Welcome from the Vice President

June 2021 Message from the Vice President of Student Services

Portrait Photo of Shawna Cooper-Gibson Dear Seton Hall Families,

We are so excited at all the plans summer will bring. As we bring our Strategic Plan into focus, we continue to improve on our beautiful grounds by updating our Stillman Trade Room, our dorms, and our flagship University Center. We are also fine-tuning our Schools and Colleges and gearing up for what promised to be a robust 2021-2022 academic year.

The Heart Mind and Spirit

Be sure students enjoy some summer! This year has been a particularly hard one, and whatever their goals be it working or studying, rest should be a priority as well.
There are proven benefits to mindfulness, meditation, prayer and reflection. We have self-help tools, mental health resources and Health & Wellness Resources help students gain perspective.
Students should continue to be of service in their communities, as giving back and paying it forward are also part of an overall sense of good health. Dove and other volunteer opportunities await students and alum alike.
If your student is local The Recreation Center will be open all summer long. Anyone can make a reservation on the PirateNet portal by clicking the Regan Center Reservations chicklet.
Fun is also on the summer menu. South Orange Summer Nights Kicks Off with the Art in the Park Series brought to us by the South Orange Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs and South Orange Performing Arts Center. Learn More here.

Don't forget about our comprehensive summer sessions! If students need to catch up on credits, fulfill pre-requisites or just explore a new interest, Seton Hall has a great mix of summer courses.

If your student plans to attend Seton Hall for graduate school you'll want to pass this great news on. To help graduates realize their dream of continuing their studies, the University has pledged $250,000 in scholarships for recent graduates and alumni planning to pursue a graduate-level education. Check here for eligibility and how to apply.

Please be safe and engage in a little self-care, Pirate families! We will see you sooner than you realize.

All the best,

Shawna Cooper-Gibson, Ed.D.
Vice President of Student Services
Seton Hall University
Bishop Dougherty University Center| Room 232
400 South Orange Avenue| South Orange, NJ 07079
P: 973.761.9075| F: 973.761.9797| E: [email protected]

April 2021 Message from the Vice President of Student Services

Dear Seton Hall Families,

For some of you it is close to the end of a long journey, while for others it is just the beginning. We know it has been a challenging year. We applaud our students, parents, guardians, faculty and staff for making it through and giving their all in such an unusual point in time. We are not done yet however! Fun, finals and festivities fill the May calendar.

There are still many learning opportunities for students available!

On April 29 at 5:00 pm, discover the benefits of Peace Corps service from returned volunteers at a panel discussion: First Generation College Students & First-Gen Americans in Peace Corps. Register here.
We have a discussion on cultural identity at Living, Learning, and Laughing by the Chopsticks-Fork Principle with author Cathy Bao Bean on April 30 at 1:00 pm.
On May 3 at 12:30 students can attend Dateline: South Orange hosted by Bob Ley ’76 and Comm Arts Professional-In-Residence B.J. Schecter as part of the Sports Media Speaker Series.
If your student is looking to register for classes this summer, they may qualify for financial aid to continue their education! On May 12 at 1:30-2:30 p.m., current Graduate Students can join the Financial Aid Office for this important session that will walk you through the options for using Financial Aid in the Summer.

We continue to explore diversity in innovative ways. Diversity is not just about notable cultural achievements but also staying informed and expanding our understanding of other cultures, religions, history and traditions. We welcome students to fill out this form if they are interested in sharing DEI events, initiatives and ideas.

Students in the residence halls are encourages during the month of May to Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. All students can participate in an AAPI Heritage Lecture by Dr. Cindy I-fen Cheng, our Yī Qǐ KickOff Event, a Campus Ministry Luau, Crazy Rich Asians Movie Night and Anti-Asian Racism Training.
May is also Jewish American Heritage Month and Better Hearing & Speech Month.
The Catholic Studies Program is proud to induct Seton Hall University students to Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society on April 29 at 5 p.m.

Whole-Student Self-Care will always be a priority at Seton Hall. We are thrilled to offer Yoga on the Green and other fun events including a Picnic on the Green with games, Campus Ministry's Hike & Spirituality, SAB Coffeehouse: Just Dance and SAB Presents A Virtual Conversation with B.J. Novak from The Office.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Students can find mental health resources here provided by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
KNOW MORE provides important education around sexual violence prevention, alcohol & other drugs, and bystander intervention through creative outreach programs and campaigns. Seton Hall University works to create a campus environment that eliminates sexual harassment, prevents its reoccurrence and addresses the effects it can have on the campus community.
Counseling and Psychological Services is available to all students for group and individual counseling and therapy. We also offer resources students can use when Helping a Friend in Need.

Our focus on career planning is a never ending goal.

