I'm sure your Villanovan is busy wrapping up work in the classroom. The energy—between the anticipation of Spring Break and of warmer days ahead—can be felt throughout campus.

At the bottom of this newsletter, we've shared some Commencement information for our Class of 2025 families. To stay up-to-date over the next few months, check out the Senior Spotlight section of future issues of Parent & Family Connection, explore our Commencement website and follow @novagraduation on Instagram.

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

We need your help! As we continue to build the Office of Parent and Family Relations and better understand the needs and interests of our Villanova families, your input and experience can help. In mid-March, Villanova family members will receive an anonymous and confidential survey administered by the University's Office of Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (OSPIE), on behalf of the Division of Student Life. Keep an eye on your email for the survey link from ospie@villanova.edu!

The Office of Health Promotion is hosting a series of "20 for 20" virtual workshops where, in just 20 minutes, students can learn helpful information and techniques to improve different aspects of their sleep. Encourage your Wildcat to join an upcoming session, in which everything—from setting up a room for better sleep, to techniques to adopt to become a morning person—will be discussed, with space for questions. A full list of topics, times and links can be found on our Health Promotion Calendar of Events page.

 The University Counseling Center (UCC) welcomes students interested in engaging in therapy groups. This semester, UCC will host groups for First Generation Student Support, LGBTQIA+ Support, Loss of a Loved One, Roadmaps for Life's Transitions and Substance Use and Recovery. Within these smaller groups, Villanovans with similar experiences can share and grow in a safe, supportive environment. If you feel your Villanovan would benefit from joining, please encourage them to explore these groups and topics. For more information, including the location of these groups, students should call 610-519-4050.

All links will be live at the time of the webinar. For a full listing and links, please visit villanova.edu/family.

Discover where Villanova's bachelor degrees are taking our students after Commencement with our interactive Class of 2024 Career Outcomes page! 

The Career Center helps set your Villanovan up for for success, whether they're looking for a summer internship, searching for a professional development opportunity or interviewing for a job after graduation. No matter your Wildcat's class year, it's always a good time to connect with the Career Center! Take a look at the resources in place as you support your Wildcat in their future pursuits.

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5. The Office for Mission & Ministry offers prayerful reflections written by Villanova students, faculty, staff, family members and alumni to encourage you on your Lenten journey. If you wish to receive daily emails of Lenten Reflections written by members of the Villanova community, please subscribe here.

Taking part in a postgraduate volunteer program after Villanova can be a meaningful way for some of our Wildcats to serve in marginalized communities. If your Wildcat is considering a postgraduate volunteer program, please encourage them to fill out this brief form to receive information about postgraduate service programs and events happening on campus. Abigail Gorman, Mission & Ministry’s Assistant Director for Service Immersion Programs, is an excellent resource for your student to contact for further information.

While some Wildcats will remain on campus during Spring Break, others may be traveling home, visiting friends or making their way to a Service and Justice Experience.

No matter the destination, it might be helpful to familiarize yourself and your Wildcat with the SEPTA train as an option your student can use to travel to 30th Street Station and/or Philadelphia International Airport. Please visit SEPTA for all fares, routes and schedules and to download their mobile app.

Students can take the SEPTA Paoli-Thorndale Line from Villanova Station (located behind Mendel Hall) to 30th Street Station. If continuing to the airport, riders must then take the SEPTA Airport Line from 30th Street Station directly to PHL; this line stops at all terminals. Train fares can be purchased in advance at the Villanova Station kiosk for approximately $10 each way (if purchased on-board, fares are more expensive and can be purchased using cash only).

Commencement Schedule Set

Visit villanova.edu/commencement for the helpful information that will get you excited and planning for Commencement on Friday, May 16. This site includes a schedule of events, a section for friends and family to review important day-of details (Commencement ticketing, severe weather plan, etc.) and more. We also recommend following @novagraduation on Instagram to keep up with information and helpful tips prior to the big day!

Family Commencement Webinar

The Office of Parent and Family Relations and the Office of the President will co-host a Commencement Webinar for Class of 2025 family members on Tuesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. ET; join us using this zoom link (link will be live on April 15 at 7 p.m.).

Reminder for Students to Register for Commencement in Tassel

Tassel is the Commencement software tool used to manage graduation for our prospective May graduates. Please encourage your Wildcat to check their email for important instructions on how to get registered (an email was sent on Thursday, Jan. 23). By Thursday, April 10, we ask that all prospective graduates register, confirm their details for the ceremony and order their cap and gown. Additional tasks and information can be found in your student's Graduation Task Center in their MyNova portal.

Villanova University Office of Parent and Family Relations

Phone: 610-519-6212

Email: parents@villanova.edu