GRAD CLAS NOTES
February 2024
Carrying On a Legacy of Positive Change

Black History Month presents the opportunity to recognize and honor the profound contributions that Black individuals have made to our society and our lives. I encourage you to participate in the events and activities planned throughout the month as an opportunity to learn from our past, contemplate our present and inspire a future where equity and justice are not ideals but realities for everyone.

Typically, we reserve the month of February to honor the legacies of those who have paved the way and support the ongoing struggle for equality and dignity for all. We got a bit of an early start in November when we kicked off our Intersectional Reflections Dinner and Discussion series, and celebrated Dr. Terry Nance, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Villanova University, who announced her retirement this year. We paid homage to a beacon of change, a steadfast advocate for justice and a visionary leader whose impact has indelibly shaped the ethos of the institution and me, personally.

Dr. Nance's journey at Villanova has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over decades of dedicated service, she has been the driving force behind transformative policies and programs that have fostered an environment of inclusivity, respect and empowerment for all members of the university community. Her unwavering commitment to equity has not only elevated the conversation around diversity on campus but also set a standard for institutions nationwide.

Through her innovative initiatives, Dr. Nance has championed the cause of underrepresented groups, ensuring that voices historically marginalized are heard and valued. Her efforts have significantly contributed to creating a campus culture that celebrates diversity as a strength and sees it as central to the university's identity and success. Her leadership is characterized by a profound empathy and a genuine desire to understand and address the challenges faced by students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Nance has been a mentor, a confidante and a source of inspiration for many, embodying the very principles of equity and inclusion for which she advocates. We owe a debt of gratitude to her and the legacy of positive change she ignited at Villanova. 

You can begin to pay that debt by joining us for our next installment of the Intersectional Reflection series on Thursday, February 22 in the Grad Center Student Lounge in Vasey Hall. We will focus on AAPI, BIPOC & Hispanic/Latine identities as we share a great meal and hear about the academic journeys of a panel of faculty, staff and graduate students from these identities. Please see below for more information and to register.






Emory H. Woodard IV, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Graduate Studies News
Psychology Master's Student Earns Grant to Support International Student Research
Villanova University Psychology master’s student Maria Gabriela Molina Funes ’21 CLAS drew on her own experiences as an international student to develop her research interests, which focus on international students’ sense of identity safety and how professors can ensure social identities are welcomed and valued. Her work was recognized by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, which awarded Molina its Clara Mayo Grant to fund her thesis. READ MORE
Faculty Mentors, Collaborative Experiences Shape Master’s Student Path to Public History Career
Villanova History master’s student Jenna Cholowinski’s experience at Villanova has been shaped by faculty who have challenged her perspectives, provided relevant hands-on learning opportunities and shared insight into careers that fit with her skills and passion. “Villanova History faculty are mentors who help guide you from the very beginning of the admissions process. They provide invaluable research experiences and expose you to many options for future career paths,” Cholowinski says. READ MORE
Counseling Professor Explores Compassionate Psychotherapy Approach to Pregnancy Loss in New Book
In a society where discussions about pregnancy loss are often hushed or purely medical, one scholar is working to change the narrative. In her new book, Psychotherapy for Pregnancy Loss: Applying Relationship Science to Clinical Practice, licensed psychologist and Associate Professor of Counseling Rayna Markin, PhD, offers a compassionate and evidence-based approach to counseling individuals and couples affected by these deeply emotional events. READ MORE
Upcoming Academic Calendar Important Dates
Campus Courses
(including Classical Studies)

  • March 4 – Semester recess begins
  • March 11 – Classes resume
  • March 27 – Easter recess begins after last class
  • April 2 – Classes resume
  • April 3 – Last day for authorized withdrawal without academic penalty (WX)
  • April 8 – Registration begins for Fall 2024 classes
HRD and Online MPA Courses

  • March 3 – Spring I last day for authorized withdrawal without academic penalty (WX)
  • March 17 – Spring I last day of classes
  • March 18 – Spring II classes begin
  • March 24 – Spring II last day for add/drop
  • April 28 – Spring II last day for authorized withdrawal without academic penalty (WX)
Events, Reminders and Information
Grad Center Valentine's Day Event – February 14
Join the Grad Center on Valentine's Day for card making, lunch and chair massages in the Grad Center space in Vasey G13. Card making available from 12 to 4 p.m., lunch available from 12 to 2 p.m. and chair massages from 1 to 5 p.m. Sign-up for your chair massage time slot with this form.

Subscribe to Receive Lenten Reflections – Begins February 14
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14. If you wish to receive daily email reflections written by members of the Villanova community to encourage you in your Lenten journey, please subscribe by completing this form.

