GRAD CLAS NOTES

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Graduate Newsletter

GRAD CLASNOTESCollege of Liberal Arts and Sciences Graduate Newsletter
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Thriving in Uncertainty

As all of us have been doing, I've been thinking a lot about how to deal with the uncertainty of our times, and what that means for us at Villanova. For me, the Covid-19 outbreak has emphasized the significance of strategic thinkers who can problem-solve and critically engage these challenges on many levels. My thoughts then turned to how students and faculty in our own community at Villanova are working to address these challenges.


In our graduate programs right now, for example, we have students and faculty in Biology who study contagions; our colleagues in Public Administration and Political Science are investigating best practices in policy and governmental response; Communication students are learning about crisis communication plans; Counseling and Psychology students are engaging both theory and practice related to our responses to traumatic events; and our History scholars are tracking the recurrence of these sorts of pandemics over time. I imagine every program in some way is grappling with issues related to the pandemic.


As President Donohue announced today, beginning Monday, March 16, all classes will be taught online. For some of our colleagues in HRD, MPA and Classical Studies, online education is old hat. For others, this will be a new experience with new challenges. Please know that in each program, our faculty is preparing to provide you with the richest educational experience possible. Students with lab or clinical requirements should contact their professors directly to discuss their completion. In addition, all University and College events are canceled as of Saturday, March 14, through at least April 14. All academic dates and deadlines remain the same.


We are in a developing situation. Follow the news. Pay attention to official University announcements. Pay close attention to your studies, too, for as I mentioned above, what you do here can make a difference in our world.


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

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Studying Classics in the Digital Age

Classical Studies Director Valentina DeNardis’ embrace of online learning and educational technology has transformed how Villanova students learn Latin, Greek and classical culture and has brought the classical world to life in ways not dreamed of just a few years ago. Read more.

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Graduate Education Director’s New Book Explores Student Activists Today

A new book by Jerusha Conner, PhD, associate professor of Education, examines what it means to be a student activist today and the factors on and off college campuses that have led to this new generation of activists. Read more.

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5 Questions People Ask When You Go to Grad School at 42

When Melissa Garretson decided to join the master's program in Communication mid-career, the questions started flowing. She shares some of her insights on going "back to school" in her 40s and why it's never too late to try something new. Read more on LinkedIn.
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3MT Competition - CANCELED

The Office of Graduate Studies inaugural Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition scheduled for March 27 has been canceled.

Events, Reminders and Tips

Upcoming Important Dates and Deadlines


  • Summer course registration opens—March 11 at 12 a.m.
  • Fall course registration opens—March 19 at 9 a.m.
  • Last day to register for Commencement and order your cap and gown—March 20
  • Last day for Authorized Withdrawal without Academic Penalty (WX) for all students (except HRD and MPA online)—April 3
  • Last day for Authorized Withdrawal without Academic Penalty (WX) for HRD and MPA online students–April 12
  • HRD and MPA online Summer 1 registration deadline—April 22
  • Thesis/Dissertation deadline—April 24
  • For a complete list of dates and deadlines please refer to the on-campus and online academic calendars as well as the Commencement deadlines page.



Work/Life Balance: Actionable Tips for Graduate Students - STILL ON FOR TONIGHT
- March 11

As part of the Mental Health and Wellness Series, Graduate Studies and the College of Professional Studies offer a presentation and discussion about work/life balance on Wednesday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. in Vasey Hall, Room 102. Heather Cluley, PhD, Assistant Professor and Associate Director of the Human Resource Development program, will present her research in this area and lead the discussion. Refreshments will be served! Please register for this event.


Villanova Theatre Presents: Merrily We Roll Along - March 17-29 - POSTPONED

Villanova Theatre's production of Merrily We Roll Along has been postponed until a date yet to be determined this spring.


Villanova Graduate Student Gala - March 20 - CANCELED

The annual Graduate Student Gala scheduled for Friday, March 20 has been canceled.


Learn How to Network as an International Student - March 25 - CANCELED

The networking event for international students scheduled for March 25 has been canceled.


Graduate Student Peer Advisors “Office Hours” in Student Lounge - SUSPENDED

Our International Student Peer Advisor Office Hours on Tuesdays and Thursday are suspended until further notice.