Summer at Villanova

Dear CLAS Graduate Students, Faculty and Staff,

We’re already approaching mid-summer, and while the heat has certainly made its presence known, this season still offers a welcome shift in pace—a chance to slow down a bit, reflect and refocus before ramping up again for the coming fall semester.

Even during these quieter months, our graduate community remains active and engaged. Many of you are deep into research, teaching, professional development activities, taking summer classes or making meaningful progress on writing projects. It’s a valuable time to dig into work that’s hard to prioritize during the academic year.

But—and this is an important “but”—you’ve all earned the chance to carve out time for vacations, road trips, day trips and time with friends and family. I hope you’re taking advantage. I’m certainly looking forward to my time away.

If writing is on your agenda, I encourage you to join one of two remaining virtual events that I communicated to you last week, both with Dr. Jan Allen, a nationally recognized mentor and author of the book, The Productive Graduate Student Writer. Details are available below in this newsletter.

To those who graduated this past year, I want to offer one final congratulations for your inspiring accomplishments. The community you enjoyed as a student does not end with commencement. You are a Wildcat for life, and I hope you stay connected to Villanova in the years ahead. For those just joining our community this summer or gearing up for a fall start, welcome! I’m looking forward to connecting with you over the next several weeks and months.

Until we connect again, be intentional in your efforts to read broadly, write purposefully and ignite your inspiration for the difference you will make over the remainder of the summer and throughout your careers.

Warm regards,

Emory H. Woodard IV, PhD

Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Working on a thesis, dissertation or other major writing project this summer? You're not alone, and you certainly don't have to go at it alone. Renowned graduate mentor and author Dr. Jan Allen is hosting a series of free virtual writing events designed to provide structure, support and fresh strategies. Whether you're just getting started, stuck in the middle or pushing to the finish, these sessions offer time to write and encouragement from a community of fellow grad students.

Join one of the remaining sessions:

Writers Cafe

A come-and-go session to get advice, discuss challenges, and talk about your writing over lunch.

• Tuesday, July 1, Noon to 2 p.m. ET
• Join Zoom

Writing Studio

A dedicated writing time in community—drop in as your schedule allows.

• Tuesday, July 3, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET
• Join Zoom



Seventeen Villanova University students and alumni have been selected to receive Fulbright U.S. Student Grants for the 2025–26 academic year. Among them is Drew Doughan '25 MA, who earned a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Educational Policy. While at Villanova, he worked as a graduate assistant with the Office of Education Abroad and served on the Graduate Student Council. Ultimately, Drew intends to work as a K-12 teacher in Philadelphia's public schools before pursuing a career in educational policy and administration. READ MORE

In May, Villanova's Graduate Program in Human Resource Development, in collaboration with the Villanova SHRM Student Chapter, hosted the Level Up HR 2025 Conference. The two-day event offered a hybrid experience, combining virtual sessions with an in-person gathering at The Inn at Villanova. The conference brought together HR professionals, emerging leaders and students to explore different ways of "Leveling Up" in various aspects of human resources. Attendees engaged in sessions designed to enhance their HR passion, expand their professional networks and advance their careers. READ MORE on Villanova's HRD blog.

Graduate Student Orientation

The Fall 2025 Graduate Student Orientation will take place on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 6 p.m. EST. 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 introduced important resources for graduate study at Villanova.

Summer Professional Development

The Office of Graduate Studies is supporting the summer professional development of our graduate students. Students may apply for funding to support activities that strengthen their professional profile and do not conflict with academic coursework. Activities must occur during the new fiscal year (June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026) and awards will be based on demonstrated need and merit. All requests must be submitted prior to the activity, and students will be reimbursed for eligible expenses. Students can apply for the funds here.

Off-Campus Housing

Looking for a new place to live? In search of a roommate? Check out Villanova’s Off-Campus Housing website to access map-based housing search, roommate finder, sublet options and other important resources.

Graduate Student Funding Opportunities  

Open Graduate Assistant, Tuition Scholar, and Graduate Assistant hourly positions are posted online. New opportunities are being added regularly, so please visit the site often!

Calling All Villanova Playwrights

Submissions are being accepted for the 2025 Sue Winge Playwriting Competition, offered exclusively to Villanova University students, alumni, faculty and staff. The competition, last offered in 2021, is part of the Department of Theatre and Studio Art’s Sue Winge New Play Programs, which supports the creation, development and production of new plays on campus. Submitted scripts must be original, unpublished and unproduced. The deadline for submission is Sunday, July 6. Complete and submit the author information form here.

Save the Date: Graduate Student Community Kick-Off Picnic

All graduate students are invited to this University-wide event on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.