Dear Faculty, Administrators and Staff,

I hope you are feeling the same sense of joy and pride that filled the Prudential Center yesterday as we celebrated the Class of 2025 at our Undergraduate Commencement.

This moment capped off a series of meaningful gatherings that included the graduate hooding ceremonies last week and the Mass of Celebration and President’s Reception on Sunday. These traditions are not only milestones for our students, but they are also reflections of your work, your mentorship and your unwavering belief in what our graduates can achieve.

It was a personal honor to serve as this year’s Commencement speaker. One of the messages that I shared with our students, and that I hope will stay with them is:

 "Universities educate you. They do not give you a job; they give you the tools for reflection on universal principles that will guide you and serve you well for the rest of your life."

As our newest alumni begin their next chapter, I want to sincerely thank you for preparing them to meet the world not just with knowledge, but with purpose. Your role in shaping their Seton Hall experience is immeasurable.

We look forward to celebrating once more at the Law School Commencement on May 28. Until then, thank you for everything you do to make Seton Hall students prepared to be leaders in their professional and community lives. Grounded in intellectual rigor, ethical reflection and a commitment to serving others.

Sincerely,
Katia

Rooted in values inspired by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the next strategic plan reflects a recognition of industry trends in higher education and leans into both the strengths and the mission of our University. As announced last week, a draft of the key tenets of the strategic plan is now available. The community is invited to provide your feedback on this critical University-wide initiative, open through this Thursday, May 22.

Monday - Thursday: Starbucks – 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Pirates Express – 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Closed on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day. Exception to the schedule above:

Are you a Seton Hall faculty member, administrator or staff interested in exploring big ideas in higher education this summer? Join the Summer Reading Group by emailing Professor Martin Edwards. A few thought-provoking books will be selected, and the group will come together for engaging discussions over Microsoft Teams. Our goals are simple: to learn, grow, and build connections across departments.

Graduate Student Modules

Faculty can add new modules to Canvas to support graduate students that teach important topics for student success. These topics include Copyright and Permissions, Dissertation/Thesis Submission Checklist and How to Submit Your Thesis or Dissertation. Embed the modules directly into your Canvas course shell. Questions?  Contact Maria Barca, Lead Instruction Librarian at maria.barca@shu.edu

Explore Resources from Archives and Special Collections

Want to bring a unique perspective and depth to your research? Archives and Special Collections offers one-of-a-kind resources for students and faculty looking to elevate their research projects with unique primary resources. Our collection strengths include Seton Hall University history, Catholic studies, the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey community and political leaders, local immigrant culture and history, and materials that celebrate the diversity of human experience. We encourage you to make a research appointment to ensure dedicated time and support as you explore these resources. Email Quinn Christie at quinn.christie@shu.edu to start the conversation.

Follow the CFD blog for more upcoming events and initiatives. Suggestions for workshops, speakers, or requests for co-sponsorship of faculty-oriented events welcome!

Events

Annual CFD Writing Retreat
May 20, 21, 22, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.,
Schwartz Hall, Room 112

From the Center for Catholic Studies

Resources

Videos

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

Teaching, Learning and Technology Center (TLTC)
Visit the TLTC website for workshops, resources and faculty support.

Events

Level 1 Online Teaching Certificate
Begins May 23 (fully asynchronous)
Self-paced course for faculty to develop and enhance online teaching skills, with emphasis on course design, engagement, accessibility, and assessment. Register here.

Exploring Virtual Reality
May 28, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., (in person)
In-person workshop on using VR to enhance teaching, from live headset experiences to hands-on tools and real-world applications. Register for the workshop.

Technology Trainer Open Office Hours
Thursdays, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. through June 26
Drop in for help with Canvas, Adobe, Microsoft tools, and more. View schedule and register.

Adobe Education Institute 2025
June 9-12 (virtual)
Hands-on workshops on student engagement and instruction using Adobe Express. Registrants will receive access to recordings and can earn digital badges. Register here.

Faculty Merit Pay Process: Updated Calendar
The opening of the Faculty Merit Pay process was recently announced. The deadline to submit applications to Chairs/Deans is Monday, June 9, 2025. Please review the important documents below to assist with this process.

Staff Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland
All faculty, staff and administrators are invited to a one-day bus trip to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Emmitsburg, Maryland, on Monday, June 2 with Nicole Giglia and Father Nick Sertich. The trip includes tours of Mother Seton’s home and school, the museum, historic sites and an optional Mass in the Basilica, which is also the resting place of Seton Hall’s founder, Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley. The bus departs from the South Orange Campus at 6:30 a.m. and returns around 6:30 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Learn more and sign up.