Transforming our Community
As a black man living in America, let me tell you that no academic credential, no job title, no amount of success will spare you from confronting the specter of racism in our society. As a father of two black children, not a day goes by that I do not worry about their safety and their future.
Though I am shaken by the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, the latest among countless others at the hands of those called to protect us, I continue to have faith. I am encouraged by the diverse, largely youthful crowds that have peacefully but insistently declared, “Enough!” I have faith that our community shares in that declaration. I have faith that we will be the change we wish to see. On Friday, Dean Adele Lindenmeyr announced the College will immediately dedicate funds and resources to create a CLAS Anti-Racism Initiative. It is not enough to say we stand for something, we have to act, and I am proud to be a co-signer of that announcement.
I believe that Villanova values me as a black man and affirms that Black Lives Matter. This affirmation does not deny the value of other lives. It is meant to recognize the just grievance by those subject to an ongoing legacy of racism as recent events painfully demonstrate. Recognizing the injustice suffered by even a few of us, redeems the humanity of us all. Two recent powerful statements support my beliefs: Father Peter's Call to Prayer and Reflection and the message from the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Living Race - Transforming Community. Please take a moment to read these if you have not done so already.
At Villanova, we talk a lot about transformation, with the understanding that it is never complete. We are all works in progress. We are all restless until we rest in God's light.
- Emory Woodard, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Grad CLAS student quarantine life: How are we dealing?
Since our world changed with the COVID-19 pandemic, graduate students in our college have had to adapt to a new way of learning and living. Graduate Assistant Riley Gerenda '20 MA reached out to a few Grad CLAS students to see how they are adapting to these unprecedented times. Read more.
Environmental Science Graduate Awarded NOAA Coastal Management Fellowship
Recent Environmental Science graduate Nicole Marks '20 MS was one of nine students nationwide to be awarded a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Management Fellowship. Read more.
Psychology Outstanding Thesis Award Recognizes Concussion Research
Celebrate 150 Years of Villanova Theatre with New Digital Exhibit
Falvey Library's Distinctive Collections invites you with a backstage pass to celebrate 150 years of Villanova Theatre with the new digital exhibit “Be Not Afraid of Greatness: Celebrating the History of Villanova Theatre.” Take a step inside and explore the many different eras of theatre groups on campus and moments that have helped shape what the graduate program is today. The exhibit is curated by Beaudry Rae Allen, preservation and digital archivist, and Emma Poley ’21, Villanova Theatre graduate student. Explore the exhibit.
Events, Reminders and Tips
Webinar: Brush Up Your Resume and Cover Letter — June 9
Has it been a while since you brushed up your resume? Learn how to think like a recruiter when updating it. Review the basic rules of resume writing, plus learn tips to customize it so it stands out to the hiring manager. This webinar will demonstrate, section-by-section, practical suggestions to enhance your resume and review best practices for cover letter writing. Join this webinar with the Villanova Career Center's Meredith Okenquist ’96 on Tuesday, June 9 from 3 to 4 p.m. Learn more and register.
Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines
- Last day to apply for September 1 graduation — June 15
- Last day for online MPA and HRD Summer II course registration — June 24
- For a complete list of on-campus dates and deadlines for the summer terms please refer to the Summer Sessions Calendar.
- For a complete list of dates and deadlines please refer to the on-campus and online academic calendars.
Falvey Virtual Library Open to Help You
Did you know Falvey Memorial Library has millions of online resources? You can virtually consult with subject librarians about your research and classwork and access the online collections for subject guides, how-to guides, e-book collections, streaming academic video collections and much more. Learn how the library can help your academic pursuits!
Submit Your Story to the Documenting COVID-19 Project
The University Archives, in partnership with Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest, invites faculty, staff, students and alumnus to contribute their recollections of how they are experiencing the ongoing situation around COVID-19 to the archives' collection. The Documenting COVID-19 project is meant to capture stories and thoughts so future researchers and community members can look back to know and understand what this period was like for those who lived through it. Make sure to contribute your voice to an important part of our shared Villanova history. Learn more.
CLAS Graduate Studies
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