Dear Villanova Families,

The pace has picked up and the energy is radiating from buildings and walkways on campus! It's so refreshing and energizing to walk among the students as they hurry to class, soak in the sunshine and enjoy the spring wonder on campus.

In this issue, we've included some information regarding support for students from the academic and health and well-being perspective. The end of the semester can be challenging–if something is not feeling right to your Villanovan, encourage them to reach out and use the network we have in place to support them.

In addition, our first "Ask a Villanovan" hits just as summer approaches. In this series, Villanovans from a cross-section of campus departments and services share their knowledge and expertise and help create connections. It's my hope that you'll find these people interesting and their insight helpful as you share with your child and engage in discussion in the future. Below, you'll meet Maggie Songer, Executive Director of Employer & Career Connections in the University Career Center, as she shares resources you (and your child) may not be aware of, tips for Villanovans of all years and her perspective on the Class of 2022 Career Outcomes.

As always, feel free to connect with me if you have questions or concerns. I look forward to hearing from our families and finding new ways to share information.

Warmly,

Carita
Director, Parent and Family Relations
610-519-6212 | parents@villanova.edu

Family plays an incredibly important role in every Villanovan's support system, especially in times of uncertainty and stress. As this semester comes to a close and some students prepare to graduate, please be aware of the University's academic and health and well-being resources that are in place to support the development and success of your child. When help is needed, we ask that you encourage your Villanovan to reach out, to take the initiative and drive the conversation by contacting their adviser, their professors or their Dean's office. In the long run, this enhances their personal growth, builds confidence and leads them directly to the resources needed now and in the future.

Links to these services and more can be found on the Division of Student Life's Well-Being Resources and Services page.

Class of 2023 families who were unable to join us for the Family Commencement Info Webinar on April 18 are invited to view the recording of the webinar, which was co-hosted by the Office of Parent and Family Relations and the President's Office. It's a great listen and outlines some important information as we head into the final weeks before Commencement!

Is your child interested in exercising their artistic talents? No matter their class year, please encourage them to complete the Student Performing Arts Survey so that they can learn more about upcoming opportunities in dance, vocal music, instrumental music and theater.

More than 600 Villanovans participate in the thriving Performing Arts community. To learn more about the program and to catch a performance, visit their webpage!

Residence Halls and campus apartments will close at noon Saturday, May 13 (students participating in Commencement or approved for Extended Stay (see below) may depart at their agreed-upon timeframe). Here are a couple items to keep in mind as the semester comes to an end and students' schedules get busy!

"Extended Stay" is a term we use to indicate that a Villanovan is approved to stay in the residence hall past Saturday, May 13 at noon. Students may register for Extended Stay via the Housing Portal. Villanovans will use their credentials to sign-in, select "2023-2024 Housing Application," and then click "Summer 2023," where they will select "Extended Stay Housing" from the drop-down menu.

Full-time undergraduate students interested in being considered for need-based financial assistance must complete the financial aid process by May 1. As a reminder, full-time undergraduate students must reapply to be considered for financial aid each year. Please visit the Office of Financial Assistance website for step-by-step instructions.

Remind your Villanovan to take a break while studying for finals! Student Life and Dining Services staff will once again serve a free "Late Night Breakfast" in Dougherty Dining Hall from 9-11 p.m. on Friday, May 5, the University's designated Reading Day. Last semester was wildly successful–we look forward to treating the students to some of Villanova's breakfast favorites this spring!

Villanova’s newest wildcat is a dog! On April 19, Taffy, a two-year old female Labrador/golden retriever, was formally welcomed as the newest officer on the Public Safety team in a ceremony attended by students, staff and faculty. The highly-trained full-time community caretaking and facility canine can be found working closely with her primary handler and caretaker, Officer Amy Lenahan. According to Officer Lenahan, Taffy “allows us to better connect with students and her presence increases overall well-being and social-emotional growth of our students, faculty and staff." While you're on campus, look for Taffy at events, strolling campus and providing comfort to those who need it. Welcome to the team, Taffy! 

Recently, the Undergraduate Career Outcomes for the Class of 2022 were released. What did you find interesting about the most recent data? 

In my opinion, the most important takeaway from the Outcomes Survey is the following: 94% of respondents agreed that their first destination after Villanova will help them achieve their career goals. So, not only did we experience a 98.9% successful placement rate, but, more importantly, our students were satisfied that their first destination will help them get to where they want to go. That speaks to the education that Villanova provides–both in and outside of the classroom.

Additionally, we gleaned information about internships. Students and families often ask about the importance of finding an internship the summer after the first year. While it is nice to have an internship that early on, students shouldn’t adopt the mindset that they need to have one to ensure future success. A piece of outcomes data that highlights this is that 23% of responding graduating seniors reported they participated in an internship/co-op experience in their first year (with 37% reporting that they participated in one their sophomore year). This confirms what I tell students all the time, i.e., that while it’s possible and good to have multiple internships prior to graduation, it is not going to impact future employment and graduate school options if a student is unable to secure one after their first or sophomore year. Whether your student has a part-time job or internship or studies abroad, encourage them to maximize the opportunity and visit the Career Center to strategize on how to add the experience(s) to their resume.

Click here to read the complete interview, including the the Career Center's summer recommendations for sophomores, juniors and seniors, as well as what inspires Maggie.

Villanova University Office of Parent and Family Relations

Phone: 610-519-6212

Email: parents@villanova.edu