College of Communication and the Arts

Office of the Dean
Arts and Sciences Hall, Room 202
(973) 275-4871, Office of the Dean
(973) 761-9474, Undergraduate Studies
(973) 761-9490, Graduate Studies
http://www.shu.edu/communication-arts/

Office of the Dean
Interim Dean: Renee Robinson, Ph.D.
Associate Dean: Ryan Hudes, Ph.D.
Director, CASE/Undergraduate Administration: Amanda Carcione, M.S.
Director, CASE/Graduate Administration: Brittany Scoles, M.A.
Executive Director, Center for Sports Media: Jane McManus, M.S.
Administrative Assistant: Stacey Anderson
Administrative Assistant: Sherry Mahfouz
 

Affiliated Units
Theatre Tech Facilitator: Christopher Aurilio, M.A.
TV Studio
Chief Engineer: Albin Wicki
Engineering Support Technician: Paul Libassi
WSOU 89.5 FM
General Manager: Mark Maben
Chief Engineer: Frank Scafidi
Underwriting & Marketing Manager: Jen Kajzer

Department and Chair
Communication and the Arts: Catherine Zizik, M.F.A.

The College of Communication and the Arts fosters academic interdisciplinarity and engaging curriculum that primes students to launch careers or to pursue advanced degrees. Currently offering seven undergraduate (Bachelor of Arts) programs, two graduate (Master of Arts) programs, as well as several minors and dual-degree options, all Communication and the Arts students benefit from one-on- one-advising, experiential learning opportunities, and the flexibility to explore various disciplines and still be focused to succeed.

Mission Statement

The College of Communication and the Arts at Seton Hall University is dedicated to enabling innovative, genuine, and professional interaction in academic, social, artistic, and technological settings. Our programs challenge students to lead, create, and communicate with responsibility, passion, and excellence.

Vision Statement

The College of Communication and the Arts is a dynamic community that provides students opportunities to learn from and thrive alongside scholars, artists, theorists, critics, practitioners, and professionals. Our diverse program offerings are anchored in the humanities, infused with technology, and provide purposeful and meaningful interdisciplinary collaborations among programs. Students graduate as creative, skilled, ethical, and excellent communicators.

Core Values

Seton Hall’s College of Communication and the Arts not only affirms and strives for, but works to instill in its students, the following core values that symbolize and are representative of the University’s mission:

• Catholicity
• Academic excellence and intellectual rigor
• Social stewardship, civic-mindedness, and servant leadership
• Global awareness and cultural sensitivity
• Aesthetic, intellectual, and technological innovation and
• creativity
• Joy in searching for, discovering, and sharing knowledge
• Interdisciplinarity and collaboration

Graduate Studies in the College of Communication and the Arts

Arts and Sciences Hall
(973) 761-9490
CGS@shu.edu
www.shu.edu/commarts-graduate-studies

Graduate Studies within the College of Communication and the Arts includes two Master of Arts degree in Communication and Museum Professions. Each of these programs provides students with dynamic learning experiences involving theoretical frameworks and practical components that permit students to recognize, test, and translate course material into academic, professional, and workplace settings required of a complicated and highly interactive world. Upon degree completion, students are prepared to contribute to their careers and organizations of interest in meaningful ways with the likelihood of enhanced success.

Graduate Studies also offers four certificates: Intercultural Communication; Organizational Communication; Public Relations; and Strategic Communication and Leadership. For qualified undergraduate students, the Graduate Studies includes two Dual Degree Programs (B.A./M.A.) in Communication and Museum Professions.

For information about applying to any of our programs, please review the forthcoming Standards for Admission details within the Communication and the Arts (CASE) section in this document.

Communication and the Arts Academic Student Engagement (CASE)

Director (UG): Amanda Carcione, M.S.
Director (GR): Brittany Scoles, M.A.

