Recent research suggests that 39% of graduate students suffer from depression and 41% suffer from anxiety. In an op-ed piece, Shirley Collado, president of Ithaca College, stated that mental health should be among college’s ‘most urgent priorities.’” This was before the immense challenges to all of our mental wellness posed by COVID-19. I want to assure you that graduate student mental health and wellness is indeed a priority for me, and we have taken a number of steps to recognize and address issues around this topic.

In October of 2020, I participated in a Graduate Student Mental Health Workshop sponsored by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS). Out of that workshop emerged the foundational report "Supporting Graduate Student Mental Health and Well-being: Evidence-Informed Recommendations for the Graduate Community," which documents research, sets goals and provides tactics, and of which Villanova University is a signatory. In March 2021, I participated in a CGS webinar in which I shared steps that Villanova has taken and will continue to pursue to support graduate student mental health, including survey work to assess need, developing relationships with key University partners, and engaging professional organizations to support initiatives such as our new peer mentoring program.

As mentioned in the article below, these initiatives are important steps in addressing complex and evolving issues, and the connections we are making across the University are the foundation for future growth and a commitment to keep graduate student mental wellness a priority.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we have much for which we should be thankful. Our students are conducting exemplary scholarship, as reflected in our recent Graduate Research Symposium; our faculty are winning impressive grants to support their difference-making research; and our community continues to help one another as we grow as scholars and professionals. I hope you are able to enjoy this short break, and when you get back, please do make a point to join us for our Grad CLAS Wellness Week Nov. 29 - Dec. 2. Enjoy a bounty of free food on us and mingle with your friends and colleagues as we help one another finish the semester.

Under the leadership of Emory Woodard, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies in Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), the College has made progress in recognizing and addressing issues around graduate student mental health and wellness, topics that have become more prominent in higher education across the country in recent years. READ MORE

The Third Annual Graduate Research Symposium was held on Friday, November 12, 2021, in the Connelly Center. Each spring, graduate students in CLAS apply for competitive Summer Research Fellowships to support their research. We are proud to present the exceptional research conducted by this select group of students.

Read more, see photos and watch videos from the symposium.

Jerusha Conner, PhD, professor of Education, has been named a co-principal investigator on a two-year, $884,077 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for a project, “Student Voice to Student Outcomes,” which will build evidence of the value of student voice practices in improving student outcomes and creating more equitable learning environments for all students. READ MORE

The Office of Graduate Studies is excited to introduce a new Facebook group for Villanova University Graduate CLAS Students. Run by the graduate assistants in our office, this group will be a resource for all current students to interact on an informal basis, create community and even search for roommates. Use this link or search “Villanova Grad CLAS Students - 2021 – 2022” on Facebook to join. *Note – it is a private group so all incoming members will be verified by admin before being permitted to join.*

CLAS Graduate Studies is pleased to offer a peer mentoring program for all graduate students at Villanova University. We have partnered with The Reflect Organization, a mental wellness nonprofit with college and university chapters around the country dedicated to empowering students to foster a culture of authenticity, self-love and allyship on campus. These peer mentorship groups (some online, some in person) welcome you to drop in for their remaining scheduled sessions. Let the listed group facilitator know of your interest in joining them to chat and get support from your peers.

Join the Office of Graduate Studies for a week of relaxing wellness-related activities we hope will support students as we wrap up the semester. See below for a list of activities and please register here so we can get an accurate count for the food!

Donuts and Coffee with Dean Woodard, 9 - 11 a.m., Vasey Hall, G12

Sandwiches from Antonella’s Kitchen, 12 - 2 p.m., Vasey Hall, G12

Join the Villanova community for a taste of mindfulness meditation on Mondays from 1 to1:30 p.m. during the Fall 2021 semester. Mindfulness Mondays offer a virtual, comfortable space where you are guided and encouraged to stop and focus on the "here and now." Mindfulness is proven to reduce stress and enhance well-being, which can be beneficial to all faculty, staff and students. Learn more.

The Office of Student Life has a website dedicated to Health and Well-Being Resources for students including links to services on campus, information sheets, student organizations and campus programming.

Health Services at Villanova include the Counseling Center, the Student Health Center and the Office of Health Promotion, which have a wealth of programming and initiatives for students including well-being counseling, listening circles, virtual pamphlets and more.

Through Thrive 365, you can engage with a page that adapts and customizes to your personal and academic goals and interests … 365 days a year! Find tips and tools for everything from your mental and physical health, to friendships and finding balance.

With winter weather on its way, you want to make sure you receive timely updates regarding school closures or delays. NOVA Alert delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates to any mobile device or email you choose to register. When an incident or emergency occurs, authorized senders will notify you using NOVA Alert. Learn more and sign up.

Graduate students are invited to this Advent retreat sponsored by Campus Ministry on Friday, Dec. 10, 10–11:45 a.m., in Corr Hall. During the Advent season, we light candles to anticipate and celebrate Christ’s coming into our midst as the Light of the World. But the long shadows of this time remind us that God is also at work in the dark—in the hidden places where new life is formed, in our experiences of waiting, of not-knowing, of holding a space for something unexpected to emerge. During this retreat, we will reflect upon and honor the gifts that come to us in dark times and spaces, even as we welcome the coming light of Christ. Learn more and register.

Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition – Entries Due January 24

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is a competition for master’s and doctoral students to develop and showcase their research communication skills. To be successful, competitors must effectively explain their research in three minutes to a non-specialist audience. This year, Villanova will be hosting its 3MT competition on Friday, February 18, 2022. Cash prizes are awarded for first and second places and for audience choice. The deadline for video entries is Monday, January 24. All students who participated in this fall's Graduate Student Research Symposium are automatically entered in the 3MT competition, but may submit new videos if they so choose. Learn more about 3MT.

Graduating this Spring? Application Deadline – January 31

If you plan to graduate in May 2022, you must apply by January 31. Please visit the Applying for Graduation page to review the graduation application requirements and procedures.

Summer Research Fellowships – Master's Student Applications Due February 1

Master's students in CLAS are encouraged to apply for a summer fellowship to support their research. For details regarding eligibility requirements, criteria, how to apply, deadline for proposals and review process, faculty evaluation of the project, and award recipients, please visit the Graduate Summer Research Fellowship page.

Publish Your Work in CONCEPT – Submissions Due February 1

CONCEPT is the interdisciplinary journal of CLAS Graduate Studies at Villanova University. The journal is now accepting article submissions through February 1. In addition, students are encouraged to apply to be editors and peer-reviewers. Visit the CONCEPT website to learn more.

Summer Research Fellowships – Doctoral Student Applications Due March 1

Doctoral students in CLAS are encouraged to apply for a summer fellowship to support their research. For details regarding eligibility requirements, criteria, how to apply, deadline for proposals and review process, faculty evaluation of the project, and award recipients, please visit the Graduate Summer Research Fellowship page.