Graduate at a Glance

Dear Graduate Students,

As Spring Break approaches — and with it, the promise of brighter days — it’s a wonderful moment to pause, recharge and return with a renewed perspective.

With that same spirit of optimism, the Office of Graduate Affairs is excited to share that Seton Hall will once again celebrate our graduate community during Graduate Student Appreciation Week, taking place April 13–17. This marks our third year honoring the dedication, resilience and achievements of our graduate students.

Throughout the week, we’ve planned a variety of events and gatherings designed to bring our community together in meaningful and enjoyable ways. Be sure to explore the full newsletter for details, and we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate you.

This month’s issue is also filled with valuable updates, including new professional development opportunities, highlights from the Spring Lunch and Learn Series and much more.

Sincerely,
Christopher Cuccia, Ed.D.
Associate Provost for Academic and Graduate Affairs

Table of Contents

Seton Hall University is hosting a series of events in celebration of our graduate students as part of National Graduate Student Appreciation Week. These activities offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow graduate students, build community, and remind you just how valued you are within the Seton Hall family. This year’s appreciation week will take place from April 13–17, 2026, and if you don’t often visit campus, it’s an ideal time to stop by.

Be sure to explore the week’s schedule and register for the events.

Some events don’t require registration — simply mark your calendar and drop by to as many events as you can.

The Seton Hall Mobile App puts campus at your fingertips, allowing you to connect with the Seton Hall community. Stay organized with the built-in calendar, keep track of events, classes, and assignments, and receive notifications for important dates and deadlines.

After you download the app, add the “Graduate Student Events” channel under the message icon (chat bubble tab) and search for “Graduate Student Events” under Find a Channel. Once you add it, you’ll receive all graduate student event updates directly in the messaging section.

March Sessions: 

Click here to Learn more for information on the entire series.

Graduate students are invited to drop in for an International Food Fest Social — an evening of global flavors, cultural exchange, and community building, especially celebrating our international students. Join any time Wednesday, March 18, between 4–6 p.m. in the OIP Office (Jubilee Hall, Rooms 231–234). Learn more.

Save the Date! The 2026 Petersheim Academic Exposition “Share, Honor, Unite” will take place from Monday, April 20 through Saturday, April 25. This annual celebration of scholastic accomplishments involves the entire Seton Hall University community including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, administrators and staff. Present your research, support fellow students and be considered for a Student Travel Award, a reimbursement stipend that students can then use to present their research at a regional, national or international conference. Individual abstract submission is now open, through Friday, March 13. Learn more about Petersheim Academic Exposition.

Seton Hall University offers professional development programs and courses for — some at no cost to matriculated graduate students!

Spring 2026: 

*These courses are designated as part of Seton Hall's Hall-mark Graduate Certificate Program. Current Seton Hall matriculated graduate students can register at no cost. To waive the course fee, select "Seton Hall Graduate Student" under Enrollment Options at checkout. Upon successful course completion, you will receive a digital badge, along with a digital certificate that you can share on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Learn more about other professional development programs offered at Seton Hall.

Impactful Programs, Research and Innovation
Every day, Seton Hall students and professors work side by side; from studying health disparities to exploring new technologies, they tackle real-world challenges together. Strategic Priority #3 of the University’s Strategic Plan builds on that spirit of discovery, expanding opportunities for hands-on research and innovation. See how through this short video.

Innovation Hub Grand Opening and Blessing Ceremony
Join Seton Hall University President, Monsignor Joseph R. Reilly, S.T.L., Ph.D., and other University members, at the blessing and grand opening of the newly developed Innovation Hub within the Teaching, Learning and Technology Center on the ground floor of Walsh Library. The event will take place on Monday, March 23 with facility showcases and tours occurring from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the Blessing Ceremony at 11 a.m. Learn more.

Explore Virtual Reality at the Open Lab
Friday, February 27, 6 -9 p.m., Innovation Hub Exploration Studio
Graduate students are invited to try virtual reality at their own pace using a variety of VR headsets and applications. TLTC staff will be on hand to guide you, answer questions and help you get comfortable with immersive tools that can support your studies, research or creative projects. This relaxed drop-in session is a great way to discover what VR can do for you. Register now for the VR Open Lab and learn more about the new campus Innovation Hub.

Stillman Speaker Series Continues
The Stillman School presents "Stillman Speaks," a lecture series highlighting the academic and industry expertise of its faculty, featuring discussions on timely and thought-provoking topics that shape today's business environment. Through a combination of academic research and industry experience, our speakers aim to engage students, alumni, and prospective students with timely and practical insights. Learn more about the series and check out upcoming speakers and dates.

Online Graduate Education Programs Climb in Latest U.S. News Rankings
Seton Hall’s online graduate education programs continue to rise in national prominence, earning improved rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Online Programs list. This year, the University moved up 13 spots to No. 64 nationally and is ranked among the Top 10 private universities in the country for online graduate education programs. Learn more!

