FAMILY WEEKEND 2023

Family Weekend 2023

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Due to forecasted weather conditions, Villanova may change the location of certain events. Download our Nova Guides App to stay informed and up-to-date throughout Family Weekend. 

 

WHAT TO BRING

Be prepared for rainy weather! We encourage you to dress appropriately for downpours. Umbrellas may be used at all Family Weekend outdoor events, including the Tailgate on the Green, the football game and VU at the Zoo. Weather-resistant footwear and raincoats and/or rain ponchos are encouraged.

For those attending the Tailgate on the Green, you may want to bring along a tarp to cover your items while unloading your car.

 

PARKING INFORMATION

Families should plan to park in the I-1 garage. Should the lot fill, you will be directed to the next available parking lot on campus. 

 

Join us for a weekend to spend time with loved ones, connect with the Villanova community and hear about the wonderful things happening at our University.

All event and Tailgate on the Green tent purchases are non-refundable at the time of purchase. All events will take place rain or shine.

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

Updated September 22, 2023

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Family Weekend Information Tent

Noon-5 p.m.

Location: Riley Ellipse

Stop by the Family Weekend Information Tent to ask your questions about Family Weekend 2023. Staff will be present to share information on Philadelphia Main Line area restaurants, attractions, and the Family Weekend schedule of events.


Office of the Bursar Drop-In Hours

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Location: Kennedy Hall, Second Floor

The Bursar's Office serves students and families by providing convenient options for payments and refunds as well as handling all questions related to student accounts and tuition/fee information. Drop by to meet the staff and learn more about the office. 


Office of Financial Assistance Drop-In Hours

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location: Kennedy Hall, Second Floor

A Villanova University degree is among the best investments you'll ever make. Through grants, scholarships, loans and student employment, the Office of Financial Assistance works to closely meet your family's need and offer payment options to assist with your educational expenses. Drop by to meet the staff and learn more about the office. 


ACS Writing Awards

3-4 p.m.

Location: Curley Exchange, Bartley Hall


Campus Tree Tour

4-5 p.m.

Location: Corr Hall Arch

Learn from campus horticulturist Hugh Weldon about the magnificent trees on campus, along with our rich history of biodiversity. Ever wonder what that beautiful flowering shrub is? Curious about the correct name of your favorite tree on campus? Now is your chance to find out. Much of what you will learn on the tour will be applicable to your own backyard.


The Power of the Villanova Network

4-5 p.m.

Location: Connelly Center Cinema

Join Villanova's Career Center to discover how you and your student can leverage the university's career resources and alumni connections to power up your Villanova experience today and after graduation. 


Renovation Nation

4-5 p.m.

Location: Driscoll Hall Room 132

Explore the University construction projects that are in progress and planned for the future!


Finneran Pavilion Open House

4-6 p.m.

Location: Finneran Pavilion

Join us for an Open House at the Finneran Pavilion! This afternoon event will offer an opportunity for an exclusive tour of the first-class Finneran Pavilion, home of Villanova Basketball Wildcats, and feature a meet-and-greet with players from the men's basketball team and an opportunity to purchase items at the Team Store. Snag a free commemorative poster (quantities are limited; posters will be distributed on a first-come, first serve basis), check out our trophy case featuring our NCAA championship trophies, and take your photo on the court! Participants should enter via the main entrance to the Pavilion. Please note that only items purchased at the Team Store during the Open House will be autographed; please do not bring in outside items to be signed. 


WXVU Open House

4-6 p.m.

Location: WXVU Studio, Dougherty Hall, Room 212

Take a tour of our broadcast studio, which serves the campus, Main Line area, and beyond 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, and our newly refurnished podcast production room.  We will also be on hand to answer questions on how Villanova community members can get involved with WXVU as soon as this current Fall semester!


Art Gallery Open House

4-6 p.m.

Location: Art Gallery, Connelly Center

Introducing O'Neil Scott: Overcome Everything – a captivating exploration of self-taught Philadelphia-based artist O'Neil Scott's journey. Boldly addressing social justice, climate change, and the Black Lives Matter movement, his portraits delve into the complexities of humanity. Each stroke carries a message, inviting viewers to reflect, contemplate, and empathize. Join us in experiencing the convergence of art and advocacy in Scott's masterful creations.