Students can join SHE Can Professional Women's Leadership Panel on April 29 at 7:00 pm for an insightful and empowering discussion hosted by three professional female leaders.
Diplomacy Graduate Programs Webinar give a comprehensive overview of graduate programs and opportunities at Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations on Thursday, May 20 at 12 noon
Students can discover how a Nursing Ph.D. degree prepares nurse scholars to advance the theoretical foundations of nursing practice, education and healthcare delivery. May 20 at 5pm.

There is truly something for every student here at Seton Hall. Please encourage them to explore our many Student Organizations and Complete our Involvement Calculator to see what might interest them. It’s never too late to get more involved and take advantage of all there is to explore during their college experience.

All the best,

March 2021 Message from the Vice President of Student Services

Dear Seton Hall Families,

The word ally is defined as "to combine or unite a resource or commodity with another for mutual benefit." History shows us examples of powerful allyship including America's involvement in World War II, men who supported women's suffrage, Asian-Americans in solidarity with African-Americans during the Civil Rights movement, and our own Elizabeth Ann Seton, who was an ally for immigrants and the less fortunate. We encourage our students to be servant leaders and every-day allies to oppressed and marginalized individuals and groups, and to stand up for each other.

We also continue to show our solidarity with the Asian Community to condemn the increased xenophobia and bigotry resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning and bullying against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders will not be tolerated at Seton Hall. We are holding events and reflections in support of our community members. Our Strategic Plan, Harvest Our Treasures emphasizes our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of university life.

Spring is finally here! As the weather continues to warm up, our offerings for student engagement continue to increase.

March 24 starts the Student Government Association's three-day event Taste of the West Indies. The event highlights different Caribbean cultures and customs while holding a fundraiser for ProTecho for natural disaster relief.
Praised writer and visual artist, Jacqueline Bishop (NYU), presents her work at a virtual event from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on March 24.
There is virtual Coffee with Howard Behar, former president of Starbucks International on March 25 at 4 p.m.
Students can join in o the Transfer Social on March 26 at 7 p.m.
Continuing our Women's History Month celebration, The Second Mother (2015, Brazil) will be offered for viewing through the Diversity Film Series on March 26 at 4:30 p.m. followed by a discussion led by Dr. Vanessa May, Assoc. Prof of History, and Dr. Kirsten Schultz, Assoc. Prof of History
On March 29 at 5 p.m., the Institute for Communication and Religion and the Center for Catholic Studies will host Spiritual Dimensions Music: Meaning, Interpretation and Culture.
We are looking forward to the N.J. Interfaith Student Summit on Friday, April 9.

The Career Center has a great opportunity for students. The Big East Career Center Consortium will provide Professional Development Awards to four Seton Hall students to help them achieve their career goals. Applicants will be asked to talk about what they've done so far to further their own professional development, like internships, student organization leadership activities, volunteer activities, or other accomplishments. All current Seton Hall University students are eligible. To get the application link, students need to email [email protected], with "Big East Professional Development Award" in the subject line. The application deadline is noon on Wednesday, March 31st.

Graduating students should follow the Senior Events Page for commencement dates and senior activities. They also receive emails about any updates. The Academic Calendar as well as the Holiday Schedule will help families and students alike plan their schedules. Any activities planned will follow current NJ State Covid-19 guidelines. We continue to stay Seton Hall strong and follow the Seton Hall Pledge every day.

I hope you can join me on March 25 at 4 p.m. for Charter Day, when we celebrate the founding of Seton Hall in 1856 and the granting of our charter by the New Jersey State Legislature in 1861. It is a special annual opportunity to reflect on our history and purpose, remember our Catholic identity and mission, and celebrate our 2021 Award Recipients.

Our Suggestion Box is always available to share your ideas, concerns, and experiences. We wish you a blessed Passover, Laylat al-Bara’ah, Holi and Palm Sunday to those who celebrate.

All the best,

February 2021 Message from the Vice President of Student Services

Dear Seton Hall Families,

Our Strategic Plan, Harvest Our Treasures, has been shared to the community, and I'm personally excited to see it come to fruition. Additionally, the hub of our campus, the University Center will receive a top-to-bottom renovation culminating in leading-edge social, learning and student life spaces. We are excited about what's to come and we thank you for trusting your student to come along on the journey.

We are almost into the 5th week of the semester. There are so many resources to help students stay on track and get academic help.

Events such as Take Digital Notes with Microsoft OneNote 365 or learn Microsoft Excel 365 Tips & Tricks are available through TLTC.
We invite our students to learn more about our Resilience, Integrity, Scholarship, and Excellence (RISE) program designed for eligible students to receive academic, professional, and social support, including tutoring, mentoring, and coaching; personal, financial, and career counseling and life planning. Students can apply here.
Students can find out more about tutoring resources with the Academic Resource Center.
Congratulations to everyone on the Fall 2020 Dean's list.

