Dear Faculty, Administrators and Staff,

In line with the University’s new strategic plan, Inspiring Great Minds to Greater Purpose, providing students with opportunities to engage in research and transformational learning experiences is an important priority. In Academic Affairs, we are committed to expanding the research opportunities, infrastructure, and interdisciplinary support that strengthen Seton Hall’s research profile while giving more students meaningful, hands-on research experience.

To that end, we are pleased to recognize two graduate students who have been selected to present their research at the Student Poster Presentation Session of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Annual Conference to be held in Philadelphia on December 9:

Their accomplishments exemplify the kind of hands-on research experiences and faculty-student collaboration we seek to expand across the University. We congratulate these students and their faculty mentors on this achievement and look forward to seeing their work represented at the conference. All posters to be presented by students researchers at the conference can be reviewed on the MSCHE Annual Conference website.

Looking ahead, a call for student submissions to the BIG EAST Research Poster Symposium will be shared later this fall. We encourage faculty to consider mentoring and supporting students in submitting their research for an opportunity to represent Seton Hall at this elite student research competition.

Sincerely,
Erik

Tuesday, September 15, 10 a.m., Bethany Hall
One year into implementation, the University community is invited to collectively pause and receive updates on work underway across the strategic plan’s five Strategic Pillars. Throughout the morning, hear directly from University leadership, engage with representatives advancing each priority and explore each priority in greater detail.  Learn more and RSVP.

Applications for the Academies and Idea Hall initiatives are being accepted 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. Visit the Innovation in Action page or contact Sona Patel at innovation@shu.edu with questions or if you’d like to consult about your application.

Students sometimes disclose personal struggles that affect their academic performance, including stress, mental health concerns, family issues, financial challenges, or feelings of isolation. Faculty are not expected to be counselors, but they can make an important difference by listening, expressing concern, and referring students to support.

The Ready to Care training module provides practical guidance for responding when a student is struggling, including how to refer students to resources such as CAPS and Uwill, a free virtual counseling and wellness platform available to all SHU students.

A few minutes of training can increase your confidence and help connect students to support before challenges become crises. Access the Ready to Care module.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Each week in this newsletter, we’ll highlight a special Seton Hall Study Abroad Program, along with the faculty leading it. Your students can explore Semester Abroad, Spring Embedded, and Summer Abroad opportunities on the Study Abroad Website, with all Spring Embedded 2027 Program pages now live and Rome Connection applications for freshmen students opening later this month. Faculty and staff can also direct their students to sign up for a Study Abroad Advising Session to explore programs and resources.

Seton Hall is the fastest-growing study abroad operation in New Jersey and a statewide leader, thanks to our dedicated Study Abroad team, faculty and partners across the University community. For questions, contact studyabroad@shu.edu.

JSTOR and Access Overview

JSTOR (Journal Storage) is a digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources designed to address the varied research needs of our faculty and student body. Much of the available content found within the JSTOR family of databases is available in full-text form across nine separate databases and nearly 2,000 journals. For additional information please feel free to contact us via e-mail for access to 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.

Apply for the Effective Teaching Practices (ETP) Course
A comprehensive, year-long course designed to strengthen faculty skills in evidence-based teaching, culminating in a nationally recognized certificate. Register for the Effective Teaching Practices course by completing this FORM. Once the application closes, a short add/drop period is available - contact Mary Balkun to be added to / removed from the class before Sept. 15.

**Applications for the 2026-27 year are closing soon**

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

Invitation to Join the "Character Across the Curriculum (CAC) Faculty Fellows Seminar"
Applications are due by October 9. Additional details are available here.

SHU Meditates
Every Thursday (September 3 – December 10), 12:30 - 1 p.m., in Teams

Contemplative Community Week
October 5 – October 9
A week of events dedicated to contemplation and reflection. A detailed schedule will be available soon.

Faculty Lunch Time Meetups
September 16, 22, and 30, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Faculty section of the Pirate Dining Room

Podcast: Faculty Matters

Videos

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

Upcoming Canvas Workshops for Faculty  
Explore Canvas tools and strategies for managing assessments, grades, tests and quizzes through upcoming TLTC workshops.

Media Services Modernizes Classroom Technology for Fall 2026 
Summer upgrades at the IHS Campus and in Corrigan and Schwartz Halls bring more consistent classroom technology, expanded Crestron AirMedia wireless presentation and new interactive teaching capabilities. Faculty teaching at IHS should also note changes to classroom recording and Media Services support. Learn more about the upgrades.

Faculty Innovation Grant Proposals Due September 18 
If you are planning to apply for a 2026–27 Faculty Innovation Grant (FIG), proposals are due Friday, September 18. FIGs support projects that advance teaching, learning, research and creative practice through the purposeful use of emerging technologies. Full-time faculty may apply individually or as part of an interdisciplinary team. Review the guidelines and apply.

Complete Your Cybersecurity Awareness Training by September 30 
Faculty assigned the mandatory Cybersecurity Awareness Training through Traliant are reminded to complete it by September 30. The training covers best practices for protecting University data and sensitive information. Access your course through the Traliant app in PirateNet or your Traliant email invitation.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events

Sabbatical Workflow Update - Faculty Step
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.