Happy Leap Day! As this edition finds its way to your homes, your Wildcat will been on the brink of completing midterms and preparing to begin Spring Break. Whether they're embarking on a Service and Justice Experience, traveling with friends or returning home for a well-deserved rest, we send our wishes for a safe and enjoyable break. The Spring semester will move quickly once students return to campus; please find some helpful information below to guide discussions and decisions as the year progresses!

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

The Division of Student Life, Office of the President and other University departments collaborated to host a successful Winter Gala event for more than 2,400 students on Friday, Feb. 16. Attendees had a great evening of food, dancing, a live performance, casino games and entertainment.

The University Counseling Center continues to host discussion groups focused on topics that resonate with our Villanova students, including Adjustment and Resilience, BIPOC Support, DBT Skills Series focused on Building Resilience, Graduate Student Support, LGBTQIA+ Support, Loss of a Loved One, Road Maps for Life's Transitions and Substance Abuse and Recovery. Within these smaller groups, Villanovans 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, they are welcome to call 610-519-4050.

Student Performing Arts provides a creative space where Villanovans can discover, develop and express their creative and artistic passions through music, dance and theater. We invite you to enjoy their Spring Showcases, all of which are open to the community. Visit the Performing Arts website for a complete schedule of events, ticketing information and live stream links (when available). Bravo, Wildcats!

Your Wildcat has a great opportunity to hear from Kerry Alys Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, during the 2024 Rev. John Stack, OSA Leadership Series on Monday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Villanova Room. Robinson, a dynamic and engaging leader and speaker, will present "Living and Leading a Life of Service." Please encourage your student to make the most of this opportunity; no preregistration is required and the event is ACS approved.

Is your Villanovan looking to connect on deeper level with friends and fellow Villanovans? Have they found their niche, but are looking for something more? The Search Retreat, held offsite from Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17 for sophomores, juniors and seniors (first year students are welcome to apply with staff review) is a great opportunity for Villanovans to authentically open themselves to one another through shared joys and struggles of young adulthood. If you feel this is something your Villanovan would like to engage in, please encourage them to visit Campus Ministry's Retreat information. Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 13.

With Holy Week on the horizon, the Office of Mission and Ministry offers Catholic liturgies and celebrations leading up to Holy Week. Students who plan to remain on campus and who celebrate Easter are welcome to attend any of the St. Thomas of Villanova Parish services held in the Villanova Church. As a reminder, if your Villanovan is planning to stay in their residence hall through Easter break, they will need to register in advance with Residence Life.

Our students celebrate many faiths and will be celebrating different holidays and traditions this season. More information on upcoming events can be found by following Mission and Ministry on Instagram.

Beginning with the Summer 2024 semester, students will pay a standard per-semester "book fee" for required textbook materials for courses, including textbook digital access codes.

The book fee will be charged directly to your Villanovan's account and will be repriced annually to help maximize savings. Students can opt out each semester. To learn more about the program and review the pricing for Undergraduate and Graduate students, please visit the Textbook Access Program page.

Villanova's Commencement photography partner, ProPics, will be on site at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on Monday, April 8 and Tuesday, April 9 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to take graduation photos for the Class of 2024. There is no cost for your student's photos to be taken and no appointment is necessary. Photos will be available for purchase within 24-48 hours. We encourage students to wear their caps and gowns, but it is not required (no other props or items will be permitted). Each person can expect to have a few minutes with the photographer where they will have various photos taken with the Church, as well as a portrait photo on a backdrop. If students have questions, they are encouraged to contact ProPics at info@propics.com.

Please save the date! In preparation for Commencement on Friday, May 17, Parent and Family Relations, in partnership with the Office of the President, will host a webinar on Tuesday, April 16 at 7 p.m. ET for Class of 2024 parents and family members. During this 60-minute session, we will walk families through ticketing, Commencement Week schedules and other logistics. A Zoom webinar link will be shared in next month's Parent and Family Connection newsletter and through the Parent and Family Instagram account. Looking forward to seeing many of you online in April!

Villanova University Office of Parent and Family Relations

Phone: 610-519-6212

Email: parents@villanova.edu