GRAD CLAS NOTES

If you are as dedicated a COVID-19 Campus Dashboard watcher as I am, you noticed that we have had a bumpy ride as we began this spring semester. But, with our regular protocols, and some additional directives to slow the spread, I am hoping that our numbers will improve. I ask that you please continue to adhere to the guidelines of the University's Community First initiative.

Our Caritas Commitment goes beyond COVID-19 protocols, though. I would like to reiterate some points that Craig Wheeland, PhD, Vice Provost for Academics, made in an email to you last month:

• The Villanova Student Health Center continues to be open for student visits. Enrolled Villanova students may visit the health center for a $25 fee per illness/injury, regardless of insurance status. The University Counseling Center is also available for graduate students.
• The Student Hardship Fund is still available for students who need emergency support to address unexpected financial stresses. This fund is made possible by generous donations from Villanova faculty, staff, alumni and parents as well as institutional support.
• This week, I sent a survey to funded students to gauge the need for extending the time needed to complete your degree program because of the inability to work remotely or reasonably secure alternate research plans. Those supported by graduate assistantships may be provided up to one additional semester or summer of assistantship support if needed to complete their degree requirements.

In addition, as you will see in this newsletter, there are a number of new resources available to graduate students, including our Spring Mental Health and Wellness Series, Learning Support Services Workshops and a new Career Center website for graduate students, to name a few. Please take a few moments to review this newsletter and see all of the resources available and opportunities to get involved in University life.

This spring semester will undoubtedly bring challenges, but I know we will overcome them together. That is our commitment.

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

The Villanova University Career Center recognizes and supports the unique career needs of graduate students as you pursue new academic and career goals. With this in mind, they offer tailored advising and guidance as well as online resources that use the latest technology to network, polish your resume, job search, prepare for an interview and more. Check out the video above and visit the Career Center website to learn more.

3MT Information Session - February 11

Join Graduate Studies Dean Emory Woodard, PhD, for a Three Minute Thesis (3MT) virtual information session on Thursday, February 11 from noon to 1 p.m. Learn video best practices and event details and bring any questions you may have. Entries are due March 1. Register for the info session.

Graduate School Council Presents: Puzzle Hustle - February 13

De-stress and hang out with the Graduate Student Council for a fun virtual puzzle solving event from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 13. Solve Puzzles and Riddles, and have a shot at winning exciting prizes! Register for this event by Wednesday, February 10.

Villanova Theatre's Songs for a New World Musical - Extended Through February 14

Don't miss the Theatre Department's first virtual musical—now streaming through Sunday, February 14, on ShowTix4U. 48-Hour Video On Demand Rentals are just $10. It's about one moment. It's about hitting the wall and having to make a choice... or take a stand... or turn around and go back. These are the stories and characters of today, the Songs for a New World. The first musical from Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Bridges of Madison County), this moving collection of powerful songs examines life, love and the choices that we make. Learn more and purchase show.

Learning Support Services Workshop: How to Communicate When Struggling - February 16

Villanova Learning Support Services is offering a series of virtual workshops this spring that are open to graduate students. The first, How to Communicate When Struggling, will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16. This workshop will cover the importance of communicating and how to have a conversation with your professors when you’re struggling. Learn more.

Spring Mental Health and Wellness Series: Work Wellness: Mind, Body, Soul (The workout for your workplace) - February 17

This spring, CLAS Graduate Studies and the College of Professional Studies are collaborating to put together a series of virtual events to share helpful tips, support and advice for graduate and professional students. The first event, Work Wellness: Mind, Body, Soul (The workout for your workplace) will take place at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17. During the pandemic, our time at our desk, due to video calls and in online classes, has increased immensely. In doing so, our bodies are suffering; we become stiff, sore, and this can interfere with our productivity and mental well-being. Join Dr. Jennifer Joyce, Associate Director of the Center for Irish Studies and Associate Teaching Professor, as she offers practical techniques on how to stretch and/or do desk exercises, and how to incorporate breathwork and other survival strategies to care for yourself during the semester. Register for this event.

Upcoming Important Academic Calendar Dates and Deadlines

• Feb. 21 - Spring I Last Day for Authorized Withdrawal (WX) for MPA online and HRD
• Mar. 7 - Spring I Last Day of Classes for MPA online and HRD
• Mar. 8 - Spring II First Day of Classes for MPA online and HRD
• Apr. 1 - Easter Recess - No classes
• Apr. 7 - Last Day for Authorized Withdrawal (WX) (excluding MPA online and HRD).
• For a complete list of dates and deadlines please refer to the on-campus and online academic calendars.

Holloway Lecture Series: A Conversation on Racial Literacy with Dr. Howard Stevenson - February 24

This online event on Wednesday, February 24 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. is presented by the Villanova University Counseling Center and made possible by The Patricia B. and Gary M. Holloway Endowment. Dr. Howard Stevenson is a nationally recognized clinical psychologist and researcher on negotiating racial conflicts using racial literacy for schools, community mental health centers, teachers, leaders, police and parents. He serves as the Executive Director of the Racial Empowerment Collaborative at the University of Pennsylvania, which is designed to promote racial literacy research, training, and programming in education, health, community, and justice institutions. Learn more and register for the event.

Spring Student Involvement Fair - February 24 and 25

Most student organizations at Villanova are open to graduate students! Learn how you can get involved at the Spring 2021 Student Involvement Fair the evenings of Wednesday, February 24 and Thursday, February 25. The Office of Student Involvement hopes to have this event take place in-person, but will remain flexible and abide by University health and safety guidelines. if deemed necessary, the office will once again offer Virtual Involvement Days. Learn about University-wide opportunities and graduate-specific organizations. Learn more.

Lepage Center Summer Internship Program - Applications Due February 26

The Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest at Villanova University is pleased to announce a new program that will provide funding for graduate and undergraduate internships in the summer of 2021. These internships are designed to introduce students to professional work in settings that support history in the public interest. Interns are expected to work full-time (35 hours per week) for at least eight weeks. The stipend for graduate internships is $4,000. Please contact Lepage Center Director Dr. Elizabeth Kolsky to learn more.

Villanova Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Virtual Competition - Video Entries Due March 1

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is a competition for master’s and doctoral students to develop and showcase their research communication skills. To be successful, competitors must effectively explain their research in three minutes to a non-specialist audience. This year, Villanova will be hosting its virtual 3MT competition on Friday, March 26, 2021. Cash prizes are awarded for first and second places and for audience choice. The deadline for video entries is Monday, March 1. Learn more about 3MT.

Spring Mental Health and Wellness Series: Get Some Sleep: You'll Thank You Later - March 3

The second event in this spring series will take place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3. Everybody sleeps, but what happens when you don’t get enough of it? We spend approximately one-third of our lives asleep, and decades of scientific research have supported the idea that both the quantity and quality of sleep affects, quite literally, every aspect of our physical, mental and cognitive health. In our discussion, Dr. Irene Kan, Graduate Program Director and Associate Professor, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, will briefly describe some of these relationships, and will invite you to share your thoughts on how Villanova can promote sleep health, with the ultimate goal of improving your overall well-being. Register for this event.

Summer Studio in Irish Theatre - Accepting Applications until April 1

Study in Dublin and Galway!
Graduate students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply for this three-week study abroad opportunity. Students will study the workings and history of Ireland's world-class national theatre while developing their own theatre skills, knowledge and practice. The experience will culminate in a showing of final work at the Lir, Ireland's National Academy of Dramatic Art and guided by Abbey Theatre professionals. Learn more about the program.

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