GRAD CLAS NOTES

On behalf of the Office of Graduate Studies, I offer you a heartfelt welcome to the fall semester! While summer is a busy time on campus, nothing compares to the anticipation of a new academic year. We are delighted to continue your academic journey with you!

This fall, we welcome nearly 400 new students to our on-campus master's and doctoral programs, including 70 new international students. Our new students hail from 33 states and 10 countries. At our new student orientation this past Friday, I shared some tips for success, which are important for all of us to remember:

1. Take risks. Graduate school is a time of tremendous personal growth. Take a class that is different from what you think you came here to study; go to a lecture outside of your area of interest; be open to new opportunities because you never know where they may take you.
2. Get to know students from other disciplines. You will be surprised by how much you will learn from them and the deep connections that you can make.
3. Embrace the Villanova community. Most student groups and activities are open to graduate students, too! Explore our campus and our community and take advantage of all they have to offer; the opportunities are endless.
4. Take care of yourself. Balance is very important, so make time for work and play. The Graduate Studies staff, your program directors and advisers, and University staff are here to support you!

- Christine Palus, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Please note that the Office of Graduate Studies has relocated to St. Mary's Hall, Suite 109 for the coming months. All phone numbers remain the same.

Graduate Student Ambassador Program

Interested in getting more involved at Villanova? Learn more about being a Graduate Student Ambassador! Email Ashley Leamon, Assistant Director of Graduate Studies, for details and the application.

McCullen Center for Law, Religion and Public Policy Lecture - August 28

The Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law, Religion and Public Policy in the Charles Widger School of Law launches its lecture series on “Law and the Augustinian Tradition” on Tuesday, August 28 at 4:30 p.m. with a visit from John Witte of Emory University speaking on “From Gospel to Law: Martin Luther's Reformation of Law, Politics, and Society.” Witte is one of the world’s foremost scholars of the Reformation and legal history. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more.

Welcome Lunch for International Graduate Students - September 4

All international graduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are invited to a welcome lunch on Tuesday, September 4, at 12 p.m. in the Curley Exchange in Bartley Hall. This event is a great opportunity to meet your fellow graduate students from all over the globe and a chance to connect with staff members in Graduate Studies. Please register here and email Emily McCloskey, Graduate Studies Director, with any questions.

Academic Calendar Add/Drop Deadline - September 5

Please note the last day to drop or add a class for the fall semester is Wednesday, September 5. See this and other important deadlines in the Academic Calendar.

Graduate Student Retreat - September 8

All graduate students in the College are invited to participate in a Graduate Student Retreat, "Finding Home, Forming Community," hosted by the Office of Mission and Ministry, on Saturday, September 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the St. Raphaela Center in Haverford, Pa. Enjoy a day with other graduate students to get to know new people, relax and have fun, grow in your spirituality, and reflect on the journey that led you to Villanova. The St. Raphaela Center is 10 minutes from campus, and shuttles will be available. The $10 cost of the retreat will be added to your student account through the Bursar. If you are unable to pay, please contact Michelle Sherman. Learn more and register.

Fall 2018 Career Fair - September 12

Visit the Connelly Center on Wednesday, September 12 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the Villanova Fall Career Fair! More than 175 employers will attend the fair. You can view the employers looking for more experienced hires by utilizing the “hiring experienced candidates” filter in the label section. Free headshots provided for all attendees. Registration is not required. Learn more.

Join the Graduate Student Council for St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service - September 15

On Saturday, September 15, Villanova sends students, staff and faculty to serve all over the Philadelphia region. Villanova has a deep commitment to service and social justice, which also stems from our Augustinian values. This day is a great opportunity to learn about and serve with and for others in our community. Since the Graduate Student Council will be serving as a group, this will also be a chance to meet other graduate students from various fields of study. When you register as a volunteer, select “Graduate Student Council” when prompted for “Group Name.” Any questions? Please contact Stephanie Gonzalez. Learn more and register.

Graduating this Winter? - Apply by September 15

If you plan to graduate in December 2018, you must apply by September 15, 2018. Please visit the Commencement Information page to review the graduation application requirements and procedures.

Villanova Theatre's The Book Club Play - September 18-30

Villanova Theatre kicks off its 2018-19 season with the hit comedy, The Book Club Play, directed by Villanova theatre professor James Ijames. Villanova students can receive discounted tickets with valid university ID, and the second Tuesday of each run is free for Villanova students. Tickets should still be booked ahead of time at the box office.

Email: gradinformation@villanova.edu
Website: gradartsci.villanova.edu
Location: Villanova University, Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA, United States
Phone: 610-519-7090
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VUGradStudies/
Twitter: @VUGradStudies