
OASIS
If you identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and want to meet other queer individuals in a safe and confidential location, attend Oasis’s bi-weekly meetings. For more information contact Father Joseph Calderone by phone at 610-519–7477 or via email.
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Additional Resources
We believe an inclusive community fosters an understanding and appreciation for diversity among our students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Below are additional resources to help our fellow Villanovans.
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