Through the Communication and the Arts Academic Student Engagement (CASE) initiatives, the Office of the Dean provides both Undergraduate and Graduate students with the support needed to successfully transition into the College. Using various high impact practices including, but not limited to, academic advising, professional mentorship, academic monitoring and fostering involvement in co-curricular activities, the CASE initiative seeks to elevate student success and increase student retention and persistence to degree completion.

Standards for Admission

Applicants to graduate study in the College of Communication and the Arts are expected to meet the general University requirements for admission and to comply with its admission procedures.

Candidates for admission to any of the College’s two-degree programs are required to submit a complete application and all supporting materials by the appropriate deadline. Graduate Studies requires an online application and the following supplemental material be submitted and received in order to be considered for admission:

• a personal statement/letter of intent;
• a current resume;
• a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
• official transcripts from all institutions attended;
• GRE General Test (GRE) or MAT official score report (waiver criteria and process outlined below); and
• Two letters of recommendation (from academic and professional sources).

GRE or MAT Waiver Requests

Applicants may request a waiver of the GRE or MAT requirement if one of the following conditions is satisfied –

• overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) is 3.4 (on a 4-point scale) or higher; or
• applicant has completed a M.A. degree from an accredited institution and received a 3.0 or higher graduate GPA (on a 4-point scale).

For priority consideration (including the availability of College-level scholarship opportunities), complete applications and all supporting materials should be received by May 1 for the Fall semester and November 1 for the Spring semester. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once received.

Please note, the Fall semester begins in late-August and the Spring semester begins in early-January. Consequently, applications are not considered after August 1 or December 1, for the Fall and Spring semesters, respectively.

For more information about graduate admissions within the College of Communication and the Arts, visit www.shu.edu/commarts-graduate-studies/graduate-admissions-requirements.cfm or contact Ms. Brittany Scoles, via email at brittany.scoles@shu.edu.

International Applicants

In addition to the above admissions-related materials, international applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• course-by-course transcript evaluation from an accredited transcript evaluation agency;
• TOEFL or IELTS official score report – if English is not an applicant’s native language; and
• Video conference, as requested.

For international applicants that require a student visa, the Office of International Programs will evaluate an applicant’s materials to determine if they are sufficient to issue an I-20. An I-20 is used to apply for an F-1 student visa.

Academic Advising

Full-time faculty and administrators within the College of Communication and the Arts serve as advisers to support students who have declared majors within the College of Communication and the Arts in order to enhance the quality of the student experience and plan coursework in alignment with prescribed curricula.

Academic Advising within the College is a partnership between student and adviser where both the adviser and student are engaged in the process. Through this partnership, advisers within the College help students articulate their educational and career goals, understand University policy and procedures and connect with campus resources to support their transition.

During the academic year students are expected to meet with their academic adviser at least once per semester in order to give the student the opportunity to discuss appropriate course selection, academic progress, curricular and co-curricular programs, and the full range of services and opportunities available for all Seton Hall students.

Please note: It is the responsibility of each student to familiarize themselves with all academic policies, know and meet graduation and other requirements, and to make every reasonable effort to obtain adequate academic advising.

CHAMP – CommArts Honor Alumni Mentor Partners

A partnership between The Career Center and the College of Communication and the Arts, CHAMP is a mentorship program that pairs students with alumni mentors who are top level executives in various Communication and the Arts fields. This initiative helps students gain a competitive edge by learning about career opportunities directly from alumni who have graduated and moved on to achieve professional success. Student selected to participate the CHAMP program are also enrolled in a 1-credit academic course during the Spring semester. The course provides students the opportunity to reflect on the mentorship experience and learn more about the career development process

Interventional Advising

The College of Communication and the Arts uses Compass to support students from the first year through to graduation. Through the use of early alerts and progress reports, faculty provide feedback on student performance. Alerts are monitored by the CASE Director to allow for appropriate outreach to students who may need additional support. By meeting with the CASE Director, students receive necessary interventions early in the semester allowing problems to be solved before they escalate. Students who fail to meet academic requirements set forth by the University meet regularly with the CASE Director and will develop an academic success plan as part of their advising experience. During strategic check-ins throughout the semester students can adjust their plans, reflect on their progress during the semester and get referrals to appropriate campus support. While the CASE Director will make initial outreach to students, it is up to the student to schedule and attend regular meetings.