Graduating International Students, Now is the Time to Apply for Post-Completion OPT
If you are an F-1 visa status student and you are graduating this May, now is the time to apply for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization which allows you to work in the U.S. after graduation. For more information and step by step application process and requirements, please check out the Office of International Programs’ OPT website. Any questions? Email oip@shu.edu.

Seton Hall’s Online M.S.N. Ranked Best in New Jersey
In the 2026 rankings, U.S. News & World Report recognized the University’s online M.S.N. programs among America's best. Read more!

Partnership Offering Free Tax Preparation on Campus
Seton Hall University will once again partner with the United Way of Greater Newark and the United Way of Northern New Jersey (UWNNJ) to bring the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to campus this spring. Through this ongoing collaboration, qualifying members of the University community can receive free, professional tax return preparation services. Learn more and register for the February 27 and March 27 events.

United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program
 The United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program will be offered by the School of Diplomacy from Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 12. Designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this unique program immerses participants in the political dynamics of the United Nations. The course is designed to familiarize students with the inner workings of the United Nations by bringing them together with distinguished practitioners working in the field of multilateral diplomacy. Applications are due by April 1. Click here for more information. Interested students should contact course instructor, Dean Courtney Smith, at courtney.smith@shu.edu or (973) 313-6203.

“Restless Heart Speaks to Restless Heart: St. Augustine and Preaching as a Sacramental Exchange” a Many Faces of Hospitality Evening of Reflection
Join us for prayer, a light reception and reflections on St. Augustine, preaching and hospitality from Fr. Doug Milewski, S.T.D. and Fr. Nick Sertich ’15, S.T.L. on Wednesday, March 18 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Learn more and please register.

Student Spotlight

Judith Marfo

Program: M.S. in Chemistry

Adams was recently elected to the Orange Board of Education.  As a community advocate, mentor, and lifelong resident, Adams is motivated to advance access, equity, and opportunity across the district. In his new role, he aims to prioritize college and career readiness, improve resource allocation, and strengthen collaboration between the district, families, and community partners so every student feels supported academically, socially, and emotionally.

 Learn more about Judith’s story.

Faculty Spotlight

Kristine Sparks, D.N.P. '15, F.N.P.

Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Mentoring the next generation of nurse practitioners, alumna Kristine Sparks guides future nurse practitioners through hands-on training and compassionate patient care.

Sparks is a longtime clinical preceptor for Seton Hall’s Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP program, as well as an Air Force and Army Reserve veteran whose mentorship helps students translate classroom learning into real-world care.

Learn more about Kristine’s journey.

What's Happening This Month

 Consider current grad student events:

For all Graduate Program Webinar information and dates, please refer to this page.

Career Corner

Bridging the Gap: Navigating the Career Crossroads

Graduate students have many pathways available after graduation. Here is how to prepare for the transition from academia and expand your options.

Translating Transferable Skills
It can be easy to underestimate one’s daily work; however, a student’s daily tasks include high-level professional skills. For example, working in a laboratory, archival research and teaching can prepare you for data analysis, information synthesis, project management and more. The key is to switch from academic to professional terminology.

Navigating the Structural Shift
In academia, the process (methodology) is often highlighted. In contrast, industry emphasizes the result, highlighting efficiency and scalability. To bridge this gap, shift your narrative from process to impact. Instead of what you did, highlight the measurable outcomes/results you achieved.

Reframing Your Professional Identity
Transitioning from academia often requires redefining how you see yourself. As part of this process, look at how your strengths as a researcher, scholar or specialist will translate into broader professional roles such as analyst, strategist, consultant, project leader.  This shift will help employers understand how you can fit in with their organization and how you can contribute to their success.

Resources

LinkedIn Learning

Members of the Seton Hall community have full access to LinkedIn Learning: an online learning platform with curated course recommendations based on a user’s personal and professional goals.

All this can be accessed via your PirateNet Account via the LinkedIn Learning Chicklet

LinkedIn Learning offers over 20,000 on-demand courses and learning paths, all of which are self-paced and can be accessed on any device, anytime and anywhere.

Courses span a variety of topics, such as business, creative and technology skills, and are taught by industry professionals with real-world experience.

Learn more.

Resources

Walsh Workshops
Join Walsh Library Workshops to learn how to navigate library resources – all events are virtual on Wednesdays.

New Exhibit: Ukraine’s People Revealed!
Walsh Gallery presents a new exhibit, Ukraine’s People Revealed! featuring Early Eighteenth Century Paintings of Ukrainian Society.  Join exhibition curator Nathaniel Knight, Ph.D. on Wednesday, February 25 from 5:30 - 7 p.m. for a reception and gallery talk.  The reception will be held at Walsh Library in the 2nd Floor Silent Study Room. Questions? Contact walshgallery@shu.edu.

@SetonHall_GradStudent 

Office of Graduate Affairs
Schwartz Hall 2nd Floor
Graduate Student Engagement Website
shugrad@shu.edu

The Graduate Affairs Team is located in Schwartz Hall on the 2nd Floor. Feel free to drop in! 

We are located with other teams from Academic Affairs including the Pre-Professional Advising Center, the Buccino Leadership Institute, and the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies.