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Center for Law, Justice, & Policy

The Center for Law, Justice, and Policy focuses on enriching undergraduate education through research collaboration and community outreach. Our mission is to integrate students into a network of legal professionals and advocates from the start of their undergraduate career. By emphasizing innovative legal studies and real-world applications, we advance justice and policy, equipping students for significant societal contributions.

Three Major Functions

Interdisciplinary Hub for Teaching and Research Collaborations

To promote legal literacy throughout the university, the center acts as knowledge Hub for:

Campus outreach efforts related to legal issues (i.e., campus sexual assault)
Support for curriculum development related to the law across the Marywood colleges
Guidance/mentorship for applying to or writing proposals for scholarships, fellowships, and research/intervention grants related to the law
This Hub also offers/promotes opportunities for all campus members to learn general civil law related to public life, as well as laws specific to their chosen profession (i.e., nurses learning about health law that governs their work, or teachers about education law, architects about zoning and environmental laws, creative people in music and writing about copyright law, etc....)
Pre-law Review – this online, with limited hardcopy, publication is led by an “all student” interdisciplinary editorial board (guided by a faculty oversight committee). The contributor pool will be students, Alumni, Faculty, and local practicing attorneys, and other local legal professionals, that submit reviews of a recent legal case or incident, and/or offer a book & film review relevant to Law and Society. The student editorial team will also take lead on the center's Twitter-X, Facebook, and YouTube account to communicate the center’s activities.

Community Outreach and Network Building with Legal Professionals

This dimension of the Center will expand the goal of universal legal literacy beyond the university walls, engaging both professional and lay citizens in civil discussions, co-learning/research, and career development.

The Center initiates, develops & nurtures community, law enforcement, local government, and academic collaborations for various outreach programs in area schools, churches, community centers, government offices, and sister college campuses. These efforts promote legal literacy for all Scranton citizens in order to increase awareness about, as well as reduce, the risks associated with:

predatory business practices (e.g., short term loans, housing), often aimed at the elderly, the young, and minority & immigrant communities
domestic violence & campus sexual assault
neighbor & business disputes
environmental injustice
federal, state and local government/regulatory maleficence
violent police-citizen interactions and clashes (e.g., Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota)
(7) public order offenses (e.g., homeless populations and related issues such as chemical dependency, prostitution, and mental health).

The Center also offers government, legal, and law enforcement professionals, as well as interested lay citizens, opportunities to earn continuing professional development credit and/or certificates (i.e., paralegal), through specialized seminars, workshops, and courses.
The Center will also host periodic special interest programs open to the public that educate us all on legislative, executive, and judiciary processes as well as offer legal advice & assistance through:

Master Speakers’ series
Mock trials
Free Legal Clinics

Management of Academic Programs and Internships in Pre-Law, Criminal Justice, and Sociology

In the short term, in conjunction with Marywood University’s Social Science Department, the Center co-hosts the NEW Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law, along with a Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Criminal Justice. The Center also prepares pre-law students for the LSAT and the Law School application process, as well as places them in professional internships related to the law. In the long-term, the Center hopes to host an accredited Law School to offer prospective students the opportunity for a seamless transition from undergraduate to professional accreditation to working attorney in their chosen specialty.

Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

Explore Minors in Social Sciences

Criminal Justice Events

Monday

Nov 9

8:00 PM

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

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ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Date/Time:Nov 9/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Nov 18/11:00 AM
Location: Loughran Hall First Floor

Date: Wednesday, November 18th Time: 11am – 1pm Location: Loughran Hall Equipment Needed: Table by power outlet Catering: No Event Coordinator: Laura Fath fathl@upmc.edu Day of Event Staff Member: Hope Blasko blaskohm@upmc.edu

Wednesday

Nov 18

12:00 PM

Thanksgiving Prayer Service

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Thanksgiving Prayer Service

Date/Time:Nov 18/12:00 PM
Location: Swartz Marian Chapel

Wednesday

Nov 18

7:00 PM

Wind Symphony Concert

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Wind Symphony Concert

Date/Time:Nov 18/7:00 PM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Wind Symphony Concert Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 7 p.m. Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts, Room 100 Theatre (Auditorium) Marywood University’s Wind Symphony will present an evening concert featuring student musicians performing a selection of works for wind ensemble.

