Welcome Back, and Welcome Home!

Welcome to a new academic year in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences! Whether you are just beginning your graduate journey or returning with experience and momentum, I hope the summer months gave you space to rest, recharge and reconnect. 

This year, we’re embracing an ambitious—but exciting—agenda. Together, we will: 


• Deepen our commitment to mentorship, building on the strength of relationships that support academic and professional growth. 
• Advance the strategic initiatives identified by our graduate programs to grow, innovate and elevate graduate education across CLAS. 
• Foster greater interdisciplinary connection, formally and informally, within the College, across the University and throughout our broader region. 
  

At the same time, I want to offer a word of care: as we take on this important work, let us not lose sight of our own wellness. Find the flow that allows you to fully engage without sacrificing the joy that brought you to graduate education in the first place. Let’s move forward in ways that refresh the spirit and spread that joy through our programs and our community. 

And, particularly in light of the difficult events of the past few days, let’s remember who we are: a community dedicated to the Augustinian values of Veritas, Unitas, Caritas. If you are struggling, please connect with the campus resources that were highlighted in Fr. Peter’s message. Let’s do everything we can to help our community move forward—together. 


About This Newsletter 


Grad CLAS Notes is one of several communication channels from the Office of Graduate Studies designed to keep our entire graduate community connected and informed. Here’s how we’ll stay in touch throughout the year: 


• This Monthly Newsletter: News, updates, highlights and spotlights for our full community of graduate students, faculty, staff and alumni. 
• Student Updates & Reminders: Timely information about upcoming deadlines, events and opportunities in CLAS. 
• Grad Program Weekly Digest: Sent to program directors and key administrators to support the coordination of their office with ours. 
• Grad Central News (from the Graduate Center): A separate University-wide e-blast highlighting events and services across all colleges. 

We promise not to overload your inboxes—and we hope each message adds value to your experience. 


Warm regards,

Emory H. Woodard IV, PhD

Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Villanova University public administration students will help boost economic mobility efforts in Norristown, bringing classroom learning into direct partnership with the township’s municipal leaders.

The University received a $10,000 Economic Mobility and Opportunity (EMO) Student Engagement Grant from International City/County Management Association (ICMA), an organization committed to building thriving communities by promoting best practices in local governance. Vaswati Chatterjee, PhD, assistant professor of public administration and Villanova ICMA student chapter advisor (pictured), and MPA Program Director Lauren Miltenberger, PhD, will serve as grant administrators. READ MORE



When reflecting on what makes a research lab thrive, it’s important to remember that it's not only the publications or the data that contribute, but also the people. It’s why several Villanova faculty members have joined the Council of Graduate Schools’ (CGS) Healthy Research Teams & Labs initiative, a national effort aimed at promoting inclusive, respectful and supportive research environments for graduate students. The initiative outlines best practices for mentorship, collaboration and student well-being, and is designed to be applicable across all academic disciplines. READ MORE

In an age when knowledge is expanding exponentially, a wide range of professional fields are relying on philosophical training as a vital tool to provide critical thought, ethical decision-making and solid debate skills. A strong cadre of educators is critical to that. In this story, Villanova Magazine explores how our PhD in Philosophy Program helps graduate students develop as educators. “The idea is that a Villanova graduate has an astute and keen sense of social justice and of community, and a holistic orientation toward the world,” says Dr. Surti Singh, graduate program director. “Philosophy is a huge part of that.” READ MORE

Graduate Student Community Kick-Off Picnic

All graduate students are invited to this University-wide event on Friday, September 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sheehan Beach. Join your fellow graduate students as we celebrate the start of the Fall 2025. More details will be emailed to you!

St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service: Saturday, September 20

The Villanova community celebrates its patron saint with an annual Day of Service in his name. Each year, the St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service brings together more than 5,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families working in partnership with neighborhood agencies to perform service throughout Greater Philadelphia. When registering, select “Graduate Students of Villanova” under "Group Name."

Summer Professional Development

The Office of Graduate Studies is supporting the summer professional development of our graduate students. Students may apply for funding to support activities that strengthen their professional profile and do not conflict with academic coursework. Activities must occur during the current fiscal year (June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026) and awards will be based on demonstrated need and merit. All requests must be submitted prior to the activity, and students will be reimbursed for eligible expenses. Students can apply for the funds here.

Off-Campus Housing

Looking for a new place to live? In search of a roommate? Check out Villanova’s Off-Campus Housing website to access map-based housing search, roommate finder, sublet options and other important resources.

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!