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Our Traditions
Decades of educational values and traditional Catholic heritage.
The traditions of Seton Hill represent a distinguishing mark of University life. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Seton Hill University come together regularly as a welcoming, learning, celebrating, and serving community.
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Welcoming
 In the spirit of the legacy and traditions of the Sisters of Charity, members of the campus community not only recognize their responsibility and concern for each other, but extend hospitality to others.
President's Reception
At this official ceremony we welcome all new students into the University community. The formalities include a reception line with which the students are formally introduced to the administration, faculty, and staff.
Family Day
The Parents' Committee sponsors a family get-together on campus. A concert, social gatherings, play, liturgy and brunch, followed by informal visiting around campus comprise the day.
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Celebrating
The coming together of students, staff, faculty, and alumni to worship and celebrate has throughout its history been an integral part of Seton Hill's heritage. Whether through large liturgical services in St. Joseph Chapel or small intimate evening gatherings, students are encouraged to explore and develop a rich and vibrant spiritual life.
Opening Liturgy
We gather as a faith community at this celebration near the beginning of the year to invoke the blessings of God's wisdom, grace, truth, and love on the personal and academic success of everyone at the "Hill."
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Celebration
The life of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founder of the Sisters of Charity, is celebrated annually in a ritual service that takes a variety of celebratory forms. During this service, students are introduced to the Saint for whom our University is named.
Thanksgiving
Before leaving the Hill for Thanksgiving, we celebrate our gratitude for and with each other. An interfaith prayer service of Thanksgiving precedes a family-style turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
Tree Planting
The junior class plants a memory for us on campus in this annual late-spring ritual. A symbol of growth and endurance, the tree they dedicate not only beautifies the campus, but remains as a reminder of their class through the years.
 Christmas on the Hill
Reflecting on the importance of the coming of Christ into history, we begin the Christmas season with the Crib Ceremony. Freshmen sponsor this program during which the Christmas figures are placed in the Nativity. Caroling and the sharing of memories of Seton Hill University Christmases past conclude the evening.
The Music Department lightens the air with a Christmas Concert a week before the big celebration. On the Saturday of celebration, all members of the Seton Hill family don their very best to begin the festivities. A formal candlelight dinner for all Seton Hill University students served by Administrative Staff, a Christmas liturgy with candlelight and Silent Night, the Christmas dance and campus parties make up the celebration.
Alumni Weekend
After Commencement, Seton Hill alumni from far and near gather for their annual reunion. Meeting old friends, reminiscing, and getting caught up on what's been happening at their Alma Mater take most of the weekend. Special celebrations are planned for the five-year anniversary classes, but all graduates are welcomed home.
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Learning
Seton Hill University combines the discipline of the liberal arts with professional preparation for careers and seeks to strengthen the resulting education with a respectful interweaving of the Catholic tradition with the belief systems of its diverse student body. As founder of the Sisters of Charity, Saint Elizabeth Seton would say, "I would have you fit for the world…," a fitness that produces a graduate who has mastered values as well as an academic major.
Orientation
We assist new Setonians entering the University through an integrated program of academic and social events. Participants in orientation events will become acquainted with the history and traditions, the people and facilities, the spirit, and the style of life on the Hill. Although the major efforts of this program are directed to the freshmen, specially designed components welcome all new students in both the fall and spring semesters.
Honors Convocation
We come together in the fall and spring as an academic community to recognize those students who have achieved outstanding honors during the previous year. We also reaccept the challenge of scholarship as teachers and learners by welcoming outstanding speakers to address us on these occasions.
Baccalaureate and Commencement
A December Commencement is held for those students completing their degree studies by August or December. This ceremony incorporates a vesper service with the academic events and is followed by a faculty/staff receiving line reception for students and their families.
In the spring a baccalaureate Mass is scheduled on the Friday evening preceding Commencement. The Senior Class Officers lead the procession displaying the Senior Class Banner. The Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday open with an academic procession into banner-draped Sullivan Hall where the graduates' Class Banner is also displayed. The Commencement Address and presentation of diplomas complete the formal part of the day. Graduates then process into Sullivan Lounge to say good-bye to the faculty and staff, symbolizing coming full circle from the President's Reception their freshman year when they first formally met the faculty and staff as new students. A reception for family and friends is also planned. Farewell to friends and a last ride down "the Hill" begin the next phase of each new graduate's life.
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Serving
 As a Catholic university, Seton Hill treasures its strong history and commitment to community outreach and service to others. In the spirit of its founders, Seton Hill students are encouraged to use their knowledge, skills, and talents to bring about the transformation of the world.
Labor of Love
Early in the fall semester, members of the Seton Hill community participate in a day of service to help others in need, bond with each other, and continue the Seton legacy of charity. After a send-off rally on Sullivan Lawn, students, faculty, staff, and Trustees board vans and travel to the service sites. A day of service with time for lunch and reflection/discussion complete the day. Service sites have included: Mom's House, PA Cleanways, Westmoreland County Food Bank, Christian Laymen Corps Store, St. Emma's Monastery, Seton Hill Grotto, Habitat for Humanity, Keystone State Park, and Caritas Christi.
Operation Christmas Basket
During the fall semester, we create a crafter's workshop through Campus Ministry; making and baking activities increase in late November. Early in December, a sale of baked goods and craft items provide funds for Seton Hill's outreach into the Greensburg community with food and other assistance to the needy.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Take the Day On
Each spring, as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and in keeping with Dr. King's commitment to service, the campus comes together for an afternoon of service on Dr. King's birthday. Students, faculty, and staff have lunch together and after a blessing and kickoff, volunteers depart for various service sites. Service Sites have included: Westmoreland County Food Bank, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Humane Society of Westmoreland County, Christian Laymen Corps Store, and Caritas Christi. This celebration continues on campus with a follow-up educational program later in the week on issues of peace and justice.
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