Thursday

Nov 19

12:00 AM

Executive Policy Committee Meeting

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Executive Policy Committee Meeting

Date/Time:Nov 19/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Thursday

Nov 19

9:00 AM

SENATE MEETING

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SENATE MEETING

Date/Time:Nov 19/9:00 AM
Location:

Date/Time:Nov 20/7:00 PM
Location: Swartz Marian Chapel

Jazz Ambassadors and Brass Ensemble Concert

Saturday

Nov 21

12:00 AM

University Housing Closes for Thanksgiving Break at 10 A.M

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University Housing Closes for Thanksgiving Break at 10 A.M

Date/Time:Nov 21/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Saturday

Nov 21

7:00 PM

Sophie Till Solo Violin Recital

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Sophie Till Solo Violin Recital

Date/Time:Nov 21/7:00 PM
Location: Swartz Marian Chapel

A Celebration of Rhythm, Soul & the Violin A musical journey through blues, jazz, classical tradition, and American roots music. This dynamic solo violin program features the powerful and distinctive voices of Dolores White, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, and Wynton Marsalis. From the intimate, conversational spirit of White’s Blues Dialogues, to Perkinson’s irresistible Louisiana Blues Strut, and the dazzling energy of Marsalis’s Fiddle Dance Suite, this concert reveals the violin in bold, unexpected, and deeply expressive new ways. Come experience music that swings, sings, dances—and refuses to stay in just one musical box.

Monday

Nov 23

12:00 AM

Virtual Classes

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Virtual Classes

Date/Time:Nov 23/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Monday

Nov 23

8:00 PM

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

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ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Date/Time:Nov 23/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Nov 30/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Marian Chapel

Vocal Recital Showcase

Monday

Nov 30

8:00 PM

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

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ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Date/Time:Nov 30/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Dec 2/7:00 PM
Location: Performing Arts Center-002 98

Mary Miles and Bella Brunetti Senior Capstone

Thursday

Dec 3

8:00 AM

LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA TEENS

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Date/Time:Dec 11/6:00 PM
Location: Swartz Marian Chapel

Evening of Strings Concert Friday, December 11, 2026, 6 p.m. Marian Chapel Marywood string students will perform solo works with piano. Admission is free.

Friday

Dec 11

6:30 PM

NYC Alumni Gathering

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NYC Alumni Gathering

Date/Time:Dec 11/6:30 PM
Location: Campus Wide Off Campus Event

Date/Time:Dec 15/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Tuesday

Dec 15

8:00 AM

ST CLARE'S XMAS CONCERT

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ST CLARE'S XMAS CONCERT

Date/Time:Dec 15/8:00 AM
Location: Performing Arts Center-002 Sette La Verghetta Center For Performing Arts

Date/Time:Dec 21/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Dec 28/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Jan 4/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Jan 18/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

WEEKLY ZETA MEETING IN SWARTZ A

Tuesday

Jan 19

12:00 AM

Drop courses & receive 100% refund/cancellation of tuition and course fees.

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Drop courses & receive 100% refund/cancellation of tuition and course fees.

Date/Time:Jan 19/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Date/Time:Jan 20/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Date/Time:Feb 2/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Wednesday

Feb 3

12:00 AM

Drop courses & receive 25% refund/cancellation of tuition and course fees.

Learn More

Drop courses & receive 25% refund/cancellation of tuition and course fees.

Date/Time:Feb 3/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Date/Time:Feb 8/10:30 AM
Location: Nazareth Hall-010 Upper Main-Entire

ARCHTIECTURE CLASS.

