Happy new (academic) year!

We are thrilled to welcome our Wildcats and their families back to campus! And, as you know—this is a historic moment for the University. Not only are we welcoming the largest first-year class to campus, we've also opened the Villanova University Cabrini Campus, the University's first expansion in its nearly 185-year history. We hope that you are able take a moment to explore the Cabrini Campus and all that it offers to our students and community.

The year will get off to a quick start with many events, including the Career Fair, Cabrini Campus Dedication, St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service and (of course!) Family Weekend. In addition, below we share resources your Wildcat may find helpful as they begin their year in the classroom and on campus.

Carita Geib '98, P'26, '28 | Director, Parent and Family Relations
parents@villanova.edu | 610-519-6212

Over the course of the last two years, the Villanova University Cabrini Campus has undergone a major renovation to create a vibrant experience that is undeniably Villanova. With nearly 900 students residing on the Cabrini Campus—and countless others taking classes, gathering for meals, participating in programs and using the athletic facilities, performing arts and study spaces—it’s an active environment that’s just a short drive from the Villanova Campus, connected by our premier Wildcat Shuttle system. This is an exciting time in which our Villanovans will learn, grow, serve and build community as they continue to shape their Villanova experience.

To commemorate this moment in history, Villanova University will host several community events during the first weeks of the semester, including an Opening Mass in Sacred Heart Chapel at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26 and the Cabrini Campus Dedication on Thursday, Sept. 10. Your Villanovan will continue to learn about events and opportunities on both campuses through Wildcat Newswire and “This Week on Campus” emails, social media and digital screens.

The University continues to be committed to helping our students feel safe and healthy. For detailed information on the many services available to your Villanovan, please visit our Health and Well-Being Resource Page to learn more about the University Counseling Center (UCC), which offers in-person and online counseling, therapy and consultation; through the Student Health Center; and through robust campus programming, organizations and events. 

Encourage your student to join us for the Student Involvement Fair on Thursday, Aug. 27 on Mendel Field on the Villanova Campus. This annual event is a great opportunity for students to learn more about Villanova’s student organizations, campus programs and ways to get involved.

The Office of Student Involvement's website also features a listing of our 250+ clubs and organizations.

Another great way for students to connect with new people is through Intramural Sports. Registration for many of the fall teams will take place at the beginning of September. If this is something your Wildcat is interested in jumping in to, encourage them to check out the information on the Intramural Sports page and begin to organize a team together.

Although the academic year is just getting underway, we're already looking forward to having families back in September. Family Weekend is Friday, Sept. 25-Sunday, Sept. 27, and event registration is now open! With a great cross-section of events spanning everything from academic sessions, to a Campus Tree Tour, to student performances, to Class of 2027 events and our Football Tailgate on the Green before Villanova takes on Colgate, we have something for nearly every interest. The weekend will conclude with a beautiful Family Weekend Mass in Finneran Pavilion.

And back by popular demand, Villanova University will host a unique student scholarship event—Pops in the Pavilion—on Friday, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Finneran Pavilion. You and your family are invited to this dinner and show experience with the legendary Philly Pops as they perform with Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor and performer Leslie Odom, Jr. Individual tickets and tables are available for purchase!  

On Monday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. ET, join staff members from the University’s Dean of Students Office, Office of Health Promotion and Title IX Office to talk about how to be pro-social bystanders with our students during these moments that matter. As parents and guardians, you have a tremendous impact on your students, even when it comes to decisions regarding substances and relationships. Please register to receive the link to join the webinar. 

Villanova's Mass schedule has been updated to reflect the Masses that will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Chapel on the Cabrini Campus. In addition to the Misa en Español and Sunday evening Masses in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church, a 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and a weekly Wednesday evening Mass of Peace have been incorporated into the schedule.

Students of all faith traditions are welcome and encouraged to celebrate. Information regarding multifaith worship is available on the Mission and Ministry web, and space is available for students to practice their faith on both the Villanova and Cabrini Campuses.

This semester brings several opportunities for Villanovans to connect with employers and explore career options. The 2026 Fall Career Fair is on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 2-6 p.m. in the Finneran Pavilion. Featuring employers recruiting for internships, leadership programs and full-time positions, this event is open to students of all class years and majors. The Career Center reminds students that they should bring copies of their resume and dress professionally—registration is not required.

The Career Center will host several opportunities to help prepare students to make the most of the event. These include individual resume review appointments and an Employer Resume Review Day on Wednesday, Sept. 2, where students can receive a quick, 10-minute resume review from an employer representative. Encourage your student to take a look at the robust schedule of events available to them as they prepare for their next internship and future professional opportunities.

Family members are able to easily register for NOVA Alert by texting NOVAALERT to 333-111. Villanova University uses NOVA Alert to keep students and their families updated on certain safety events on or near campus. It's also important to make sure that your student has also registered to receive these important messages.

1842 Day—Villanova’s annual day of giving—returns on Tuesday, Sept. 29. For 24 hours, the Nova Nation will unite to celebrate the impact Villanova has on each of us, in our communities and around the world. 

By making a gift to the area of campus that means the most to you, you’ll have a direct impact on the people, places and programs that define Villanova. No matter where you are, you can make a difference. Follow @VillanovaAlumni and @VillanovaU and track our progress at 1842day.villanova.edu. 

Villanova University Office of Parent and Family Relations

Phone: 610-519-6212

Email: parents@villanova.edu