In Season 2, Episode 6 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore how institutions can create impactful First-Year experiences that support student success from the very beginning of their college journey. This episode focuses on the importance of designing intentional, high-impact programs that foster belonging, persistence, and holistic student development during this critical transition period.

Join us as Karen Van Norman, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Omayra Arocho, Assistant Vice President of Student Services and Dean of the Center for Academic Success, and Joshua Dornbos, Associate Dean of the Center for Academic Success, share their perspectives on supporting First-Year students. You’ll hear how campus leaders collaborate across departments, the strategies they use to build proactive support systems, and examples of programs and partnerships that help students navigate the transition to college and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Key topics + time stamps   Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-01:25]  

Karen Van Norman, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students [01:26-7:40] 

• Contact information: karen.vannorman@shu.edu

• Division of Student Services: https://www.shu.edu/student-services/

• CAPS: https://www.shu.edu/counseling-psychological-services/

• THRIVE: https://www.shu.edu/student-services/students-dare-to-care.html

• The Well: https://www.shu.edu/student-services/the-well.html

Omayra Arocho, Assistant Vice President of Student Services and Dean of the Center for Academic Success and Joshua Dornbos, Associate Dean of the Center for Academic Success [07:45-22:50] 

• Contact information: omayra.arocho@shu.edu and Joshua.dornbos@shu.edu

• Center for Academic Success: https://www.shu.edu/center-for-academic-success/

• Transformational Student Experiences: https://www.shu.edu/strategic-plan/priority-1.html

Episode Wrap-up [22:51-23:54] 

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website   Email address: tltc@shu.edu  

In Season 2, Episode 5 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we’re discussing how authentic assessments create more meaningful, real-world connections to course content, helping students see the relevance of what they are learning. We also highlight how faculty at Seton Hall University are leveraging digital tools to support both engagement and assessment. You’ll discover how technology can help reimagine traditional assignments into dynamic learning experiences.

Join us as Dr. Randall Clemens, Associate Dean in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) and Associate Professor in the Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ELMP), and Dr. Elizabeth Van Dyk, Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program for the Graduate Department of the College of Nursing, share their perspectives on authentic assessment. You’ll hear why they switched from more traditional assignments, the theory behind their reasoning, the impact authentic assessments have had on student learning, and examples used in classes.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the last Thursday in April!

Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-00:55]

Dr. Randall Clemens, Associate Dean in the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media (CHDCM) and Associate Professor in the Department of Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ELMP) [00:56-09:50]

• Contact information for Dr. Clemens

Dr. Elizabeth Van Dyk, Director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program for the Graduate Department of the College of Nursing [09:56-20:35]

• Contact information for Dr. Van Dyk

Episode Wrap-up [20:36-21:43]

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu

In Season 2, Episode 4 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we’re discussing Seton Hall’s new Innovation Hub—a collaborative environment designed to inspire creativity, experimentation, and new approaches to teaching and learning. With its wide variety of tools—from Cricut to 3D printing and more—podcast booths, collaborative spaces, STEM applications, and just-in-time learning resources, the Innovation Hub will have something to interest everyone.

We’ll have a group conversation with Mike Soupios, Executive Director of the TLTC, Renee Cicchino, Director of Instructional Design and Training, Chris Petruzzi, Director of Design and Digital Media, John Fernandes, Senior Director of IT Service Management, and Scott Bergenfeld, Trainer and Makerspace Coordinator. Together, they’ll share the vision behind the space, how it will serve our campus community, and what it means for the future of innovation at Seton Hall.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the last Thursday in February

Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-01:08]

Group Conversation [01:08-28:19]

Episode Wrap-up [28:19-29:23] Resources

• Innovation Hub website
• Maker Studio page
• XR/AI Studio page
• Content Creation Studios page
• Solutions Studio page
• Innovation Hub FAQs page

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu

Episode Summary: In Season 2, Episode 3 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore how higher education can empower students to connect their learning with meaningful career pathways. For National Career Development Month, we ask an important question: “How can colleges and universities better support students as they prepare for life after graduation?”

Join us as Jorge Rivera, Director of Career Services at Seton Hall’s South Orange campus, and Jacqueline Pirone, Assistant Dean of Seton Hall Law’s Office of Career Services (OCS), share their perspectives on mentoring, transferable skills, and the evolving needs of today’s workforce. They offer practical guidance for faculty, staff, and students seeking to bridge the gap between academic experiences and professional success.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in January!

Key topics + time stamps  Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-00:40] 

Jorge Rivera, Director of Career Services on the South Orange campus [00:40-12:56]

Jacqueline Pirone, Assistant Dean of Seton Hall Law’s Office of Career Services [12:56-26:28]

Episode Wrap-up [26:28- 27:15]   Resources

• Jorge Rivera

• Email

• Career Center homepage

• Jacqueline Pirone

• Email

• Career Services homepage

• The OCS Bulletin

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website  Email address: tltc@shu.edu 

Episode Summary: In Season 2, Episode 2 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore why keeping your data safe is more important than ever. For Cybersecurity month, we discuss the question: “Why is protecting your data so important, and what practical steps can faculty, staff, and students take to keep their information safe?”