Monday

Feb 8

8:00 PM

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

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ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Date/Time:Feb 8/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Feb 10/10:30 AM
Location: Nazareth Hall-010 Upper Main-Entire

Date/Time:Feb 15/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Via the MyHealth Marywood link. (https://www.marywood.edu/life-at-mu/student-experience/myhealth-marywood/index)

Monday

Feb 15

12:00 AM

Presidents' Day

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Presidents' Day

Date/Time:Feb 15/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Monday

Feb 15

8:00 PM

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Learn More

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Date/Time:Feb 15/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Feb 26/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Friday

Feb 26

7:30 PM

Into The Woods Musical Performance

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Into The Woods Musical Performance

Date/Time:Feb 26/7:30 PM
Location: Performing Arts Center-002 100

Date/Time:Mar 1/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Mar 15/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Mar 22/10:30 AM
Location: Nazareth Hall-010 Upper Main-Entire

ARCHTIECTURE CLASS.

Monday

Mar 22

8:00 PM

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

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ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Date/Time:Mar 22/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Mar 24/10:30 AM
Location: Nazareth Hall-010 Upper Main-Entire

Date/Time:Mar 29/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Apr 5/10:30 AM
Location: Nazareth Hall-010 Upper Main-Entire

ARCHTIECTURE CLASS.

Monday

Apr 5

8:00 PM

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

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ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Date/Time:Apr 5/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

WEEKLY ZETA MEETING IN SWARTZ A

Tuesday

Apr 6

12:00 AM

Registration Begins for Fall Courses

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Registration Begins for Fall Courses

Date/Time:Apr 6/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Wednesday

Apr 7

10:30 AM

ARCH 217 IN UPPER MAIN ENTIRE

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ARCH 217 IN UPPER MAIN ENTIRE

Date/Time:Apr 7/10:30 AM
Location: Nazareth Hall-010 Upper Main-Entire

ARCHTIECTURE CLASS.

Thursday

Apr 8

12:00 AM

Executive Committee Meeting

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Date/Time:Apr 19/10:30 AM
Location: Nazareth Hall-010 Upper Main-Entire

ARCHTIECTURE CLASS.

Monday

Apr 19

8:00 PM

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Learn More

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Date/Time:Apr 19/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:Apr 21/10:30 AM
Location: Nazareth Hall-010 Upper Main-Entire

Date/Time:Apr 23/5:00 PM
Location: Swartz Marian Chapel

WEDDING REHEARSAL FOR KONDASH WEDDING

Saturday

Apr 24

7:30 PM

Orchestra Concert

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Orchestra Concert

Date/Time:Apr 24/7:30 PM
Location: Performing Arts Center-002 100

Sunday

Apr 25

3:00 PM

Chamber Singers Concert

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Chamber Singers Concert

Date/Time:Apr 25/3:00 PM
Location: Swartz Marian Chapel

Chamber Singers Concert

Sunday

Apr 25

7:00 PM

Percussion Ensemble Concert

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Date/Time:May 1/7:00 PM
Location: Performing Arts Center-002 100

Marywood Dance Team Performance

Saturday

May 1

7:30 PM

Concert Choir Concert

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Concert Choir Concert

Date/Time:May 1/7:30 PM
Location: Liberal Art Center-001 Rotunda

Concert Choir Concert

Sunday

May 2

12:00 AM

Orthodox Pascha

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Date/Time:May 3/10:30 AM
Location: Nazareth Hall-010 Upper Main-Entire

ARCHTIECTURE CLASS.

Monday

May 3

8:00 PM

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Learn More

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Date/Time:May 3/8:00 PM
Location: Swartz Conference Room A

Date/Time:May 5/10:30 AM
Location: Nazareth Hall-010 Upper Main-Entire

Date/Time:Aug 20/8:30 AM
Location: Nazareth Hall-010 Lynett Board Room

Date/Time:Sep 8/11:00 AM
Location: Learning Commons-049 Art Field

Opening Liturgy 11 a.m. Opening Picnic 12 p.m.

Wednesday

Sep 8

11:00 AM

Opening Liturgy and Community Picnic

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Opening Liturgy and Community Picnic

Date/Time:Sep 8/11:00 AM
Location: Performing Arts Center-002 100

University Housing Closes at 6 P.M. for Graduating Students

Date/Time:May 20/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Saturday

May 20

1:00 PM

Commencement

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Commencement

Date/Time:Aug 28/12:00 AM
Location: Campus Wide Academic Dates

Earn a Designation in Law, Justice, and Policy

Take your degree to the next level by earning a designation in Law, Justice and Policy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get started.

