GRAD CLAS NOTES

As we begin classes this fall, I am sure you have heard this oft-repeated phrase: this semester will be unlike any other. But that does not mean it will not be productive or meaningful. Despite all of the hurdles that have been put in our way by COVID-19, our faculty and staff have worked throughout the summer to rethink both online and in-person classes to provide the exceptional academic experience that you expect from Villanova. We have embraced new technologies, adapted to our new virtual and socially distanced physical environments, and most importantly, tapped into the invigorating spirit of the Villanova community to reaffirm our commitment to you, our students.

I see this enthusiastic spirit each morning when I join our daily Grad Studies Office Zoom meetings. As I venture back onto campus, I am witnessing the result of the great care and planning that went into creating safe places for us to learn, and yes, even thrive. In my correspondence with students and through events such as our recent new Graduate Student Orientation, I recognize the excitement and passion you have to forge ahead on your academic journeys.

For this semester to be a success, we all must do our part - students, faculty and staff all working together with compassion, kindness and resilience to create this amazing community.

- Emory Woodard, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Some important points to keep in mind as we begin the fall semester:

• CARITAS Commitment: Please make sure you review the CARITAS Commitment and pledge to do you part to make our campus safe.
• Wellness Kits: Graduate students can pick up a Wellness Kit and a portable chair from Parliament (Coffee Shop in The Commons) on August 17, 18 or 19. Pick up times will be from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m. each day. Please have your Wildcard available when picking up. Note: Due to limited supply, wellness kits are reserved for students who will be either taking class or conducting research on campus this semester.
• NovaNow App: Please download the NovaNow App, which can be accessed in the App store of your mobile device. The Nova Now app will include COVID-19 campus information and resources, including a daily self-assessment tool which you should use each day to self-monitor for symptoms if you will be attending class on campus. Please be sure to update the app to the latest version at the start of the semester.
• Student Organizations: The Office of Student Involvement has extensive information regarding how student organizations will function this semester.
• Outdoor and Indoor Student Space: Quiet study space is a priority in the space planning for the Fall 2020 semester. Pleas review the list of extended hours for late-night study spaces and locations of accessible study areas. Additionally, open-air tents, with lighting, have been placed throughout campus to accommodate student needs. View the tent locations, guidelines and instructions on how to reserve.
• Classroom Locations Confirmed: All students can now see room locations for their Fall 2020 on-campus classes. To view your room location, visit MyNova and search “student detail schedule.” Choose “Fall 2020” as the term, and your schedule with classroom assignments will populate.
• Office 365: Office 365 is available free of charge to download for all actively enrolled students. The Microsoft Office suite includes programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Fitness Centers: In order to ensure proper social distancing and a safe environment for our community members to work out, reservations will be required to use the University fitness centers this fall. To make reservations, you must first request an EZ Facility account.
• Offices of the Registrar and Financial Assistance: In order to comply with Villanova University guidelines regarding social distancing, the Offices of Registrar and Financial Assistance in Kennedy Hall will not be available to walk in traffic other than by appointment. They will be open to meet via online meeting, e-mail or phone.

Office of Graduate Studies - Hours and Operations

The Office of Graduate Studies will be open this fall semester. Our office hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. We are located in Vasey Hall – Room 202. Ordinarily, we would invite all students to stop by and say hello this semester. However, in an effort to keep our community safe, we are working to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Virtual meetings are preferred this semester. Please call 610-519-7090 or email gradinformation@villanova.edu to set up a virtual meeting time with a member of the Graduate Studies staff or for any general questions. If you do need to come to our office in person, please ring the bell next to the door or call our main number for assistance.

Graduate Student Lounge Is Open – Falvey 306

The Graduate Student Lounge space will be open this fall semester. Social distancing guidelines will be in place for the lounge and some seating has been removed. We ask that students adhere to the occupancy limit posted outside of the door and be cognizant of others using the space. Masks must be worn at all times. In addition, sanitation equipment will be placed in the lounge and we ask that you please sanitize your space before and after use. We want this space to be available to our graduate students this semester, but we can only keep it open if our students use the space responsibly.

Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines

• Classes Begin - August 17
• HRD and Online MPA Fall I Classes Begin - August 24
• Last Day to Add/Drop - August 25
• HRD and Online MPA Last Day to Add/Drop - August 30
• Labor Day (No classes) - September 7
• Last day to apply for December Graduation - September 15
• For a complete list of dates and deadlines please refer to the on-campus and online academic calendars.

University Resource Virtual Fair - August 18-19

As part of the new Graduate Student Orientation program, a number of University offices have offered to host informal Zoom sessions to answer any questions you may have about their services. These sessions are open to all graduate students and continue August 18 and 19. The remaining sessions include: Health Promotion, Intercultural Affairs, Career Services, Falvey Library, Institute for Research and Scholarship, Fitness and Recreation, and the Wildcard Office. See the schedule.

"Where Do We Go From Here?" Living Race Panel - August 26

As a part of the Living Race: Transforming Community campaign the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has hosted several community-wide events. The finale of the summer programming is a panel discussion titled, "Where Do We Go From Here?" The panel includes Glenn Bracey, Sociology and Criminology; Kevin Grubb, Career Center; Crystal Lucky, CLAS; and Billie Murray, Communication. The panel will take place on Wednesday, August 26, from noon until 1:30 p.m. Learn more and register.

Mindfulness Meditation Mondays

Campus Ministry and Falvey Library are offering mindfulness meditation on Mondays from 12:30–1 p.m. during the fall semester. Mindfulness Mondays will offer a virtual, comfortable space where you are guided and encouraged to stop and focus on the “here and now.” Mindfulness is proven to reduce stress and enhance well-being, which can be beneficial to all. Sessions will take place each week via Zoom. Learn more.

Campus Masses this Fall

According to archdiocesan and local guidelines, Masses will be celebrated on campus throughout the fall semester. For Sundays, anyone wanting to attend Mass will need to pre-register. Learn more.

Video Series: An Introduction to The Confessions of Saint Augustine
Villanova University has been sponsored by the Augustinian Order since its founding in 1842. To this day, Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition is the cornerstone of its academic community. If you are interested in learning more about the life and thought of Augustine, the Augustinians of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova and the Rev. Arthur Purcaro, OSA, Assistant Vice President, Villanova Office of Mission and Ministry, invite you to explore a new video series examining Augustine's seminal autobiographical work, Confessions. Explore the video series.

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