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.

The Grad Center hosts several graduate student appreciation weeks throughout the year. This year, the Grad Center will be celebrating our amazing graduate students with dedicated appreciation weeks in December and April. Stay tuned for additional details. 

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.

• 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. October 19 - November 1, 2026. Register here.
• Graduate Student Retreat:"We Search Together" 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. This retreat will take place in Spring 2027.
• Additional Retreats: Held throughout the year, Mission and Ministry retreats invite Villanovans to step back from their daily routines, reflect on their spirituality and values, share stories and experience rest or a new perspective. Learn more.

Throughout the year, the Grad Center hosts a variety of programs to help graduate students build community and connect while cheering on Villanova's athletic teams. 

A few highlights:

• Saturday, November 7: Grad Center Student and Alumni Football Tailgate 
• Wednesday, November 18: Grad Student Night at Villanova Women's Basketball
• Spring 2027 Date TBD: Join the Grad Center for a Men's Basketball Game at Xfinity Mobile Arena

The Grad Center and the Graduate Student Senate (GSS) host Happy Hour every third friday of the month from 4-6 pm 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 is pleased to offer a 24/7 Taleghani Family Lounge in Vasey Hall G13. The Taleghani Family 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 Taleghani Family Lounge and visit this website for more details.

All Villanova graduate students are also welcome to enjoy the new Grad Student Lounge on Cabrini Campus, located in Tagaste Hall.