Dear Faculty, Administrators and Staff,

Tomorrow begins Move-In Day for our newest undergraduate students, the Class of 2030! You may recall your own first move-in experience – whether it was for yourself, a child or a family member. What made that day special? Often, it is the small gestures of welcome and support and display of school pride that make a lasting impression.

I encourage members of our community to extend a warm Pirate welcome to our students and their families, by offering directions, providing assistance, or simply greeting our newest students with a friendly smile. These gestures reflect the hospitality and care that define our institution.  The class of 2030 has approximately 1,560 members, and I look forward to welcoming them at convocation this Sunday.

It was also a pleasure to join the Law School for orientation last week. The law school welcomed 324 new J.D. students that we are thrilled to have part of our Pirate family. Classes for our law students are now underway, and I wish them a successful year ahead.

As we begin the 2026–27 academic year, please take a moment to review the academic calendar and the Law School academic calendar. These are valuable resources for keeping track of important dates and deadlines.

I look forward to engaging with both new and returning colleagues and students as we work together to support and celebrate our newest members.

Sincerely,
Erik

 Pope Leo XIV’s recent reiteration of Catholic teaching that each person bears an “unrepeatable identity” and an “irreplaceable” vocation serves as an invitation to us to reaffirm the sacred dignity of all members of our university community and of every human life. Human dignity is threatened on many fronts today. In a historical moment marked by violent conflict, displacement and mistreatment of immigrants, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, we dedicate this year to reflecting upon what it means to be fully human, created in God’s own image, and entrusted with a mission that no one (and nothing) else can fulfill.

As part of our explorations of this theme, representatives from Seton Hall's various schools and units will undertake a study of Pope Leo's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas and how it might guide our engagement with AI at the university. In April, Seton Hall will host a conference on "AI and Human Flourishing," bringing to campus several AI experts and facilitating a campus-wide conversation around our vision for our university in the age of AI. Stay tuned for more information to come.

Faculty and Administration News (FAN) is a quarterly publication of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, which aims to share the many accomplishments of ICSST faculty and administrators. Read the August 2026 issue.

Open 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. The Academies support initiatives within Academic Affairs, including projects that advance research, scholarship, interdisciplinary or international program development, mission-related programming, and other creative work. The Idea Hall mechanism is open to all divisions, with a focus on projects that create or enhance student experiences and ultimately contribute to retention through collaborative projects between academic and non-academic divisions. Consider how your ideas might benefit from these opportunities. Visit the Innovation in Action page or contact Sona Patel at innovation@shu.edu with questions or if you would like to consult about your application.

The sabbatical leave workflow has been opened and is available in Faculty Success. The faculty step is due by October 1. Questions regarding the sabbatical application process may be directed to Kaerielle Larsen in the Office of the Provost.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Library Guidance

AI is one of the most important study factors present within academic life today. The University Libraries Research Guide, AI Literacy: Algorithms, Authenticity, and Ethnical Considerations, provides users with the opportunity to learn more about this technology. For additional information about AI and its various components, please feel free to contact us via e-mail or access the University Libraries appointment site.

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 Learning Communities For 2026-27
Information about each of the learning communities can be found here.

Untenured Faculty Organization Meeting
September 10, 12 – 1:30 p.m., University Center, Room 201

Podcast: Faculty Matters

Videos

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

Welcome Your Students with Canvas Studio 
Create a short welcome video with Canvas Studio to introduce your course, set expectations and connect with students from the start. Faculty can also explore Canvas tools and strategies through upcoming workshops in the Innovation Hub Exploration Studio.

Drop in for Personalized Support 
Meet one-on-one with the Instructional Design team for guidance on course design, teaching strategies, instructional technology or specific questions as the semester gets underway. No registration is required for drop-in consultations in the Innovation Hub Exploration Studio.

Keep Your University Files Safe and Organized 
Start the semester by making sure your important University files are stored in Microsoft OneDrive, rather than only on your computer’s Desktop, Downloads folder or local hard drive. OneDrive keeps your files backed up and accessible across devices while making it easier to organize, share and collaborate on documents.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events

Faculty CV Upload Reminder
As part of Seton Hall University's ongoing commitment to accreditation and continuous improvement, and in accordance with recommendations from our Middle States review, the University is maintaining a centralized record of faculty curriculum vitae (CVs).

We kindly ask all faculty members to upload their most current CV to Faculty Success at their earliest convenience. Maintaining up-to-date CVs helps support accreditation efforts, institutional reporting, and the accurate representation of faculty accomplishments.

Instructions:

Please note that your CV will also be displayed on your Faculty Web Profile. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.