Welcome to Fresh@News, Villanova's e-mail newsletter for parents
and friends of the Class of 2013. Over the year we will be sending you
occasional postings about activities at Villanova University that relate the
Freshman Class. Instructions on how to subscribe or unsubscribe from this
service are given at the end of this posting.
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Our
interview today is with Tom Mogan, Director of Villanova’s Office of
Student Development. One of his many responsibilities is the coordination of
Parents Weekend.
Fresh@News: Tom,
Parents Weekend is just a few days away! Can you tell us a little about the
weekend?
Tom
Mogan:
Parents Weekend will take place on September 25th - 27th. Parents Weekend is a
time for family and friends to visit the campus and learn about the Villanova
Community.
Fresh@News: For some
of our readers, this will be their first Villanova Parents Weekend, and for
most it will be the first time they have seen their son or daughter since they
said goodbye at New Student Orientation. Can you tell us a little bit
what to expect?
Tom
Mogan:
The first thing to say is: be ready for anything! There are as many
different experiences as there are students. Some parents will be amazed by
the changes and growth they have seen even in a few weeks. Many of our
resident freshman are already saying “I’m going home now”
when they mean that they are returning to their residence hall. Some
already have a dozen new best friends, have joined some activities, are getting
on top of their course work, and are enjoying themselves. At the same
time, some of the students are still finding their way, and may be struggling
with not having made the kind of social connections they were hoping for,
feeling homesick, being overwhelmed by their courses, or not getting along with
the roommate. The only real advice I can give you is to say that it is
all pretty normal right now, and expect a lot of changes in the first few weeks
(in any direction).
Fresh@News: Is there a
lot going on for parents and students to do?
Tom
Mogan:
I think our visitors will have a great time. One of the things we do is
to showcase our students' talents. From Athletic events to the Ethics Symposium
to the Music Activities Showcase, you’ll see that Villanova students have
a wealth of talent.
Fresh@News: What
events would you recommend to parents of new students?
Tom
Mogan:
The weekend is designed so parents and family members can pick and choose from
a variety of receptions, lectures, and events. Parent University Sessions
(offered on Friday and Saturday) offer a number of workshops where parents and
family members can meet campus administrators and faculty members and learn
about relevant issues that face Villanova students. Topics include Augustinian
Spirituality, Study Abroad, and Choosing a Major, just to name a few! Please
check out the Parents' web site (www.parents.villanova.edu)
for more details on these programs.
Fresh@News: Is Parents
Weekend just for the parents?
Tom
Mogan:
Not at all! We invite all family members (aunts, uncles, grandparents and
siblings) to participate in the weekend.
Fresh@News: What types
of events are going on that you think other family members would be interested
in attending?
Tom
Mogan:
On Friday evening we are very excited to offer “An Evening with Brad
Sherwood and Colin Mochrie”. These two comedians from the popular TV show
Who’s Line is it Anyway? are sure to have everyone laughing. On
Saturday night, we will be hosting LateNite at Villanova - Family Style! This
will take place in the Connelly Center from 8:00- 11:00 p.m. This will be
a chance for family members to experience a typical weekend night at Villanova!
The LateNite at Villanova program offers entertainment for students every Friday
and Saturday night in the Connelly Center. We've decided to tailor this night's
entertainment to the whole family! Featured will be musicians, the movie UP!
and a silent auction. Free admission includes entertainment, soft drinks,
and desserts.
Fresh@News: That
sounds great. And what about for the sports enthusiasts among us?
Tom
Mogan:
Well, on Friday, you can catch the Women's Soccer team in action at 4 p.m.
(Seton Hall) and the Women’s Volleyball team at 7 p.m.
(Cincinnati). The Football team will take the field on Saturday
against Northeastern at 3:30 p.m.
Fresh@News: It sounds
like the weekend is full of great events.
Tom
Mogan:
And I only mentioned a few, so make sure to check out the full schedule at http://www.villanova.edu/studentlife/specprograms/parents/events/parentsweekend/ to see all
of the other things going on throughout the weekend. Some events require
registration, so please don't miss out and register now! If you haven't
received the brochure in the mail, you can download it from the Parents'
Website or call our office at 610.519.4210.
Fresh@News: Do
you have any recommendations for our parents of first year students who will be
experiencing Parents Weekend for the first time?
Tom
Mogan:
My best advice would be to try to experience as much of Villanova as you can,
and to let your son or daughter show you the things that have become important
to him or her while you are here. Also remember to save a little time to just
simply be with your son or daughter. They are still very much in a time of
transition and it will be important for you to gauge their needs over the
course of the weekend. Most importantly, just
have fun and enjoy your time together!
_____________________________________________________________________________
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appropriate office at Villanova University or email the Parents' Website at parents@villanova.edu. See www.parents.villanova.edu for
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