Support Systems
African American Affairs
The Office of African American Affairs (OAAA) helps the University provide a sensitive and welcoming environment for African American students. The nationally acclaimed Peer Advisor Program aids first-year and transfer students with their college transition. The African American Student/Faculty Mentoring Program offers supportive experiences that enhance personal and intellectual development. The Luther P. Jackson Cultural Center preserves and disseminates information and ideas about the rich cultural heritage of African and African American peoples. The Nat Turner Library is an excellent repository of print and audiovisual materials.
Black Student Admission Council
The Black Student Admission Council is an integral component of the minority recruitment process. This student group is responsible for hosting visiting students with overnight accommodations in residence halls, accompanying tours for visiting families, taking prospective students to class and answering questions about the black student experience at U.Va.
Latino Student Admission Council
Saludos y Bienvenidos a la Universidad de Virginia! The Latino Student Admission Council is another important part of the minority recruitment process. This student group hosts Latino prospective students overnight, takes prospective students to class, and answers questions about the Latino student experience at U.Va. Also, see the Latino Student Resource Web page.
Dean of Students
The Office of the Dean of Students is a center for communication, where student concerns are raised, discussed, and acted upon. Staff members work with students on issues related to student government, student activities and organizations, residential life, the transfer students program, the judiciary system, orientation, diversity, and programs of the University Union. For any problems a student may have including home sickness-the office can be the source of help or referral to one of the many sources of assistance at the University.
The Dean of Students Office provides multicultural programs and services. The Office works with African American, Asian/Asian American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, and multiracial students and organizations, providing advisory assistance, leadership development, and information regarding student development (e.g., identity development, racial/ethnic development, acculturation, climate).
American Indian Student Union
The American Indian Student Union (AISU) is a cultural CIO that strives to increase awareness of the American Indian community on Grounds, holds cultural events relating to American Indians, and provides an organization where American Indians can gather.AISU offers an outreach program to prospective students that allowsstudentsto coordinate meetings with professors, meet with another American Indian student on Grounds, attend classes, and stay overnight in a first-year dormitory. For more information click here.
Asian/Asian Pacific American Student Issues and Programs
The Office of Student Life works with current U.Va. Asian/Asian Pacific American students and organizations of all nationalities and ancestries. The Admission Office works closely with the Dean of Students and Office of Student Life in the recruitment of underrepresented Asian and Asian Pacific American students. Learn about the Student Organizations (Offsite) specifically for Asian Pacific Americans at U.Va.
Center for Diversity in Engineering (School of Engineering and Applied Sciences)
The White House presented the Office of Minority Programs (OMP) with the 1999 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring for its successful achievement in the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students pursuing degrees in engineering at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The Center for Diversity in Engineering works closely with the Office of Admission to recruit potential candidates to the University and continues to be involved in the retention of students.
Black Alumni
Comprised of over 6300 alumni, the Ridley Scholarship (Black Alumni) mentors current students and provides scholarships for black Students. Black Alumni maintain strong connections to the University and guarantee a black presence at the University of Virginia.
Bolívar Network
The Bolívar Network is an organization of University of Virginia alumni of Latin American birth, origin, or affinity, working hand-in-hand with current students and faculty, to foster connections with one another and our alma mater in order to contribute to the further enrichment and diversity of the university and wider community by nourishing the Latino presence in the academical village.
Asian & Asian Pacific American Alumni Network
(AAPAAN) provides Asian & Asian Pacific American Alumni with a network that builds and supports connections with the U.Va. Community. Alumni continue to nourish the Asian and Asian Pacific presence at the University.
Hillel House
University of Virginia Hillel is the catalyst for Jewish life at the University. Hillel offers the approximately 1,800 Jewish undergraduate and graduate students at UVa the means to explore and celebrate their Jewish identity in a dynamic and comfortable environment. Each year, Hillel connects students to their community, their peers and their heritage through an array of social, cultural, and community service programs. Hillel does not have members; all students are welcome to participate in all Hillel activities.
Hoos for Open Access
Established in the Fall of 2007, 'Hoos for Open Access is a student organization dedicated to increasing socioeconomic diversity at U.Va. and in higher education in general. In order to aid the University in its quest for such diversity, we have created two main goals. First, we seek to educate prospective students about the possibility of higher education and programs like AccessUVa. Second, we strive to enhance the college experience for those students with financial need at the University. In this respect, our group serves to advocate for the interests and concerns of other students who receive financial aid.
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center
The LGBTRC at the University of Virginia supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Founded under the Office of the Dean of Students in 2001, with generous financial support from the Serpentine Society, the Resource Center works both to raise awareness and inclusion of sexual and gender minorities and to provide information, referral, support, and programming to the University community.
University Career Services
University Career Services helps students search successfully for jobs and make good decisions about careers. Offering everything from etiquette classes to preprofessional advising and internship opportunities, UCS works with students from their first year to their last year and beyond.
