Graduate at a Glance

Dear Graduate Students,

Welcome back as we kick off another semester. I hope your holiday break brought you plenty of rest and joy. On behalf of the Graduate Affairs team, I’m wishing you a wonderful start to the new year — one filled with good health and renewed energy.

A new semester often inspires reflection and fresh goals. Many of your experiences at Seton Hall have been shaped by the ambitions you’ve set, and we’re grateful to walk alongside you as you continue building toward them.

Strengthening our connection with graduate students remains a priority for our office. This monthly newsletter is one of the ways we aim to keep you informed and engaged. Each issue highlights important updates, opportunities and the impressive work happening across our graduate community, so be sure to give it a read.

We’re also looking forward to honoring our graduate students during the third annual Graduate Student Appreciation Week, happening April 13-17. This national celebration recognizes the impact graduate students make on campuses across the country. In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find an early look at Seton Hall’s planned events, with a full schedule coming next month. Make sure to save the dates.

Sincerely,
Christopher Cuccia, Ed.D.
Associate Provost for Academic and Graduate Affairs

Table of Contents

Curious about where your graduate training can take you next? Join the Career Center and the Office of Graduate Affairs for an energizing panel discussion crafted for emerging health professionals. The event takes place on February 3 at 5:30 p.m. on the IHS Campus.

You’ll hear directly from recent alumni and experienced practitioners across Nursing, PA, PT, OT, SLP, MHA, and AT programs as they reflect on their transitions from graduate school to professional practice.

Learn more and register today.

Get ready for an exciting new addition to the Spring 2026 semester. The Graduate Student Virtual Lunch and Learn Series is officially launching, bringing fresh energy and valuable insights straight to your midday routine.

Every other Wednesday from February 11 through April 22, you’ll have the chance to log in, grab your lunch and connect with campus experts who are eager to support your growth. Each session is designed to fuel your academic momentum, spotlight essential resources, and keep you moving confidently toward your goals.

A new semester, a new series, and plenty to look forward to.

February Sessions: 

Click here to Learn more for information on the entire series.

Loving your graduate journey? Spread the word and encourage a friend to explore what Seton Hall’s graduate programs have to offer.

At our Graduate Open House on Saturday, February 21 at 12 p.m., prospective students can learn about Seton Hall’s wide range of career‑shaping graduate degrees and certificate options. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to see how a Seton Hall education can elevate their future.

Seton Hall University is strengthening support to make graduate education more accessible and affordable. Through initiatives like the Graduate Merit Scholarship, which can reduce tuition up to 50%, graduate students are given meaningful financial support without a separate application process. The University also offers graduate assistantships that combine tuition remission with real-world experience, endowed scholarships tied to specific programs and corporate partnership tuition discounts. Personalized financial planning through the Offices of Financial Aid and Graduate Affairs helps students combine resources — scholarships, assistantships, loans and more—to fund their graduate studies confidently. Seton Hall aims to ensure cost doesn’t stand in the way of academic and professional aspirations.

Last chance to reserve your tickets — for the Graduate Student Day at the Seton Hall Women’s Basketball game against St. Johns in the Walsh Gymnasium.

The game will begin at 1 p.m. (doors open at noon). Join us for a pre-game tip-off reception with light refreshments, beginning at 11 a.m. 

Current graduate students can request up to two free tickets to the event. Tickets are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Request tickets now!

Join us from April 13-17, 2026, for a week packed with opportunities to connect, network and celebrate the vital role you play in our community. This year's Graduate Student Appreciation Week is organized by the Office of Graduate Affairs in collaboration with Student Services, and it promises a variety of events and activities for you to enjoy.

Some of what you can expect:

Whether you’re a regular on campus or not, this is a fantastic chance to engage with your graduate student community, gather valuable information and simply have a great time. Mark your calendar and don't miss out! More information to follow.

Seton Hall University offers professional development programs and courses for — some at no cost to matriculated graduate students!

