Three departments from the College of Arts and Sciences have been designated as Centers of Excellence by the Office of the Provost.
Chemistry and biochemistry, communication and the arts, and history were awarded the status as part of Seton Hall University's ongoing strategic plan "From Strength to Strength," which "calls for selective investment in high-performing and high-potential academic programs," Executive Vice President Larry Robinson said in his announcement.
In what was the second round of selections for the Centers of Excellence, 15 departments submitted applications this past fall.
"The proposals were reviewed by a committee of faculty, deans, associate provosts and representative from other areas," Senior Associate Provost Dr. Joan F. Guetti said.
She added: "They were judged on criteria that included diverse elements such as enrollment, scholarly accomplishments and contributions to the Catholic mission."
Guetti said some faculty in these designated centers may be awarded additional release time for scholarly work and funds for conference travel.
"The goal is to enhance the academic profile of the center, and heighten the prestige of the University," she said.
In the first round of selections, the graduate program in diplomacy and international relations in the School of Diplomacy and the accounting and finance programs from the Stillman School of Business were selected as the inaugural Centers of Excellence.
Designation as a Center of Excellence lasts for three years. Programs can re-apply, but they must show how the investment from the University has aided the advancement of their department.
Clayton Collier can be reached at clayton.collier@student.shu.edu.
