Dear Villanova families,

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and enjoyed spending time with family and dear ones during the Winter break. Campus feels energized again with the return of our students for the Spring semester. This email is our new edition of the Parent and Family Connection, which you will receive monthly, sharing with you news, events, and resources for you and our students. 

Through the year, Villanova seeks to support students on their college journey, helping them to realize their full potential by providing opportunities to engage, serve and learn. This newsletter shares with you information that may assist you in coaching and encouraging your Villanovan. Your ongoing care and support are such an important piece of their growth into adulthood. In the Division of Student Life, we have many resources available for our students to help further their development; we invite you to learn more about what is available on campus to enhance the student experience. Along with reading this edition of Parent and Family Connection, I encourage you to follow the Office of Parent and Family Relations on Instagram and to talk regularly with your child about what is happening day-to-day in their life.

We are grateful for your continued commitment as members of the Villanova community. Please visit our website for additional information and contact us at parents@villanova.edu if you have any questions.  

Kathleen J. Byrnes, J.D. 

Vice President for Student Life

Villanova University 

Throughout the year, there are many opportunities for our students to learn about the important legacies of people from many identities and communities. February's Black History Month marks a special time where we can amplify our collective voices on issues related to Black history, heritage and culture.

During February, Villanova University will host an array of educational and community-based events on-campus and online (when available) to celebrate Black History Month. Click here to review the schedule. All are welcome to join us.

With the start of a new semester, we often see a renewed, driven energy within our students as they look to become more involved or connect with new people. If your child is looking to join a new activity or organization this Spring, encourage them to check out new volunteer and involvement opportunities during the Student Involvement Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 5-8 p.m. in the Villanova Room in the Connelly Center.

Villanova is evolving our COVID-19 isolation practices as campus continues its return to living with the virus. Click here for full details.

As your child returns to campus life, the Office of Health Promotion has several programs in place to kick off the second semester. February events are available on the Health Promotion website, and highlights include:

Group sessions focused on Resilience and Connection, Loss of a Loved One, Substance Abuse and Recovery, LGBTQIA+ Support, First Generation College Student Support and GRIT—Student Athlete Support will be hosted throughout the Spring semester at the Counseling Center. Think your child could benefit? Remind them to give the Center a call for more information at 610-519-4050.

On-campus housing applications for the 2023-24 academic year are now available on the Housing portal. Applications are due by Friday, Feb. 24. Housing assignments will be determined later in the spring. We encourage students to visit the Office of Residence Life website for pertinent dates, forms and instructions, as well as FAQs. 

If you haven't done so already, strike up a conversation about your child's plans for next year and remind them to complete their application by the Feb. 24 deadline!

No matter a student's faith identity, they are invited to participate in retreats hosted by Campus Ministry this spring and summer. Retreats provide space to step back from routine, reflect upon spiritual values and share experiences. Encourage your child to check out the retreats and register soon (registration deadlines vary). Visit the Campus Ministry Retreat Program page.

Of particular note: a first-year specific retreat, Escape, will take place Feb. 17-19. If your child is interested in participating, please remind them that the registration deadline is Feb. 10.

Ash Wednesday is February 22. Families are invited to journey through the Lenten season with the Villanova community by signing up to receive Lenten Reflections written by members of the University community.

Internship and Job Fairs: Prepping for the Next Step

Villanova students of all years and majors are invited to participate in career-related events and activities in February. Encourage your child to visit the Career Center webpage  to explore the following events:  

Students who have an interest in exploring Education Abroad are encouraged to attend a required First Step session to gather information prior to beginning their application. If interested in the Fall '23 semester, most applications are due by April 1. In addition, many Villanova faculty-led summer programs are still accepting applications (with varying application deadlines). For more information, visit the Office of Education Abroad website.   

Bachelor's Degree Commencement will be held Friday, May 19 at 2:30 p.m. in Villanova Stadium. In the weeks leading up to Commencement, there are student events and some family events planned to celebrate the Class of 2023. Additional information, including a detailed schedule and FAQs, can be found on our Commencement website. Commencement 2024 is scheduled for May 17. 

FAMILY WEEKEND 2023: September 22-24

Villanova University Office of Parent and Family Relations

Phone: 610-519-6212

Email: parents@villanova.edu