GRAD CLAS NOTES

In the last chapter of his 1967 book, Where Do We Go from Here, Martin Luther King Jr. writes, "This call for a world-wide fellowship that lifts neighborly concern beyond one's tribe, race, class and nation is in reality a call for an all-embracing and unconditional love for all men." This statement points to the Augustinian values upon which this University was founded and which continue to guide us today. I see these values reflected in the work you do each day.

Dr. King begins the final paragraph of that book with a pertinent call to action for our times. "We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today," he writes. "We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as being too late. Procrastination is the thief of time." Amid all of the uncertainty in our lives, you have chosen to take action. You have chosen to dedicate yourself to becoming an expert in your field, to work to improve our world in some small way. Taken collectively, our small actions can ignite great change.

So here we are. Back for the 2021 Spring semester. Our MPA online and HRD students have already begun classes. Next week, some of you will be beginning your final semester at Villanova, while others will be beginning their Villanova careers. As we begin this semester, please review the safety protocols on University's Return to Campus website. Again this spring, we will be conducting classes in person, online and in hybrid models. If you will be on campus at all this semester, you must complete mandatory COVID testing. If you are concerned about receiving results in time for the start of classes, please email me as soon as possible.

I encourage you to take a few moments to read through this newsletter, which is filled with important information and exciting opportunities. While we are far from the end of our COVID nightmare, and we were shaken by the disturbing events in our nation's Capitol, I have hope. As I reflect on Dr. King's words and legacy, I have hope that we can embrace unconditional love and work with the fierce urgency that our times require. Each of us doing our small part, together achieving great things.

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

Villanova University has outlined the steps we are making to continue to provide a safe learning environment for the semester. Key points include:

• Please continue to regularly check your email and the Return to Campus website to ensure you are up-to-date on the most recent information.
• Students, faculty and staff who will physically be on campus or participating in in-person Villanova classes must take part in mandatory COVID-19 testing. If you are concerned about receiving results in time for the start of classes, please email the Dean of Graduate Studies as soon as possible.
• Villanova’s Student Health Center will again offer surveillance testing and diagnostic testing during the Spring semester. Surveillance testing will begin on Monday, February 1. Graduate students are expect to comply with surveillance testing requests.
• Learn more about Spring 2021 plans and procedures.

Spring 2021 New Graduate Student Virtual Orientation - January 20

Attention new students! You still have time to register for our Virtual Orientation on Wednesday, January 20 from 6 to 7 p.m. EST. You will need to use your application portal log-in credentials to register for this event, not your MyNova log-in information. Orientation will cover important topics such as: policies and procedures for graduate students; the introduction to key offices on campus; and an overview of important resources for graduate students. New students are strongly encouraged to attend orientation. We look forward to seeing you online. Register for Orientation.

Office of Graduate Studies - Hours and Operations

This semester, the hours of the Office of Graduate Studies will be 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. We are located in Vasey Hall – Room 202. 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 Support Group
The University Counseling Center is pleased to offer a support group for Villanova University Graduate Students. Whether you are pursuing a master's degree or doctorate, graduate school can be a difficult time for many. It can bring about its own unique stressors, for example increased academic rigor coupled with other life demands. This group will be an opportunity for students to share with each other about the challenges of pursuing a degree at the graduate level. Students will be able to seek support from and offer support to their peers in the group. The group will meet weekly in the afternoon prior to the start of 5 p.m. evening classes and continue for 10 weeks. If interested, please email Dr. Victoria Ostroff with the times you are available.

Graduate Student Ambassador Program

Are you interested in interacting with the Office of Graduate Studies and with other graduate students in the college? Are you willing to share your “Why Villanova?” story with prospective students? If so, we encourage you to apply to be a Graduate Student Ambassador! Student Ambassadors assist the Graduate Studies Office with recruitment events and help build community within the graduate student population. While this semester will be different from the rest, we will have virtual events where you will be able to participate and contribute in meaningful ways! Learn more and apply.

Falvey Library Service Hours

Falvey Library service hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. 24/7 building access for students, faculty and staff begins January 25. Contactless pickup, printing and self-scanning services are available during building hours. Learn more about library services and operations.

Graduate Student Lounge Is Open – Falvey 306

The Graduate Student Lounge space will be open this spring 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.

Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines

• Jan. 25 - Classes begin (excluding MPA online and HRD)
  
• Jan. 31 - Application deadline for May graduation
• Feb. 2 - Add/Drop deadline (excluding MPA online and HRD)
• 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.

Graduating this Spring? Application Deadline - January 31

If you plan to graduate in May 2021, you must apply by January 31. Please visit the Applying for Graduation page to review the graduation application requirements and procedures.

Summer Research Fellowships - Applications Due February 1

Graduate students in CLAS are encouraged to apply for a summer fellowship to support their research. For details regarding eligibility requirements, criteria, how to apply, deadline for proposals and review process, faculty evaluation of the project, and award recipients, please visit the Graduate Summer Research Fellowship page.

Publish Your Work in CONCEPT - Submissions Due February 1

CONCEPT is the interdisciplinary journal of CLAS Graduate Studies at Villanova University. The journal is now accepting article submissions through February 1. In addition, students are encouraged to apply to be editors and peer-reviewers. Visit the CONCEPT website to learn more.

Spring 2021 Virtual Career Fairs - February 1 - 3

The University Career Center is hosting a three-day series of Spring 2021 Virtual Career Fairs, which focus on general employment areas and and are open to all Villanova students, including graduate students. These events draw a strong showing of employers from a variety of industries who seek leadership program, intern and full-time candidates. Learn more and register.

Watch the National 3MT Competition Featuring Villanova Philosophy Student - February 3

Philosophy doctoral student Katherine Kurtz will represent Villanova in the Council of Graduate Schools' National Three-minute Thesis Research Presentation Competition on Wednesday, February 3 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. EST. During the live Zoom event, Katherine will present Deviant Bodies: Toward an Aesthetics of Feminine Monstrosity based on her dissertation work. Register to watch the event.

Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote Address and Lectures - February 3 - 4

The University's celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. includes a virtual keynote address and online lectures. On Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 5 p.m., the MLK Keynote Address features Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, PhD, assistant professor of African American Studies and Charles H. McIlwain University Preceptor at Princeton University. She is the author of several books and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History in 2020. On Thursday, Feb. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Freedom School offers concurrent hour-long sessions (at 9:35 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 2:20 p.m.) that are taught by various faculty members, staff and students. Each session will address some aspect of social justice that relates to and extends the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

VU Women in Tech Conference - February 3 - 6

the 2021 VU Women in Tech Conference will be held virtually from Wednesday, Feb. 3, through Saturday, Feb. 6. Hear from more than 20 speakers that are leaders and experts in their fields and join more than 10 virtual sessions including two keynote sessions and networking opportunities. This year’s conference includes a wide variety of tech topics and current issues in tech from cybersecurity, network neutrality, and current trends in AI/ML to analytics and blockchain. Learn more and register.

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.

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