Villanova University is an independent coeducational institute of higher learning
founded by the Augustinian Order of the Roman Catholic Church. The University is a
community of persons of diverse professional, academic, and personal interests who in a
spirit of collegiality cooperate to achieve their common goals and objectives in the
transmission, the pursuit, and the discovery of knowledge. This community serves society
by developing and sustaining an academic environment in which the potentialities of its
members may be realized. Villanova is committed to those same high goals and standards of
academic integrity and excellence as well as personal and corporate achievement that
characterize all worthy institutions of higher learning.
As a Catholic institution Villanova both emphasizes the values of the Judaeo-Christian
humanistic tradition and concerns itself with all value systems. The University attempts
to develop an environment in which students, faculty, and staff may experience a Christian
intellectual and moral perspective, believing that the teachings of the Catholic faith are
applicable in every area of human activity. Although Villanova functions as an independent
institution in the conduct of its own affairs, in matters theological it recognizes its
obligations to the Magisterium of the Church. Villanova looks to the Order of St.
Augustine to preserve the University's Augustinian character
through its presence and influence and by providing personnel and financial
support. In turn, the University recognizes its special relationship to the Order of St.
Augustine by showing appropriate preference to Augustinians in the initial appointment of
faculty and staff.
Given its character and resources, Villanova is committed to offering such
undergraduate and graduate programs as will best serve the needs of its constituencies. As
a medium-sized comprehensive university, it offers programs in the humanities, in the
natural and social sciences, and in professional areas such as business, education,
engineering, law, and nursing. The University emphasizes undergraduate instruction and is
committed to a liberal arts component in each of its undergraduate programs. In all
academic departments, it encourages such research and scholarly work as are compatible
with the faculty's other obligations to the
University.
Villanova emphasizes the disciplines of philosophy and theology. Moreover, it seeks to
add its influence to the search for world peace and justice by means of both its academic
programs and the pastoral ministry it provides for the members of the University
community. In like manner, the University has always encouraged and supported its faculty,
students, and staff in providing public service to the community. Ultimately, all these
programs and support are seen as a means of developing the total person: intellectually,
emotionally, spiritually, culturally, socially, and physically.
Villanova attempts to enroll students with diverse social, geographic, economic, and
educational backgrounds. Furthermore, in utilizing its financial aid resources to help
achieve this diverse student body, Villanova recognizes its responsibility to use part of
those resources to assist the economically and educationally disadvantaged.
Villanova welcomes students who consider it desirable to study within the philosophical
framework of Christian humanism. Similarly, the University seeks to employ on all levels
those who are sympathetic to and supportive of its character and identity. Accordingly,
Villanova confidently expects that all students, faculty, administration, and staff will
so comport themselves as to assure the continuance and enhancement of the University's
high purposes and its moral and religious traditions. In accomplishing its purposes, the University
fully complies with all the requirements of federal and state legislation with respect to equality of
opportunity and non-discrimination.
Villanova encourages communication among all the elements of the academic community and
operates on a policy that promotes easy access of students to faculty and of students and
faculty to administrators. Furthermore, it seeks to involve students, faculty, and
administrators in the development of University policy through appropriate structures of
governance.
Finally, this community seeks to reflect the spirit of St. Augustine by the cultivation
of knowledge, by respect for individual differences, and by adherence to the principle
that mutual love and respect should animate every aspect of University life.
Full legal jurisdiction in all that pertains to the
University is vested in the Board of Trustees, which is comprised of no fewer than twenty
and no more than thirty members. Of these, no fewer than nine are to be members in good
standing of the Order of Saint Augustine of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova. The
President of the University is ex officio a member of the Board.
The President is responsible to the Board as the executive head of the University and
is responsible for the general direction of its affairs. The President performs all such
duties as are provided for the By-Laws of the Board of Trustees, those assigned by the
Board of Trustees, and those which are necessary and proper for the performance of the
office. As appropriate, the President delegates certain authority to the Vice Presidents.
The President and several vice presidents serve at the discretion of the Board. All
other administrative officers serve at the discretion of the President.
The Office of Planning, Training, and Institutional Research
is a service department, available to all campus constituencies. OPTIR has
four charges:
- Coordination of and assistance in Strategic Planning Activities
- Coordination and facilitation of Villanova Quality Improvement
- Collection, analysis and presentation of information relevant to planning,
decision making and improvement efforts
- Coordination and delivery of
professional development programs for staff and faculty.