Spring 2026: 

*These courses are designated as part of Seton Hall's Hall-mark Graduate Certificate Program. Current Seton Hall matriculated graduate students can register at no cost. To waive the course fee, select "Seton Hall Graduate Student" under Enrollment Options at checkout. Upon successful course completion, you will receive a digital badge, along with a digital certificate that you can share on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Learn more about other professional development programs offered at Seton Hall.

Transformational Student Experience
Your Seton Hall experience should help you grow in every way: academically, personally and professionally. Strategic Priority #1 of the University’s Strategic Plan aims to strengthen that journey, from learning in the classroom to preparing for life after graduation. See how this priority supports what matters most — your student experience.

Interdisciplinary Simulation Builds Clinical Confidence
Nurse practitioner and physician assistant students participated in interdisciplinary neurology simulations at Seton Hall’s Interprofessional Health Sciences campus. The hands-on experience strengthened professional skills and teamwork prior to clinical rotations.Learn more about this great graduate student experience here!

Dean’s Speaker Series Highlights Nursing Science
Join us on Thursday, February 5 at 5 p.m. for an enlightening evening with Seton Hall alumna and nationally recognized nurse scientist Kathleen Evanovich Zavotsky of NYU Langone Health. Reserve your spot here.

United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program (June 8-12) – Applications due April 1
The United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program will be offered by the School of Diplomacy from Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12. Designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this unique program immerses participants in the political dynamics of the United Nations. Interested students should contact course instructor, Dean Courtney Smith, at courtney.smith@shu.edu or (973) 313-6203.

Innovate, Collaborate and Solve Real-World Challenges — Seton Hall's 24-Hour Hackathon
Seton Hall's Hackathon will take place March 21-22, 2026. Are you ready to put your problem-solving skills to the test? Join fellow Seton Hall students for an exciting 24-hour Hackathon, welcoming all kinds of projects, from software to hardware prototypes to business proposals to social impact initiatives. The event is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, click here for more information and registration.

Grant Expands Nurse Practitioner Training in Newark
A new grant expands clinical placement opportunities for students in Seton Hall’s M.S. in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Through hands-on training with experienced clinicians, students will help support mental health care access for the Newark community. Read more

Learn About SPLASH
The School Psychology Leadership Association of Seton Hall (SPLASH) represents the interests of graduate school psychology students and aims to heighten the awareness of and advocate for issues relevant to the professional field of school psychology. SPLASH Members are a part of the M.A./Ed.S. in School Psychology program and students are automatically enrolled their first year. SPLASH serves as an avenue for students to collaborate with faculty, other candidates and professionals in the field. Feel free to reach out to SPLASH at splash.shu@gmail.com for more information.

Student Spotlight

Jared Adams, '28

Program: Ed.D. program in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy

Adams was recently elected to the Orange Board of Education.  As a community advocate, mentor, and lifelong resident, Adams is motivated to advance access, equity, and opportunity across the district. In his new role, he aims to prioritize college and career readiness, improve resource allocation, and strengthen collaboration between the district, families, and community partners so every student feels supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

Faculty Spotlight

Jennifer McCarthy, MAS, NRP, CHSE-A, FSSH

Director of Clinical Simulation
School of Health and Medical Sciences

Grounded in more than 35 years as a paramedic, Jennifer McCarthy designs simulation experiences that push graduate students beyond technical skills. Her work blends advanced technology with communication and compassion to prepare students for real-world clinical practice.

Read more. 

What's Happening This Month

 Consider current grad student events:

For all Graduate Program Webinar information and dates, please refer to this page.

Career Corner

Welcome back! The start of the semester is the perfect time to prepare for upcoming career and networking events. Set yourself up for success by taking these three steps:

If you have any questions, please contact The Career Center at tccpirates@shu.edu or set up an appointment with your career advisor through Compass.

News From the Library

Check out these helpful VIRTUAL Walsh Workshops at University Libraries

@SetonHall_GradStudent 

Office of Graduate Affairs
Schwartz Hall 2nd Floor
Graduate Student Engagement Website
shugrad@shu.edu

The Graduate Affairs Team is located in Schwartz Hall on the 2nd Floor. Feel free to drop in! 

We are located with other teams from Academic Affairs including the Pre-Professional Advising Center, the Buccino Leadership Institute, and the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies.