Student Organizations and Events

Building a Thriving Community of Public Service Advocates 

The Department of Public Administration is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of students, alumni, faculty, and friends united by a shared commitment to public service. Throughout the year, the Department hosts speaker series, networking programs, webinars, and social events that enrich learning, support professional development, and strengthen connections across our community. We encourage all students to get involved, attend events, join our organizations, and take full advantage of the opportunities described below.

Signature Events

• ICMA Student Chapter – The Frank & Gloria Wolek Speaker Series
• Pi Alpha Alpha Fall Career & Networking Event
• Pi Alpha Alpha Spring Colloquium – Vocation of Public Service
• Pi Alpha Alpha Induction
• Nova Nonprofit Network BLAST! Bringing Leaders and Students Together Event
• Department of Public Administration – UNITAS Committee
• Annual Public Administration Dinner
• Commencement

The Department of Public Administration hosts a number of events throughout the year such as speakers’ series, networking events, webinars, and social engagements for students, faculty, and alumni throughout the year hosted by our various student chapters and organizations.

ICMA Student Chapter

Founded in 1914, International City/County Management Association (ICMA) is the premier local government leadership and management organization. Its mission is to create excellence in local governance by advocating and developing the professional management of local government worldwide. In addition to supporting its nearly 9,000 members, ICMA provides publications, data, information, technical assistance, and training and professional development to thousands of city, town, and county experts and other individuals throughout the world.

In addition to the benefits provided by ICMA, Villanova’s chapter will sponsor several events each academic year in order to promote the local government management profession and help students pursue a career in that field. Villanova undergraduate and graduate students interested in joining Villanova’s Unitas ICMA Student Chapter should contact Dr. Vaswati Chatterjee.

Pi Alpha Alpha

Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA) is the premier global honor society for Public Administration. It celebrates and recognizes exceptional scholarship and accomplishments in public affairs and administration, with a commitment to fostering integrity, professionalism, and effective performance.

Eligibility: Join an esteemed community of scholars and professionals! Eligibility for membership includes:

• PSA Majors: At least 15 credits in the PSA major with a GPA of 3.5 in the major and 3.0 overall.
• MPA: A GPA of 3.8 or higher after one year of study (typically 18 credits).
• Demonstrated academic excellence in a NASPAA member school or distinguished public service.
• Classification as a student, alumni, faculty, or honorary member.
• Benefits of Membership:
• Access to the NASPAA job board and career resources.
• Networking opportunities with a global community of public service professionals.
• A range of enriching events and programs through the Villanova PAA Chapter:
  • Annual PAA Induction Ceremony
  • PAA-sponsored talks on Public Service Vocation
  • Networking events with MPA alumni and current members
  • Civic engagement initiatives

Governance: The Villanova University Chapter is managed by a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Chapter Advisor. 

Call to Action: Become a part of a prestigious network dedicated to excellence in public service. Reach out to Dr. Theodore Arapis, the advisor for Villanova University Chapter.

Nova Nonprofit Network

The Nova Nonprofit Network is designed to expand Villanova's system of professional and academic support for students interested in or already working in the nonprofit sector by bringing people together to share best practices to collectively respond to challenges and opportunities in our communities.

By joining the Nova Nonprofit Network, you will be able to:

ENGAGE with Your Peers

• Join one-on-one and group events to discuss trends and best practices with students, alumni and social impact leaders in various nonprofit fields.
• Participate in a mentoring program.
• Obtain special student rates to become a Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) member.
• Join quarterly small group discussions.

BLAST into Your Career

• Access professional development and career advancement resources by attending our annual BLAST event and meeting with program faculty and Villanova Career Center staff.
• Access resources on professional development and updates on current issues.
• Schedule meetings with Career Center staff who serve as nonprofit industry advisors.

CREATE Your Vision

• Advance the common good through Villanova's Augustinian teaching and learning approach through your nonprofit curriculum.
• Map out your courses.
• Increase the impact of your nonprofit's mission by focusing on your strengths.
• Enhance your professional development with coursework that includes applied projects and consulting.

For more information about joining the Nova Nonprofit Network, please reach out to Dr. Lauren Miltenberger.

UNITAS Department Committee

The Department of Public Administration’s UNITAS Committee advances the University’s commitment to inclusiveness, belonging and unity. Established in 2017, the committee brings together faculty, alumni, and students to foster an inclusive community and ensure diverse perspectives are represented. We encourage all students to get involved and share their experiences, ideas, and voices to help shape a welcoming environment for everyone. Villanova undergraduate and graduate students interested in joining the Department of Public Administration UNITAS Committee should contact Dr. Danielle Gadson.