Campus Belonging & Community Committee

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of America's most revered advocates for racial justice and social change, the College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to present a multi-part program for its 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day symposium. Now in its eighth year, the program will be offered in-person.

All Seton Hall and external community members are welcome to attend either or both events; however, pre-registration is required for planning purposes.

January is a month filled with many culturally diverse events.

Muslim Heritage Month celebrates Muslim communities throughout New Jersey and the core values of respect, unity, and peace that define Islam (Arab‑American Heritage Month is in April).

National Poverty in America Awareness Month raises awareness about poverty in the U.S., its systemic causes, and the daily struggles of families facing financial hardship.

National Mentoring Month is a yearly campaign to promote youth mentoring by raising awareness, recruiting mentors, and advocating for supportive relationships.

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month raises awareness about human trafficking and empowers individuals, organizations, and communities to take action to prevent and respond to it. The theme for 2026 is “Stronger Connections. Stronger Futures.”

Student Activities Board

Student Activities Board Holidays

Seton Hall University Blue Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, University Center, Information Desk
Show your Pirate Pride! We welcome anyone wearing SHU blue or SHU apparel on Wednesdays to say hello, take a photo, and pick up a piece of candy from the University Center Information Desk. SHU Blue Days will take place on all Wednesdays when the University is open. Be sure to rep your blue. GO PIRATES!

Boland Hall Memorial Mass of Remembrance January 19
On January 19, 2000, the Boland Hall fire changed Seton Hall University forever. This special mass is dedicated to remembering the lives that were lost 25 years ago.

‘An Earthly Story with a Heavenly Meaning’ January 26
Join us for a special event as we present the new publication, An Earthly Story with a Heavenly Meaning, Father Ian Boyd’s Essays on G.K. Chesterton.

Ethics and Values in the Era of AI
January 30
A free two-day seminar on “Ethics and Leadership with Catholic Values—Business, Culture, Ethics and Religion,” open to Seton Hall University students, faculty, administrators, and Catholic professionals.

Campus Inclusion

Spring 2026 Schedule

We are deeply concerned and saddened by the ongoing outbreaks of violence and loss of life at home and abroad. Our hearts and prayers go out to those affected.  

Please take time to review our campus resources: 

Heritage Month Celebrations
If you are interested in helping to plan a heritage month, please see our Heritage Month Celebration webpage and contact us. Feel free to share your events with us here.

Please also join our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and our Heritage Month celebration planning committees. Get involved or email dei@shu.edu for more information. 

Upcoming Events

Please visit our University Calendar and Engage (student-focused) to learn about more events.

Dates of Note

December continues the Advent season.

Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration:
Take a break from the day and spend some time in quiet prayer with Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament.

We also acknowledge…

Community Events

The MLK Luminary Project

Every year, the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race invites the community to light up the outside of their homes or businesses with luminaries as the sun sets on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. The goal is to have thousands of homes in SOMA lit up as a sign of hope, sanctuary, peace, and solidarity with Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community.

The SOMA 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Observance is on January 19 from 2-5 p.m. This year’s theme is “Do Not Erase Our History.” Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad, the inaugural Professor of African American Studies and Public Affairs at Princeton University, will be the keynote speaker. Following the program, all are invited to visit the exhibit on the history of slavery in New Jersey, created by Durand-Hedden House & Garden.

Enjoy the Shoshana Kertesz Art Exhibit at the Nutley Public Library now through February. There will be a reception for the artist at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, in the Stockton Room.

On Wednesday, January 7, 14, 21, 28 at 1 p.m., the Nutley Public Library hosts Wednesday Afternoon Knitters. Come share your love of knitting and crocheting with both beginning and experienced knitters. Please bring your own supplies. This group meets every Wednesday.

Tuesday, January 13, at 7 p.m., there is an Authors’ Discussion Group for writers who have and have not already published, to chat about the process, offer support, gain feedback, and share insights on the publishing industry. Register online.

SOPAC presents Tired Souls on Thursday, January 15 at 7 p.m. This event introduces audiences to Jo Ann Robinson, Claudette Colvin, and others who were so instrumental in lighting a fire under the Civil Rights movement and changing the course of U.S. history forever. Followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring award-winning playwright and author, Mike Wiley, and special guests. The discussion will explore the legacy of civil disobedience, youth activism, and more.

January 21 begins the Art in America exhibit at Clifton Arts Center in Clifton, NJ, through February 28.

The Maplewood Strollers Present Narnia the Musical January 23 through February 1, 2026.

NJPAC hosts its Standing in Solidarity series with A Roof Over Our Head, a conversation about affordable housing. The event is free, but an RSVP is required—Tuesday, January 27, at 6 p.m.

South Orange Downtown & SOPAC

Maplewood Arts & Culture & SOMA
Newark Downtown District & NJPAC
Nutley Events & Clifton Events

Coming Soon: The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Keynote Lecture on January 17, the annual MLK Symposium on January 19.