Internships

Internships are offered as part of the Museum Professions program and are designed to integrate classroom study with supervised learning through productive work experiences. Additional details regarding the internship requirement are articulated in the ARMS 7800 Internship course description.

Course Identification

The course numbering system used throughout the University is described in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalogue. The abbreviations and course subject code used within Graduate Studies within the College of Communication and the Arts include: ARMS, COMM, COPR, and COTC.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the general University requirements, the College of Communication and the Arts requires the candidate to:

• complete department course and credit requirements; and
• pass the comprehensive and/or language examinations where required.

Comprehensive Examination

The successful completion of a comprehensive examination may be required in some programs of the College of Communication and the Arts. University regulations concerning this examination are detailed in “The Comprehensive Examination” and “Continuity” in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalogue.

Master’s Project/Thesis Continuation

With approval from an academic adviser, master’s degree students who have completed all degree requirements except the master’s project and/or thesis are required to register for THCN 7999 Thesis Continuation - Masters as their first thesis continuation. Thereafter, students will register for THCN 8000 Thesis Continuation - Masters. Thesis continuation and fees are accessed for THCN 8000 Thesis Continuation - Masters.

Centers and Institutes

Center for Sports Media

Executive Director: Jane McManus, M.S.
The Center for Sports Media redefines how students are trained in media, communications, sports business, enginging with the sports community, and producing groundbreaking content through University channels and partnerships with major media outlets.

Established in Fall 2021, the Center for Sports Media within the College of Communication and the Arts provides an interdisciplinary foundation for academic training and theory with practical experience pertinent to excellence in the Sports Media discipline.

For specific questions regarding the center, please contact Jane McManus via email at jane.mcmanus@shu.edu, or by phone at (973) 275-4871.

The Lloyd A. McBride Communication and the Arts Leadership Center

Associate Director: TBA
Seton Hall is excited to launch what is one of the few undergraduate leadership programs in the country for students planning a career in communication and the arts. In addition to receiving a foundational understanding of leadership under the university’s umbrella Leadership Institute, students in the College of Communication and the Arts at Seton Hall will receive leadership development specific to their profession and taught by leaders in their field.

In addition to the academic and experiential understanding of what it means to be a leader in communication and the arts, students in the program will also have access to information and a network specifically designed to give them a leg up on their counterparts as they embark on their new careers. Not only will they have a built-in network of senior and junior professionals to learn from and engage with, but they will have insight into which thought leaders, podcasts, and blogs will enhance their professional development in the field.

The Lloyd A. McBride Communication and the Arts Leadership Center is responsible for the leadership pillar of courageous communication.

For specific questions regarding the center, please contact the College’s CASE Office by phone at (973) 275-4871.

Institute for Communication and Religion

Director: Jon Radwan, Ph.D.
The Institute for Communication and Religion (ICR) provides a nexus for ongoing scholarly exploration of communication topics critically important to religion and society.

Designed to enhance the University's and the College's sustained leadership in fostering open, clear dialogue and study between religious believers and the broader public, the Institute serves to enrich the community by hosting scholarly panels, organizing curriculum development workshops, and conducting outcomes-based research.

Institute of Museum Ethics

Director: Gregory Stevens, M.A.T.
The Institute of Museum Ethics (IME) promotes accountability, responsibility, and sustainability in museums by convening conversations about critical ethical issues facing museums today, and creating a physical and virtual community of emerging and practicing museum professionals and museum studies faculty who can use our resources to make informed decisions about ethical matters.

