Dear Faculty, Administrators and Staff,

I am proud to announce the 2024-25 membership of Pre-Health Advisory Committee, which is co-chaired by Ms. Chantal Vergara, director of the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC), and Daniel Brian Nichols, Ph.D., director of Pre-Health Professions and associate professor of Biology.   

This committee, consistent with those at other leading universities, provides a review of application documents and a comprehensive letter-writing service for Seton Hall students and alumni who aspire to postgraduate study in the health professions, including medical and dental school. The committee is set to review student application packages, to conduct committee interviews and to provide guidance throughout the application process. The committee will write an institutional Committee Letter of Evaluation to support and endorse eligible individuals who are applying. This multidimensional letter will tie together the applicant’s academic record and scholarly accomplishments, personal attributes, work and volunteer experiences, and their demonstrated commitment to healthcare. The letter will therefore introduce students holistically to all members of Admissions Committees and bolster their application with an official Seton Hall University committee endorsement that optimizes their application.

During the inaugural year, the pre-health committee wrote 25 letters, and all students were accepted into MD or DO schools. 

The Pre-Health Advisory Committee consists of faculty, administrators and staff to provide students with diverse perspectives.  

I would personally like to thank the entire Pre-Health Advisory Committee for their dedication to the University Mission. Their service will have a positive impact on the lives of many students, helping them achieve their goals and pursue their dreams in the healthcare field. 

Sincerely,
Erik

Friday, April 26 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Chancellor’s Suite
The University community will once again gather to receive updates and celebrate progress on the realization of its strategic plan, Harvest Our Treasures. Representatives from all three campuses will provide updates on each goal and following, attendees will be invited to participate in an interactive speed networking activity to share feedback, input and insights on the future of the University and the advancement of our Catholic mission. Learn more and register to attend.

The Office of the President and Office of the Provost invite you to this exclusive lecture, now scheduled for Thursday, April 4 at 11 a.m. in Bethany Hall. The renowned economist will offer a lecture on My Journeys in Economic Theory and autograph copies. The first 125 to register and attend will receive a complimentary copy! Learn more and register.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has expanded its services to students thanks to funding from the State of New Jersey and a partnership with Uwill, a telehealth platform. Students can access a licensed counselor through Uwill seven (7) days a week, including evenings. The services are confidential and free to all SHU students, including graduate and Law students; students just register online here. Please help us to share this valuable resource with your students.

CAPS and the Dean of Students Office/BIT are available to attend any department or faculty meeting to share more information and provide additional support.

On Thursday, April 11 at 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd (Lewis Hall), Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology will host a book signing and lecture by Jeffrey L. Morrow, Ph.D., professor of undergraduate theology on his book, Murmuring Against Moses: The Contentious History and Contested Future of Pentateuchal Studies. A light reception will follow with books available for purchase. Learn more and register.

The abstract submission deadline to present at the 28th Petersheim Academic Exposition has been extended to Friday, April 12. Faculty are encouraged to share this information with your students as well as submit their own abstracts to this annual celebration of academic excellence at Seton Hall. Visit the Petersheim website for more information.

Seton Hall Historian of American Religion Thomas Rzeznik Wins Editing Award
Associate Professor Thomas Rzeznik, a historian of American religion in the Seton Hall Department of History, focuses on institutional development and socioeconomics at work within American religious life. Since 2013, Rzeznik has served as co-editor of American Catholic Studies, the oldest, continuously published Catholic scholarly journal in the United States. In January, he was honored with the inaugural Robert F. Trisco and Nelson H. Minnich Prize by the American Catholic Historical Association (ACHA) for his exceptional editing work on the journal.

Prior to, Rzeznik appeared with colleague Margaret M. McGuiness (Professor of Religion at LaSalle University) on an episode of Zet Forward, where they discussed American Catholic life and scholarship through a historical and contemporary lens. Rzeznik and McGuiness are co-editors of The Cambridge Companion to American Catholicism (Cambridge University Press, 2021); their book offers a comprehensive overview of the inner diversity of American Catholicism, exploring Catholic influences on education, social welfare, politics and intellectual life. 

Professor David Wood Shares Framework for Political Ethics in New Book
From David Wood, Professor of Practice at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, comes Ethics of Political Commemoration: Towards a New Paradigm (Palgrave Macmillan). With 18 years of experience in promoting conflict transformation in violent settings, Wood has established the peacebuilding organization Peaceful Change initiative (2011), and the MENA program at the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (2018). Ethics of Political Commemoration reminds readers that "remembrance is often conducted with political – and even coercive – intent," and Wood (with co-author Gutbrod) share experiences and discussions from Armenia, Georgia, Ireland, Lebanon and Libya, as well as Western Europe and the United States. Wood's book is an important read for all citizens and scholars who hope to transform conflicts.

Hanover Research Funding Opportunities Recap
Hanover provided this recap of research funding opportunities that were recently announced, nationwide. These alerts are intended to provide a broad-reaching overview of the opportunities available. View the recap.

The Office of Grants Research and Strategy (OGRS) also tracks grant opportunities tailored to your interests. Here are some that may be of interest to you from the U.S. Department of Education. View more information.

Follow the CFD blog to find out about upcoming events and initiatives. We also welcome your suggestions for workshops, speakers, and other events.

Events

Faculty Retirement Group Event
Wednesday, April 3, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., UC 206

Faculty Lunch-time Meet-up
Wednesday, April 3, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Faculty Section of the Pirate Dining Room

SHU Meditates
Thursday, April 4, 12:30 - 1 p.m., in Teams

13th Annual Faculty Talent Show
Thursday, April 4, 6 - 9 p.m., UC 105/Event Lounge

Conference on Women and Gender 
Friday, April 5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Registration is required.

HerStory in Twelve Bars
Wednesday, April 10, 6 - 8 p.m., A&S 107

Faculty Lunch-time Meet-up
Thursday, April 11, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Faculty Section of the Pirate Dining Room

SHU Meditates
Thursday, April 11, 12:30 - 1 p.m., in Teams

The Judge and His Daughter: A Play Reading and Talk-Back
Monday, April 15, 7 - 9 p.m., University Center Theater

Watch Our Videos:

Have you missed a recent CFD event? If so, you can find recordings here.

Gen Z Engagement and the Future of Work
The TLTC has partnered with Renee Robinson, Ph.D., to discuss course design strategies that will motivate Gen Z students and prepare them for success after graduation. 

Adobe Academic Essentials Series
Now through May 14, join the Adobe Academic Essentials Series every Tuesday at 4 p.m. to discover how educators across disciplines are enhancing student outcomes with Adobe Creative Cloud tools. April topics include: