Villanova University is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all members of the campus community. The University’s safety and emergency response efforts are grounded in a comprehensive, risk‑based Emergency Management Plan, which outlines procedures for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from a wide range of potential emergencies.
The University employs a tiered emergency response structure that activates appropriate resources depending on the nature and severity of an incident. This structure includes:
- Field Incident Command, responsible for on‑scene response and coordination with external first responders;
- The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management Team, which provides cross‑departmental coordination and situational awareness; and
- The Executive Leadership Team (ELT), which provides strategic guidance during major emergencies.
Villanova takes all incidents affecting the safety of students, faculty, and staff seriously and responds with urgency. Emergency communication may be delivered using multiple tools, including:
- NOVA Alert is Villanova’s Emergency Communication system, which uses text and phone messaging, along with additional communication methods, to enable campus public safety and university officials to send targeted alerts to students and faculty members in a matter of seconds. NOVA Alert is designed to communicate an emergency that could jeopardize the physical safety of the members of the University community. The alert is also used to notify the Villanova community of weather-related issues, such as snow-related campus closures, via a VU Weather Alert. The alert may contain instructions on where to go, what to do or not do, as well as where to find additional information. Depending on the recipient’s preference, the NOVA Alert may be sent to cell phones, e-mail accounts, smartphones, and devices. NOVA Alert sign-up allows current students, faculty, and staff to add multiple devices and subscribe via text, enabling alerts to be sent to parents or other family members;
- Email and Website Updates, including posting information on the Public Safety website;
- Digital Signage across campus;
- Building Fire Alarm Systems;
- Personal contact by Public Safety officers, Residence Life staff, or other University personnel.
In any crisis situation, the University may implement protective actions such as evacuation, shelter‑in‑place, lockdown, or relocation depending on the circumstances.
The University provides a range of support services during and after an emergency, including:
- Full‑service counseling and mental health support, including grief counseling through the Counseling Center and Campus Ministry;
- Medical support through Student Health Services and VEMS;
- Housing or relocation assistance through Residence Life;
- Ongoing communication to students, families, and the campus community.
Villanova remains committed to continuous improvement of its emergency preparedness through regular trainings, drills, exercises, and annual plan reviews.