We continue to make Health and Wellness a focus for our student community in mind, heart and spirit.

We're proud that overall students are taking the Seton Hall Pledge and testing seriously. We will continue to keep the community updated through the HICT page.
Events like Healthy Eating Habits, Wellness through Meditation, and even Pop of Color Wellness Kits and Plant Parties are being offered.
Students can make a reservation for the Regan Center and use the Fitness Center or take a spin class.
We encourage students to cultivate healthy relationships and shared with them this list of 10 Healthy signs to learn how to love better from our important KNOW MORE program.
Content like "What's Up Doc?", a CAPS online video Q&A forum are available for questions regarding mental health and wellness issues can be answered.
DOVE is continuing to serve our community in safe and fun ways weekly. Follow their weekly programs to find out how to get involved.
And it isn't too late to get a flu shot through Health Services by contacting the office at (973) 761-9175. We encourage students to learn more about protecting themselves from the flu.

For those parents with seniors May 2021 doesn't seem too far away.

The Class of 2020 commencement dates have been shared with students and 2021 dates will be announced soon. Students should check their emails so they can sign up for all things senior including class rings and senior portraits.
Our Senior Events Page has lots of information in one place. Seton Hall University like other campuses must keep our plans flexible as NJ updates their COVID-19 Event Protocols often, so that we can remain compliant.
Students can join the Student Alumni Association for their spring semester Alumni Mentoring Series: Launching Your Career. Each session will feature a member of our Alumni Board of Directors, and will cover a specific topic, or industry, they are an expert in.
It's also a great idea for families to keep handy the Academic Calendar as well as the Holiday Schedule since time off is a little different this academic year.

Our student engagement continues on happen on multiple levels- educational, inspirational and just plain fun:

We're continuing our Black History Month celebrations; this years' theme was The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. We spoke to students and staff alike on the topic "I Am Black History" and captured their responses in video.
We celebrated the Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day with on-campus opportunities and virtual events.
The arts are always celebrated with Poetry-in-the-Round, book readings by authors, Calligraphy and students being invited to a singing audition for the musical Edges.
Of course eSports, golf, volleyball, soccer and other athletics are available to feed their Pirate spirit.
We look forward to a robust Women's History Month in March.

Please continue to use our Suggestion Box to share your ideas, concerns, and experiences. We wish you a blessed Lenten season.

With gratitude,

November 2020 Message from the Vice President of Student Services

Dear Seton Hall Families,

I hope this note finds you well as we look forward to the upcoming holiday season. It is a season I love deeply, filled with gratitude and reflection. I am counting all of my many blessings!

As shared in Dr. Nyre's message last week, Seton Hall announced that all three campuses pivoted to all-remote teaching and learning beginning on Thursday, November 12. As cases continue to rise in our area and across the nation, our students' and community's health and safety are paramount. We will continue to keep you updated through the HICT page.

Students living on or near campus are strongly encouraged to get tested by Health Services before returning home. Residence halls close for the semester on Wednesday, November 25, at 10 a.m. Current residents have already received an email from Housing and Resident Life with a comprehensive moving-out checklist and information. We realize that students will need to make travel arrangements to return home. We recommend all students, including those who test negative for the virus, should quarantine for 14 days upon returning home as an additional precaution, especially if there are vulnerable or high-risk individuals in your home.

Finals will be held remotely, and the Academic Resource Center is available for free tutoring in over 70 subjects. Resources like the Writing Center, the Math Learning Lab, and Academic Support Services for Student-athletes are also available to your student. There are some excellent tips to Adjust Study Habits During Covid-19 as well as Study Tools.

Campus remains open and University services will continue to be provided under the reduced-density work environment in effect since August. Student engagement activities, including Christmas at the Hall, will be held virtually. Other activities, like the ones listed below, can also be found on our University Calendar.

Students can attend the 20th Annual Diversity Issues in Higher Education Conference for free. This online conference will feature dynamic speakers and breakout sessions tackling the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion and providing pathways towards more just and inclusive institutions. The next session is Friday, November 20, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The SHU Reads! Selection Committee invites students to include their nominations for the next first-year text. They can submit their nominations by November 20.

Creative expression and virtual fun continue to thrive at Seton Hall. Poetry-in-the-Round will host poet Elif Batuman on November 17 at 7 p.m.; SAB Trivia Tuesdays: Ultimate Trivia happens November 17 at 8 p.m., SHU Meditates takes place November 18 at 12:30 p.m., The Arts Council Presents "Jazz Vocalists" and A Night of Italian Opera Arias on November 19.

This year we are excited to also offer a Winter Session as noted in the Academic Calendar. Spring 2021 classes will begin on January 27 and end May 11.

We wish you a healthy and safe holiday season. Please continue to use our Suggestion Box to share your ideas, concerns, and experiences.

