RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR

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.

PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) serves as a centralized resource for the University, offering key programs and initiatives for the Villanova community. ODEI is committed to cultivating an academic environment that is marked by genuine curiosity about different perspectives, receptivity to knowledge generated through intercultural connections and sensitivity to the variety of human experiences.

GET TO KNOW VILLANOVA

CASA

The Center for Access, Success and Achievement aims to recruit, retain, and graduate underrepresented, first generation and Pell-eligible students through holistic support in a culturally diverse and academically excellent environment. Resources include scholarships, tutoring, academic counseling and more.

OBI

The Office of Belonging & Inclusion creates and supports programming that sustains a community of respect and inclusion for Villanovans, aiming to enhance the experience of underrepresented students, develop cultural competency and create dedicated space for inclusive engagement.

CENTER FOR DIALOGUE

The Dr. Terry Nance Center for Dialogue engages the Villanova community in the practice of dialogue grounded in an exploration of identity and lived experience that informs understanding of self and others and empowers all community members to enact social justice.

ADMISSION PROCESS

A more equitable institution begins with the students we recruit, admit and enroll, and we strive to weave inclusivity into every aspect of our recruitment process. Learn more about our holistic admission process, along with requirements and deadlines.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

To attract a richly diverse and talented population of undergraduate students, Villanova offers a variety of funding opportunities, including merit-based scholarships like the Presidential Scholarship, St. Martin de Porres Scholarship, and the Goizueta Foundation Scholars Fund.

CAREER OUTCOMES

A Villanova University education is a pathway to meaningful careers and ongoing academic endeavors, and our students go on to ignite change in their communities and in the world after graduation. Learn more about the impact our graduates are making everywhere they go.

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.

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.

Dr. Lucky speaks to prospective students

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. 

Student presenting in front of class

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. 

In 2019, Villanova began a partnership with Posse, a nationally recognized college access and leadership organization that matches talented underrepresented students in cohorts from specific cities with top-tier colleges and universities. Each year, we welcome ten scholars from the city of New Orleans and 90% of this cohort are students of color. Through this partnership, this cohort receives a specialized admissions process including interviews conducted by five members of the Villanova community in New Orleans. They will also receive mentorship from Villanova faculty and staff once on campus and facilitate a university-wide retreat to discuss impactful social, cultural, and political issues. 

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 nurtured 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.  

Student listening to a lecture.

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. 

Students from LEVEL tabling at the Student Involvement Fair

 

 

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. 

Students in the Muslim Student Association tabling at the Student Involvement Fair

GREEK LIFE

Multicultural fraternities and sororities, governed by the Multicultural Greek Council, promote awareness of multicultural diversity and appreciation within the Villanova community. 

Students posing at the MLK Day of Service

 

 

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!

A student dance group performing in the Mullen Center.

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.

A group of student volunteers at a celebration during the Special Olympics Fall Festival