We had hoped to kick off this semester with a proper party, but because of the worsening winter weather forecast, we made the difficult decision to postpone the Grad Center and CLAS Graduate Studies Open House, originally scheduled for this Friday, January 19. We will reschedule this event, so I do hope you are able to join us in our beautiful new spaces in Vasey Hall. The Open House will also be a celebration of the important partnership between CLAS Grad Studies and the Grad Center. We are proud to contribute to this investment in graduate education, which is a key component of the University’s Strategic Plan. Through the Grad Center, you will have access to expanded resources and programming to enrich your experience and form connections with other graduate students across the University.

Austin Calitro ’17 CLAS, ’21 MPA pursued a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Villanova while also competing at the highest level of football, the NFL. Villanova’s MPA program was a great opportunity for Calitro to demonstrate his knowledge and expertise in public service and gain the skills and knowledge necessary to positively impact his community. Villanova’s flexible, online program allowed Calitro to earn his master’s degree even while working through the rigors and demanding schedule of the NFL. READ MORE

Why do we trust what we see, but not necessarily the images we conjure in our minds? What is imagination, really, and how does it influence our thinking? In his new book, The Invention of Imagination: Aristotle, Geometry and the Theory of the Psyche, Philosophy Professor Justin Humphreys, PhD, explores the concept of imagination from its origins in ancient Greek philosophy to today. As a specialist in ancient philosophy, Dr. Humphreys emphasizes the ongoing relevance of philosophical texts and showcases the compelling views they offer.

This past fall, the Villanova Human Resource Development program and the Villanova SHRM student chapter hosted a development series to provide students and alumni opportunities to connect, network and learn about trending topics in HR and beyond. Session topics included artificial intelligence and HR, wellbeing and work-life balance, how to gain influence in an organization, unions, pay transparency, and emotional intelligence. READ MORE on the HRD Corner Blog.

Grad Center & CLAS Graduate Studies Open House – January 19 - POSTPONED

In consultation with University leadership, CLAS Graduate Studies and the Grad Center have made the difficult decision to postpone the Open House scheduled for Friday, January 19, due to the worsening winter weather forecast. Open House will be rescheduled for a later date.

Graduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences can also use their Wildcard to access the Graduate Student Lounge on the third floor of Old Falvey, Room 306. The Old Falvey lounge is a great study space that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Falvey Data Visualization Competition – Entries Due January 22

The Falvey Data Visualization Competition is a new program established in conjunction with the Library's annual Love Data week celebration in order to recognize the various ways that data is used in Villanova scholarship. The Falvey Data Visualization Award is designed to increase digital information literacy by raising awareness of the importance of data visualization and celebrating good examples. The competition is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Those that participate will receive professional recognition during Falvey’s Love Data week, be able to add to their professional repertoire by highlighting their research accomplishments, and learn about how others are using data around campus. Winners will receive cash prizes and be recognized at a ceremony that will include presentations by the award recipients on the use of data in their research. Learn more.

VU Women in Tech Annual Conference – January 27

Graduate students are invited to attend the 9th annual VU Women in Tech Conference on Saturday, January 27 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Inn at Villanova or on live stream. This conference is free for all current Villanova students, faculty and staff. VU Women in Tech is the platform for students, faculty, staff and alumnae to share experiences, highlight opportunities for women in technology, and motivate those who hesitate. Villanova University's annual VU Women in Tech Conference connects those who are interested in using technology to innovate, inspire, and lead with prominent women in various tech roles. Learn more and register.

Graduating this Spring? Application Deadline – January 31

If you plan to graduate in May 2024, you must apply by January 31. Please visit the Applying to Graduate page to review the graduation application requirements and procedures.

3MT Virtual Information Session – January 31

Learn about the premier research communication skills competition for graduate students! Villanova is hosting its annual 3MT competition on Friday, March 15. Join Dr. Mike Westrate and Emily McCloskey of the Grad Center on Wednesday, January 31, from 12 to 1 p.m. to learn about this fun competition and how you can get prepared. Did we mention that there are cash prizes? Register for the information session and receive the Zoom link.  

Summer Research Fellowship Application – Due February 1

Graduate students in CLAS are encouraged to apply for a summer fellowship to support their research. Awards are made on a competitive basis in the amount of $3,500 for master's students and $4,500 for doctoral students for work in June, July and August. For details regarding eligibility requirements, criteria, how to apply, deadline for proposals and review process, faculty evaluation of the project, and award recipients, please visit the Graduate Summer Research Fellowship page.

CONCEPT – Papers Due February 1

CONCEPT, the interdisciplinary journal of CLAS graduate students, is now accepting article submissions. The author of the best article in the 2024 issue will receive the Graduate Student Research Prize. The deadline for submission is Thursday, February 1, 2024. Submissions should be based on material that has been researched as part of graduate work at Villanova. Authors should register on the CONCEPT website and follow the instructions there for posting their submission. (An author may submit no more than one article for consideration.) Any questions should be directed to faculty editor, Dr. John Kurtz.

CONCEPT Peer Reviewers Needed

CONCEPT is a graduate student-run publication. Given the breadth of the graduate programs and to ensure fair review of submissions, it is vitally important to have editors and reviewers representing as many disciplines as possible. Those interested in serving as an editor or as a peer-reviewer should contact faculty editor Dr. John Kurtz directly. Volunteers to serve as editors should include a list of their known regular time commitments for Spring semester.

Graduate Student Ambassador Program – Apply now!

Are you outgoing, motivated and want to make the most of your Villanova experience? Do you want to meet fellow graduate students, speak to prospective students and share your “Why Villanova?” story? If so, apply to be a Graduate Student Ambassador! GS Ambassadors are volunteers who assist our office with events and initiatives to help recruit new students and build community amongst our current graduate students. Learn more and apply.