A Monthly Update from the College of Professional Studies
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Dear Students,
As Villanovans, we frequently see those three Latin words: Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas. These words are so important to us that they are found on our University seal, inscribed in stone in a multitude of places on our campus, and in our communications and publications. As February is the month when we celebrate love, let’s take a closer look at “caritas” and what it means for us as members of the Villanova community.
Translated to English, caritas describes the Christian love of humankind, often referred to as charity. A fine concept in and of itself, but we might wonder why an institution of higher education would put such great importance on this virtue when many others might be more obviously connected to learning. We get a hint if we look to some of what St. Augustine wrote of love and its relation to knowledge, “Let knowledge therefore be used as a kind of scaffolding, by which may be erected the building of charity, which shall endure forever when knowledge faileth.
Knowledge, if applied as a means to charity, is most useful; but apart from this high end, it has been proved not only superfluous, but even pernicious.”
1
In his sermon on love, St. Augustine reminds us how we need this virtue in ourselves, “let the root of
love
be within, of this root can nothing spring but what is
good
.”
2
As Villanovans, we are asked to study in the midst of caritas. We have opportunities do so in a multitude of ways; by our interactions with each other in the classroom, whether virtual or on campus; through the varied and many opportunities we have to serve our Philadelphia and global communities; and by the pursuit of knowledge that seeks to improve our world.
Villanova is a special place! I challenge you this month to take time to look for the ways that caritas is woven through the fabric of our community and find a way to establish it into your own life.
Have a great month!
Susan Leighton
Director, Academic Programs
1
Augustine Letters, 55, 39
2
Augustine, Sermon 110, 8
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Academic Updates + Reminders
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Upcoming Spring 2020 Academic Calendar Dates
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Mon, March 2
nd
:
Spring Recess begins
Thurs, March 5
th
:
FastForward 3 Final Grades Due
Mon, March 9
th
:
Classes resume/FastForward 4 Begins
Wed, March 11
th
:
Full Semester Mid-Term grades due at 12 noon
Wed, March 11
th
:
Summer 2020 Registration Begins. Schedule an
appointment
with your advisor!
Wed, March 11
th
:
"Work/Life Balance,"
a research presentation with actionable tips for graduate and professional students
- CPS/Grad CLAS presents hosts Dr. Heather Cluley, Associate Director and Assistant Professor in the Human Resource Development. Register here.
Fri, March 13
th
:
Advisement for Fall Begins. You can schedule an upcoming
appointment
with your advisor for after March 13
th
.
Wed, March 18
th
:
Fall 2020 Registration Begins. Schedule an
appointment
with your advisor!
Mon, March 23
rd
:
Spotlight on Leadership:
US Army SSG Travis Mills
- Member of the 82nd AB division, SSG Travis Mills is a quadruple amputee from an IED blast in Afghanistan. Attend this free event to listen to his share his story of resilience and determination. No registration is required.
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New Program and Bootcamp Series!
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The College of Professional Studies is pleased to announce the creation of a 100% online interdisciplinary educational program that trains students to become immigrant advocates ready to serve migrants and refugees. The non-credit program begins Fall 2020 and applications are being accepted now!
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Professionals today, from recent graduates to seasoned authorities in the field, find it critical to continually expand upon their skills and knowledge.
This spring, Villanova University's College of Professional Studies is offering
four bootcamps and short courses (non-credit)
in a variety of subject areas designed to provide you with new, essential skills in a short period of time.
A practical "how-to" course for the non-project manager
Prep for the PMP® exam before the test changes on July 1
A hands-on, intensive learning experience focused on the development of foundational management skills
An annual event, the 2020 Symposium will focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leading with a growth mindset
Each course will be held at The Inn at Villanova University. Breakfast and lunch is included for all attendees. Register early as space is limited!
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Post-Interview Thank you Note
A note from Meredith Okenquist 96' CLAS, Career Transitions Coach
Sending a thank you note after every interview is an essential part of the interviewing process. The thank you note reinforces your interest, and is a continued opportunity to showcase your professional skills and relevant qualifications. In fact, many employers think less of interviewees who fail to send a thank you note. It is strongly recommended to follow-up with an emailed thank you note after every single job interview, including in-person, web based and phone interviews.
Below are some best practices and tips for writing an effective and impactful thank you note:
- Be sure you have business cards or the name/contact information for each person that met with you. Try to gather this information before you leave the interview.
- Send an email note within 24 hours after the interview. Do not rely on a mailed handwritten note via the Post Office, as this takes too long and can be delayed further by a company’s internal mail processes.
- Deploy an individual email to each person that met with you. It is impactful if you can tailor the content with specific information that was discussed with that person during the interview. Do not group multiple people into one email note. Each person should receive an individual email.
- Express sincere appreciation and enthusiasm.
- Draw attention to being a strong “match” to the role and organization.
- Refer to something that was discussed during the interview.
- Reiterate your interest in the position and organization.
- Provide any other information that was not previously given. This can be an opportunity to mention anything you forgot to say during the interview.
Ensure the thank you note is error-free. Confirm correct spelling of names and email addresses.
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