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.

Have a memory to share? We would like to hear about your experience as a Villanova student - for example, a favorite professor, the lasting impact of your classes, or what it meant to complete your degree or certificate. Send us an email today at parttime@villanova.edu.

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's when 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
• 1958 – VU chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda formed
• 1960 – Evening Session renamed Undergraduate Part-Time Division
• 1962 – Undergraduate Part-Time Division renamed University College
• 1963-1981 - Charles Bruderle, M.A., Dean of University College
• 1968 – Villanova University officially opens all programs to women
• Catholic teachers complete education classes for certification

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The 70's

• March 1970 – 1st issue of The Nite-Line is published
• May 1970 – 1st Annual University College Award Night
• September 1970 – Crime & Criminal Justice certificate offered
• April 1971 – University College Council formed
• May 1971 – Credit-by-Examination introduced
• June 1971 – VU chapter of National Cross Keys fraternity formed
• Fall 1971 – Introduction of double Saturday periods

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The 80's

• August 1983 – Office of Adult Services established
• October 1983 – University College Alumni Club created
• Fall 1984 – Communication Arts major offered to Part-Time students (interdisciplinary degree requiring courses in English, Theatre, and Communication)
• Spring 1985 – Continuing Education offers Fundamentals of Contract Management program
• April 1986 – Part-Time Faculty Committee formed
• Spring 1986 – Philosophy & Sociology programs offered through Part-Time Studies
• Fall 1989 – Non-credit certificates in Human Resource Management and Alcohol & Drug Counseling offered

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The 90's

• 1990 – ABA approved Paralegal Program introduced
• Fall 1991 – University College gets it’s 1st fax machine
• 1992 – Payroll program in conjunction with American Payroll Association introduced
• November 1993 – University College “Drop-In Social” held
• 1994 – Satellite Uplink program, "Renewing the Heritage" connects Villanova University to Dioceses around the country
• Spring 1995 – Communication department adds evening classes
• 1996-1999 – "For I am Joseph, Your Brother" presented by the Jewish Studies for Catholic Educators held at Villanova University
• Spring 1996 – Accountancy Certificate offered to Post Graduates
• Spring 1997 – Telephone advising introduced
• 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 – FastForward classes introduced
• 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

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2000-Today

• 2001-2004 – Governor's Institute for Early Childhood Educators held at Villanova University
• Spring 2003 – Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree with majors in General Studies and Information Systems introduced
• 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

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