Monthly Archives: May, 2020

Seton Hall University announced on May 22 that its doors will open in the fall for a hybrid, flexible (“HyFlex”) plan that offers both in-person and online instruction, according to an announcement on its website. The university is the first public higher education institution in New Jersey to announce a decision for the upcoming semester.

Carly Rae Jepsen released “Dedicated Side B,” the follow-up album to her popular 2019 release, “Dedicated,” on May 21, rather unexpectedly. Jepsen had not released any promotional singles in conjunction with the record.

The American coming-of-age comedy-drama series “Never Have I Ever,” created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, streamed on Netflix on April 27 and has boomed with popularity.

Gov. Phil Murphy made an announcement on May 14, according to NJ.com, to reopen New Jersey beaches, beginning the process of re-opening the state to its “new normal.” The order went into effect on May 22, the weekend of the unofficial start of the summer. The governor also recently allowed high schools to host in-person graduation ceremonies starting July 6, according to NorthJersey.com.

With lower prices per class and in an effort to lighten up their coursework for future semesters, students continue to add online classes from the College to their summer schedules.

The College announced on May 4 that a new theatre minor is available once again to interested students, returning to the College after its original introduction in the early 2000s.

The College has begun adapting to the new nationally-mandated Title IX policies released on May 6 by Secretary of the Department of Education Betsy DeVos. The new policies include creating a narrower definition of sexual harassment, incorporating informal cross-examination hearings and requiring schools to dismiss allegations of sexual harassment that occur outside of campus-controlled buildings.

In a time of grave uncertainty, academia knows one thing for sure: the College’s class of 2020 deserves a celebration. Pomp, circumstance and champagne were all in order for these historic graduates –– even if it had to be through a screen.

The end of the semester has finally arrived –– a time when most students relax and unwind in the increasingly warm weather. But due to the active pandemic, students can’t enjoy the luxury of going to the beach, movies or even stores without severe restrictions. Other than the end of the semester and the brink of summer, May also brings with it National Mental Health Month.

Hayley Williams, the lead singer of the pop-punk band Paramore, thrilled fans with the release on May 8 of her full-length solo album, “Petals for Armor.”

In a job market prioritizing workplace experience, internships are the golden ticket to securing credentials and providing an insight into career interests.

In response to the active coronavirus outbreak and its effects on standardized testing for high school students, the College announced on Tuesday, May 19, that it would implement a testing-optional admissions policy for first-year applicants.

While some students like junior mechanical engineering major Lauren Desimone believe the renovations “went really well,” others, like senior computer engineering major Paul Brodhead, feel that “it was all for nothing.”

The end of the school year is always bittersweet, but with the circumstances of COVID-19, it’s feeling more bitter than it does sweet for many. Even through the struggles, students at the College have hope for next semester, and are ready as ever to be back on campus.