Supporting Graduate Research and Scholarship

Graduate students are integral to the University's pursuit of knowledge and its mission to apply that research to create meaningful change in our world. You partner with faculty to produce groundbreaking work, and you drive innovations across our academic disciplines. Each day I am impressed by your commitment to Villanova's distinctive approach to collaborative scholarship.

This Friday marks one of our hallmark events to showcase that work at our Fall Graduate Student Research Symposium. I hope you will join us in the Mullen Center to celebrate our scholars and support your classmates! Oral presentations begin at 1 p.m., followed by poster presentations and refreshments at 3 p.m. The list of presenters this year includes students from 12 academic programs, ranging from Biology and Chemistry to History and Philosophy. The Graduate Research Symposium truly is one of my favorite events of the year!

Many of these students were awarded Summer Research Fellowships from our office, one of several resources we offer including conference travel funding, language workshops and our interdisciplinary journal, to name a few. Partners across the University are also here to support your work including the Villanova Institute for Research and Scholarship and the Center for Research and Fellowships. The Center for Graduate Research and Education offers a wide range of programming including writing groups, virtual and in-person workshops, and opportunities for graduate students from all colleges to connect and socialize. Please take some time to see what they have to offer. I am thankful to have these key University resources in support of our students.

Wishing you a safe and happy Thanksgiving and a successful finish to your fall semester!

Research that Resonates is a podcast from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences that takes listeners inside labs and classrooms to learn about important research students are conducting alongside faculty mentors. This year's series focuses on Civic Engagement. In episode one, "Family Still Matters," Associate Professor and Chair of Political Science Camille Burge-Hicks, PhD, Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminology Melissa Hodges, PhD, and student researchers examine how media coverage frames candidates' family roles along gender and racial lines. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

In the new book, The Young Adult Playbook: Living Like It Matters, coauthors Anna B. Moreland, PhD, professor of Theology and the Anne Quinn Welsh Endowed Director of the Villanova University Honors Program and Thomas W. Smith, PhD, dive into the complex questions surrounding what makes a meaningful life. READ MORE

Chenfeng Xiong, PhD, assistant professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Virginia Smith, PhD, associate professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and Peleg Kremer, PhD, associate professor of Geography and the Environment, with support from Bridget Wadzuk, PhD, professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, have been awarded $750,000 of a $2 million research grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a project designed to reduce the vulnerability of underserved communities to the social and environmental impacts of urban flooding events. READ MORE

Fall 2024 Grad CLAS Research Symposium – November 15

On Friday, November 15, the CLAS Office of Graduate Studies will be hosting its annual Fall Research Symposium, which highlights the research and scholarship of graduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students present either a 3MT-style oral presentation or a poster presentation of their research. Oral presentations will begin at 1 p.m. in the Mullen Center Court Theatre, followed by poster presentations and a reception at 3 p.m. in the Mullen Center Lobby. See the program for the list of presenters and research abstracts.

3MT Information Session – November 19

Learn about one of the most exciting research competitions for graduate students! Villanova is hosting its annual 3MT competition on Friday, February 21. Join Dr. Mike Westrate and Emily McCloskey of the Grad Center for a virtual info session at noon on Tuesday, November 19 to learn about this fun competition and how you can get prepared. Register for the info session.

Graduate Student Peace and Justice Symposium Call for Papers – December 3

This year's conference theme of “Practical Implications of Theoretical Analysis” aims to examine interdisciplinary perspectives on the thought and practice of issues related to seeking peace and justice. The symposium encourages proposals from any discipline, department and institution and welcomes participation from all master's and doctoral students to this no-cost symposium. One unique aspect of this symposium is that it will include a faculty-mentored pre-submission workshop to help students develop and submit abstract proposals, and a pre-symposium workshop to facilitate interconnected panel discussions and presentation techniques. Students may utilize any writing (course papers, journal articles, dissertation chapters, etc.) as the basis for their proposals. The symposium will take place in person in St. Rita's Hall and online on February 14. Abstracts of papers for consideration are due December 3. Learn more and submit your abstract.

Focus on Your Life Purpose and Have More Meaning in Your Career Nova@Noon Professional Development Series – December 5

This comprehensive six-part program for Villanovans is designed to provide experienced professionals in all industries with valuable insights and education. You may register for select programs or all six. Virtual events will take place each month on today's most essential professional development topics including the power of personal branding, how to build a meaningful career and transitioning from a traditional career to entrepreneurship. Unlock your full potential in the workplace with the Career Management Professional Development Series and support from the Career Management team. Learn more and register.

Career Management Drop-In Hours – December 5

Did you know Villanova graduate students have a dedicated career coach? Villanova University Career Management recognizes and supports the unique career needs of graduate students as they pursue new academic and career goals. Stop by on December 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Vasey Hall Room G14D (Grad Center/Office of Graduate Studies) to have your resume/CV reviewed, learn about the Nova Network or ask any professional question you have!

Register for Spring Classes

Registration for Spring 2025 classes is open. You can search by term and subject in the Master Schedule of Classes.

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