Virginia Wesleyan University
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

The University prohibits discrimination against applicants, students, faculty, or staff on the basis of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, status as a veteran or any classification protected by local, state, or federal law. The University also prohibits any form of harassment based on race, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, status as a veteran or any classification protected by local, state, or federal law. The University prohibits such harassment by all students, faculty and staff and others associated with the University.
https://www.vwu.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/vwu-non-discrimination-statement.php

VWU has several initiatives in place to recruit and support local community college students in transferring to VWU after completion of their associates degree. For example, in the Marlin Fast Pass concurrent enrollment program, Tidewater Community College students who declare their intent to transfer to VWU are assigned an academic advisor and issued a VWU student ID. They have full access to the VWU campus—including use of the library and fitness center, and free admission to athletic and cultural events. Students who have attained a 3.0 GPA at the completion of their first year at a two-year institution will be eligible to concurrently enroll in two 300-level VWU courses during their sophomore year. Additionally, the Tidewater Promise program helps Tidewater Community College graduates save credits, save time, and save money by assuring that those with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science (human services), will enter Virginia Wesleyan with junior-class status.
https://www.vwu.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/tidewater-promise.php

VWU First is an initiative for first-generation students and their families with the goal of answering questions and providing resources that will assist with navigating the college experience. Its intended audience is both prospective and enrolled first-generation college students. The program's goal is to help students and families understand the resources available at VWU such as the Learning Center, Counseling Services, and Financial Aid process. VWU First web pages include frequently asked questions, resource links, a glossary of terms, and information about the FAFSA. https://www.vwu.edu/enrollment-aid/vwu-first/

All candidates for academic staff positions are required to submit a statement on diversity to document commitment to supporting diverse students. The university has financially supported the VISA application of new faculty, including those from underrepresented groups. VWU is also a member of the Consortium for Faculty Diversity, which "is committed to increasing the diversity of students, faculty members and curricular offerings at liberal arts colleges with a particular focus on enhancing the diversity of faculty members and of applicants for faculty positions." (https://www.gettysburg.edu/offices/provost/consortium-for-faculty-diversity/)

The WesBridge Optima Health Scholars program serves as a bridge between high school and the start of a student's college career. Students take one 2-credit course which helps them to further develop their academic skills, so the transition to college is as smooth as possible. In addition, participation in this program helps prepare students for the non-academic part of college. The criteria used to determine if a student is a good candidate for WesBridge are academic history, first-generation status, and their social/emotional well-being.

VWU First is an initiative for first-generation students and their parents with the goal of answering questions and providing resources that will assist with navigating this new experience. It's intended audience is both prospective and enrolled first-generation college students. The program will help students and families understand the resources available at VWU such as the Learning Center, Counseling Services, and Financial Aid process to name a few. VWU First includes webpages geared toward first-generation students and their families that includes frequently asked questions for both students and parents, resources, a glossary of terms, and information about the FAFSA. https://www.vwu.edu/enrollment-aid/vwu-first/

VWU was the first university within the Hampton Roads region to add gender identity and expression to our anti-discrimination policy. VWU is firmly committed to providing an environment that allows all members of the Marlin community to achieve their full academic potential in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Students are encouraged to fill out the Preferred Name and Pronoun Form so that the Chief Diversity Officer can share your preferred name and/or your pronouns with faculty prior to classes starting.

The counseling center offers free counseling services to students, and also offers events and programs to support students from vulnerable, marginalized and under-represented groups. In the event "How Racism Impacts Mental Health", students were invited to paint rocks (art therapy) and counseling staff were present to talk to students informally. Nearly 60 students attended. They also presented a vigil for people that have experienced or died by racial violence.