Campus Belonging & Community Committee

Featured News and Events | May 2026

In May we commemorate Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. We celebrate the histories, cultural contributions, and achievements of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States. The 2026 theme is "Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together."

South Korean Children’s Day (April 30)
Learn Hong Kong-Style Mahjong! (May 1)
OSE Presents: AAPI Heritage Month Celebration (May 4)
Holi Festival 2026 (May 9)
South Asian Student Association
Filipino League at Seton Hall [FLASH]
Pakistani Student Association
Palestinian Student Association
K-pop Club
SHU Saba
Chinese, Filipino and Korean Apostolate

May is also Haitian Heritage Month, Jewish-American Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Speech and Hearing Awareness Month, South Asian Heritage Month, Older Americans Month and Memorial Day.

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month hopes to raise awareness, fight stigma, and provide support for mental well-being. The 2026 theme is "More Good Days, Together," focusing on community connection, actionable tools and resources to foster mental wellness.

Lit for the Soul: Mental Health Week Presented by Residence Life & CAPS (May 1)
Men’s Mental Health Group Alpha Phi Alpha (May 1 & 15)
Hike and Connect (May 2)
Pet Therapy with Dare to Care (May 5)
Mindful Movements with undefeated (May 5)
Mental Health and Me (May 21)
Counseling and Psychological Services [CAPS]
Dare to Care
Uwill – Mental Health and Wellness Service
EAP - Employee Assistance Programs

Haitian Heritage Month

Haitian Heritage Month begins on May 1st to celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Haitian community.

Jewish-American Heritage Month

Jewish-American Heritage Month (JAHM) is celebrated annually throughout May to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States.

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month is observed throughout May. Its goal is to raise awareness about communication disorders, promote treatment, and improve the quality of life for millions with hearing or speech issues.

Older Americans Month

Sign up now for the last D.O.V.E’s Adopt a Grandparent visit of the semester. Volunteers will visit the residents of White House Healthcare Center in Orange and play BINGO with them for prizes!

All are welcome to participate in all programs and events.

Student Activities Board

May 13: Senior Casino Night
May 15: Senior Trip

Featured Events

Seton Hall University Blue Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, University Center, Information Desk
Show your Pirate Pride! We welcome anyone wearing SHU blue or SHU apparel on Wednesdays to say hello, take a photo, and pick up a piece of candy from the University Center Information Desk. SHU Blue Days will take place on all Wednesdays when the University is open. Be sure to rep your blue. GO PIRATES!

Learn Hong Kong-Style Mahjong!
May 1
May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month! Celebrate AAPI Month by learning Hong Kong Mahjong. Please RSVP; limited seats.

Seton Hall Theatre Presents: Company
May 1
Join us at SOPAC as Seton Hall Theatre presents Company by Sondheim and Furth!

Seton Hall Annual Spring Concert
May 4
Seton Hall University invites you to “A Celebration of Spring,” a performance featuring the University Chorus, Orchestra and Chamber Choir.

‘For All, Forever’ Campaign Town Hall
May 11
Join University Advancement for a town hall event focused on “For All, Forever: A Campaign for a Greater Seton Hall.”

Lifeguarding Certification Course
June 15
Seton Hall’s Lifeguarding Certification, delivered in partnership with the American Red Cross, combines flexible online learning with hands-on, in-person training. Ages 15 and up.

Celebrate Our Graduates

For Class of 2026 senior events check here.

For commencement undergraduate activities, graduate pinning and hooding ceremonies, and other commencement related events check here.

Memorial Day

May 25 is Memorial Day when we honor military personnel who died in service.

Campus Inclusion

May 6: Commuter Days in the Caf
May 1 - 15: The Art of East & South Asia

We are deeply concerned and saddened by the ongoing outbreaks of violence and loss of life at home and abroad. Our hearts and prayers go out to those affected.

Please take time to review our campus resources:

Spring Semester

May 4: Last Day of Classes; Last day to submit assignments to resolve Spring 2025 Incomplete grade; Online grading opens for Faculty
May 5: Reading Day
May 6-12: Final Examinations
May 7: Academic Attire (Cap and Gown) Pick-Up begins
May 19: Deadline for faculty to enter Spring ‘26 grades via Banner Self-Service

Upcoming Events

April 30: ASO Senior Send-off
April 30: Senior Send-off Muslim Student Association
April 30: Greek Showcase NPHC
May 1: P-PAC Soirée: Pre-Health and Pre-Law
May 1: Women in Leadership End of Semester Party
May 1: Brunch and Field Day with Black Student Union
May 2: St. Paul, Women and the Practice of Hospitality
May 2: Adelante End of Year Banquet
May 2: Black Men of Standard Annual Basketball Tournament
May 3:Father Lawrence Frizzell Memorial Lecture and Book Launch
May 3: Spirited Away Movie Night
May 4: WISO Day on the Green
May 4: Senior Kwaheri Ceremony
May 4: Donut Stress and Have Your Brain Blessed!
May 4: 53rd Annual Margaret C. Haley Awards
May 5: Study with the Deltas
May 5: Stillman Research Day
May 5: Rest & Refuel with RA Zahra
May 12: Materials Makeover Lab (South Orange)
May 13: CyberCX Threat Report

Please visit our University Calendar and Engage (student-focused) to learn about more events.

Dates of Note

Month of Mary: The entire month is dedicated to Mary
May 1: Joseph the Worker (Memorial)
May 14:The Ascension of the Lord (Solemnity/Holy Day of Obligation, though observed on May 17 in many US dioceses)
May 17:Seventh Sunday of Easter / Observed Ascension
May 24:Pentecost Sunday (Solemnity)
May 25:Ordinary Time resumes / Weekday Cycle 2 begins
May 31:The Most Holy Trinity (Solemnity)

Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration:
Take a break from the day and spend some time in quiet prayer with Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament.

We also acknowledge ...

May 1: Vesak (Buddha Day)
May 17: International Day Against Homophobia
May 21–23: Shavuot (Jewish)
May 26-30: Eid al-Adha (Muslim)

Community Events

South Orange Downtown & SOPAC

Maplewood Arts & Culture & SOMA

Holi Festival 2026 is a vibrant celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The “Festival of Colors” will be in Maplewood Memorial Park Amphitheater on May 9 and is co-sponsored by Seton Hall University.
AAPI Celebration & Potluck on May 17 at The Baird Gym in South orange. Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with a Potluck at The Baird Community Center in South Orange.

Newark Downtown District & NJPAC

NJPAC is celebrating Asian American Trailblazers on May 11. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the event begins at 6 p.m.

Nutley Events & Clifton Events

Haitian Heritage Month Celebrations

May 1 at 4 p.m. the Union County Flag Raising Ceremony, on the steps of the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
May 1 - 31 visit the Haitian Heritage Month Exhibit, 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth.
May 12 - 18 Is the Haitian Cultural Festival in Mercer County. A 7-day event featuring a "Cultural Explosion" with artists, vendors, and workshops.
May 18 is the Flag raising and celebration day, 4 – 8 p.m. at Raymond Wood Bauer Promenade in Linden.

Coming Soon: Summer Sessions beginning May 19; 39th Annual Many Are One Alumni Awards Gala (June 5); Alumni Reunion 2026 (June 6); Seton Hall Alumni Golf Outing 2026 (June 8)

Heritage Month Celebrations
If you are interested in helping to plan a heritage month, please see our Heritage Month Celebration webpage and contact us. Feel free to share your events with us here.

Please also join our Campus Inclusion & Community Committee and our Heritage Month celebration planning committees. Get involved or email cic@shu.edu for more information.

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