Questions? Email: seffrin@marywood.edu

Step 1: Complete the Required Coursework

Total Credits: 18 credits related to Law, Justice, and Policy.

15 credits from five LJP-designated courses (e.g., HIST 448, PHIL 316, RST 240).
3 credits from PL 101: Shadow and Service, which includes shadowing a legal professional, providing service, and conducting research.

Step 2: Select Your Learning Objectives

Work with your faculty for each LJP-designated course to select Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) that align with your academic and career goals. Examples include:

Developing legal reasoning and analytical skills.
Enhancing legal writing, communication, and advocacy.

Step 3: Apply for the Designation

Submit the Application: Use the Frevvo electronic form to apply, selecting courses and SLOs with faculty approval.
Pay the Fees: The designation costs $1200, which is $200 for each 3-credit course designated as LJP.

Step 4: Track Your Progress and Complete Requirements

Monitor your progress through the student portal to ensure all coursework and fees are completed.

Step 5: Receive Recognition

Once all requirements are met, the LJP designation will be noted on your transcript and diploma.

Pennsylvania State Police Partnership

Students can complete their bachelor's degree while training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. They will earn 30 undergraduate credits upon successful completion and can apply these credits directly toward the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.

To be eligible, students must:

Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Marywood University
Have completed at least 90 undergraduate credits before applying to the Academy
Be at least 20 years of age at the time of Academy application
Meet all Pennsylvania State Police Academy admission requirements
Successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Police Academy

Get Involved

The Center for Law, Justice and Policy is seeking to recruit students for purposes of participating in a student club for Law, Justice and Policy. The club would provide students with opportunities to fundraise for field trips, hold events on campus, and connect with members of the broader community on issues related to law, public policy, and social justice.

The Center for Law, Justice and Policy will also be establishing a pre-law review, online publication. The pre-law review will be

A repository for student course work, such as a research assignment focused on a legal issue
A discussion of collaborative projects among faculty that have a legal or public policy dimension
Editorial pieces that give voice to issues related to matters of law, justice and policy.

Potential Funding Opportunities

Resources

The Center for Law, Justice, and Policy offers various legal resources for students in the Pre-Law programs at Marywood University.

View Resources

Lawyer Biographies

William J. Clements

Phone: 610-256-9036

Email: WClements@klehr.com

Address: 1835 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Trial Lawyer at Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP since October 2002. Specializes in business and commercial litigation, government contracting law, eminent domain, intellectual property, employment law, and privacy and data law.

Michael A. Dempsey, Esq.

Phone: 570-499-4068

Email: MD@LenahanDempsey.com

Website: https://www.lenahandempsey.com/michael-a-dempsey.html

Address: 1721 Quincy Ave, Dunmore, PA 18509

Associate Attorney at Lenahan & Dempsey, P.C. Oversees all aspects of both State and Federal civil litigation from start to finish. Develops and implements litigation, discovery, settlement, and trial strategies.

Michael E. McGrath, Esq.

Phone: 570-815-1839

Email: mmcgrath837@comcast.net

Address: 837 Taylor Ave, Scranton, PA 18510

Assistant District Attorney at Lackawanna county District Attorney’s Office, responsible for handling criminal matters involving all manners of criminal activities. Works with state and local law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases in Lackawanna County.

Timothy M. Doherty

Phone: 570-351-8191

Email: tdoherty1709@gmail.com

Address: 135 Jefferson Ave, Scranton, PA 18503

Assistant District Attorney, litigating general prosecutions. Supervised several long-term investigations involving narcotics trafficking in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Honesdale, Allentown, Bethlehem, Reading, and Stroudsburg areas of the state.

Bo Loughney, Esq.

Phone: 570-955-6128

Email: bo.loughney@gmail.com

Address: 1217 Marion St., Dunmore, PA

Deputy District Attorney, overseeing the Special Victims Unit, specifically supervising the prosecution of all SVU cases for Lackawanna County, including sexual assault and child endangerment.