NROTC Fall Parade

4:30 p.m.

Location: Riley Ellipse

The Villanova NROTC program conducts an annual Fall Parade at the conclusion of the Freshmen indoctrination (India Company). During the ceremony, the freshmen midshipmen will be recognized for their accomplishments throughout the five weeks, during which they were challenged mentally, morally and physically. NROTC families will also see the leadership and guidance provided by the upperclass midshipmen during India Company as they mentored and trained the new midshipmen.


Health Service Building Progressive Meet & Greet

4:30-6 p.m.

Location: Health Services Building

Join the Office of Health Promotion, Student Health Center and University Counseling Center for a progressive meet and greet in the Health Services Building! Get to know staff in these three key health and well-being resource areas and enjoy a small bite (or two, or three) and great company!


Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL) Open House

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Location: Dougherty Hall, East Lounge

Join the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life team to learn more about our recruitment and intake processes. If your student is interested in joining a fraternity or sorority, this is the place to learn more and ask questions! We will discuss all things recruitment and intake, including new member expectations, and provide an overview of the fraternity and sorority life community at Villanova so you and your student are fully prepared and educated.


Inclusion Week Festival

5-8 p.m.

Location: Rowan Campus Green

Please join the Inclusion Week Committee and colleagues from the Office of Intercultural Affairs and the Office of Student Involvement as we conclude Inclusion Week 2023 with food trucks, music, giveaways and games. 


Class of 2025 Junior Ring Blessing

6:30-8 p.m.

Location: Villanova Room, Connelly Center

Villanovans who purchased a class ring are invited to attend a special ceremony during Family Weekend. Students in the class of 2025 will receive their class rings and will take part in a blessing.  


VUBA Black Swim Initiative: Wade in the Water Film Screening

6:30-9 p.m.

Location: Connelly Center Cinema

Presented by the Villanova University Black Alumni (VUBA), Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture reclaims the 1,000-year-old tradition of Black surfing. Braiding historical accounts with modern-day testimonials, the film dismantles the racial barriers of conventional surf culture, delves into the overlooked history of Black surfing's legacy, and honors its current movement—inspiring the next generation of Black surfers. There is no cost for this event, but advance reservations are required. 


Family Food Truck Friday and A Capella Showcase

8-11 p.m.

Location: Riley Ellipse

Come to the Rowen Campus Green and enjoy a Food Truck Friday with dessert food trucks, firepits, s'mores and yard games. Villanova students from various A Cappella organizations will perform in the Annual Family Weekend A Capella Showcase. 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

VSB (Villanova School of Business) Programs for Non-VSB Students

9-9:45 a.m.

Location: Curley Exchange, Bartley Hall

During this session, families will learn about programs within VSB to which non-business students—Arts, Engineering, Nursing and Science majors—can apply. Session will feature Q&A with program administrators, faculty and student panel.


University Welcome with University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD

10-11 a.m.

Location: Villanova Room, Connelly Center

Please join University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD for his comments on the current state and future of Villanova University.


Office of Education Abroad General Information Session

11 a.m.-noon

Location: Connelly Center Cinema

Study abroad is an extension of your Villanova education. Students learn in a new environment, study topics from a different perspective and are challenged by new ideas in academic pursuits. Many students return from study abroad and call it a 'life changing' experience, and for a lot of people this is true. But what factors contribute to making study abroad a reality and a life changing? Hear from the Office of Education Aboard on this valuable experience for Villanova students. 


Family Nursing Experience 

11 a.m.-noon

Location: Larson Kelly Auditorium and Driscoll Hall Atrium

Gather with fellow families of Villanova Nursing students for a welcome address from the College, followed by a tour of the Simulation and Learning Resource Center. 


Gmelich Lab for Financial Markets Open House

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: Gmelich Lab for Financial Markets, Rm 1047, Bartley Hall

Explore the Gmelich Lab for Financial Markets with Villanova School of Business interns.


Early Year Experience Summer 2024 Internship Program in Dublin or London for First- and Second-Year Students

Noon

Location: Connelly Center Cinema



Multicultural Student and Family Luncheon

Noon-2 p.m.

Location: Presidents' Lounge, Connelly Center

Get to know the staff of the Office of Intercultural Affairs and how we support underrepresented students through various events, programs, workshops, student organization advising and leadership opportunities as we enjoy lunch and an informal gathering space.