With gratitude,

October 2020 Message from the Vice President of Student Services

Dear Seton Hall Families,

Can you believe there are only five more weeks left in the semester? Time truly flies by, and your students have hit their stride. Student Services continues to assist students in navigating the terrain outside of the classroom. We have shared so much information with your students! Here is a sampling---

Students received emails about senior portraits are taking place. They began Monday, October 19 and continue through Friday, October 23 in the Boland Hall cellar classroom, Room 34. Students can sign up for portraits at www.ouryear.com using code 223.

All residence halls will close for the semester on Wednesday, November 25 at 10 a.m. Current residents have already received an email from Housing and Resident Life with a comprehensive moving-out checklist and information beforehand. The revised Spring 2021 Academic Calendar was also released. Classes will begin on January 27 and end May 11, and there will be no spring break this year.

Student Services implemented a Remote Learning Rooms program that is thriving. If your student needs a quiet place to study, they can reserve a room or desk. If they need help with coursework, the Academic Resource Center is available free tutoring in over 70 subjects. They work together with the Writing Center and the Math Learning Lab and the Tutors in Residence program. We also offer Academic Support Services for Student-athletes. We shared some great tips to Adjust Study Habits During Covid-19 as well as some Study Tools.

In addition to academic support, we are invested in the overall well-being of students. We have held wellness and de-stressing events like therapy dogs, poetry reading and nature hikes. If your student missed the scheduled flu shots, they can still reach out to Health Services at (973) 761-9175 to set an appointment. If they need to talk, CAPS appointments can be made by calling (973) 761-9500.

Lastly, we know engagement is an important part of a students' experience here at Seton Hall. There are many upcoming opportunities for students to participate in, like our recent Pumpkin Painting on The Green, our Coffee House performances and our movie nights, all in-person and socially distant. There are so many Student Organizations to explore and a handy Involvement Calculator to help students figure out what they might be interested in. A full list of events is always listed on the Seton Hall University Calendar.

I hope you bring your favorite morning beverage and join me virtually during Seton Hall Week for my next Coffee and Conversation on Friday October 23 at 8 a.m. And if you can't make it, please feel free to use our Suggestion Box to share any ideas and concerns you may have. We continue to be here for you, virtually and beyond.

Warmly,

Shawna Cooper-Gibson, Ed.D.
Vice President of Student Services
Seton Hall University
Bishop Ed.D. University Center| Room 232
400 South Orange Avenue| South Orange, NJ 07079
Dougherty: 973.761.9075| P: 973.761.9797| E:[email protected]

September 2020 Message from the Vice President of Student Services

Greetings from Student Services!

I'm so excited to welcome you to the Seton Hall Family. This year has been one like no other, and we are ready to see our students on campus or remotely for the start of the 2020-2021 academic year.

The health and safety of our entire Seton Hall community remain paramount. We ask you to take a few minutes to review our Seton Hall Pledge, which is our shared responsibility that encourages our community members to take care of themselves, others, and the community. As students return to campus, Student Services is committed to providing a supportive and engaging student experience. I'd like to take this opportunity to share with you a little about me, our Division, and what our students can expect this fall semester.

Originally from Illinois, I joined the Seton Hall family in September of 2019. I earned my doctoral degree in education from Boston University, my Master of Education degree from National Louis University, and my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois. Prior to Seton Hall, I served as the Assistant Provost at Loyola University Chicago. As a mother of a college student, I understand your mixed feelings of pride and nervousness. My hope is that your students’ college experience is rich, focused, diverse, and engaging.

Our Division of Student Services encompasses five main areas:

Academic Success (Academic Resource Center, Academic Support for Student-Athletes, Career Center, and First-year Advising)
Campus Inclusion & Community (Educational Opportunity Program, Pre-Med/ Pre-Dent Plus Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound)
Engagement & Central Administration (Business Affairs, Information Systems, ROTC, and Student Life & Engagement)
Public Safety & Security (Campus I.D., Parking, and Public Safety & Security)
Wellness & Student Support (Counseling & Psychological Services, Dean of Students, Disability Support Services, Health Services, and Housing & Residence Life)

Our Division strives for our students to flourish in heart, mind, and spirit. Our goal is to provide students with opportunities to remain academically and socially engaged. Although their involvement may look different this fall, there are plenty of ways students can participate virtually or in-person. Student Life includes our Student Activities Board, Student Government Association, and Student Organizations. Students in need of additional support can also contact the Academic Resource Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, and many other Student Resources.

We look forward to partnering with you on this journey, and thank you for your continued trust and patience. Please continue to review the Planning for Fall 2020 website and our FAQ page. Feel free to use our Suggestion Box to share any ideas and concerns you may have. We are here for you, virtually and beyond.

Go Pirates!