The University Center, once a hub of Seton Hall’s student life, will reopen in November after a lengthy renovation that has changed the shape of campus.
The building will open on Nov. 28, the same day as Seton Hall’s annual “Christmas at the Hall” tree lighting celebration, Vice President of Student Services Monica Burnette announced at Monday’s Student Government Association Town Hall meeting.
The center will include dining areas, performance spaces and new offices for student organizations. Construction began in the spring of 2021, marking the first renovation of the building since it was erected in 1962.
“The University Center is a place where friendships are made, games are played and meals shared,” the University’s website says. “It is a place where the learning continues, hosting speakers, conferences and panels with industry experts.”
“It is a place of inspiration and autonomy where students create new ideas of their own. It is a place for spiritual growth, rejuvenation and service to others.”
Burnette said that some spaces will not be fully available until the spring semester. It is currently unclear which spaces will open in November.
The renovation, announced much earlier in the pandemic, became a controversial expense to many students. However, the funding was set to come from philanthropy and bonds that could be used only for capital projects, University spokesman Michael Ricciardeli said in February 2021.
This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates. Daniel O’Connor can be reached at daniel.oconnor1@student.shu.edu. Find him on Twitter @itsDanOConnor. Emma Thumann can be reached at emma.thumann@student.shu.edu.