Family Weekend Information Center

Noon-5 p.m.

Location: Connelly Center

Stop by the Family Weekend Information Center to ask your questions about Family Weekend 2023. Staff will be present to share information on Philadelphia Main Line area restaurants, attractions, and the Family Weekend schedule of events.


Tailgate on the Green Presented by Wegmans

11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Location: Mendel Field

Join us for a tailgate on Mendel Field prior to the Villanova v. University of Rhode Island football game. Students and their families are invited to the free Community Tent, which will feature games, food and refreshments (beer and wine available for purchase by those 21 and over). Tent registrants are responsible for bringing their own food and drink and disposing of trash.

Please note that tailgating is not permitted in other areas of campus, including parking garages and lots. All event and Tailgate on the Green tent purchases are non-refundable at the time of purchase. All events will take place rain or shine. 

Price: $350/tent. One tent may be purchased per registration. Tent includes one parking pass to M-2/SAC Garage, a 10’x15’ space with one 10’x10’ tent and one 6’ table (hosts up to 20 people). 

Individual tents are sold out. Families may join the Waitlist.


Villanova Football vs. University of Rhode Island

2-5 p.m.

Location: Villanova Stadium

Cheer on the Wildcats as they take on the Rams at Villanova Stadium! Current Villanova students do not need to purchase a ticket for the game—show your Wildcard for free admission! 


VU at the Zoo: An Evening at the Philadelphia Zoo

6-10 p.m.

Location: Philadelphia Zoo

Get wild with your fellow Wildcats at this private event! The Philadelphia Zoo will remain open after-hours exclusively for Villanova families and will feature the animal exhibits, live music, games, activities, and food and drink at this all-inclusive event. Alcohol will be available for purchase for those 21 and older. Parking in the Zoo garages and lots is free. 

This event is non-refundable at the time of purchase.  All events will take place rain or shine. 

Price: Adults and students: $52/person; children (12 and under): $40/person
Roundtrip Transportation to the Zoo: $15/person (must be age 5 or older to ride the bus)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Class of 2024 Senior Breakfast 

9-10:30 a.m.

Location: Connelly Center (please note updated location)

Seniors and their families are invited to enjoy our annual Family Weekend reception. Stop by before Mass to mingle with your fellow seniors and get a bite to eat! 

Price: $20/person


VUBA’s Black Student-Athlete Networking Brunch

10 a.m.-noon

Location: Curley Exchange, Bartley Hall

Please join us for brunch with the Villanova University Black Alumni (VUBA) Black Student-Athlete Committee. This event is open to parents, alumni, and students and is a great opportunity to network with and hear directly from former Black student-athletes. We hope you can join us! There is no cost for this event, but advance reservations are required. 


Family Weekend Mass

11 a.m.-noon 

Location: Finneran Pavilion

Celebrate a special Family Weekend Mass with University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD.


B+ Brunch

11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Location: The Inn at Villanova

NOVAdance is Villanova's dance marathon to support the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which provides emotional and financial support to families battling pediatric cancer. During this brunch at the Villanova Inn, spend quality time with your student while enjoying delicious food, pop-up shops and more! 

Price: Adults and students: $50/person; children (12 and under): $40/person


VUBA Black Swim Initiative: Open Swim

1-3:30 p.m. 

Location: Finneran Pavilion Pool

The Villanova University Black Alumni (VUBA) Black Swim Initiative prioritizes the reclamation of the profound African surfing and aquatic culture. We have created a safe space open to all members of the Villanova and surrounding communities who share a commitment to celebrating the legacy of Black swimming, addressing and dismantling the barriers to accessible swimming resources and supporting our Black aquatic student-athletes. We invite you to be in community with us for our Open Swim. All ages and ability levels welcome! There is no cost for this event, but advance reservations are required. 


Women's Soccer vs. Seton Hall University

4 p.m.

Location: Higgins Soccer Complex

The Wildcats take on the Pirates in Big East action. 

For information on Family Weekend, please call the Office of Student Involvement at 610-519-4210. 

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

QUESTIONS? 

Email parents@villanova.edu or call (610) 519-4210. 

 

VISITING FROM OUT OF TOWN?

Please view the Visit Villanova website for information on transportation, accommodations, local attractions and restaurants in the surrounding community.