A monthly publication for first year Villanova families

'Tis the season for cold and flu! If your Wildcat is feeling under the weather, please remind them that it's easy to make an appointment online to be seen at the Student Health Center. Students can use the secure online scheduling feature through their student health portal to schedule an appointment convenient for them, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The Student Health Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Illness doesn't take a break on the weekends, so remind your student they can make weekend appointments or speak to a staff member by calling the Health Center at 610-519-4070.

As your student begins to look ahead to summer, they may be considering taking a summer class. With course registration advising getting underway in mid-March, remind your student to discuss options with their advisor. They can also begin by reviewing the courses offered online and in-person through Summer Sessions at Villanova's College of Professional Studies. If the course needed is not offered through Villanova, the student can take the class elsewhere; however, they must attain preapproval from their college. Encourage them to review the requirements and process for their college using the links below:

Get your V's up! There's fun to be had this spring! The Villanova University Alumni Association (VUAA) hosts game watches, book clubs, networking events and receptions throughout the year that you, our Villanova Family, are invited to attend! In your hometown or on the road, we'd love to see you! Some events are free, while others may require registration and payment. Take a look at some of the fun happening online and around the country by visiting the VUAA events page.

Villanova students, faculty, staff and alumni use phrases, acronyms and other terms in communication and during events. We thought you might want to get in the loop, too. Curious about something you heard? Email us at parents@villanova.edu and maybe we can help you!

Handshake: Villanova's resource for jobs, internships, events and more. This mobile career management platform connects Villanovans to relevant opportunities based on their profile, interests and search activity. Through Handshake, students can apply for positions, explore companies, make connections and sign up for career fairs and workshops. Spring Break might be a great time for them to learn more about Handshake, review tutorials and create their account.

Sheehan Beach: The field (no surf or sand, sorry!) between Lancaster Avenue and Sheehan Hall. This space is home to Villanova intramural sports, sunbathers, sledders, Spikeball players and picnic-goers throughout the year.

The Green Bandana Project: You've probably noticed lime green bandanas tied to students' backpacks and bags. These students have identified themselves as a resource or support for anyone struggling with mental health. These student volunteers work to promote help-seeking behavior and increase awareness of important suicide prevention and mental health resources on campus and the pathway to access these resources when needed. Members are continuously trained to support themselves and others.

Students interested at in getting involved can reach out by following @bandana.project.nova to learn about different opportunities. The Bandana Project is part of a national mental health awareness and suicide prevention campaign at more than 40 colleges and universities around the country.

Villanova's location is often described as being along the "Main Line." This nickname for the communities located west of Philadelphia surfaced in the 1830s as towns developed along the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which ran through Villanova.

Villanova and Philadelphia continue to be accessible by train! Located just 12 miles west of the city, Villanova has two South Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) train stations on campus. Villanovans can purchase re-loadable SEPTA Key Cards (cash or Wildcard only) to pay for transportation through the Office of Student Involvement, located in Dougherty Hall. OSI also provides detailed instructions to students on how to load and use their transportation cards. 

Villanova University Office of Parent and Family Relations

Phone: 610-519-6212

Email: parents@villanova.edu