Idea Hall

About

The Idea Hall provides an opportunity for faculty, administrators, and staff across the University to propose collaborative projects with clearly defined objectives that span across multiple divisions, allowing project proposers to realize their vision. The initiative is designed to serve as a comprehensive effort aimed at fostering innovation and furthering our aspiration to enhance our university community in alignment with Goal 4 of the Harvest Our Treasures Strategic Plan, which aims to improve, enrich and cultivate cross-divisional partnerships.

---

2023 - 24 Idea Hall Projects

We are pleased to announce the projects that were selected for support:

Pirate Watch Parties Student Services, Athletics, Information Technology Winston Roberts, Office of Student Engagement; Alyssa Beyer, Office of Student Engagement; Monica Burnette, Student Services; Thomas Chen, Athletics; Bryan Felt, Athletics; Paul Fisher, Information Technology; Ghana Hylton, Student Services; Eva Rosmaninho, TLTC/Media Services; Alison Sotolongo, Office of Student Engagement; Mary K Walch, Athletics Pirate Watch Parties will showcase televised games in the University Center's Starbucks lounge, providing a platform for students to bond, boost Pirate Pride, and engage commuter students. Each party anticipates drawing 75-100 attendees, offering light refreshments. Promotion will occur across various channels, ensuring broad awareness and participation in these events.

Food Matters University Relations, Academic Affairs, UG Student Representatives, Gourmet Dining, Environmental Sustainability Committee Linda Karten, PR & Marketing;  Judith Stark, College of Arts and Sciences; Shayne Simmons '24, UG Student; Aditya Kasina '25, UG Student; University Committee for Environmental Sustainability This project addresses our shared concerns for the health of our planet. Our goal is to help the Seton Hall community reduce food waste in all of our dining programs and venues.  It collaborates with stakeholders, educating them on waste impact and promoting mindful consumption. This innovative project reflects our Catholic Mission; it will provide tangible ways of responding to Pope Francis's call, in Laudato Si', to live out our faith by caring for our common home.

Pirate Pathway Jump Start Program Student Services and Academic Affairs Brittany Gogates, Center for Academic Success; Joshua Dornbos, Center for Academic Success; Nicole Paternoster, Academic resource Center; Kelly Shea, College of Arts and Sciences; James Daniel, College of Arts and Sciences The Pirate Pathway Jump Start Program targets students placed in developmental English, providing vital support for their writing-intensive courses. This 4-day summer bridge initiative integrates workshops, tutoring, and academic coaching to enhance college-level writing and academic performance while fostering community. Continued academic coaching and tutoring into the fall semester offer ongoing support. Research underscores the effectiveness of such programs for at-risk students, striving to boost academic performance and seamless integration into college life.

Exploration Program: Guiding Undecided Students on their Academic Journey Student Services Lisa Healey, Center for Academic Success; Joshua Dornbos, Center for Academic Success; Jorge Rivera, Career center; Justin Krass, Career Center The Exploration Program aims to support undecided students in identifying a career path and major aligned with their interests and values. Phase One involves organizing two events: a major exploration fair and declare your major day. These events will connect students with representatives from different departments to discuss programs, career prospects, and opportunities. The major exploration fair fosters an inclusive environment for students to explore interests, while declare your major day celebrates students' decisions with immediate approval from department chairs or deans.

Mind, Heart, & Spirit: Enriching Graduate Student Experience, Retention, and Progression for SHMS & CON Academic Affairs and Student Services Patrick McDermott, School of Health and Medical Sciences; Gabriele Zengewald, College of Nursing; Christine M. Yarwood, Office of Graduate Affairs; Christopher Hanifin, School of Health and Medical Sciences; Nicole Paternoster, Academic Resources Center; Lorraine Gardner, Office of Student Engagement This Idea Hall aims to enhance graduate retention by improving support services and programming tailored to graduate students' unique needs, focusing on the health sciences programs. It proposes a three-fold approach: Mind, Heart, & Spirit. Mind involves providing additional academic support, particularly in challenging courses, through peer-to-peer tutoring. Heart emphasizes servant leadership and alumni engagement, fostering professional development through service-based learning. Spirit entails addressing food insecurity by establishing a food pantry to support students' well-being and academic focus.

Newark Cultural and Career Integration Initiative (NCCII) Gateway Center and University Relations Jamilah Savage, Gateway Center; Andrew Misura, PR and Marketing; Kristy Gonzalez, Office of VP of Administration The NCCII aims to foster a vibrant connection between Seton Hall students, including international students, and the Newark community. This initiative leverages the Gateway Center for student retention, professional development, community engagement, and support of the University's Catholic mission. A key part of the initiative to broaden the value scope of the Gateway Center in a meaningful way for the University is a program focused on student housing assistance in Newark.

STEM Undergraduate Success Initiative III Academic Affairs and Student Services Jonathan Farina, College of Arts and Sciences; Marianne Lloyd, College of Arts and Sciences; John Saccoman, College of Arts and Sciences; Jessica Cottrell, College of Arts and Sciences; College of Arts and Sciences; Joshua Dornbos, Center for Academic Success; Nicole Paternoster, Center for Academic Success; Chantal Vergara. Pre-Professional Advising Center STEM Undergraduate Initiative III aims to address shortcomings in student academic preparedness and improve retention, focusing on foundational STEM courses.  The initiative suggests funding SKIL courses which provide targeted support in test preparation, active learning skills, and time management. Taught by representatives from various academic support centers, these courses aim to enhance student success and bridge learning gaps.

---