GRAD CLAS NOTES

First, let me welcome all the new students who have joined us as we move through these summer months and prepare for the Fall 2021 semester! GRAD CLAS NOTES is our monthly newsletter for members of the graduate studies community in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Each month, we will share academic news and important dates and deadlines, as well as research and enrichment opportunities that you may find helpful as you navigate life as a graduate student at Villanova. We welcome feedback or ideas for items to include, so please feel free to contact us.

Our new students will be formally welcomed with a University-wide live, virtual new Graduate Student Orientation on Tuesday, August 17. You can find registration information in this newsletter, and new students should have received an invitation in their emails. We are excited for you to join our community of scholars!

As we ready ourselves for the Fall 2021 semester, Villanova plans to return to a more typical, on-campus experience. To provide the safest possible environment for both the University and local community, Villanova is requiring all on-campus students, faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to submit vaccination documentation by August 1, 2021. You can learn more about the vaccination requirement and how to upload your documentation below. In addition, the University's Return to Campus website is a comprehensive repository of vaccine and COVID-related information.

I hope you are able to take some time off to enjoy these last weeks of summer before we kick off our new academic year. I am incredibly excited to get back to our regular routines, to again be immersed in our vibrant community, and to continue our work of intellectual discovery together!

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

Villanova plans to return to a more typical, on-campus experience beginning in the Fall 2021 semester. In order to lift most of the mitigation measures from this past year and provide the safest possible environment for both the University and local community, any students, including graduate students, faculty and staff who plan to be on campus at any time in the Fall semester must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by August 1, 2021.

Students must upload their vaccination documentation into Villanova’s secure portal—Villanova.medicatconnect.com—no later than Sunday, August 1, 2021. Submitted documentation will be verified for accuracy and completeness within 10 business days. All documentation will be kept confidential.

Online students who will not be on campus at any point in the Fall semester will not be required to be vaccinated. As with other vaccines required to attend Villanova, exemptions may be requested for medical and religious reasons. The University will also make provisions for international students to receive the vaccine once on-campus if they are unable to meet this requirement in advance of the fall semester. Please visit the University COVID-19 Campus Information website for the latest information about returning to campus for Fall 2021.

Become a Graduate Student Ambassador in 2021-2022!

We invite you to join our amazing team of graduate student ambassadors for 2021-2022! Serving as an ambassador is an excellent opportunity for a leadership experience, a chance to meet other graduate students in Grad CLAS, and help prospective students decide if Villanova is the place for them. Ambassadors help with open houses, graduate fairs, preview day and similar recruitment events. This upcoming year we have a variety of virtual and in-person events planned. Consider becoming an ambassador and get the most out of your graduate experience! Learn more and apply.

Upcoming Important Academic Calendar Dates and Deadlines

• July 26 - Deadline for summer thesis and dissertation submission
• August 17 - University-wide live virtual New Graduate Student Orientation
• August 19 - Mandatory in-person orientation for all incoming international students. Please contact Hubert WhanTong with any questions.
• August 23 - First day of classes for all Grad CLAS students

• For a complete list of dates and deadlines please refer to the on-campus and online academic calendars.

Villanova Theatre Sue Winge Playwriting Competition - Submissions Due August 15

The Villanova Theatre Department is pleased to announce the 2021 Sue Winge Playwriting Competition, offered exclusively to Villanova students, alumni, faculty and staff. The Competition is a program of the Sue Winge Playwriting Award, which annually supports the creation and development of new plays at Villanova University. The Sue Winge Playwriting Award was established in memory of beloved Villanova University employee Sue Winge, who served the University for many years in the Theatre Department and the President’s Office. Learn more.

New Graduate Student Virtual Orientation - August 17

New graduate students are strongly encouraged to join us for the University-wide live, virtual Graduate Student Orientation on Tuesday, August 17, beginning at 6 p.m. Orientation will introduce you to key University leaders and acquaint you with the many resources available to you as a graduate student, as well as provide an opportunity to meet your new peers during a special CLAS Zoom session. Learn more and register.

Domestic Conference Travel Funding Approved for Fall 2021

Because of the progress with vaccination programs across the country, and the updated guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Villanova will allow University funds to cover expenses for approved domestic travel for graduate students who plan to attend a professional conference to present research related to their graduate program. All requests for funding must be submitted before the conference takes place. Students are limited to one travel grant in one fiscal year (June 1 - May 31). Learn more about Conference Travel Funding.

Falvey Library Service Hours—Summer 2021

Library service hours are as follows: Monday—Thursday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Services will be unavailable Friday—Sunday, and service hours are subject to change for holidays. Villanova students, faculty and staff may enter the Library building 24/7. A Wildcard is required to enter and a mask must be worn while visiting. Electronic collections (articles, e-books and more) are accessible through our website 24/7. For a full listing of service hours, visit the Library website.

Nova Network – Join the Grad CLAS Students and Alumni Group

Graduate students are encouraged to join the Nova Network, Villanova's official social and professional network, to find Villanovans in your industry and local area, discuss career-related topics and access resources for your professional development. There's even a Grad CLAS Students and Alumni Group! Learn more about Nova Network.

Graduate Career Services at Villanova – On-Demand Assistance

We know our graduate students are busy with coursework, jobs and home life. So, when it’s time to explore a career move, we want services, resources and coaching to be easy to access. Whether grad students are looking to update resumes, job search, prepare for an interview or network with Villanovans, we have them covered. Check out the Graduate Career Services page to learn more.

Handshake - The Villanova Job Resource

Handshake is Villanova’s go-to resource for jobs, internships, events and more! This mobile career management platform intuitively connects you to relevant opportunities based on your profile, interests and search activity. Through Handshake, you can apply for positions, explore companies and connections and sign up for career fairs and workshops all in one place. Learn more about Handshake.

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