WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan VOLUME 117 | ISSUE 1
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
Holy Grounds Shifts to Starbucks
Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Villanova University
Emma Cahill Co-Editor-in-Chief
On Monday, Aug. 26, Villanova’s Holy Grounds Connelly, Falvey and Mendel shifted to serving Starbucks. Now, orders in the Holy Grounds Connelly can only be made online via GrubHub – the same platform that debuted its use in fall of 2023 for Cafe Nova and in the spring of 2024 for the Exchange. In an interview with The Villanovan, Executive Director of Dining Services Andrew Camuso explained the motivation behind the recent shift to Starbucks. Camuso said that the changes were based on a dining services survey from 2023. In this survey, Starbucks was the number three callout in the survey throughout each recommendation. Starbucks will be around for a while on campus, as Villanova Dining has made a five-year deal with it to serve coffee on campus. The locations where Starbucks will be served are subject to change, depending on student and employee feedback. Peet’s coffee, as well as La Colombe coffee, are still available at other Holy Grounds locations on campus. Camuso explained that while Starbucks was highly requested, Dining Services wants to ensure that the Villanova community still has the power of choice for their cup of Joe. “If there’s a call for more Starbucks, we certainly can look at that,” Camuso said. “But just having that variety and letting the community navigate with their preferences is more of our mindset.” According to Camuso, Dining Services has already seen sales increase in Connelly Holy Grounds with Continued on p. 9
A lawsuit has been filed against Villanova University, College Hall, and three male students. Graydon Paul/Villanovan Photography
Emma Cahill Co-Editor-in-Chief Hannah Sweeney Co-Editor-in-Chief
Trigger warning: mentions of sexual assault On Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, an article published by Philadelphia Magazine disclosed a sexual assault lawsuit filed against Villanova University, College Hall apartment complex and three male students. The assault allegedly took place on Aug. 24, 2022 in a Sheehan Hall dorm room. Prior to the assault,
the student attended a party at College Hall, a popular off-campus housing spot for students that is colloquially known as “Courts.” At this party, underage students, including the plaintiff, were consuming alcoholic beverages. At the time of the assault, all three of the men and the plaintiff were sophomores at Villanova University. However, only one of the male students remains actively enrolled in the University. The suit was filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas but was transferred to federal court likely because the case involves parties from multiple
states and jurisdictions. The plaintiff is seeking damages through this civil suit but does not mention a specific amount that they are seeking. However, based on the nature of the complaint and the demands for compensatory damages, punitive damages, costs and damages for pre-judgment delay against seven defendants, it’s reasonable to conclude that the plaintiff is seeking more than $75,000 in damages. Villanova as an entity is facing multiple counts in this lawsuit, including Negligence and Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress. According to the legal document, the plaintiff argues that Villanova
University failed to provide a safe environment for their students and failed to educate students on sexual assault and underage drinking. The University declined to comment on the pending litigation. The plaintiff also alleges the negligence of College Hall Defendants and Marks, the management company that owned the apartment complex. According to the claim, College Hall management was aware of the frequent parties and illegal activity but took no action to ensure safety or prevent underage drinking. An article by The
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How to Register to Vote in PA as a Villanovan Lauren Armstrong
Co-News Editor
It comes as no surprise that there will be a presidential election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. With a multitude of important issues and legislation on the ballot, it is critical to get out and vote, no matter who you support. For the first time, Villanova students who live on campus no longer have to leave to cast their ballots, and instead can head over to the
John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to vote. Registering to vote can be confusing, especially
when trying to navigate how to fill out the form using one’s Villanova address. “Let’s Vote ‘Nova” is an on-campus organization dedicated to helping
Villanova on campus students will now vote in the Mullen Center. Brian Luppy/Villanovan Photography
the Villanova community stay educated about voter rights and how to make sure one’s voice is heard every election day. Hally Ammons, Villanova’s Assistant Director for Government and Community Relations, works extremely closely with “Let’s Vote ‘Nova,” in order to help inspire students, faculty and the Villanova community to go out and cast their ballot. “Young people have a tremendous amount of power Continued on p. 6
Is PA the Most Important State in the Election? p. 3
Sexual Assault Resources at Villanova p. 4
Villanova Raises Awareness for Suicide Prevention p. 5
Villanova Law School Chapel Damaged & Vandalized p. 6
Villanova Hosts Fall 2024 Career Fair p. 7
SGA Discusses Agenda for the Academic Year p. 9
Students React to New Grubhub System p. 10
Through Lines Premires at Villanova p. 15
Wildcat Watch: What You Missed Over the Summer p. 17
AD Mark Jackson Hired in Same Role by Northwestern p. 21