Welcome back to Villanova! Our students—those entering Villanova after transferring from other colleges, and the 1,722 members of the Class of 2028, representing 46 states, Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; the U.S. Virgin Islands; and 26 countries—converged on campus for another successful New Student Orientation Program. We welcome all of our students and our Villanova families to the community!

Here's to a year of growth in which your Wildcat cultivates their academic interests, pursues their passions, discovers new opportunities and forges new connections within our community. As you support them throughout the year, use our office as a connection to resources and information to help guide your student as they navigate their experience and grow toward independence.

Happy "New Year"!

Carita Geib '98, P'26, '28
Director, Parent and Family Relations

We want your students to thrive at Villanova, and to that end, the University is committed to keeping students safe, happy and healthy. 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 calendar of events planned this Fall, including Pet Therapy, Connecting with Nutrition Coaches and other workshops. Encourage your Villanovan to review the full list of events online.

Whether students are returning to Villanova or are new to campus, the Student Involvement Fair is a great way for them to learn more about the 200+ organizations they can get involved with on campus. This year, the Involvement Fair will take place on Friday, Sept. 6 from 4-7 p.m. on Mendel Field.

The Office of Student Involvement also maintains a robust calendar of events, including quite a bit happening this Labor Day Weekend. Take a look at what is planned as students return to campus, and remind your Villanovan to check the calendar frequently for additions and updates to the lineup!

Family Weekend is a great way to get to know Villanova and the local area through the eyes and experiences of your student. The 2024 Family Weekend schedule is live! Football tickets are on sale now, and registration will open for the Ring Ceremony, Senior Breakfast and B+ Brunch during the first week of September. If your family is interested in participating in Tailgate on the Green, we are offering two opportunities this year—the first during Family Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 3-6 p.m., and the second during Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 26. Please visit the Family Weekend page for details surrounding Tailgate on the Green and instructions for how students can register by Friday, Sept. 6 to enter the lottery for a chance to purchase a tent during Family Weekend. 

Please continue to visit the Parent and Family page for up-to-date information and follow us on Instagram @villanovaparentandfamily for more information.

The Villanova Student Health Center will partner again this year with Rite Aid to provide seasonal flu vaccines to students, faculty and staff members this fall. Walk-in flu vaccine clinics will be held September 11, 12, 18 and 19. Full details will be communicated with students through their weekly Wildcat Newswire emails and on digital signs throughout campus.

As students get settled in their on-campus residence halls, they may notice issues that need to be addressed. Students can place an online maintenance request at any time. If the request is an emergency, they should call Facilities Management at 610-519-4420 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Outside of these hours, emergency requests should be directed to Public Safety at 610-519-6979.

Many Villanovans choose to immerse themselves in meaningful service while connecting with fellow Villanovans during Fall Break. There are seven community partner locations that are part of this semester's Service and Justice Experience (SJE) program. As you will see from the list below, there is opportunity to work in communities near and far while exploring and working through the important social justice themes of affordable housing, food security, accessibility and community. Applications are due Wednesday, Sept. 4 and need-based funding is available.

This year's SJEs include:

First-year students have a unique opportunity headed their way during the First Year Escape Retreat, held off-campus Friday, Nov. 8-Sunday, Nov. 10. Sponsored by the Office of Mission and Ministry, students escape for a weekend of unplugging, slowing down, making new connections and reflecting on their first semester. The retreat is timed intentionally to fall halfway between midterms and finals, and is facilitated by sophomores and juniors with guidance from Graduate Resident Ministers. Registration is required, and scholarships are available for the registration fee. Students can complete this interest form to receive the registration link once it goes live. Students can contact Kiva Nice-Webb, Campus Minister for Retreats, with any questions.

Encourage your student to join us at the Fall Career Fair in the Finneran Pavilion on Wednesday, Sept. 4 from 2-6 p.m. As family members, your support is key to helping your student navigate their education and career path. With more than 150 companies participating, the fair is a fantastic opportunity for your Wildcat to connect with potential employers and explore exciting internships and full-time job opportunities. No registration is required, and all academic years and majors are encouraged to attend (Nursing students are better suited for Nursing Career Day on Tuesday, Nov. 19). Prior to the career fair, students can go to Handshake—Villanova's career management platform—to browse the list of employers attending the fair, register and explore career opportunities.

Although we are just starting the academic year, it's never too early to consider a summer or semester abroad. If your student has the interest to explore, encourage them to learn about the study abroad process and programs available through the Office of Education Abroad at passport.villanova.edu. Families are invited to learn more about the opportunities by attending in-person Education Abroad presentations during Family Weekend or by joining an informational webinar on Thursday, Sept.19 at 7 p.m. (webinar link will be live at the time of the event).

Although temperatures are up, Autumn is approaching. Fall Intramurals are a great way for students to compete in a fun, safe environment at varying levels of competition while meeting new people and playing a sport they enjoy (or are eager to learn). If your student has expressed an interest in playing, encourage them to check out the Intramural page for important deadlines and registration information—quite a few sports require sign-ups during the first week of September.

If the field isn't your Wildcat's interest, but they still enjoy fitness, they can visit the Fitness and Recreation page for more options, including group exercise classes and gym hours and locations.

Villanova University Office of Parent and Family Relations

Phone: 610-519-6212

Email: parents@villanova.edu