Grad Center Community Building Programs and Events

The Grad Center hosts an annual Conference and Event Planning Workshop to teach graduate and law students the ins and outs of academic event planning. A one-hour general session on event planning logistics is followed by breakout sessions for students interested in learning more about STEM or Humanities focused conferences and events.

November 13, 10am-2pm, 2024.

The Grad Center and the Graduate Student Senate (GSS) host Happy Hour every third friday of the month from 4-6 p.m. EST at a local restaurant or bar. We provide the appetizers and drink specials are available for our students. Build community with graduate and law students from across the University in this relaxed and fun setting.

The Grad Center hosts several graduate student appreciation weeks throughout the year. This year, the National Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week will be celebrated Monday, March 31 – Friday, April 4. Please see the calendar below for events and activities happening throughout the week.

• Mon., Mar. 29 12-1:30pm: Lunch & Lounge in the Taleghani Family Lounge
• Tues., Apr. 1 12-1:30pm: Yoga in the Taleghani Family Lounge
• Weds., Apr. 2 1-5pm: Chair Massages (separate sign-up required)
• Thurs., Apr. 3 12-2pm: Pet Therapy in the Taleghani Family Lounge
• Fri., Apr. 4 4-6pm: Happy Hour co-hosted by GSS in the East Lounge, Dougherty Hall

We encourage you to register today for all the activities in which you plan to participate.

The Grad Center partners with Campus Ministry each semester to host retreats for graduate and law students. All graduate student retreats are open to students of any or no faith background. Learn more about Campus Ministry and see all retreat offerings on the Campus Ministry website.

• Fall Retreat: Meet your Villanova peers, reflect on who you are and how you are growing, and develop supportive relationships at this retreat for graduate students. You will hear from current students, share in small groups, and learn how Villanova’s Augustinian tradition can invite and encourage us all as "We Search Together". September 14, 2024.
  
• Busy Wildcat Retreat: The Busy Wildcat Retreat is meant for students, faculty, or staff who are longing for space in their lives to slow down, reflect, and connect with God, but who might have a hard time fitting a weekend-long retreat into their schedule. September 27- October 21, 2024.
  
• First-Year Escape Retreat: Get away from campus for a weekend of discovering friendships, exploring your faith and values, and energizing yourself to make the most of your years at Villanova. November 8-10, 2024.
• Advent Retreat: Celebrate the Advent season at this ecumenical Christian retreat held on campus during the workday. Meet with colleagues from across the University and share from your personal experiences and faith journey. December 10, 2024.
• Busy Wildcat Retreat (Spring 2025): The Busy Wildcat Retreat is meant for students, faculty, or staff who are longing for space in their lives to slow down, reflect, and connect with God, but who might have a hard time fitting a weekend-long retreat into their schedule. March 17- March 28, 2025.

Grad Student Career Center Open House. September 17, 2024.

Join the Career Center for an open-house event for all grad students! This will be a full day of opportunities to engage with multiple Career Center offerings! Drop by at any time to have your professional headshot taken or to check out the Wildcat Wardrobe. Tours of the Career Center will begin at the top of every house. Additionally, workshops will be hosted live in mid-day:

• Unlocking Professional Success: Mastering LinkedIn and Networking Essentials
• Graduate Professional Development Opportunities with the Grad Center
• Career Resources for International Graduate Students
• Visas and Work Authorizations for International Graduate Students
• Resumes and CVs: What’s the Difference?

Register today!

Grad Student and Alumni Networking Events: 

Virtual Webinar: March 25
In-Person Event: March 28

Connect with your fellow Villanovans to elevate your networking skills and discover diverse career opportunities through this two-part program offered by Villanova University Career Management and the Center for Graduate Research and Education. Participate in our exclusive virtual webinar, in-person networking event or BOTH!

These transformative sessions are tailored for current Villanova graduate students and alumni, offering you invaluable techniques and strategies for effective networking. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn and grow within our supportive and dynamic Villanova community. 

Virtual Webinar: Master the Art of Networking: Essential Skills for Professional Success
Date: Tuesday, March 25
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Location: Virtual

Join us for an exclusive virtual webinar designed to enhance your networking skills! Whether or not you’re gearing up for the in-person Graduate Student and Alumni Networking Event on March 28, this session will equip you with valuable skills for all future networking opportunities.

During this webinar, you will discover strategic locations and opportunities for networking; learn effective techniques to expand your connections; and master the art of initiating, maintaining and concluding networking conversations with confidence. Elevate your professional presence and build lasting relationships through this interactive and insightful workshop. The presentation will be delivered by Casey Hilferty, Associate Director, Villanova Career Management.

In-Person: Graduate Student and Alumni Networking Event 
Date: Friday, March 28
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: Garey Hall, Career Center

Attend an enriching evening of networking with current Villanova graduate students and alumni! Gain valuable insights into diverse career paths and uncover exciting employment opportunities that align with your ambitions and goals. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn and grow within a supportive community of professionals.

Register today!