Grad Center Community Building Programs and Events

graduate students standing together at happy hour event

The Grad Center hosts a variety of programs throughout the year to foster community building (and fun) amongst the graduate and law student body.

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.

Fall 2024, date TBD.

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. Stay tuned for additional details. 

The Grad Center is pleased to offer a 24/7 graduate student lounge in Vasey Hall G13. The Grad Student Lounge features:

  • Wildcard access for graduate students only
  • Free snacks 
  • Coffee/Tea station
  • Warm cookies
  • Space to connect with other graduate students

Watch a video featuring the Grad Lounge 

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 2024, date TBD.

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!

The Villanova University Center for Graduate Research and Education

St. Mary’s Hall, Suite 109
800 E. Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085

Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST