This year, Seton Hall welcomed over 800 incoming first-year students, some of whom will be enrolled in Seton Hall’s Pirate Pathway program. Pirate Pathway is a program that introduces new students to university life.
This program is unique to Seton Hall, as it allows students to have a reduced course load for this fall semester. With a 13-credit course load and direct academic support, Pirate Pathway allows freshman students to enrich their academic prowess through seminars, workshops, and structured study and tutoring sessions.
Professor Joshua Dornbos, a student success advisor and assistant dean of the Center for Academic Success, is one of the faculty working alongside Pirate Pathway students. Dornbos said he operates with more than 20 years of experience in student services.
“The Pirate Pathway Program gives students a path to attend Seton Hall University in situations where their academic profile from high school may not match their capacity,” Dornbos said.
Through his experiences working with this program, Dornbos said that the resources in this program can propel students academically.
“Students in the program work hard to take advantage of on-campus resources and excel towards their goal of ultimately pursuing their degree at SHU,” Dornbos said.
Pirate Pathway provides all students enrolled in the program the opportunity to learn about the requirements within each major, giving them an enhanced perspective when planning their college experience. Participating students work with their academic advisor to plan their major and maintain coursework with study sessions and tutoring.
Emmely Suarez, a sophomore majoring in the 3+3 program for criminal justice and law, is a peer advisor who works alongside Pirate Pathway and academic advisors.
Suarez said she appreciates her connection with the students, as their individual goals resonate with her.
“It is my favorite thing in the world to listen to my student's dreams and aspirations,” Suarez said.
She also said her goal as an advisor is to help students achieve the goals they set forth this semester, and she is always available for her class to offer support and encouragement.
Suarez added how the guided study sessions and tutoring requirements help students gain leverage throughout their college careers as an extra "push" toward academic excellence.
After completing their first semester, students will have continued access to the program's assets and staff support in CAS, with Dornbos highlighting that the transition from the pathway program into the spring semester involves ongoing support.
“The team in the Center for Academic Success aims to support each student, not only in their first semester but throughout their time as a student at SHU,” Dornbos said.
Students can find the Pirate Pathway in Room 112 of Mooney Hall. For more information about this program, check Seton Hall’s website.
Tiffany Clay is a writer for The Setonian’s Campus Life section. She can be reached at tiffany.clay@student.shu.edu.