Villanova Theatre Presents: Crazy for You – February 14 - 25
Villanova Theatre proudly presents the Father Peter Donohue-directed Crazy for You on stage in the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts February 14 - 25. Bobby Child, a reluctant uptown banker, dreams of dancing on Broadway–but instead of getting his foot in the door, it seems he’s always stepping on toes. When Bobby is sent to foreclose on a rundown theatre in Nevada, his luck takes an unexpected turn as he falls head-over-heels for the theatre owner’s daughter, Polly Baker. Set in the 1930s and scored with the infectious songs of George and Ira Gershwin, this firecracker of a musical showcases classic tunes like “I Got Rhythm,” “Embraceable You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, this madcap comedy “makes everything old feel new again” (New York Times). Villanova graduate Theatre students serve as actors, stage managers and production crew for the award-winning Villanova Theatre. Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets discounted for the Villanova community. Final dress rehearsal is free for the Villanova community on Wildcard Wednesday, February 14. Learn more and get tickets.

Graduate Student Peace & Justice Symposium – February 16
The third annual Graduate Student Peace and Justice Symposium, sponsored by the Center for Peace and Justice Education, the Augustinian Institute, Center for Graduate Research and Education, and Catholic Relief Services Partnership, will be held both in-person in St. Rita Hall and virtually on from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, February 16. The symposium theme “Peace and Justice: At the Margins and the Center” aims to explore various interdisciplinary studies that combine perspectives. The symposium will feature a plenary presentation from Dr. Raúl Diego Rivera Hernández on “Searching for Disappeared Migrants: Three Examples from Central America, Mexico, and the US-Mexico Border.” Learn more and register.

3MT Submission Deadline – February 18
Are you working on a research project or engaged in research in any way? Consider submitting to 3MT! Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is a competition for graduate students to develop their research communication skills. To be successful, competitors must effectively explain their research in three minutes or less to a non-specialist audience. Winners receive cash prizes! The deadline to submit an entry for this year's competition is Sunday, February 18. This year's competition will be Friday, March 15. Learn more.

CLASPS Cover Letter Panel – February 20
Join the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Postdoctoral Society (CLASPS) at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20 in Mendel 362 for a conversation with faculty on the job application process and effective cover letters. This event is open to all CLAS postdocs and graduate students. Lunch will be provided. Register for the event.

Grad Center and CLAS Graduate Studies Open House – February 20
Join the teams in the Grad Center and CLAS Office of Graduate Studies for an Open House event to launch the new home for graduate students on Villanova’s campus in Vasey Hall G13 and 109 on Tuesday, February 20. The Open House will feature several opportunities to see the new space and you are encouraged to attend at your convenience between 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

  • 12 pm: Opening Remarks by the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS, University President, and Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD, Provost 
  • 12 - 2 pm: Light Lunch Provided
  • 2 - 3 pm: Coffee, Tea and Dessert 
  • 3 - 4:30 pm: Hors d'oeuvres and Bar Service

Intersectional Reflection Series: AAPI, BIPOC & Hispanic Identity – February 22
Intersectional Reflection #2 will focus on AAPI, BIPOC & Hispanic/Latine Identity. Join us as we enjoy a great meal and hear about the academic journeys of a panel of faculty, staff and graduate students from these identities. The reflection will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 22 in the Grad Center Student Lounge in Vasey Hall. Seating is limited, and registration is required for planning purposes. Registration for this event is open now but will close on Monday, February 19 at 9 a.m. or when we reach capacity, whichever comes first. Learn more and register.

Gender and Women's Studies Conference – Papers Due February 22
The annual Gender and Women's Studies Conference at Villanova is now accepting papers for its 2024 conference. This exciting event is an excellent opportunity to share your ideas with fellow scholars interested in GWS. The conference is scheduled for March 22 and will be held at the Connelly Center. The deadline for submission is Thursday, February 22. Please contact gws@villanova.edu with any questions regarding the conference or submissions.

Center for Research and Fellowships and Career Center Office Hours
Interested in speaking with someone about research opportunities or career prospects? Gray Kidd, PhD, from the Center for Research and Fellowships (CRF) or Casey Hilferty from the Career Center will be hosting open office hour once a month in Vasey Hall G14D so you can get direct feedback about your career. No appointment needed.

Casey Hilferty, Career Center
  • Thursday, February 22, 1-4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 19, 1-4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 9, 1-4 p.m.

Gray Kidd, CRF 
  • Tuesday, March 12, 1-4 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 11, 1-4 p.m.

Graduate Student Peer Mentorship Program
Are you looking to learn, grow and connect with others on campus? Have support and encouragement for your personal and professional goals? If so, consider joining the Graduate Student Peer Mentorship Program! As a peer mentee, you will be matched with an existing graduate student mentor that will provide you with guidance, support and valuable insights as you navigate your academic journey. Your mentor will share their own experiences, answer questions, offer advice and help you connect with campus resources. Learn more and sign up.
Student Support Services Overview
Academic Support
 
Student Health and Well-Being
  • Student Health Center: Open 24/7 during semester. Offering health care to students with individualized attention and timely service. ($25 office visit for graduate students).
  • University Counseling Center: Providing services that help students function optimally with regard to emotional, academic, social and psychological issues.
  • Office of Health Promotion: Empowering students to create healthy learning environments and make responsible, educated choices to maintain balance.
  • Fitness Centers: Campus locations and operating hours available online.
  • Nova Nook: Providing supplemental personal necessities to students in need.
 
Tech Support
  • UNIT Tech Zone: Providing support for all hardware, software and technical problems that students may have with their personal laptop and other on-campus computing experiences.
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