We're so happy to welcome everyone back to campus after a much-anticipated Fall break! Whether your Wildcat returned home, explored a new city or joined others for a Service and Justice Experience, I'm sure it was time well spent.

The next several weeks are full of activity for Villanova students AND families. Please be sure to explore the opportunities below—from Nova Network November to Special Olympics Fall Festival to Opus Prize Week, there's plenty of engaging activity for all.

Carita Geib '98, P'26 | Director, Office of Parent and Family Relations
parents@villanova.edu | 610.519.6212

There may be times when your Villanovan might be in need of a helpful conversation with a member of the Health Promotion staff about what is and is not working for their health, stress, sleep or nutrition management. Students are invited to explore various topics and easily schedule a session with a well-being coach by visiting the Health Promotion Well-Being Coaching page.

It's time for your Villanovan to think about housing for next year. If your Wildcat is interested in living on campus during the 2024-25 academic year, please remind them of some important upcoming dates. Rising juniors and seniors have until Friday, Nov. 3 to complete their housing application (rising seniors will be notified of their status by Monday, Nov. 13) in the Villanova Housing Portal. Rising sophomores will have the opportunity to complete and submit their application in the Housing Portal when they return from Winter break in January 2024.

The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers a variety of services and programs throughout the year for Villanova students. The UCC holds discussion groups that focus on adjustment and resilience, loss of a loved one, BIPOC support, LGBTQIA+ support, substance use and recovery, student athlete support and many others. If you think your Villanovan may benefit from one (or more) of these groups, please encourage them to learn more and register for a group by scrolling down on the UCC web page.

Villanova students are bright, eager and motivated—an excellent combination! This also means students seek Student Support Services with vigor. As a result, it is important for your Villanovan to plan and book their resources in advance, taking full advantage of the waiting list features as well as drop-in services (available in the Writing Center and the Math Center) during peak times. Please encourage your Wildcat to reach out directly to support center staff early and often when searching for the right resources to empower their academic success.

If your Villanovan isn't sure of what they need, or would like to learn more about Student Support Services, please encourage them to attend the Support Resource Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the first floor of Falvey Library. Resources to help students with time management and study skills (Learning Support Services), mental and physical health (Health Promotion and Counseling Center) and tutoring services will be available during the Fair.

Nova Network November is a series of events dedicated to enhancing the professional development of Villanova parents, family members, alumni and undergraduate and graduate students. We encourage our Villanova parents and families, as well as Villanova students, to dive in and join us this November for the programs and events that will take place online, on campus and across the Nova Nation. To learn more and register, click here. There's an exciting schedule awaiting you!

After nearly a year of renovation, St. Rita Hall, the home of the Office of Mission and Ministry, is officially open at the heart of campus. Students and visitors are welcome to use the reimagined space throughout the building, which includes a kitchen, dining room, community room, student lounge and Multifaith Prayer Room with an adjacent ablution room for ritual washing.

The University will gather for a Blessing and Open House on Monday, Nov. 13 from 3-5 p.m. (St. Augustine's birthday and the feast of All Saints of the Augustinian Order). We hope you will encourage your Villanovan to attend the Open House and to always feel welcome in this newly renovated and peaceful space.

The Office of Mission and Ministry encompasses the Centers for Liturgy and Sacred Music, Spirituality and Outreach, Multifaith Ministry, Residential Ministry, Faith and Learning, Peace and Justice Education, the Center for Common Good and the Office for Sustainability. To learn more, please visit the Mission and Ministry site.

Wildcat Ticket Central is your starting point for all things Villanova Athletics. Here, you’ll find information about upcoming events, ticket packages and resources for your Athletics needs.

We hope to see you cheering on the ‘Cats this season! If you prefer to cheer the Wildcats on from home, stay tuned for game watches in your local area as the men's and women's basketball seasons heat up!

Happy Halloween! Looking for some wild(cat) inspiration for your pumpkins? Download these Villanova-themed pumpkin carving (or painting) templates!

The Opus Foundation has selected Villanova University to host the 2023 Opus Prize, an annual faith-based humanitarian award whose $1 million award and two $100,000 prizes make up one of the world's largest faith-based awards for social entrepreneurship. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals or organizations who champion faith-filled change and are working to solve the world’s most persistent social issues. 

Villanova University students, staff and faculty have partnered with the Opus Prize Foundation to oversee the process of identifying nominees, selecting finalists, participating in site visits, planning the awards week on campus, and most importantly, inspiring others to ignite change in their respective work and organizations. 

The Opus Prize finalists are: 

During Opus Prize Week, the finalists will immerse themselves in classrooms and meet with student organizations, staff and faculty to share their innovative spirit, motivation and faith with the hope of inspiring Villanovans to explore challenging issues.

The week of activity and learning ends with the Opus Prize Award Ceremony, which our entire campus community is invited to attend, honoring and celebrating the 2023 Prize Finalists and announcing the $1 million Opus Prize Laureate. Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a Community Celebration where students, faculty and staff are invited to gather to celebrate the finalists.

Villanova University Office of Parent and Family Relations

Phone: 610-519-6212

Email: parents@villanova.edu