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2.3 Academic Affairs
The educational work of the University is under the direction of the Vice
President for Academic Affairs, which includes the following offices:
- Deans, Colleges, Chairs, and Departments
- Enrollment Management
- Library
- Research and Sponsored Projects
- International Studies
- Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning (VITAL)
- Career Services
- Learning Support Services
- Academic Support
- The Academic Policy Committee
- The Committee on Faculty
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Deans, Colleges, Chairs, and Departments
The various colleges of the University – Arts and Sciences, Engineering,
School of Business, and Nursing -- are supervised by the deans who report directly to
the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The deans direct their individual colleges,
supervise department chairs and program directors in their colleges, and also advise the
Vice President for Academic Affairs on policy questions that transcend the work of the
individual colleges. Within the colleges and under the supervision of the deans are
departments consisting of all those faculty members who are engaged in instructional,
administrative, or research work in a given subject under a department chair. The College
of Nursing is organized by programs. A department may serve students registered in more
than one college of the University. Other academic and academic support units, including
those involved in interdisciplinary studies, are supervised by directors appointed by the
deans in consultation with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Under the direction of the college deans, department chairs function as leaders of
their departments and also as spokespersons for both the administration and for their
faculty. They take an active role in planning the future of their departments, and are
also responsible for evaluation of the work of their colleagues. In addition to their own
teaching, they advise students and manage the support staff. Descriptions of the specific
duties and functions of the chair are promulgated by the deans of the several colleges
(see "Role of Department Chair". Departmental chairs are ordinarily appointed by
the President on the advice of the department under the procedures set forth in the
"Protocol for the Periodic Selection of Chairs." Program directors in the College of Nursing are
appointed by the dean, with approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The college deans, along with the University Librarian and the Dean of Enrollment
management, are also members of the Council of Deans. This body, which also
includes a representative from Student Life, meets regularly to advise the Vice President
for Academic Affairs on academic issues.
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Enrollment Management
All matters pertaining to student recruitment, financial aid, registration, and
student academic records fall under the supervision of the Dean of Enrollment
Management. The Associate Dean of University Admissions and Financial
Assistance supervises the activities of
the Admissions office and works with the committees on admissions, which are responsible
for evaluating the credentials of applicants for admission according to University
standards. He also manages issues having to do with financial
aid.
The Associate Dean of Student Information and Registrar has charge of the academic records of students past and present.
In cooperation with the deans, the Registrar is responsible for directing the registration
of students. for preparing student grade reports, and for scheduling classes and
examinations. The Registrar is the principal liaison officer between the University and
the various government agencies that require certification of student status.
The
Assistant Vice President for Part-Time and Continuing Studies works with
the deans to help coordinate outreach efforts to recruit and provide programs for
part-time graduate and undergraduate students and students taking non-credit Continuing
Education courses.
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Library
The Director of the Library who is also designated as the University
Librarian is responsible for the overall administration of Falvey Library. The
Director assists in the preparation of the library budget covering all expenditures such
as payroll, administration, purchases, subscriptions, preservation, and equipment. The
Director organizes, expands, completes, and makes available University holdings in the
various field of instruction and research and is assisted in these functions by the
Library Committee.
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Research and Sponsored Projects
The Assistant Vice-President for Research and Sponsored Projects serves as
the University's Research Director and is responsible for providing University-wide
leadership in the development, negotiation, and administration of externally funded grants
and contracts. The Research Director acts as a liaison between the University and
potential funding agencies and coordinates the processing and transmittal of proposals to
sponsors. The Director is responsible for facilitating and enhancing the proposal
submission process by providing information on funding sources and overseeing the
University's compliance with federal,
foundation, and corporate regulations. The Director administers the Faculty Summer
Research Program, the Human Subjects Committee, the Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee, and the patent and copyright endeavors of the University as well as the
day-to-day maintenance of grant and contract accounts.
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International Studies
The Director of International Studies supervises the International Studies
Office, which provides information and assistance to students who wish to study overseas
for summer, semester, or year programs in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, Australia,
and the Middle East. This office also administers Villanova’s summer intensive
language and area studies programs.
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Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning (VITAL)
The Director of the Villanova Institute for Teaching and Learning supervises
the VITAL office which provides and coordinates resources for faculty members who are
interested in helping their students become more effective learners. Among the services
offered are confidential consultations and classroom observations, workshops, and
mini-grants. A library/resource center contains materials related to teaching and learning.
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Career Services
Career Services provides vocational counseling and assistance to students, alumni, and other
members of the University community. It maintains an extensive library of
career fields, graduate education, employer directories, and related
subjects. It is a centralized source of full, part-time, and summer
employment leads. The Center administers the on-campus interviewing program
and provides credentialing service.
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Learning Support Services
The Director of Learning Support Services works with students diagnosed
with learning disabilities, providing appropriate accommodations and support services. The
coordinator also advises faculty and administrators on appropriate accommodations for
students with learning disabilities.
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Academic Support
The Office of Academic Support for Athletes provides
supplemental athletic support to all Villanova varsity student-athletes.
(Primary academic advising is provided by the regular advising system of
each individual student-athlete’s college). The Academic Support staff acts
as a liaison between the academic and athletic communities. The staff also
monitors the academic progress of all student-athletes to assure that
University and NCAA regulations are being met and that progress is being
made toward graduation. The office also supervises tutoring and mentor
services for student-athletes.
