MEET OUR STAFF
Our staff has been working behind the scenes to bring you and your families a one-of-a-kind experience welcoming you into our community. Get to know more about the team that will greet you upon your arrival!
Alicia Dunphy-Culp
Senior Director of First Year Experience/Special Assistant to the VP
Phone: (610) 519-7210
Email
Alicia joined Villanova University in 2008 and has worked in many areas within the Division of Student Life. Her responsibilities include assisting with Communitas, Villanova’s first-year learning community, and supporting the New Student Orientation program. She enjoys serving new students and their families and working throughout the year to help students find their place on campus. Originally from the Jersey Shore, Alicia lives just north of campus with her family and their yellow labrador, Dunkin’.
Hannah Bush
Associate Director of First Year Experience
Phone: (610) 519-7208
Email
Hannah joined the First Year Experience team in January 2026 and brought with her a range of experience in orientation and transition programs. Her current responsibilities include oversight of the New Student Orientation Program and the student Steering Committee. She is a dedicated professional who leads with empathy and works to ensure all students have a positive transition to college. Outside of her work, you can find Hannah in Philadelphia enjoying the city life with her cat, Mia!
New Student Orientation Staff
The Director and Assistant Director work year-round to support the Orientation program and help new students have a successful transition to Villanova. In preparation for the four-day Orientation Program, the Office selects the Student Chairperson, Administrative Coordinator and Steering Committee, facilitates staff training and develops the master schedule.
Aidan McGovern
Student Chairperson
Aidan is a junior majoring in Political Science and Economics with a minor in Business. Originally from Millstone Twp., NJ, Aidan got involved with Villanova's Orientation Program as a first-year student and has since served as an Orientation Counselor ('24), a member of the Steering Committee ('25), and as Student Chairperson ('26). Aidan loves the Orientation Program because of how it manifests Villanova's core values of truth, unity, and love; giving new students the opportunity to form meaningful relationships and explore their place within the community. Outside of the New Student Orientation Program, Aidan is heavily involved with Villanova Special Olympics, The Blue Key Society, and Villanova Television. In his free time, Aidan enjoys watching movies, studying for the LSATs, and (begrudgingly) rooting for the New York Mets.
Riley Kalejta
Administrative Coordinator
Riley is a junior Communication major with minors in Peace & Justice and Public Service & Administration. She loves being part of the New Student Orientation Program because of the chance to welcome new students and help them feel at home at Villanova from the moment they arrive. Outside of her work, Riley enjoys weightlifting, attending Philadelphia sports games, and spending time with her friends!
Anna Koberstein
Administrative Coordinator
Anna is a junior majoring in Secondary Education with a Social Studies concentration and minors in Disability Studies and Education Policy and Leadership. Being a part of the New Student Orientation Program has been one of the best parts of her Villanova experience. She loves welcoming New Students to the Villanova community and supporting them from their very first moments on campus. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Orientation Counselors
New students are divided into 84 groups and led through the four-day program by an Orientation Counselor (OC). These student leaders are carefully selected and participate in an extensive training program designed to prepare them to welcome new students and introduce them to life at Villanova.
Administrative Assistants
Approximately 20 students are selected to be Administrative Assistants (AAs) and work behind the scenes for the Orientation Program. AAs support all the logistics of the Orientation schedule and offer a supporting role in facilitating important conversations during Orientation group programming.
Transfer Counselors
Transfer students are placed in their own Orientation group to connect with fellow transfer students of all grade levels. This group is led by Transfer Counselors (TCs) who share a similar experience of transferring to Villanova. Transfer students follow a similar schedule as first year students but through a slightly different lens, given they already have college experience. TCs introduce transfer students to the unique aspects of Villanova life.
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is comprised of former Orientation Counselors, Administrative Assistants and Transfer Counselors. Together, this highly collaborative group designs the Orientation Program for the incoming class. Steering Committee members have specialized program areas and training workshops that they lead. They also serve as leaders for OCs and TCs during Staff Training to prepare them for their role in the four-day program.
New Student Orientation
Villanova University
Dougherty Hall
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, Pa. 19085
