Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
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Introducing Campus Belonging & Community
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As we enter the new year, the University is evolving the language used to describe this work under a refreshed framework: Campus Belonging & Community.
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This evolution reflects a more holistic, mission-aligned approach; one rooted in human dignity, shared responsibility, and the formation of a campus culture where every member of our community can fully participate and thrive. Campus Belonging & Community builds on our existing efforts while more clearly reflecting Seton Hall’s Catholic identity and the priorities of our Strategic Plan.
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Nothing about our services, programs, or commitments is changing. All student supports, resources, reporting pathways, and community-based initiatives remain fully in place. What is evolving is how we describe this work—so that our language more accurately reflects who we are and strengthens our ability to serve our community with clarity and purpose.
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As we look ahead, we do so with confidence and shared momentum, continuing this work through the goals of our Strategic Plan and the For All, Forever comprehensive campaign—growing together as a community grounded in mission, belonging, and care for one another.
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December is a month filled with an abundance of religious and cultural diversity. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or another holiday, we wish you a special and joyous time with family, friends, and loved ones.
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All are welcome to participate in all programs and events.
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- December 25: Saint Stephen, the First Martyr
- December 27: Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
- December 28: The Holy Innocents
- December 31: Saint Sylvester I, Pope
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January 1: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
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Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
Take a break from the day and spend some time in quiet prayer with Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
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Moonlight Mercy
Every Wednesday, Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
Join us for music, prayer, confessions, adoration, and quiet time. All are welcome!
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- December 16–24 Las Posadas
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Hanukkah 2025 begins at sundown on Sunday, December 14, 2025, and concludes at nightfall on Monday, December 22, 2025.
- Winter Solstice December 21
- Kwanzaa December 26 through January
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The GenWealth Group is collecting coats for the annual Jersey Cares Coat Drive. This is an excellent opportunity to donate new or gently used coats. Drop off at The GenWealth Group, 6 Inwood Pl, Maplewood, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., now until January 2.
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Visit Maplewood’s Dickens Village, which brings to life various scenes from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol in miniature houses arranged in Ricalton Square. Peek inside and you will see fireplaces, stockings, and antique toys. Saturdays in December.
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Every Friday and Saturday before Christmas, enjoy Santa’s Pajama Party at the Liberty Science Centerin Jersey City.
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Until December 24, you can enjoy Christmas Underwater at the Adventure Aquariumin Camden, NJ, and see Santa’s underwater Christmas wonderland with special displays and activities.
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The Bergen County Zoo is illuminated with holiday cheer in the evening all season long (until January 12)
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Light Show on the Lake in Historic Smithville, Galloway, where more than 120 Christmas trees, decorated with over 50,000 Christmas lights, magically float when darkness falls: a show of lights and music is played across Lake Meone.
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Christmas Wonderland at Maple Leaf Farms in Manalapan. There are holiday light train rides, a vintage Christmas walk-through, reindeer rides, and last-minute shopping inside the market.
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Night of Lights at Creamy Acres at Creamy Acres Farm, Mullica Hill
Bundle up and take a hayride through their display while you sing along to Christmas classics.
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Little Falls Menorah Lighting at Memorial Park, Little Falls, on December 17 at 6:30 p.m. Expect a night full of music plus treats like cookies, latkes, and donuts.
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Mount Arlington Menorah Lighting on December 20 at 5:30 p.m., Mt Arlington Borough Hall, 419 Howard Blvd, Mt Arlington, NJ 07856
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New Brunswick Community Annual Kwanzaa Celebration at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick. Held in conjunction with the New Brunswick Area NAACP’s Year-End Meeting, the event will include food, drinks, poetry, live music, and dance performances.
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December 20 will be the Kwanzaa Family Festival & Artisan Marketplace at NJPAC, in Newark. There will be performances from local dance troupes, Kwanzaa rituals, dancing and drumming classes, face painting, storytelling, and a full marketplace.
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On December 23, enjoy the Kwanzaa 365 Kinara Lighting Ceremony at Trenton City Hall in Trenton. The lighting ceremony celebrates Kujichagulia, which is the principle of self-determination.
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On December 27, attend the Community Awareness Series Annual Kwanzaa Celebration at Daoud-David Williams Cultural Arts Center, Miller Branch Library, Jersey City.
Celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa through music, poetry, ancestral remembrance, candle lighting, African dance and drumming, and a community harvest.
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Coming Soon: First Day of Class for Spring 2026 is January 14, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on Monday, January 19 (University Closed)
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At Seton Hall, we are committed to being a safe, supportive, and inclusive living and learning environment that fosters academic, spiritual, and personal growth. Your health, safety, and success are paramount in all we do.
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Please also take time to review our campus resources:
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We wish you and your loved ones a safe and restful holiday season. We will resume our newsletter on January 7, 2026.
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Rev. Dr. John J. Ranieri
Director, University Honors Program
Thomas and Ruth Sharkey Professor of Humanities
Professor of Philosophy
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Monica Burnette, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Services
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Co-chairs, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
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