Listen as Chris Richardson, Security Analyst at Seton Hall, talks about the hidden risks of data breaches and the role of cybersecurity in academic life. He will also give practical strategies that all of us—faculty, staff, and students—can use to protect our personal and professional information.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in November!

Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-00:54]

Chris Richardson, Security Analyst [00:55-23:03]

Episode Wrap-up [23:04- 24:00] Resources

• Information Security webpage
• Safe Computing webpage
• Phishing Scams webpage
• Identity Theft and Recovery webpage

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu

In Season 2, Episode 1 of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we explore faculty responses to the question: “In an age where course materials are freely available online, test banks circulate widely, and generative AI tools reshape how students access knowledge—how do we design assignments that genuinely foster learning?”

Listen as Rachel Fikslin, Ph.D., Lecturer in Psychology, talks about how she designs assessments to keep students motivated and to encourage them to bring their whole selves into their work. We will also hear from Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, who will highlight the importance of authenticity to create student engagement while completing assignments. Finally, Sara Fieldston, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of History, will discuss the documentary film project and New York City blog she asks her students to develop, teaching her students real-world skills in a new way.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming the fourth Thursday in October!

Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [00:00-02:30]

Rachel Fikslin, Ph.D., Lecturer in Psychology [02:31-09:21

Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology [09:25-14:31]

Sara Fieldston, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of History, [14:36-21:02]

Episode Wrap-up [21:03-22:04] Resources Rachel Fikslin, Ph.D.: Contact Information

• Gender Autobiography project

Meghan Caulfield, Ph.D.: Contact Information

• Personal Branding Video project description

Sara Fieldston, Ph.D.: Contact Information

• History of New York City blog

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu

In Episode Eight of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we begin our exploration of faculty responses to the question: “How is AI transforming workplace expectations, and what skills should college graduates develop to stay competitive?”

Listen as Renee Robinson, Ph.D., Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication, Media and the Arts, explores the potential impact of AI on various industries – from public relations to its role in the art world. She’ll discuss ethical considerations such as privacy, bias, and using AI responsibly. We will also hear from Jack Shannon, J.D., Professor of Legal Studies at the Stillman School of Business, who will highlight the importance of teaching students to use Gen AI appropriately and ethically to prepare them for success in the rapidly evolving workplace, as well as discuss some areas of concern when using AI, such as privacy and data security.

Stay tuned for the next episode of Innovate and Educate, coming in Fall 2025!

Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [0:00-1:09]

Renee Robinson, Ph.D. Professor of Communication in the Department of Communication, Media and the Arts [1:10-12:50]

Jack Shannon, J.D. Professor of Legal Studies at the Stillman School of Business [12:51-22:33]

Episode Wrap-up [22:34-23:01] Resources Renee Robinson, Ph.D.: Contact Information

Jack Shannon, J.D.: Contact Information

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu

In Episode Seven of the Innovate and Educate podcast, we begin our exploration of faculty responses to the question: “How can we implement responsible AI use in the classroom while ensuring equity, transparency, and student success?” Listen as Ruchin Kansal, MBA, Professor of Practice at the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies and a Visiting Instructor at the Stillman School of Business, talks about the ethical use of AI in the classroom to help students become problem solvers, critical thinkers and communicators. We will also hear from Dongdong Chen, Ph.D., Professor of Asian Studies, as she discusses the use of AI to help students with foreign language learning and in their future studies and career development. Finally, we will hear from Viswa Viswanathan, Ph.D., Professor of Computing Sciences, as he tells us about the impact AI is having on education, including the potential to enhance learning and provide personalized learning experiences, but also the ethical considerations it raises around cheating.

Next month, we will continue the two-part series, this time focusing on how AI Skills apply to the modern workforce. We’ll explore questions on how AI is impacting workplace expectations and even changing specific job roles. We’ll consider ethical concerns when using AI in professional settings and how students can prepare for those challenges.

Key topics + time stamps Series and Episode Introduction [0:00-1:28]

Professor Ruchin Kansal, Department of Management [1:29-6:42]

Dr. Dongdong Chen, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures [6:43-11:06]

Dr. Viswa Viswanathan: Department of Computer and Decision Sciences [11:07-17:50]

Episode Wrap-up [17:51-18:17] Resources Ruchin Kansal: Contact Information

• Teaching, Learning & Technology Roundtable (TLTR) AI Committee

Dr. Dongdong Chen: Contact Information

Dr. Viswa Viswanathan: Contact information

Episode Homepage & Contact Info: Website Email address: tltc@shu.edu