Alta Via
Intentionally Catholic College Community
ALTA VIA AT SAINT FRANCIS UNIVERSITY
Be Part of a Community from the Moment you Step on Campus
Saint Francis University is an institution rich in history and tradition, from our first founding Friars to the faculty and staff who today work to keep our Catholic Franciscan mission thriving inside and outside the classroom.
Alta Via (The Highway) is a dynamic opportunity for incoming students to deepen in their Catholic faith and benefit from courses and activities aligned with the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi.
Continuing the heart of SFU's mission and developing students to embrace and uphold our mission in their own pathways forward.
Join like minded students in a life-changing journey
Actively engage in liturgy and devotion
Community engagement participation with and for others
The Alta Via Experience
- Participation will develop and strengthen your ability to follow, ever deeply, Christ crucified and accompany others as they do the same.
- Enjoy a residential experience among a group of peers sharing in the same intentionally Catholic experience.
- Bond with other participants through specially designed sequential courses all four years at SFU.
- Engage in regular commitment experiences, gain access to specialized speakers and retreats, and share in community service activities.
Alta Via Courses
Franciscan Enrichment Designated Offerings
Franciscan Experience Series (FES) offerings are carefully crafted for program participants and the community at-large. FES offerings are designed to enrich spiritual development and compliment the ethos of the Alta Via program.
Franciscan Seminar Series
Seminar series for program participants will be offered each semester focused on the virtues of beauty, goodness, truth and unity.
Please visit our Course Catalog for a detailed explanation of the courses listed below.
1st Year
Seminar on Beauty
Dr. Daniel Waldow
2nd Year
Seminar on Goodness
Fr. Stephen Waruszewski
3rd Year
Seminar on Truth
Dr. Besong
4th Year
Seminar on Unity
Fr. Stephen Waruszewski
Co-Curricular Components
Devotion to Faith
Liturgy participation, fellowship experiences, Bible study, one-on-one mentorship
Cohort Experiences
Participants will work with other Alta Via classmates to design and implement a Legacy Project. Retreats will be held annually at minimum. Senior year culminating pilgrimage experience to Assisi and Rome.
Community Engagement
Directed community service with Diocesan partners, youth events (Shycon, Firestarters, etc)
Student Testimonials
Membership Information
The community will be open to a select group of incoming first-year SFU students. Click to:
Apply to Alta Via
Refer Potential Members
Request Information
Who should apply?
Students who are outstanding representatives in their high schools, communities and parishes as demonstrated through an application process and resume and/or activities summary. Students should have held one or more positions in organizations.
Application Process:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Successful candidates will be invited to conduct an interview on campus or via Zoom. The Alta via application is a supplemental program application. Students are still required to complete the full application for admission.
Scholarships:
Ten (10) Alta Via participants will receive scholarships which are renewed annually as long as the student remains in good standing.
Awardees will receive $2,000 the first year, $2,500 sophomore year, $3,000 junior year and $3,500 in their senior year. This amount is in addition to other Saint Francis University institutional scholarships.
Program Spiritual Advisor
Fr. Stephen Waruszewski, T.O.R.
swaruszewski@francis.edu
Director of Campus Ministry
Lead Instructor for Alta Via