Over the past 90 years, for thousands of students, Villanova's Part-Time and
Continuing Studies programs have greatly exemplified this living, growing aspect
of the University. Adult students have earned bachelor's and associate degrees,
prepared for graduate and professional school, gained valuable job skills and
explored new fields of knowledge. Yet throughout these nine decades, certain
characteristics of the programs have stayed constant: convenience for students,
academic relevance and the capacity to alter one's life.
Scroll down and revisit the important events in the history of Villanova's
Part-Time and Continuing Studies, beginning with The Early Years (1918-1969)of University College. Remember The 70'swhen
Villanova first offered double sessions on Saturdays and non-credit professional
programs. Offerings to non-traditional students grew in The 80's
with the development of many new programs. The 90's
saw various technological advances. And see how this century, 2000 thru
Today, Villanova continues to strive to support the needs of students.
Shared Memories
After my 1st
semester (at Villanova) - I was hooked - not only on the class work, but on the
many new friends that were sharing this exciting experience. Through my
involvement with the Niteline, I was able to help others plan not only their
classes but the location of those classes. There is no exercise greater than
scheduling a class in the top floor in Bartley, the second on the top floor of
Mendal and the third on the top floor in Tolentine (lost 10 pounds that
semester). My children became involved, folding and stapling the Niteline. They formed my production line for many years, although I never asked them to
stay up late while I made up stories to fill empty spaces, and used that old
press type for the headlines. Back in those days, as Editor, my job was
to present to the university a Niteline as a finished product that would then
just be copied. This was all done on a typewriter! My children were the ones
with a TI-99 computer, but that had no word processing capabilities - it simply
played games. We had a night school student council, and I served as president
for several years. Through that organization, I made lifetime friends. We
planned the awards events and worked closely with the university to help meet
the special needs of part-time students. This included all kinds of volunteer
work all over campus. Since I had a station wagon, I was always the one picking
up the big coffee urns to host a once a month coffee get together in the
basement of Bartley. Donna Adams, 80
I started at Villanova in 1957 full time and only
completed one year. I continued my part-time studies for 34 years, and finally
graduated in 1991. I am very proud of the school's commitment to the part-time
program and the quality of its teachers, staff and course content. Anyway I can
promote Villanova and our part-time studies program is my gratification for what
I experienced and received from the school by me being a student and graduate. I
wear my school ring daily, sit in the Pavilion attending the basketball games in
section EC while wearing my white and blue V sweater, hat and wave my pompom. At
age 68, I still get the thrill each time I come to school. Continue the great
work and God Bless Villanova. -Michael H. Skurecki, '91
I was a University College student 1967-1971. Deans
Charles Bruderle and Fred Burgess were outstanding men. Always helpful. Always encouraging. The entire staff at UC was exceptional. Night classes were
held in Bartley Hall. University College had a student newspaper called "The Nite Lite." I was the editor for over a year. Most of the students were in
their 30's and 40's+. I and some others were college age. The interaction
between younger and older was great. I had much respect for students that
worked all day, had children at home, and then came to Villanova for night
classes. Most of the teachers, I think, were sympathetic to these older
students that worked. I have wonderful memories of University College and
Villanova. My only regret was that I had to graduate! -Joe Olivo, '71, B.S.
in Accounting
Part-Time & Continuing Studies Through the Years
The Early Years (1918-1969)
1918 Villanova University offers Saturday and Summer sessions for studies in Education and Nursing
1928-1951 Rev.
Joseph C. Bartley, O.S.A., Ph.D., Dean of the School of Commerce and
Finance, initiated the Evening Session with classes held at John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School in
Philadelphia
Summer 1997 1st Distant Learning Course offered in English and Theology
Fall
1997 University College changes name to Part-Time & Continuing Studies (combining
University College, Summer Sessions, & Office of Continuing Studies)
Fall
1998 Part-Time Studies and Continuing Studies website launched
Fall 1998 Part-Time Studies Student Advisory
Group is created
February
1999 1st Part-Time Studies hotmail messages go out
Fall
1999 Matriculated Part-Time students in the Business Administration &
Accountancy programs are provided with a university-owned IBM notebook
computer
September 2003 Signed
transfer
agreement with Montgomery County Community College
for BIS programs
December
2003 Signed
transfer
agreement with Delaware County Community College for BIS programs
October
2004 1st Community College Day held
Fall 2005 - Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Leadership Studies
offered
2005 Reading First Coaches Institute hosted at Villanova
University
Spring
2007 BIS Minors in General Business, Information Systems, and Leadership
Studies, Certificate in Pre-Health Professions Science, and BIS/MS in Human
Resource Development offered
Spring
2007 - Continuing Studies
Human Resource program
recognized by the Society of Human Resource Management for having the
largest, national enrollment