A Letter from the Dean of Graduate Studies
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Dear Graduate Student,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and to present this year’s edition of the Graduate Student Handbook. This handbook, together with the University-wide Student Handbook, serves as the official guide to the academic and community standards that shape your graduate education at Villanova.
As a graduate student, you are an integral part of a scholarly community dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, the integration of faith and reason, and the advancement of justice through service and leadership. In keeping with Villanova’s Augustinian tradition, we expect that each member of our community will contribute to an environment where intellectual curiosity, mutual respect, and ethical responsibility thrive.
To that end, all graduate students are responsible for understanding and complying with both the general policies set forth in the Student Handbook and the specific policies and procedures outlined in this Graduate Student Handbook. These policies not only ensure fairness and consistency but also safeguard the academic integrity and professional standards that distinguish a Villanova education.
I encourage you to familiarize yourself with these resources and to keep them as ready references throughout your time here. Doing so will help you navigate your academic journey with confidence and clarity, and will ensure that you are well-prepared to meet the responsibilities that come with being a member of our graduate community.
It is an honor to accompany you in this important chapter of your life. May your time at Villanova afford you abundant opportunities to grow as a scholar and as a person—intellectually, spiritually, and professionally. I look forward to the many contributions you will make to our College, University, and the broader world.
With every good wish for a fruitful and fulfilling year,
Sincerely,
Emory H. Woodard, IV, Ph.D.
Dean of Graduate Studies
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Villanova University