Guided by the Jesuit values of cura personalis, Fairfield’s CURA program equips students and families with the knowledge and resources to navigate the college admission process.

What is CURA?

The Office of Undergraduate Admission sponsors College Understanding, Readiness, and Access (CURA) to provide students and their families with the knowledge and resources to better understand the college admission process, with a focus on delivering clear information and expanding college access. We strive to inspire students to see themselves as part of the Fairfield community and as individuals prepared to contribute in meaningful ways beyond campus. Rooted in the Jesuit traditions of radical hospitality and cura personalis—care for the whole person—this work reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting students, their families, and the broader community.

CURA’s approach is based on these guiding principles:

Pillar #1 - Understanding

We recognize that the college process can feel overwhelming and confusing at times. Through CURA programming we work with students and their families to provide a deeper understanding of the admission process. This is achieved through individual conversations, small group experiences, and larger-scale programming which includes opportunities to engage with current students, faculty, staff, and our broader community.

Fairfield students posing as a group of three against a Fairfield-branded backdrop at a campus event.

Pillar #2 - Readiness

CURA offers a variety of different workshops, interview preparation sessions, informational panels, and campus visit experiences to provide a strong foundation for students to be prepared for their college application process.

Students sitting in a classroom and listening intently while taking notes for a lecture.

Pillar #3 - Access

CURA acknowledges that every student and family has a different understanding of the college admission process, so we are committed to meeting every student and family where they are in their understanding and supporting them on their journey.

Fairfield students walking across the Dolan School of Business building pathway on their way to class.

Fairfield’s commitment to cura personalis extends beyond the admission experience and is fundamental to our identity as a Catholic Jesuit university. At Fairfield, we foster a culture of honoring an individual’s unique worth and caring for their intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual health—through multi-disciplinary academic programming as well as our campus life and career development opportunities. Learn more about the opportunities available to Fairfield students.