LDS Environment
Southern Virginia University is the only private liberal arts college that embraces the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Culture of Spirituality
Our students take comfort in being surrounded by others who are equally dedicated to upholding high moral, ethical and personal standards.
Today, the typical college student is frequently exposed to immorality, substance abuse and spiritual malaise. Many colleges and universities are indifferent toward or intolerant of students with religious beliefs and standards, while young people who choose to uphold the tenets of their faith often stand alone.
This is not the case at Southern Virginia University. The defining feature of our educational model is a commitment to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Classroom discussions are informed not only by textbooks and the best of secular thinking but also by scripture and the teachings of Church leaders. Gospel principles are at the center of everything we do.
Code of Honor
The Code of Honor is a set of standards for personal conduct based on the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
At Southern Virginia University students enjoy living in an atmosphere that is conducive to feeling the Spirit of God. Although the university is not owned or operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we espouse the standards and tenets of the Church and follow a code of honor based on its teachings.
With students, faculty and staff dedicated to living high moral, ethical, and dress and grooming standards, opportunities abound for academic and spiritual growth.
Read Southern Virginia’s Code of Honor
What is the Code of Honor?
The Southern Virginia Code of Honor is designed to ensure that students live and study in an uplifting setting. It is centered around the core standards of honesty, chastity and virtue, obedience. and respect—demonstrated by modest dress and abstinence from all forms of pornography, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee and illicit drugs.
Student Pledge
As a condition of admission, all students commit to abide by and uphold the Code of Honor at all times and in all places while they are enrolled at Southern Virginia, regardless of their religious affiliation. By signing the student pledge on the Ecclesiastical Endorsement, students promise to abide by Southern Virginia’s Code of Honor in all aspects of their conduct.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”Matthew 5:6
Institute & YSA Wards
Southern Virginia University is home to the largest running daytime Institute east of the Wasatch Front.
A Place to Worship
Tantamount to the Southern Virginia experience is the opportunity for students to receive religious education and spiritual nourishment from the CES Institute of Religion and the five young single adult wards on campus.
In 2009 the Church completed construction on a brand new meetinghouse and Institute building that accommodates five YSA wards and the largest running daytime Institute east of the Wasatch Front.
“I ask you to make participation in institute a priority. I promise you that as you participate in institute and study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased.”President Thomas S. Monson
Earn Credits, Save Money
In addition to the spiritual benefits of taking Institute courses, there are academic and financial benefits as well. Southern Virginia students can transfer up to eight hours of Institute credits free of cost.
Register for Institute online
Fun & Games
The Institute also sponsors several fun and exciting activities throughout the year for students to have a good time while making new friends, including concerts, dances, luaus and “Friday Food & Fun!” on the first Friday of every month.
Devotionals & Forums
Southern Virginia sponsors conferences, firesides and weekly devotionals every Friday of the semester.
Learn Wisdom in Thy Youth
To strengthen the value of the educational and spiritual experience for students, faculty and staff, Southern Virginia hosts weekly devotionals throughout the semester at 11 a.m. on Fridays. There are no classes or activities scheduled during these meetings to encourage every member of our campus community to attend.
Guest speakers from various disciplines and occasionally other faiths come to discuss a variety of subjects including spirituality, ethics or important life lessons.
Service Opportunities
Our motto, "Learn that life is service," is embodied in the lives of our students.
At Southern Virginia University, service is not a program—it's a fundamental philosophy. Our mission is to prepare leader-servants in the workplace and the world, in the community and the church, and in the home. To this end, we encourage our students to get involved in organized service both on and off campus.
Southern Virginia maintains partnerships with a variety of service organizations in the local community, allowing our students to give back in countless ways. Each year Southern Virginia also hosts a service fair where students have the chance to visit with local and national organizations and learn about other potential service opportunities.
Service in the Classroom
We believe so strongly in the importance of service that we even developed classes around it. In "Becoming a Leader-Servant," a course required for all students, students learn about our leader-servant mission through lectures, discussions and exercises while exploring Southern Virginia's core values: scholarship, discipleship, accountability, enthusiasm and refinement.
Students who average at least 15 hours of service per semester receive a special honor at graduation.