Seton Hall SLP Expands Student Supports with Thoughtful Thursdays, Scrub Rack and Peer Tutoring

Seton Hall University’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology has launched several new initiatives aimed at enhancing student well-being and academic success this year. Programs like Thoughtful Thursdays, Scrub Rack and GA Tutoring Open Hour provide crucial support to help students manage the demands of graduate school while fostering a strong sense of community. These efforts align with Seton Hall’s mission of nurturing ethical leadership and academic excellence in a collaborative environment, preparing students to thrive in both professional and community roles.

Thoughtful Thursdays is a program launched by faculty member Christina Barnes, SLPD, CCC-SLP, to offer students dedicated time for mindfulness and relaxation through activities such as yoga and meditation during a class break, while engaged in their studies on campus. These monthly sessions encourage students to step away from their busy schedules, promoting mental health and balance. First-year S.L.P. student Tia Miller finds the sessions key for stress management, describing them as “an incredible way to detach from school for 15-30 minutes” as well as helpful for reducing test anxiety. The initiative underscores the importance of mental wellness in students’ academic journeys.

Scrub Rack is an initiative born out of faculty awareness that some students across programs were facing challenges purchasing attire required for their clinical education both on campus and off-site. The program aims to address the financial challenges many students may face when preparing for clinical placements by offering gently used scrubs at no cost. This donation-based program helps students focus on their clinical education without the burden of purchasing new scrubs.

Christina Barnes, a full-time S.L.P. faculty member and key advocate for the initiative, hopes it will “foster a sense of community and support among students as they navigate their academic and professional journeys.” Second-year S.L.P. student Kathryn Hendrzak agrees, noting that “scrubs can be expensive, and second-hand can be just as nice as brand new,” and encourages her peers to take advantage of this resource.

In efforts to support academic success for students, the Department has also launched, for the first time, a GA Tutoring Open Hour which provides first-year S.L.P. students with academic support from second-year SLP Graduate Assistants. Held weekly via Microsoft Teams, these sessions offer students a chance to ask questions, review coursework and connect with their peers. First year students in the program are invited to join to ask for clarifications on topics, request resources and also have the opportunity to develop a mutual mentorship relationship with the second-year graduate assistants, all of whom were selected based on their meritorious performance in the M.S., S,L.P. program.

Graduate Assistant Emily Schwartz feels proud to be involved in a program that fosters a supportive learning environment, stating that “it’s inspiring to be part of a culture where students feel empowered to ask for help when needed.” She also acknowledges the benefit of learning from second-year peers who can offer “valuable academic tips and guidance, complementing the knowledge gained from professors in the classroom.” This collaborative approach promotes an inclusive space where first-year students feel encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions, enhancing their confidence and understanding of complex material.

Through these initiatives, faculty in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology continue to demonstrate their commitment to creating a supportive, collaborative academic environment. Professor Caryn Grabowski, MS, CCC-SLP, department chair and program director, emphasizes that these programs reflect the faculty’s dedication to student success, highlighting that programs like Thoughtful Thursdays and Scrub Rack show how much the department values students’ well-being.

“By availing resources like these universally for all students,” Grabowski explains, “we aim to eliminate the stigma that can be associated with seeking help for needs such as mental health, finances, and academic performance.” As a result, she believes that this ensures “every student in our program feels seen and supported.” These initiatives prioritize both academic excellence and personal well-being, helping Seton Hall students become well-rounded leaders ready for their future roles in healthcare.

Categories: Health and Medicine