Affiliated Units

Arts Council

Executive Director: Christopher Aurilio, M.A.
The Arts Council is home to the College of Communication and the Arts’ Classical Concert Series, Jazz ‘n the Hall, Seton Hall Theatre, Choral and Orchestral Activities, as well as the Walsh Gallery exhibitions. The Arts Council is committed to increasing the visibility of the arts both on and off-campus, and to contributing to the cultural vitality of the campus and to the University's role in the greater community by fostering and promoting the visual, and performing arts, enhancing communication and collaboration among artists. All events offered under the Arts Council are free of charge to Seton Hall University students.

Brownson Speech and Debate Team

Director: Catherine Zizik, M.F.A.
Assistant Director/Head Coach: Sam Ohrenberger-Hopkins, M.A.
Assistant Coach: TBA

The Brownson Speech and Debate Team flourishes as a competitive, academic, co-curricular activity dedicated to the advancement of logic, argumentative skills, advocacy, creativity, rhetorical excellence and performance artistry through undergraduate intercollegiate forensics. The team travels across the United States to compete in a wide variety of speaking events. This enriching activity spans the growth of leadership, determination, hard work and effective communication. Members of the Debate Team increases their awareness and critical evaluation of current political, social, economic and cultural issues.

Classical Concert Series

Director: Dena Levine, D.M.A
The Classical Concert series brings world-class soloists and ensembles from around the globe to South Orange. From pianists to quartets, soloists to concert bands, the series blends education with artistry, often offering preconcert lectures and workshops featuring faculty and guest artists alike. 

Jazz'n the Hall

Director: TBA
The Jazz 'n the Hall series brings a variety of jazz musicians and ensembles to the Seton Hall community. World renown jazz musicians, alumni jazz ensembles as well as Seton Hall faculty jazz groups visit the stage of South Orange Performing Arts Center to bring this popular genre of music to the Seton Hall community.

Television Studio

Manager: Albin Wicki
Engineering Support Technician: Paul Libassi
The College of Communication and the Arts’ television studio, located in Fahy Hall, is exclusively dedicated to student use. The studio features a full production floor and elevated control booth. Equipment used by and available to students includes television and film cameras, audio and lighting equipment, green screens, and various sets. The control booth features multiple stations to view, playback and edit programming. The studio is utilized heavily by the Visual and Sound Media program, allowing faculty to teach students in a hands-on setting, and allowing students record and produce in a professional studio. The television studio is also home to PirateTV, a student-run organization the produces and distributes real-time broadcasts to the Seton Hall community.

WSOU 89.5 FM Radio Station

General Manager: TBA
Chief Engineer: Frank Scafidi
Underwriting & Marketing Manager: Jennifer Kajzer
WSOU 89.5 FM is the award-winning, student-run radio station of the College and Seton Hall University. Since its inception in 1948, WSOU broadcasts from the University's South Orange campus, reaching all five boroughs of New York City, Southern Westchester and Rockland Counties of N.Y., and much of the northern and central parts of New Jersey. WSOU has programmed a hard rock format, developing a local and national reputation as an industry leader in breaking new bands. WSOU gave the first area airtime, and in some cases the first-ever airplay, to bands such a Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, and My Chemical Romance, among many others. WSOU is also the broadcast home for Seton Hall Athletics and additionally airs religious, public affairs, news and ethnic programming.

Student Organizations

AIGA The Creative Types

Advisers: Christine Lhowe, M.F.A. and Christine Krus, M.S.
The Creative Types is a community of students inspired by art and design. Formed in 2005 as a student-run agency, the organization fosters professional growth through its recent affiliation with the New York City chapter of American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA). Members advance their portfolios by contributing to pro bono design projects and participate in collaborative meetings that cultivate esteem for the creative arts. Students become members of AIGA, which provide them with benefits including access to chapter events in New York, job postings by top agencies, the ability to share their creative work digitally with over 25,000 members, and the opportunity to volunteer at national conferences.

