Holiday Greetings and Happy New Year from Graduate Studies!

As we approach the winter break, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an eventful and transformative fall semester for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. From groundbreaking research to dynamic interdisciplinary initiatives, our graduate students, faculty, and staff have risen to meet the opportunities and challenges of the season with creativity, resilience, and purpose. 

This semester has been a vivid reminder of the power of interdisciplinary graduate education to address complex issues and create meaningful impact. We have seen projects that bridge disciplines to explore pressing global challenges, initiatives that build new pathways for collaboration, and scholarship that pushes the boundaries of knowledge. These efforts exemplify the commitment of our graduate community to not only advancing academic inquiry but also making a difference in the world. 

Of course, this work has not come without challenges. The shifting academic and societal landscapes demand adaptability, innovation, and perseverance. Yet, with these challenges come opportunities—to deepen our collaborations, to amplify the voices and work of our diverse community, and to reimagine the future of graduate education together. As we prepare for the year ahead, I am energized by the possibilities and confident in our shared ability to navigate them with vision and purpose. 

The winter break offers a much-needed opportunity to pause, reflect, and restore. It is a time to celebrate the achievements of the past semester and to gather strength for what lies ahead. As you take this time, I encourage you to reconnect with the core values that guide us: Veritas, the pursuit of truth; Unitas, the bond of unity; and Caritas, the call for compassion and service. These principles will continue to light our way as we step into the opportunities of the new year. 

I wish you all a restorative and joyous holiday break, one that positions us for a vibrant and impactful spring semester. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for all that you bring to our community. 

Warmly,

Emory H. Woodard IV, PhD

Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The scholarly work of graduate students from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences took center stage at the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts as 36 Villanova University students presented research during the sixth annual Graduate Research Symposium on Friday, November 15, 2024. This marked the sixth annual research symposium, which included poster presentations and Three Minute Thesis (3MT)-style oral presentations. The event is designed to celebrate work from students who either received a 2024 Summer Research Fellowship or independently engaged in their work. READ MORE

Villanova University Education and Counseling faculty Stacey Havlik, PhD, and Krista Malott, PhD, deliver a fresh approach to postsecondary preparation in their new book, School Counselor Resource Series: Skill Building for Postsecondary Success. It provides a vital toolkit for school counselors and educators looking to support high school students’ transition to college. READ MORE

Ann Marie Jakubowski, Villanova English MA '17, has won the Fathman Award from the International T. S. Eliot Society for her paper, "Conversion as Revision: The Retrospective Poetics of Burnt Norton." The Fathman Award is presented each year by the T.S. Eliot Society to the best paper presented by an early-career scholar. Graduate students and recent PhDs are eligible. Ann Marie (pictured, center) graduated with a Villanova MA in 2017 and a PhD at Washington University in St. Louis in 2024. READ MORE in The Yawp, Villanova's graduate English program blog.

Apply to Graduate – May 2025

All students must apply to graduate in the term in which they plan to complete their degree requirements. For students completing degree requirements in the spring semester, you must have 21 credits or more to apply. Most students will need to wait until fall grades are submitted in early January to apply. The deadline to apply and avoid the late fee is January 31. Apply using the Prospective Graduate Form in myNova. 

Thesis and Dissertation Requirements

Students completing a thesis or dissertation as part of their degree requirements must meet all additional requirements to graduate, including submitting a title form, signature page and the final project to ProQuest. Find more information on submission requirements here.

Career Outcomes Survey for December Graduates

All graduating students are encouraged to complete the career outcomes survey. This information helps us to better advise current and future students!

Grad Center Brain Break Week: December 9-13

Mark your calendars for a week full of relaxing, stress-free “brain break” activities in the Grad Center Lounge, Vasey G13, as we finish out the semester. Register for these activities so we can arrange food.

• Wednesday, Dec. 11: Chair Massages from 1 to 5 p.m. (Individual time-slot sign-up required)
• Thursday, Dec. 12: Lunch provided by the Grad Center from Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 13: Christmas bingo party from 5 to 7 p.m.

VU Women in Tech Poster Session

Join us for the inaugural VU Women in Tech Poster Session at our 10-year Celebration and Conference. We welcome students to share their tech-related research and innovations with out community. Submit an abstract of 50 to 100 words describing your research or innovation. Abstracts are due Friday, December 13. Notification of acceptance will be sent January 6, 2025. Participants will receive VU swag and have an opportunity to win additional prizes.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Workshop

Wednesday, January 8, 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; Inn at Villanova

Deadline to Register: Monday, December 16

All grad students are invited to attend an in-person Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) workshop on Wednesday, January 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Inn at Villanova. This workshop is designed to enhance our collective understanding and practice of ethical research conduct, consistent with our Augustinian mission and aligned with the guidelines set forth by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The program aims to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity within the entire Villanova research community. Register no later than Monday, December 16, as space is limited!

MLK Day of Service: Saturday, January 18

All graduate and law students are encouraged to volunteer for Villanova’s annual MLK Day of Service! Make this a holiday where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers and move our nation closer to the "Beloved Community" that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned. Join members of the University community to volunteer throughout Greater Philadelphia and on our campus. Register to volunteer with the Grad & Law Student Group using this form.

Introducing iGrad, a New Online Financial Wellness Tool

Villanova is proud to offer iGrad, a secure, interactive, online personal finance platform, vetted and financed by the University. iGrad is open to all students, alumni, faculty and staff. iGrad assesses your finances and spending habits and recommends tools, content and courses to help you reach your financial goals. iGrad provides the Villanova community access to a money personality analysis, budget tools, loan repayment and investing strategies, and much more to move you toward your financial goals. Create your account today. LEARN MORE

NOVA Alert

Have you signed up for NOVA Alert? This system is the University’s mass notification system used for a major crisis or emergency, as well as weather-related closings and delays. NOVA Alert is your personal connection to real-time updates—instructions on where to go, what to do or what not to do, who to contact and other critical information. It is important that you check your NOVA Alert settings, or if you are not signed up, you can do so by following these simple steps:

• Go to MyNova and log in.
• Enter Nova Alert in the search box.
• Enter your information. 
• Your Villanova email and cell phone information will be entered into the NOVA Alert system.