As Villanova begins the 2023-24 academic year, we welcome parents and families of Villanovans entering the University as students who have recently transferred from another school and as members of the Class of 2027!

Our newest class is 1,702 strong, with students coming from 46 states and 24 countries. Among the class, 49 different languages are spoken and there are nine sets of twins. Whether a student is from down the street or across the globe, we value each Villanovan as important members of our community as they learn in our classrooms, share meals in dining halls, compete on the fields, rehearse on stage and volunteer in our neighborhoods.

We wish you a great start to the new academic year. As always, please use the Office of Parent and Family Relations as a resource as you help your Villanovan navigate and thrive on campus, in the classroom and beyond.

Sincerely,

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

Villanova is committed to keeping students safe, happy and healthy. We invite parents and families to explore our Health and Well-Being Resource Page to learn more about the services we offer through the University Counseling Center (UCC), which offers in-person and online counseling, therapy and consultation; through the Student Health Center; through online resources like Thrive 365 and the Nod app; through robust campus programming, organizations and events; and through our Mental Health and Well-Being Committee.

The Office of Health Promotion has a rich and diverse calendar of events planned this Fall, including Pet Therapy, Connecting with Nutrition Coaches and Mindfulness Workshops with Campus Ministry. Encourage your Villanovan to review the full list of events online.

Families are invited to join us for events and activities planned throughout Family Weekend, Friday, Sept. 22-Sunday, Sept. 24. Pick and choose what interests you and your family and enjoy a great weekend on campus! The full schedule is available on the Family Weekend website.

Some events require ticket purchase or registration. On Tuesday, August 29 at noon Eastern Time, ticket sales and registration will be available on the Family Weekend page for Tailgate on the Green presented by Wegmans, VU at the Zoo, Junior Ring Blessing and the Senior Breakfast.

Tickets to the Villanova vs. University of Rhode Island football game are on sale now! Keep in mind, families do not need to purchase a football game ticket for their Villanovan; students receive free admission when they show their Wildcard.

The Office of Student Involvement builds and coordinates a robust calendar of events and activities for Villanovans of all years and interests. Whether your student is looking to escape "Down the Shore" over Labor Day Weekend, catch a Phillies game or compete in Quizzo, encourage your student to check out what groups and organizations across campus have planned. It's a great way to connect with new people outside of the classroom while exploring campus and the surrounding area.

Villanova students can visit MyMediasite to record the correct pronunciation of their names and share links with faculty, staff and peers. Your student may want to add this helpful link to the signature line of their emails.

Villanova students immerse themselves within our communities as they learn to think critically, work for the common good and effect positive change. Villanovans are invited to apply by Tuesday, Sept. 5 for one of the seven Service and Justice Experiences planned during Fall Break. Encourage your Villanovan to explore these wonderful opportunities to learn more about themselves as they work with others to inspire change in our communities. Financial aid is available for these trips.

The Meal Plan Portal is open for students to make changes to their selections through Wednesday, Aug. 30. After that date, changes will no longer be accepted. As a reminder, first-year students can make changes but must select from the options within Tier 1.

More than 150 companies and organizations will converge on the Finneran Pavilion as the Career Center hosts the Fall Career Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 7 from 2-6 p.m., promoting internship and full-time job opportunities. All academic years and majors are encouraged to attend, but Nursing students are better suited for the Nursing Career Day on Thursday, Nov. 30. In advance, Villanovans can view the list of employers, register and explore their options in Handshake, Villanova's career management platform. They can also get their resume ready for the fair by participating in our Employer Resume Review Day from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 31 in Falvey Library, where drop-ins are encouraged.

All are welcome to join in worship during Sunday liturgies on campus. Through the year, Mass will be celebrated in Spanish at 3 p.m. in Corr Chapel and in English at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Weekday masses are at 12:05 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. in Corr Chapel. On Sunday, Aug. 28, Villanova will commemorate the Solemnity of St. Augustine.

The spiritual and religious traditions of all of our Villanova students are important and valued. Families and students may explore the many ways to pray, worship and interact on our Campus Ministry website.

What drew you to Villanova University and inspired you to become Director of Villanova's Patricia B. and Gary M. Halloway University Counseling Center?
I worked at Princeton University’s Counseling Center for many years. Most recently, I was self employed, focusing on work related to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. As we emerged from the pandemic, I found myself missing working at a university where I could collaborate with different people to increase the well-being of all students, particularly those who tend to be historically marginalized.

What are you looking forward to experiencing at Villanova?
I look forward to building connections and living the mission of Villanova University. I also love the fall and look forward to seeing how the campus energy and trees change. 

What is something you make time for every day?
I meditate daily and exercise several days per week as part of my self-care routine. I really try to listen to what my body tells me in terms of doing more or less.

About the Director: Dr. Edmond was named director of the University Counseling Center in July 2023, following the retirement of Dr. Joan Whitney. Dr. Edmond has been a practicing psychologist for 20 years and has previously worked at the University Medical Center at Princeton as Director of Outpatient Services at Princeton House Behavioral Health, at the Princeton University Counseling Center, and in private practice as a mindful and multicultural counseling practitioner and consultant for psychologists. She has also taught as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University and in the graduate program at Holy Family University.

The Patricia B. and Gary M. Holloway University Counseling Center is located in the Health Services Building, Room 206. Villanova students can schedule an appointment with University counselors by scheduling in person, calling 610-519-4050 or by using this link.

Villanova University Office of Parent and Family Relations

Phone: 610-519-6212

Email: parents@villanova.edu