Students apply for the VIA program in the spring of their
freshman year. The deadline to apply is March 15, and up to 25 students are
chosen by April 1 as VIA scholars for their remaining three years at the
University.
Applications include a 300- to 500-word essay exploring
one of the following topics:
- What attracted you to apply for the VIA program?
What contributions based upon your personal strengths and unique experiences
would you bring to VIA? Comment on experiences that demanded teamwork and
collaboration.
- Choose one of the characters discussed in the
courses What it Means to be Human or Seeking Wisdom and write an essay on what
you have learned from this character regarding the design of your own life.
Although it is not required, first-year students
interested in applying for the VIA program are encouraged to take a VIA section
of the Core Curriculum portal course Seeking Wisdom. VIA sections of the course
explore the theme of visions - the great explanations of the "Good Life" from
various cultural and historical perspectives. The theme lays the groundwork for
the three-year sequence of VIA courses.
Current students are invited to apply for the VIA program using the application form.