John M. Hart, ESQ.

Phone: 570-344-2626

Email: info@thehartofscranton.com

Website: thehartofscranton.com

Address: 134 E. Grove Street, Dunmore, PA 18510

Owner of Hart Law, currently serving the City of Scranton's Office of Economic and Community Development as their solicitor, lending his expertise to the city's growth and development initiatives.

Corrine E. Taylor, Esq.

Phone: 570-903-4676

Email: taylorc.esq@gmail.com

Address: 21-23 Public Avenue, P.O. Box 361 Montrose, PA 18801

Special Counsel at Coughlin and Gerhart, LLP, specializing in residential real estate, estate planning, probate law, family law, criminal law, and civil litigation throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Ben Josielevski, Esq.

Phone: 570-823-7312

Email: bjosielevski@maryu.marywood.edu

Address: P.O. Box 2177, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703

Staff Attorney at Domestic Violence Service Center, representing victims of domestic violence in various civil proceedings including PFAs, child custody, and divorce.

Brian J. Gallagher, Esq.

Phone: 570-498-9105

Email: briangallagher00@gmail.com

Address: 120 Whitetail Dr., Scranton, PA 18504

First Assistant District Attorney in Lackawanna County, handling an array of responsibilities from supervising staff and criminal prosecutions to overseeing major crimes units such as Drug, Gang, and Arson. Extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts.

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Center for Law, Justice, & Policy

Three Major Functions

Criminal Justice Events

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

IHM Founders Day

IHM Founders Day

Veterans Day

Veterans Day

WORKFORCE HEALTH EVENT

WORKFORCE HEALTH EVENT

Northeast Regional Maternal Health Coalition Speaker Panel

Northeast Regional Maternal Health Coalition Speaker Panel

Brahms Requiem with Concert Choir and Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic

Brahms Requiem with Concert Choir and Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic

Scranton/WB Hockey Game Alumni MeetUp

Scranton/WB Hockey Game Alumni MeetUp

Tutti Concert

Tutti Concert

Wind Symphony Concert

Wind Symphony Concert

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

The Courts and Our Community: Advocacy & Judicial Decision Making

The Courts and Our Community: Advocacy & Judicial Decision Making

Wind Symphony Dress Rehearsal

Wind Symphony Dress Rehearsal

Monday Classes Meet

Monday Classes Meet

WORKFORCE HEALTH EVENT

WORKFORCE HEALTH EVENT

Thanksgiving Prayer Service

Thanksgiving Prayer Service

Wind Symphony Concert

Wind Symphony Concert

Executive Policy Committee Meeting

Executive Policy Committee Meeting

SENATE MEETING

SENATE MEETING

Online Curriculum Committee Meeting

Online Curriculum Committee Meeting

Undergraduate Curriculum Committee Meeting

Undergraduate Curriculum Committee Meeting

Jazz Ambassadors/Brass Ensemble Concert

Jazz Ambassadors/Brass Ensemble Concert

University Housing Closes for Thanksgiving Break at 10 A.M

University Housing Closes for Thanksgiving Break at 10 A.M

Sophie Till Solo Violin Recital

Sophie Till Solo Violin Recital

Virtual Classes

Virtual Classes

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Thanksgiving Break: No Classes; All Administrative Offices Closed

Thanksgiving Break: No Classes; All Administrative Offices Closed

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day

First Sunday Day of Advent

First Sunday Day of Advent

University Housing Reopens at 12 P.M.

University Housing Reopens at 12 P.M.

Fall Semester Classes Resume

Fall Semester Classes Resume

Vocal Recital Showcase

Vocal Recital Showcase

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

ZETA WEEKLY MEETINGS (NO SET UP)

Philharmonic Concert

Philharmonic Concert

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Mary Miles and Bella Brunetti Senior Capstone

Mary Miles and Bella Brunetti Senior Capstone

LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA TEENS

LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA TEENS

Guitar Ensemble Concert

Guitar Ensemble Concert