RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR
“We love Villanova enough to want to change it.” – Michele Kimura, ’20 CLAS
At Villanova University, we are rooted, but restless. Rooted in our foundational Augustinian values of Veritas, Unitas and Caritas, we remain restless in our aspiration to ignite change by fostering and encouraging a vibrant community. We celebrate the diversity of our student body, but we know we have more work to do. To that end, we commit to eliminating the barriers faced by underrepresented groups in accessing higher education and strive to create a campus culture that cultivates a sense of belonging.
GET TO KNOW VILLANOVA
ODEI
CASA
OIA
ADMISSION PROCESS
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
CAREER OUTCOMES
ADDITIONAL CAMPUS RESOURCES
The Office of Undergraduate Admission continuously partners with Villanova's undergraduate colleges, auxiliary support programs and interdisciplinary institutes to enhance the University's programming for all students and to make connections with students from underrepresented populations from the very start of their time on campus.
RECRUITMENT EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Throughout the year, Villanova hosts a range of events and programs specifically crafted for the talents, interests and needs of students of color. These events connect future Villanovans with current students and faculty who understand their unique perspectives and offer tailored insights into the Villanova experience.
NOVA
UP CLOSE
Nova Up Close provides a unique opportunity for prospective students to immerse themselves in our community for a two-day, on-campus event during their senior year of high school.
STUDENT AND PARENT PANELS
Choosing a college is a family affair. Join us at Admitted Students Day for interactive discussions expressly designed for students and their families, featuring information about academics, financial assistance, support services and more.
NOURISHING GREATNESS
Held the morning of Admitted Students Day, Nourishing Greatness invites students to enjoy a special breakfast with faculty of color, where they can begin to cultivate relationships and learn more about the Villanova experience.
WILDCAT OVERNIGHT
In this expenses-paid fly-in program, select admitted students attend classes with current students, stay overnight in a residence hall and connect with members of Villanova's extracurricular multicultural groups.
UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIPS
Chicago Scholars is a selective seven-year program that supports first-generation college graduates from under-resourced communities into college and careers after graduation. Through our nearly decade-long partnership, these scholars apply early to Villanova and we conduct a preliminary review of their full applications and provide feedback prior to the onsite Interview Day. Our staff attends their Scholars College Fair in the summer as well as the Onsite College and Leadership Forum each October.
Cristo Rey is a network of Catholic high schools that "delivers a powerful and innovative approach to inner-city education that equips students from families of limited economic means with the knowledge, character, and skills to transform their lives." Cristo Rey incorporates a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and a four-year corporate work-study program for all students. Additionally, we attend their annual national conference each year and the Senior Associate Director for Underrepresented Students serves on the College Advisory Board for Cristo Rey Philadelphia.
Heights Philadelphia (formerly Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars) is a highly selective nonprofit that supports low-income, first-generation college students with the tools, resources, and opportunities necessary for admission to and success in college. While Villanova has supported these organizations for years, we entered into a formal partnership in 2018. Through this partnership, their scholars receive full-need scholarships and on-campus support through graduation.
OUA also connects with and supports other initiatives whose mission is to provide college access to minoritized communities.
OUA has partnered with Initial View, an international online platform for interview services. In the Fall of 2020, Initial View launched The Elevator Pitch Incoming Class (EPIC). EPIC offers college admission partners a unique window into the lives of prospective students from community based organizations and underrepresented backgrounds through personalized, 90-second “elevator pitches.” These video-based exchanges between admission counselors and students encourages meaningful engagement across multiple channels throughout the application season.
New Jersey SEEDS (Scholars, Educators, Excellence, Dedication, Success) is a nationally-recognized "nonprofit organization founded in 1992 that prepares motivated, high-achieving, low-income students for admission to private schools and colleges across the country." Our staff regularly attends their events, provides workshops, and communicates regularly with their staff regarding their applicants to Villanova.
Noble Network of Charter Schools, a nonprofit organization that operates 17 charter public high schools in Chicago, has nutured a strong relationship with Villanova for more than 10 years. The Noble Network predominately serve students of color. On campus, these students have the added benefit of the Nova Noble Network that provides support and advising to Villanova students who enroll from these high schools.
Noche Universiteria is an event that brings together local colleges and universities to provide admissions and financial assistance information in Spanish for prospective students and families. Our Spanish-speaking staff members assist with publicizing and represent Villanova University at this event.
PACAC Camp College is a residential summer program for first-generation, low-income, underrepresented students who are interested in attending college after they graduate from high school. Our admissions staff has served on the planning committee for Camp College and OUA staff regularly participates in the event by facilitating workshops and attending their annual college fair.
VILLANOVA BLUE KEY
Blue Key serves as tour guides to prospective students and help organize the open houses and Admitted Students Day we host each year. Students in this club are passionate about Villanova and want to share their home with prospective students.
The student-led tour is a vital first impression for prospective students. Recognizing that our volunteer tour guides should reflect the diversity that Villanova deeply values, the leadership of Blue Key implemented a new recruitment and application process for its members with a focus on diversity and inclusion. In terms of outreach, Blue Key is utilizing current members who are involved in various multicultural clubs and organizations on campus to encourage interest in becoming an ambassador of the University.
Questions about the application process, life at Villanova, or anything else? Email DEI@vubluekey.com to get the answers you need -- directly from a member of Blue Key.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
ACADEMIC
We create programming that enhances underrepresented student experiences, develops cultural competency and fosters spaces for inclusive engagement.
ACTIVISM
Working with departments across the University, our students learn, serve, and demand justice, both on and off campus, making a difference in the lives of people in their communities and around the world.
CULTURAL
Our diverse backgrounds create a rich, vibrant community. Learn about the many cultural groups students can join, and how they contribute to a more inclusive Villanova.
GREEK LIFE
Multicultural fraternities and sororities, governed by the Multicultural Greek Council, promote awareness of multicultural diversity and appreciation within the Villanova community.
PERFORMING ARTS
Villanovans from all backgrounds and every undergraduate college share their talents and interests in our varied clubs and groups. Sing, dance, act and more in one or more of our offerings!
SERVICE
Villanovans perform more than 250,000 hours of service each year at sites across the nation and around the world, often serving in mentorship and teaching roles in underserved communities.
CONNECT WITH US
