A Look Back at Preview Day and Ahead to New Beginnings

Dear Graduate Students, Faculty and Staff,

I want to take a moment to reflect on a truly successful event that showcased the very spirit of our CLAS graduate community here at Villanova—Graduate Preview Day, which was held on Saturday, April 5, in the Connelly Center. 

I extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff, our insightful student panelists, our passionate volunteers, and of course, the faculty members who generously took time to discuss the incredible opportunities within our graduate programs. It’s your collective commitment that makes these events so impactful and memorable. The very best of what makes Villanova special was on full display for these accepted and prospective students and their families, many of whom have committed or will hopefully soon commit to pursing their graduate education here in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. 

But while it’s nice to look ahead to welcoming new students, it’s just as important to remain supportive of our graduating students and those preparing for the next steps on their journeys.  

To our soon-to-be graduates: the next few weeks may mark the end of your academic career at Villanova, but remember, once a Villanovan, always a Villanovan. I think I speak on behalf of all CLAS Graduate Studies faculty and staff when I say we are proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and we look forward to hearing about the great things you will continue to do in the world. 

Though you may soon leave our campus, please know that Villanova will continue to support you with Career Management resources and through the Nova Network as alumni.

The graduate community is here for you as you navigate your professional paths, and we want to stay in touch to hear about your career successes. Please take a moment to participate in the Career Outcomes Survey. As a small token of appreciation for your participation in the survey, I would like to offer you a gold Villanova "V" lapel pin. Take a screenshot of the webpage indicating you have completed the survey and then complete this pin request form. You can pick up the pin from the Graduate Studies Office in Vasey Hall or have it mailed to you.

Your feedback is invaluable as it helps us better track your achievements, and it will allow us to continue enhancing the support we provide future students. 

I look forward to celebrating with you soon! 



Warm regards,

Emory H. Woodard IV, PhD

Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The Villanova community celebrated the 48th edition of CONCEPT during a recognition ceremony on Friday, April 11, in Driscoll Hall. Faculty Managing Editor John Kurtz, PhD, and other faculty editors, as well as student authors, editors and peer reviewers, discussed their works during the event. Sydney Marie Hughes '25 MA received the 2025 Graduate Research Prize for her paper, “Undone with Terror: Aeschylus’ Suppliants as Agents of Binary Terror.” On Ancient Greek texts like The Suppliants, Hughes says, “I want people to be able to read and research them with an eye for producing them with modern relevance. It makes something worth studying and it allows us to consider that new issues and ideas are actually very old and have been part of theater and literature for centuries.” For her thesis project, Hughes is producing a short version of The Suppliants May 8-9 in the Mullen Center. READ MORE

AI and machine learning are reshaping nearly every industry in real time, revolutionizing the world in ways once never imagined. And as demand for professionals who are proficient in AI/ML increases, Villanova University is launching a new Graduate Certificate in AI and Machine Learning designed to provide a competitive edge for those looking to enhance their careers with AI-driven skills. With an emphasis on practical solutions, students will learn to apply AI in ways directly beneficial to organizations and society. It emphasizes both technical skills and ethical considerations, addressing the need for responsible AI/ML progress. READ MORE

Amir Fralin ’26 MPA (pictured) and Rafe Kuhls ’27 MPA, along with undergraduate Jeffrey Touzin ’26 CLAS, participated in the 2025 NASPAA Simulation Competition, which brings together students from colleges and universities around the world to tackle real challenges in the field of public service. NASPAA (the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) is a nonprofit association with 300 member schools that award degrees in public administration, public policy, public affairs, nonprofit and related fields. The competition is designed to help students bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical application, and this year it centered around managing a global pandemic, a scenario that tested participants’ crisis management, decision-making and communication skills under immense pressure. Amir was part of a winning team of eight students at the virtual site hosted by the University of Texas Arlington/University of Texas Dallas. READ MORE

Graduate Student Garden Party

Join the Graduate Student Senate's 2nd Annual Graduate Student Garden Party on Friday, April 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Radnor Hotel. Students are encouraged to bring their partners to celebrate. Tickets are $20 and include one free drink ticket. There will be a cash bar. Dress is semi-formal (no blue jeans or sneakers). 

Career Outcomes Survey Please take a moment to participate in the Career Outcomes Survey! As a small token of appreciation for your participation, the Office of Graduate Studies is offering you a gold Villanova "V" lapel pin. Take a screenshot of the webpage indicating you have completed the survey and complete this pin request form.

Graduate Student Funding Opportunities  

Open Graduate Assistant, Tuition Scholar, and Graduate Assistant Hourly positions are posted online. New opportunities are being added regularly, so please visit the site often!

Leave of Absence Policies  

Students requesting a leave of absence (medical, military or personal) must read the most current Student Leaves of Absence Policy on the Office of the Provost website and submit the appropriate form. Completed forms should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies at gsdean@villanova.edu. Approved periods of leave will extend the time permitted to complete degree requirements and to graduate.

The National Name Exchange

Are you interested in a PhD program after you complete your Master’s degree? The National Name Exchange (NNE) aims to expand access to graduate education for all students especially those students historically underrepresented in higher education including first-generation students, veterans, low-income students, rural students, students with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, specific genders in some fields, and other groups. Learn more here or email joyce.harden@villanova.edu.