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The Academic Policy Committee
The Academic Policy Committee of the University Senate has authority to
recommend policy for the Senate in academic matters affecting more than one college of the
University, and also has a direct line to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The
Academic Policy Committee consists of sixteen elected faculty members (six of whom are
also University Senators), six undergraduate students, two graduate students and
six members
ex-officio: Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Deans of the Colleges of Liberal
Arts and Sciences, Engineering, School of Business, and Nursing, as well as the Dean of
Graduate Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences.
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The Committee on Faculty
The Committee on Faculty of the University Senate has authority to recommend
policy for the Senate in all major areas of faculty concern significantly affecting the
University as a whole and also has a direct line to the Vice President for Academic
Affairs. The Committee on Faculty consists of fourteen elected faculty members (five of
whom are also university Senators and one of whom shall be the Vice Chair of the
Independent Faculty Body). The Vice President for Academic Affairs is an ex officio
member.
Independent Faculty Governance Organization
A new independent faculty body will be formed in Fall 2000. The name of this
organization will be determined after elections are complete. The membership will consist
of 16 faculty members from the Academic Policy Committee, 14 members from the Committee on
Faculty, and additional faculty members as determined by the faculty body itself.
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2.4 Office of Administration
The Senior Vice President for Administration advises the
President on administrative and financial issues, and supervises all of the administrative
and financial operations of the University. These operations include: Financial Affairs,
the Controller's Office, the Bursar, Central
Services, Dining Services, the University Shop, Facilities Management, and Public Safety.
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2.5 General Counsel
The Vice President and General Counsel supervises the Office of
the General Counsel which handles the legal issues and problems that confront the University.
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2.6 Student Life
The Vice President for Student Life administers and supervises
functions and activities relative to student co-curricular life.
The Center for Multicultural Affairs assists and supports the
University in its mission of being a community of people who share common
values and whose culture reflects the Augustinian spirit. The Center also engages in
collaborative planning and research with all areas of the University, in
meeting its commitment to work for peace and justice with the University
community and the world.
The Dean of Students is responsible for promulgating and upholding community standards for the
student community, as well as serving as a liaison with various University
constituencies including parents, Public Safety, Residence Life staff, and
local township officials and civic associations and coordinating the
University's alcohol education and intervention programs. This office also coordinates services for
international students and students with physical disabilities.
The Office for Residence Life collaborates with a variety of offices to provide residential students with
a clean, safe, attractive, and educationally purposeful living environment.
The Office of Student Development
supervises and coordinates co-curricular student activities, emphasizing
leadership skills to make free-time activity a cooperative factor with study
and education, and encouraging self-directed activity giving maximum
opportunity for self-realization and growth.
The Office of Music Activities promotes, maintains, and supervises
the efforts of student performing groups on the Villanova campus and also
sponsors concerts on campus.
The Student Health Center provides the services of physicians, nurse-practitioners and registered
nurses for consultation and treatment each weekday. Nurses are continually
on duty during the academic year, except for undergraduate vacation periods.
The University Counseling Center with its professional staff of counseling psychologists provides personal
counseling for full and part-time students, full-time faculty, and staff.
Both personal and group counseling are available. All contacts and
conversations are kept confidential.
The Center for Health and Wellness Education provides campus-wide wellness initiatives. The Center provides education on
various topics so that students can make appropriate choices for healthy
living. In collaboration with many departments, the Center
offers educational programs on issues such as Alcohol and Drugs, Sexual
Assault, Sexual Health, Stress Management, Fitness and Nutrition.
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2.7 Institutional Advancement
The Vice President for Institutional Advancement is responsible
for directing the University's interaction with many aspects of the external community. Under the Vice President's direction,
the Office of Alumni Affairs recruits, trains and manages alumni volunteers to further promote interest and involvement
in the University. The Alumni Office maintains records of over 77,000 alumni. The Alumni
staff supports the Alumni Association. The Associations 46 regional chapters, 28
regional ambassadors, and 10 constituent societies provide alumni with opportunities for
career networking, community service, athletic, spiritual, and social activities.
The Vice President also oversees the Communication and Public Affairs Office, which handles all
external press and media relations as well as a number of University publications
including the award-winning Villanova Magazine, the faculty and staff newsletter,
Blueprints, and maintains the public relations site on the web page.
The Office of University Development supervises and coordinates all major
components of a comprehensive development program. The fund-raising areas include major
gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation giving, and annual giving. The
administrative support activities include prospect management, gift and pledge processing,
donor research, donor relations, and gift stewardship.
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2.8 University Senate
The Villanova University Senate is the University's formal
legislative body whose purpose is to effect greater participation in the decision-making
processes of Villanova for faculty members, students, administrators, and alumni. The
University Senate has authority to legislate in numerous matters and it may recommend
standards for faculty compensation, fringe benefits, faculty social and working
conditions, and faculty duties and obligations to the University. It may also express
general opinion on any matter of faculty concern. Faculty members serve on the following
Senate committees: the Executive Committee, The Academic Policy Committee, the Athletic
Advisory Committee, the Budget Committee, the Committee on Faculty, the Rules and Review
Committee, the Committee on Mission and Social Justice, The Student Life/Student
Government Committee, and the University Planning and Priorities Committee.
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