Move-In Day(s) at Seton Hall  

For new Pirates and old, the University is excited to welcome students home to the Hall. 

Residence halls are decorated and bulletin boards filled with events, reminders and greetings for this, our 165th year at Seton Hall. 

And although the Move-In Day tradition continues, modifications have been made in the interest of safety and compliance with state and CDC guidelines. 

"In order to help better ensure the health and safety of our students, families, staff and faculty we've made a number of changes to the move in process, housing protocols and student engagement on campus," said Josh Reda, assistant director of programming and student development within the office of  Housing & Residence Life. "Our office has worked almost around the clock with University partners over the summer to design a return to campus filled with events, orientations, club activities and extracurriculars to welcome and engage our students – including a "First 56 Days"  and "Weeks of Welcome" schedule that seizes every opportunity to connect."

Events from the first two weeks alone include the New Student Convocation, Blue Day, a Virtual Magic Show with Minder Reader Eric Dittelman, a Virtual Escape Room: Bank Vault Escape, Free Flick Fridays, Playfair: The Ultimate Icebreaker, Playlist Bingo, Music Under the Stars, Hall Hangouts, hosted by clubs and organizations throughout the University, two SGA Town Halls, multiple interest sessions for student government and the Involvement Fair Week, where the Office of Student Engagement is working with 130+ student organizations to celebrate, inform, and connect you to an organization that fits your passions and goals as a student.

Likewise, the First 56 Days include events such as Transfer Q&A Night, Trivia Night, numerous DOVE events on Service, Humor, Wellness, Social Justice, Diversity, Inclusion, Toy Drives, Humor in Service and International Missions. There's also Career Center Night, a Transfer Student Resources Workshop as well as a Transfer Student Social, A Night of Faith, Jeopardy!, Relay for Life, the SGA's  "Involvement in Student Government and How to Leave a Mark on the University," and "Dyevirsitiees on the Green," What's Around Downtown, Mr. Clean and "Stressed is Dessert Spelled Backwards." 

"I know I'm personally, excited to see students back on campus again!" said Colleen Dallavalle, Associate Dean of Student Engagement. "The campus comes alive when there are students on the Green connecting with one another, visiting Dunkin Donuts or the Pirates Cove, bustling through the University Center, or enjoying some quiet prayer or meditation at the University Chapel. Our time apart has made us really cherish one another, our community, and the opportunity to be back on our campus – we're ready for another amazing year with our new and returning Pirates!"

Day(s)
The traditional two day Move-In Day celebration will now take place over a week-long period from August 16th to August 20th for new students and on the 19th - 23rd for returning students to help with physical distancing and to keep in line with state and CDC guidelines. Drop off parking and key pick up will also be governed by physical distancing and there will be a limited number of students moving into the residence halls through the staggered arrival process. 

The Pledge
Students and their families are expected to abide by the Seton Hall Pledge during move-in, practicing physical distancing, wearing masks and adhering to other tenets of the pledge.

All front desks in residence halls have had plexiglass barriers set up and housekeeping crews will be working to frequently sanitize all common bathrooms and high touch surfaces during move-in and throughout the semester. 

Open
The Library and computer labs are open as are the dining facilities, Pirates Cove, The University Center and University offices. On campus activities and clubs are permitted and even encouraged but will be guided by the Pledge and New Jersey Governor Murphy's current limitations on indoor gatherings of no more than 25 people or 25 percent room occupancy. 

"Campus traditions and signature programs will continue during this time and be re-imagined so that regardless of your location, you can participate," said Dallavalle.  "Our Weeks of Welcome" will encompass virtual and in-person programming and will feature new events like a Drive-In Movie, streaming events on the University Green, and Make-And-Take kits where students can let their creativity shine working together, at home, or in their rooms!"

More events are being added every day, and can be found here and here.

"Because of the guidelines and the Pledge, we've also worked to retool events and activities in order to maintain compliance but offer a full slate of student programming," said Julia Nicolls SGA president. "By utilizing outdoor spaces and large interior spaces normally designed to accommodate masses of people, we will be able to bring many of the hallmarks of on campus life back into the lives of our students. And for programming that can't fit the space or the guidelines, almost all of campus was wired for virtual simulcast over the summer."

For those about to embark on their first Pirate Journey, we looking forward to seeing you at our virtual New Student Convocation.  

Categories: Campus Life, Education