Undergraduates Welcomed to CHDCM Community at Annual College Social

Over 100 incoming undergraduate students under the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) were treated to educational insights, new connections and entertainment as a part of Seton Hall’s New Student Welcome Weekend from August 23 to 25.

Such an informal setting — featuring lawn games like cornhole, tic-tac-toe and even Jenga Giant — became a catalyst for the first meaningful connections between the students and the 20 CHDCM faculty members in attendance, including Founding Dean Bryan Crable, Ph.D.

Director of Student Success Jeronimo Valcarcel said seeing these students begin their academic journey at Seton Hall has been “an incredibly rewarding experience.”

Groups of students were shown two presentations throughout the day: “12 Steps to Appreciating Diversity” led by former star from MTV’s "Real World III: San Francisco,” Mohammed Bilal, and a show by the SCREAM Theater, a traveling theater from Rutgers University that educates audiences on issues concerning sexual violence, stalking and bullying.

The afternoon Academic Social period allowed for students to learn more about the classes and several on-campus organizations awaiting them. “There was a palpable sense of energy in the room, and it reminded me of how transformative these next few years will be for them,” Valcarcel said. “A key focus for me is connecting with as many students as possible and creating a welcoming, safe space where they feel comfortable coming to me with any questions or concerns.”

Empanada Guy and Kona Ice food trucks were offered to attendees for free, with the Student Activities Board also giving out s’mores and ice cream on the University Green for its “Camp Pirate” segment in evening.

Valcarcel said events like these are integral into forming a close-knit community which further benefits their growth and prosperity. He added, “By fostering a sense of belonging and offering consistent guidance, we can help students navigate their academic journey with greater ease and confidence.”

About the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media

Launched in Summer 2023, Seton Hall’s College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) embodies the University’s commitment to pedagogical innovation, intellectual ferment and community engagement. Uniting scholars and students from four dynamic departments — Communication, Media, and the Arts; Education Leadership, Management, and Policy; Educational Studies; and Professional Psychology and Family Therapy — the College is the new home of cutting-edge, transdisciplinary inquiry into the stickiest problems of our time.

The faculty, staff and students of the College seek to improve the human condition by collaborating across distinct fields that uniquely complement one another, thereby preparing the next generation of dynamic leaders poised to tackle contemporary social challenges and opportunities. Expression underpins all facets of the integrated College’s portfolio — media as a form of education and artistic expression; teaching and learning as modes of creative expression; expression and expressibility as critical to counseling and therapeutic treatment; and self-expression as a vehicle of social agency.

Categories: Campus Life