Each year, the summer months seem to quickly slip past, and the start of fall classes is here before we know it, but I must confess that I love the energy and excitement that the beginning of the academic year brings!

As we savor these last few weeks of summer, I want to share some helpful student resources as we prepare to return to our scholarly endeavors. Our revamped Incoming Students page is an important guide to help our newly admitted students get off to a great start. Our friends in the Grad Center created a new Making Villanova Home page, which shares important tips and campus resources. Our Academic Calendar will ensure you don't miss any important dates and deadlines; and our Student Services, Research Support and Policies page is a gateway to the many opportunities that make the CLAS graduate experience unique.

On August 17, Villanova will be hosting a virtual New Graduate Student Orientation. Please see the registration information in the blurb below. Orientation is a can't-miss event for new students, and I hope you can join us. For those who are able to come to campus, please save the date and make plans to attend the Graduate Student Community Kick-Off Picnic on August 25. This event is for ALL graduate students, faculty and staff and is a party you don't want to miss!

I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer. We are looking forward to seeing you virtually or in person soon!

Four graduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences earned Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for 2023-24. In total, 25 Villanova University students and alumni received the competitive grant this year. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program, offering students grants to conduct research, study and teach abroad. Villanova has been listed among the nation’s top producers of Fulbright Students for more than a decade. READ MORE

For many years, U.S. News has ranked “Statistician” as one of the best and fastest growing jobs in the country. More recently, “Data Scientist” has also appeared high in those rankings, a trend that mirrors changes in the industry. To better match industry demand and evolution of the program, Villanova has adjusted the curriculum and changed the name of its master’s program in applied statistics to “Applied Statistics and Data Science.” READ MORE

Colonialism is far more complex than most people realize. Although straightforward in concept, colonialism generated vastly different long-term consequences in various regions and even different areas within a single country. In his new book, Ruling Emancipated Slaves and Indigenous Subjects, Olukunle Owolabi, PhD, associate professor of Political Science, reshapes the common understanding of colonialism, slavery and abolition in the Global South. READ MORE

Villanova's new Off-Campus Housing website is designed exclusively for the use of Villanova students, faculty and staff. This new website is a one-stop shop for all off-campus living needs including: current rental listings; map-based housing search; roommate finder; sublet options; and renter resources.

Join the Grad Center for a conversation about what it means to be a grad student at Villanova. This workshop will discuss ways to overcome imposter syndrome, finding school/life balance and other issues that affect graduate students. Learn more and register.

The New Graduate Student Orientation will be held on at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2023. This live, virtual event is hosted by the Villanova University Center for Graduate Research and Education and the graduate deans in the College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Nursing and Villanova School of Business. The event features presentations from key University leaders who will welcome incoming graduate students and introduce important resources for graduate study at Villanova. Please register for Orientation using your application portal login.

All members of the graduate student community are invited to attend a kick-off picnic for the new year! The picnic will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on campus at the Riley Ellipse and area in front of upper level Connelly Center. Build community with graduate students, faculty and staff while eating delicious food and enjoying cold beverages. Resource tables from University offices and graduate student groups will also host info tables. Register for the picnic.

The Grad Center provides a structure for graduate and law students to participate in a peer

mentorship and support program. Connect with fellow graduate students in a low-key, non-

judgmental format. Learn more about the Graduate Student Peer Mentorship Program, sign-up to

participate as a mentor or mentee, and register to attend a virtual information session on Tuesday,

August 29 on the Peer Mentorship website.

Are you looking for an hourly position on campus in the fall? Check out the Graduate Student Funding Opportunities page for current openings for a variety of funding opportunities across campus as well as the Villanova Jobs Portal for upcoming campus positions!

Villanova recognizes and supports the unique career needs of graduate student as they pursue

new academic and career goals. With this in mind, the Career Center offers tailored advising and guidance as well as online resources that use the latest technology to network, polish your resume, job search, prepare for an interview and more. Learn more about Graduate Career Services.

Handshake is Villanova’s go-to resource for jobs, internships, events and more! This mobile career management platform intuitively connects you to relevant opportunities based on your profile, interests and search activity. Through Handshake, you can apply for positions, explore companies and connections and sign up for career fairs and workshops all in one place. Learn more about Handshake.