A monthly publication for first-year Villanova families

The 2026-27 housing selection process for current first-year students (rising sophomores) takes place this semester. The On-Campus Housing Application opened for rising sophomores on Monday, Jan. 12 and will remain open through Friday, Feb. 6. Please remind your Wildcat to look for the email that was sent from the Office for Residence Life on Monday, Jan. 12 and complete the steps included in the email. Students must complete this application by Friday, Feb. 6 to secure on-campus housing for next year. 

Roommate selection will remain open through Thursday, March 12 (selection process is outlined in the January 12 email and in the Housing Portal). During the week of March 23, at their designated selection time, your Wildcat will select their housing location. 

Housing Information Sessions
To help students fully understand the process, answer questions and connect with potential roommates, the Office for Residence Life will host several events for rising sophomores. The Office of Parent and Family Relations will also co-host an informational webinar to answer questions and help map out the process for families. Please encourage your Wildcat to attend an event listed below. The links for student sessions will be shared with our Wildcats directly.

Sophomore Living and Leadership Communities
If your student is interested in the distinctive opportunities offered by our Sophomore Living and Leadership Communities—designed to fit the unique needs of sophomores looking to build on their experiences to grow as leaders—encourage them to apply!  Space is limited and the application deadline is Friday, Feb. 6. Sophomores enrolled in SLLCs will live in Josephine Hall on the Villanova University Cabrini Campus. 

The Office of Health Promotion will host speaker Mike Domitrz to present his nationally-acclaimed program, “Can I Kiss You?” in the Topper Theater in the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 6-7 p.m. This dynamic presentation takes an honest look at dating, communication and the everyday conversations that shape our students' relationships. Your Villanovan will learn practical strategies to navigate boundaries, respect and healthy relationships with confidence. 

Every year, students with outstanding academic records are honored by the dean of each college. Qualifications for each of the colleges is linked below for your review and information. 

Keep in mind that each college handles notification and recognition differently, and the process can take several weeks. Please remind your Wildcat to check their Villanova email for information and next steps.

Do you have a high school student interested in experiencing Villanova? The College of Professional Studies Pre-College Summer Academy offers high school students and incoming first-year Villanova students the opportunity to have a unique and exciting college experience through a four-week program that runs from Tuesday, June 30 through Thursday, July 30. The program allows students to earn four college credits while living on the Villanova campus; commuter options are also available. For more information, visit villanova.edu/precollege. Applications are due by Monday, April 6. 

Villanova students, faculty, staff and alumni use phrases, acronyms and other terms in communication and during events. We thought you might want to get in the loop, too. Curious about something you heard? Email us at parents@villanova.edu and maybe we can help you!

Winter Gala
There are many events planned during the winter months! One of the students' favorites is the highly-anticipated Winter Gala. This annual event, held in the Connelly Center, is free to undergraduate students and includes food, drinks, a DJ, live entertainment and casino games. Students are encouraged to wear formal attire, which can look different for everyone—a nice shirt and pants, cocktail dresses, gowns or a suit and tie. Mailed invitations were sent home to students over Winter Break and registration will continue through Saturday, Jan. 31.

Approved for ACS Cultural Event Credit
ACSP stands for Augustine and Culture Seminar Program, a two-semester course that all Villanovans take in their first year. Students taking the ACS requirement need to attend three or more approved cultural events outside of the classroom and reflect on them either through written work or class discussion. These events seek to bring our Villanovans out of the seminar room and continue intellectual and interpersonal dialogue to expand student learning creatively through different venues, whether on or off campus. Throughout the year, you may notice promotion for various events on campus with the statement “Approved for ACS Cultural Event Credit.” These events have been reviewed by a committee and approved for students to attend as part of their requirement.

Villanova University Office of Parent and Family Relations

Phone: 610-519-6212

Email: parents@villanova.edu