Staff Presidential Seminar

Founded out of Second Vatican Council, Sacred Heart University embraces the Church’s call to engage the modern world in a spirit of dialogue, openness, and renewal. Catholic universities have a special responsibility as stewards of the Catholic intellectual tradition.

As such, they seek to preserve, transmit, and develop this tradition as a 2,000-year-old “ongoing conversation” in active dialogue with contemporary culture and the signs of the times. Sacred Heart University continues to deepen this commitment across all areas of University life.

Staff members are essential partners in advancing the University’s mission. Through student engagement, administrative leadership, athletics, student life, operations, and support services, staff shape the lived experience of our Catholic identity every day.

To assist staff members who wish to deepen their understanding of and engagement with the Catholic intellectual tradition, the University is pleased to announce the creation of the Presidential Seminar on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition - Staff, beginning fall 2026.

Program Overview

Presidential Seminar on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition - Staff is a year-long formation program for a cohort of 10 full-time staff members.

The Seminar has four objectives:

1. To foster a deeper understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition and the University’s mission.
2. To encounter how this Tradition informs leadership, service, and decision-making within diverse staff roles.
3. To examine the ethical and organizational implications of Catholic identity of the University and Catholic social teaching for university life.
4. To encourage participants to integrate the mission and Catholic identity of the University into their professional practice in tangible ways.

Structure

Presidential Seminar on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition - Staff consists of six 90-minute sessions held during the 2026–2027 academic year (three in the fall semester and three in the spring semester), culminating in a final gathering that includes participant presentations and a shared dinner. Sessions will be scheduled during regular work hours in consultation with supervisors. Attendance at all six sessions and the final gathering is mandatory. The meetings will take place on:

• Thursday, September 10, 2026 | Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 8, 2026 | Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday, November 12, 2026 | Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday, February 11, 2027 | Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday, March 11, 2027 | Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Thursday, April 8, 2027 | Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 13, 2027 | 4 to 6:30 p.m. (final dinner & presentations)

Each session will include:

• Assigned readings (distributed in advance) accompanied by a written reflection 
• Guided discussion
• Application to staff roles and University life
• Intentional reflection on integrating the mission and Catholic identity of the University into their professional practice.

Participant Project

As a culminating component of the Seminar, each participant will complete a mission integration project appropriate to their role. Examples include:

• Development of a mission-centered initiative within their department
• A revised departmental practice or policy informed by Catholic social teaching
• A workshop or training module for colleagues which reflects the 
• A reflective project connecting their professional role to the Catholic intellectual tradition

Stipend

Staff members who successfully complete the Seminar and project will receive a $1,500 stipend.

Ongoing Engagement

Participants in the Presidential Seminar on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition - Staff will be invited to future mission-centered conversations, workshops, and formation opportunities to continue strengthening their engagement with the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Application

Apply for the Staff Presidential Seminar