Communication and the Arts Graduate Student Association

Adviser: Brittany Scoles, M.A.
Formed in Fall 2017, the Communication and the Arts Graduate Student Association (CAGSA) works to facilitate a fellowship of students who share solidarity in the common endeavor of earning a graduate degree in the communication- and arts-related disciplines. To that end, the CAGSA serves all Seton Hall Communication and the Arts graduate students with three essential foci: Social, Academic and Networking. Membership in the Communication and the Arts Student Association (CAGSA) is open to all graduate students in the existing programs within Graduate Studies, including students in the Dual-Degree programs. Members are expected to be in good academic standing to participate.

Gentlemen of the Hall

Adviser: TBD
The Gentlemen of the Hall is the all-male collegiate a cappella singing ensemble of Seton Hall University. Founded in the spring of 2013, the Gentlemen have served as the University's finest a cappella ensemble ever since. The Gents' most notable performances include singing at the Prudential Center and performing the National Anthem for the New York Mets at Citi Field.

Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl

Adviser: Catherine Zizik, M.F.A. and Abe Zakhem, Ph.D.
The Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Team provides students opportunities to participate on the national stage, presenting and defending their moral assessments of current ethical issues, including nuclear proliferation, big pharma and the opioid addiction epidemic, ethical issues concerning the NCAA and student athletes, environmental ethics, and the ethics of voting.

Lambda Pi Eta

Adviser: Ann Bollinger, M.A.
Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) is the National Communication Association's official honor society at four-year colleges and universities. The goals of LPH are to recognize, foster and reward outstanding scholastic achievement in Communication Studies; stimulate interest in the field of Communication; promote and encourage professional development among Communication majors; provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas in the field; establish and maintain closer relationships between faculty and students; and explore options for graduate education in Communication Studies.

Litore Agency

Advisers: Kathryn Lancioni, M.S.
The Litore Agency is Seton Hall University’s student-led strategic public relations and communications firm. The student-led firm was founded in 1995 by Joan Bosisio, emeritus director for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Jersey Chapter. With origins in South Orange, N.J., we have provided expert advice and service to organizations on and off campus for over 20 years. Members of Litore conduct real-life public relations work to meet their client’s needs and goals. The agency has aided in providing strategic service for a multitude of diverse clientele ranging from beauty, entertainment, our university’s departments, local South Orange businesses and more. Some of our clients include Dress for Success, Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations, and the Vanguard Theatre Company.

Pirate Television

Adviser: William Pace, M.F.A.
Pirate Television (Pirate TV) is the student-run and student- managed news station of the College and Seton Hall University. It is the only broadcast network on campus created by the students and for the students. Pirate TV provides students with first-hand experience in creating a professional- grade news product on both sides of the camera. Pirate TV develops skills outside the classroom, preparing students to produce broadcast work in real-time. Pirate TV actively reports content every week. Pirate TV is open to all students, regardless of major. After completing orientation, students learn the layout of the program and can specify which areas they would like to learn more about. Students can experience different positions, easily discovering their broadcast niche.

Public Relations Student Society of America

Advisers: Kathryn Lancioni, M.S. 
Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is an organization for any student interested in public relations and communications. The PRSSA helps students gain experience in the field by providing expert advice and service to organizations on campus and within the community. The chapter is dedicated to helping students find their passion for PR and network with Seton Hall University alumni and professionals in the field.

Society of Professional Journalists

Adviser: Ann Bollinger, M.A.
The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) works to inspire and educate current and future journalists through professional development, highlighting the importance of high standards and ethical journalism. SPJ strives to create a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully.

Student Board

Adviser: Amanda Carcione, M.S.
The CommArts Student Board is a partnership between the Office of the Dean and the various student organizations of the College of Communication and the Arts whose goal is to foster collaboration and community among the CommArts students. The Student Board coordinates events and philanthropic initiatives in alignment with the College’s goals and that further promote the mission of the University.

Student Ensembles

The College of Communication and the Arts offers an array of musical ensembles for students, including:

Chamber Choir

Director: Jason Tramm, D.M.A.
The Seton Hall University Chamber Choir is a select group of Seton Hall's most advanced vocalists. The group rehearses and performs repertoire for small ensemble and gives concerts twice annually at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. Additionally, the group often participates in concert performances at other venues. A short audition is required.

