GRAD CLAS NOTES

Saying that this year’s Commencement will be like no other is an understatement. We have all experienced tremendous upheaval in our lives in these past few months. So much has changed, but we can hold on to the essence of the important things – our successes, our gratitude, our wonder, our love for each other, our faith, our hope – and acknowledge them in different ways. Just because we cannot gather in person to celebrate does not diminish your accomplishments as a graduate student at Villanova University.

Father Peter will still confer your degrees in an online ceremony. Many of our programs will be having virtual recognition events for you and your families. Commencement is still a time of new beginnings. You are still destined for great things.

While there will be challenges in the near term, brighter days are ahead, for the intensity of our crisis means that our recovery efforts will be even more intense. By investing in your graduate education, you have prepared to lead that recovery.

For returning students, please use this summer to refresh, renew and recharge. As we emerge from this crisis of epic proportions, do take some time to reflect and recover. Know that this experience has built a resiliency in you that will serve you well.

For all of our students – Congratulations! You have my utmost respect and admiration. Go Nova!

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

Based upon current CDC public health recommendations for maintaining social distancing, and after consultation with Villanova’s emergency preparedness committee regarding COVID-19, Villanova Commencement ceremonies will not take place as originally planned. In lieu of gathering on May 15, 2020, University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, will confer degrees via a streamed event on that date. When it is safe to gather, Villanova will honor its graduates in person, on campus and is currently exploring possible dates. Details will be shared with graduates and their families when the plans are finalized. Learn more about Commencement 2020.

#NovaGrad2020

In light of the online degree conferral, the University is asking students, faculty, staff, relatives and friends to share their stories, memories and well-wishes for this year's graduates. if you are on social media, please use the hashtag #NovaGrad2020 - photos and videos are encouraged! If you are not on social media, you can submit your entry through this form.

Summer Courses Online

In Summer 2020, all courses—including those originally scheduled to be held in person and on campus—will now be offered online. This plan was developed in consultation with the Deans and faculty leadership. Read more about Summer 2020 online courses.

Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines

Please note that some deadlines have changed because of circumstances related to the Covid-19 pandemic. See the University's COVID-19 Update page.

• Last day to select S/U grade option (excluding HRD and online MPA) — May 12
• First day of summer classes (except for HRD and online MPA) — May 27
• Last day to add/drop a summer course — June 4
• 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 dates and deadlines please refer to the on-campus and online academic calendars.

Grad CLAS Satisfaction Survey - Reminder on May 13
In your email inbox, you should have received an invitation to complete a student satisfaction survey. Your feedback is essential to the College's review of its graduate programs as we seek to refine and improve the graduate experience. Thank you to everyone who has already completed to the survey. For those who have not, a reminder was sent on May 6, and another will be sent on May 13 from "Villanova University – Graduate Liberal Arts & Sciences <ospie@surveys.villanova.edu>" with the subject "Improving Graduate Studies: A request for your assistance." Please consider taking a few minutes to help us accurately evaluate our programs.

Resume Reviews for Graduate Students — May 14 & 18

Updating your resume, but not sure where to start? Ask a coach! Access quick resume feedback from Masters-level Villanova University Career Coaches. You will upload your resume prior to the session and have nine minutes of feedback to enhance both the appearance and effectiveness of your resume to clearly communicate your achievements, experience and strengths. To get the most out of this resume review, review this video on resumes and cover letters beforehand.

• Thursday, May 14 — 7 - 8 pm Location and Registration on Brazen
• Monday, May 18 — 12 - 1 pm Location and Registration on Brazen

Graduate Student Council Executive Board 2020-221

Congratulations and thank you to our newly elected Graduate Student Council Executive Board for the 2020-2021 year!

• Manisha Tanwar - President (Computer Science)
• Carson Schatzman - VP for Academic Affairs (English)
• Teodora Niculae-Caxi - VP for Communications (Psychology)
• Rachel Flores - VP for Finance (Public Administration)
• Maitreayi Rudraraju - VP for Social Activities (Software Engineering)
• Shama Huq - VP for Philanthropy (Psychology)

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.

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