As a tour guide, I’ve gotten a lot of tough questions: “How’s the food here?” “Is Catholicism forced on students?” “Does it live up to the ‘VillaNoFun’ reputation?” Luckily, I’ve felt equipped to answer these with the help of my training and advice from older students who have tackled these concerns for years. However, one question that’s new for all of us has been growing more and more prevalent among prospective and current Villanovans alike: “What’s the deal with this new Cabrini campus?”
A source of ambiguity, excitement and debate, depending on who you ask, the news about Villanova’s merger with the now-defunct Cabrini University has been a hot topic since the decision was announced in June of 2023.
“We have been working with Cabrini leadership on a plan to transition Cabrini University’s operations to a close—one that would also preserve Cabrini’s legacy and mission, honoring our shared commitment to advancing Catholic higher education,” University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. said in an email to the Villanova community at the time.
After continued financial difficulties and decreasing enrollment on its end, the university decided a merger would be the best option for the Cabrini community, especially thanks to the similarities in location, Catholic mission and school values between Cabrini and Villanova.
“Initially I was surprised by the merge, as one of the things that really drew me to Villanova was the fact that the campus was walkable,” sophomore Noelle Barczak said. At the time, I could not imagine a campus where shuttles were required to go between different locations. I’m excited for all the new buildings Cabrini has to offer, but I’m still unsure about the idea of shuttling between campuses. I wish the University did a better job highlighting exactly what Cabrini will be used for, but I’m hopeful more information will be made public soon.”
Opening in the Fall of 2026, two miles from Villanova’s main campus, the Cabrini satellite campus will provide resources and much-needed space for Villanova while ensuring that the campus will continue to be used for its intended purpose. One key aspect of the Cabrini campus that will benefit Villanova students is the additional housing it will provide for sophomores and juniors.
In addition, a recent email outlined which academic departments will be headquartered on the Cabrini campus. Most notably, the Psychology and Brain Sciences Department, as well as certain communication resources, will move from Main and West Campuses at Villanova to Cabrini.
“Something that I like about our campus now is that, even when I have to take [communication] classes on West, it’s still not far of a commute,” freshman communication major Allyson Collette said. “I’m worried about how taking classes on a separate campus will impact what other classes I can take and my ability to get from one to the next on time.”
Another key point is that the shuttles students will rely on to get between campuses may be unpredictable as they travel farther distances under potentially a new company.
“I love the current shuttle system and find it really reliable,” freshman Maya Harner said. “I often have to go to West or off campus in the Bryn Mawr area, and the shuttle is very helpful to get there. I think it is great that there will be shuttles to Cabrini, though I am a little more concerned about the reliability since it is a further distance than the current on-campus shuttle’s route. It might run into more traffic than the current shuttle routes do, which would make it harder to know arrival times.”
According to recent updates from the University’s Office of Admissions, more than 900 new spots will be available for Villanovans on the Cabrini campus beginning the fall it opens. Considering much of the community’s reaction to recent housing lottery cycles, which have left rising sophomores, juniors and seniors with options they weren’t hoping for, this change could address the root of the problem: a lack of suitable spaces for each class year. After all, despite the potential inconveniences brought about by transportation issues and classes moving, housing is a big part of what defines one’s day-to-day routine in college, impacting quality of life and the college experience on the whole. Seeing whether these benefits outweigh the challenges they come with is something that only time will determine.
Echoing the hope and excitement that many Villanovans have expressed, about one aspect or another, Kathy Byrnes, VP of Student Life, made a statement:
“The opportunity at Cabrini is so exciting; it is a transformative moment in Villanova’s history,” she said. “It’s wonderful to be a part of it.”
