A Message from Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA: Welcome Back

Dear Students,

Last semester, we learned a great deal. There were a number of things that we did well—diagnostic and surveillance testing, isolating and quarantining, contact tracing and the CARITAS Commitment, to name a few. We will continue these and other important health and safety procedures this semester, and you can find the most up-to-date information about our spring plans on Villanova’s COVID-19 Campus Information website.

We also identified a few areas in which we could do better, one of those being the importance and necessity of mental health breaks throughout the semester. We heard you, and I am pleased that two “working breaks” have been built into the academic calendar for the spring semester. We also realized how critically important it is that everyone complies with the health and safety policies and guidelines that have been put in place. Therefore, the specific policies have been compiled in the Student Handbook. I encourage each of you to become familiar with, and closely follow, these directives.

While much remains unknown about the upcoming semester, please know that we are committed to making your experience here a worthwhile and enjoyable one. Starting next weekend, we will again offer several outdoor activities on campus, including Quizzo, Food Truck Fridays, Firepits on the Green and Game Watches (in-person fans will not be permitted at games until further notice). As the semester progresses, we hope to be able to offer more opportunities to be together on campus, with new or modified student programming and events. More details will become available as we move through the semester.

Thank you again for your continued grace, resilience and cooperation amid all the unknowns and challenges this semester and last. It’s wonderful to have you back on campus, and I wish you all the best of luck with your studies this semester!

And remember, V’s up, masks on and Community First.

Sincerely,