Dear Faculty, Administrators and Staff,

Welcome back, I hope everyone had a restful Memorial Day weekend.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Vikram N. Dayalu, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, for his dedicated service as Interim Dean of the School of Health and Medical Sciences over the past three years. During his tenure, Dean Dayalu proved to be a valued member of the University’s leadership team, guiding SHMS through an important period of transition, growth and achievement. Under his leadership, SHMS successfully navigated the reaccreditation of several academic programs, ensuring continued excellence and maintaining the high standards expected of our institution.

In addition, Dean Dayalu oversaw the graduation of the first cohort of undergraduate Interprofessional Health Sciences (IPHS) students, a significant milestone in SHMS history that reflects both his commitment to student success and his support for the School’s evolving academic vision. He also played an instrumental role in the SHMS integration into the University’s main faculty guide, helping to strengthen alignment across the institution and enhance collaboration within the broader academic community.

Beyond these accomplishments, Dean Dayalu provided steady, thoughtful leadership marked by professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to Seton Hall’s mission. His guidance helped position SHMS for continued progress and future success. We are deeply appreciative of his many contributions and the strong foundation he leaves for the years ahead.

As shared in the University announcement earlier today regarding  the appointment of the School’s new dean, Jayne Brandel, Ph.D., brings an impressive record of academic leadership, scholarship, and commitment to student success. We are excited to welcome Dean Brandel to the University community and look forward to the vision, collaboration and innovation that she will bring to SHMS in the years ahead. Additional information about Dean Brandel’s appointment can be found here.

Sincerely,
Erik

As you prepare your syllabi for the upcoming semester, consider including the following statements as sources of support for our students. Please reach out to the Dean of Students Office (deanofstudents@shu.edu) with any questions.

Disability Support Services Statement
Students who may need accommodations due to a disability are encouraged to contact Disability Support Services as early as possible to discuss available supports and the accommodation process. DSS works collaboratively with students and faculty to help ensure equal access to the academic experience. Information shared with DSS is kept confidential in accordance with university policy and applicable law.

CAPS & Uwill Statement
College can be stressful, and support is available. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides confidential mental health services and support for students. Students also have access to Uwill for free teletherapy, wellness programming, and additional mental health resources. Students are encouraged to seek support whenever needed.

The TLTC Summer 2026 Productivity Series features workshops focused on tools faculty and staff use every day, including OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, AI and Adobe Express. Sessions are designed to help participants work more efficiently, communicate more effectively and strengthen digital skills for academic and administrative work. Explore the workshop lineup and register.

Class of 2026 Valedictorian Leo Chu will begin medical school this fall at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, widely recognized as one of the top medical schools in the United States. Chu delivered a resonant commencement address, reminding students they are always a part of the Pirate family and thanking the Seton Hall community for the opportunity to “pursue greatness through unity.” Click here to read more about his journey to medical school and view the livestream to watch his valedictory address.

Walsh Gallery's Summer Exhibition Features New Acquisitions

The Walsh Gallery's summer exhibition showcases a few of the many works of art, artifacts and rare books we acquired over the past two years, largely thanks to the generosity of donors. The recent additions build on three existing collecting strengths: 19th- and 20th-century artworks, the history of the book, and the history of world religions. These objects are also rich teaching tools. They allow students to see a wide range of academic subjects—and allow us to see our own collections—“in a new light.” Bring your summer classes or on campus visitors! The exhibit is by appointment only, Monday-Thursday, 10 - 4 p.m. Contact walshgallery@shu.edu or (973) 275-2033.

Courtney Sender, M.F.A., M.T.S., receives University Research Council Award

Courtney Sender, M.F.A., M.T.S., assistant professor at the College of Arts and Sciences, received a University Research Council award in 2025 for her project titled “Ex Machina, a Novel.” The book follows a married narrator who reconnects with his high school prom date, S, receives her rejected manuscript, and then learns she dies hours later. A year afterward, he becomes her literary executor and tries to determine whether her death was accidental or intentional, even as his own reliability comes into question. Interweaving online extremist forums and Holocaust train history, the story probes obsession, memory and the uneasy boundary between careful planning and blunt accident.

Follow the CFD blog for more upcoming events and initiatives. We also welcome your suggestions for workshops and speakers, as well as requests for co-sponsorship of faculty-oriented events.

Faculty Summer Seminar - Center for Catholic Studies
May 26 - 28, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., University Center Room 206
Register here.

Faculty Summer Retreat - Center for Catholic Studies
June 11 - June 12, San Alfonso Retreat Center, Long Branch, NJ
Register here.

New Faculty Orientation
August 17 and 18 – stay tuned for more information

Faculty Opportunities

Podcast: Faculty Matters

Videos

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

Explore Emerging Technologies in the Innovation Hub 
The Innovation Hub Workshop Series offers hands-on opportunities to explore emerging technologies and build practical skills through guided, project-based learning experiences.

Microsoft Teams: Updates to Meeting Lobby and Anonymous Join Settings 
Beginning June 8, updated Microsoft Teams settings will require external participants to sign in with a recognized account or join as an approved guest user before accessing meetings. Anonymous users and dial-in participants will remain in the lobby until admitted by a meeting organizer or presenter. Review how to admit and remove participants in Teams meetings to prepare for these changes.

Catch Up on the Innovate and Educate Podcast 
Explore recent episodes of Innovate and Educate covering first-year student success, authentic assessment, career readiness, cybersecurity and other topics shaping teaching and learning in higher education. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. 

Faculty Merit Applications Due June 8
We strongly encourage all eligible faculty to apply for merit, particularly those faculty who have not yet applied. We are eager to recognize more meritorious faculty and hope this tiered structure encourages greater faculty participation, resulting in an increased number of awards this year. We will continue to enhance our means for rewarding, retaining and celebrating scholarship, teaching and service excellence at Seton Hall.

Call for Academies and Idea Hall Applications
The call for applications is now open for the Academies and Idea Hall initiatives through September 10, 2026. These programs provide seed funding to support innovative, high-impact projects that advance our academic mission and strengthen the student experience.

Consider how your ideas might benefit from these opportunities. Additional information and application details are available on the Innovation in Action page or contact Sona Patel at innovation@shu.edu if you have any questions or would like to consult about your application.