Chorus

Director: Jason Tramm, D.M.A.
The Seton Hall University Chorus is the largest choir at Seton Hall University. It features over 60 members comprised of Seton Hall University undergraduate students, alumni, community members and faculty. It has achieved high distinction and recognition from numerous organizations due to its continuing efforts. Concerts are given each semester at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, and the group frequently sings at other concert venues. A short audition is required.

Concert Band

Director: TBA
The Seton Hall University Concert Band offers students with ensemble performing experience as a credited course offering. Students with intermediate to advanced skill levels in band instruments (woodwinds, brass, percussion) are encouraged to participate. A wide range of music is performed of diverse styles and different musical periods. Students have the unique opportunity to perform with faculty and professionals within the Concert Band in the fall and spring concerts at SOPAC. The Concert Band meets once weekly for a 90-minute rehearsal and presents a concert performance at the end of each semester.

Jazz Ensemble

Director: Carol Hamersma, M.A.
In the Seton Hall Jazz Ensemble, students rehearse a variety of jazz styles in small combo setting to be performed in various venues throughout the term. Repertoire includes the blues, swing, Latin, modal, and fusion in varied grooves and tempos. The ensemble repertoire always includes material accessible to the beginning improviser. Students learn ensemble skills including phrasing, dynamics, and terminology, and are given opportunities for improvisation. All are encouraged to improvise regardless of prior experience and will be coached on their improvisation. Rehearsals are run by the instructor, but students are encouraged to contribute their ideas for arrangements. While a background in jazz is helpful, it is not required. Students must however have a degree of playing facility and music reading experience on their instrument.

Orchestra

Director: Jason Tramm, D.M.A.
The Seton Hall Orchestra offers students an orchestral performing experience as a credited course offering. Students with intermediate to advanced skill levels on all orchestral instruments (strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, and harp) are encouraged to participate. A wide range of music is performed including Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century and popular music. Students have the unique opportunity to perform with faculty and professionals within the orchestra. The Orchestra meets once weekly for a 90- minute rehearsal and presents a concert performance at the end of each semester. A short audition is required.

Pep Band

Director: Deborah Sfraga, M.A.
The Seton Hall University Pep Band is an integral part of the men's and women's basketball games, providing entertainment and spirit. The band plays prior to all home games and during time-outs, leading the students with musical cheers and adding their own cheers as well. The pep band is made up of woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. There are no electric instruments, i.e. bass and guitar in the band. Pep Band is open to all students who can play their instrument at least a 3rd year of high school proficiency and who want to make the commitment needed to be a member. The music is standard marching band charts of medium to advanced levels of difficulty. Students use University percussion and sousaphones, and some other instruments (i.e. tenor sax, baritone saxophone, mellophones, etc) are available, but it is recommended that students bring their own instruments to play. The University provides music and a uniform.

Seton Hall Theatre

Director: Peter Reader, M.F.A.
Tech Facilitator: Christopher Aurilio, M.A,
Seton Hall Theatre offers a wide variety of theatrical opportunities for students including the four annual faculty and guest directed main-stage productions, as well as productions produced by the Theatre Council. Seton Hall Theatre performs in two locations, at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) and on-campus in the Theatre-in-the-Round, a performance space in the Bishop Dougherty Student Center. All Seton Hall students, regardless of major, are invited to audition for productions or volunteer with backstage and scene shop activities.

Theatre Council

Co-Advisers: Peter Reader, M.F.A. and Christopher Aurilio, M.A.
Seton Hall University Theatre Council is a student run organization, which acts as a liaison between the student body and the College of Communication and the Arts Theatre Program. The program’s goal is to create performances and leadership opportunities, allowing students to produce theatrical entertainment for the student body to enjoy.

Theatre Council is open to all students, regardless of major. The club meets throughout the school year for events, parties, and meetings. It also hosts a variety of annual events including Broadway Flea Market, Halloween Haunted House, One Act Festival and Cabaret.