Monica Burnette

A thriving campus community doesn’t happen by chance; it requires thoughtful planning, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Monica Burnette, Vice President of Student Services at Seton Hall University, puts this philosophy at the heart of her work. With a focus on fostering belonging, civil discourse, and holistic support, Monica shares invaluable insights into her journey and strategies for creating an inclusive and engaged student community.

In today’s conversation, Monica sat down with Max Webber, Co-Host of The Interview, to reflect on her career, how Seton Hall is tackling pressing challenges, and the importance of empowering both students and staff.

Monica's Journey

Max: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your work at Seton Hall University?

I’m Monica Burnette, and I serve as the Vice President of Student Services at Seton Hall University. Our campus is located in South Orange, New Jersey, and we’re proud to serve a diverse community of students through a holistic approach to education. My career in Higher Education (HE) has always been rooted in creating meaningful connections – both academic and personal – for our students. At Seton Hall, our mission revolves around three pillars: holistic student success, fostering belonging and inclusivity, and supporting our staff.

Our division of Student Services is expansive, with 18 departments and over 150 employees. Whether it’s academic readiness, social-emotional development, or financial preparedness, we strive to ensure that every student feels supported and empowered to thrive. My work is driven by our collective goal of building a welcoming, vibrant campus community that embodies our values.

Max: You mentioned Seton Hall’s commitment to fostering civil discourse. Can you share some standout moments that highlight this effort?

We’ve been incredibly proud of our students’ engagement around the US general election last November. This effort was part of our summer reading program, featuring Monica Guzman’s I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. The book’s themes – empathy, curiosity, and connecting across differences – inspired us to host a range of programming around civil discourse.

Highlights included a screening of the documentary Braver Angels: Reuniting America, which underscores our shared humanity, and a panel discussion where students and faculty explored how to have respectful, productive conversations on challenging topics. Our students also participated in the New Jersey Ballot Bowl, a voter registration competition. Seton Hall came first in the Big East and third in our state conference. These initiatives showed the power of community collaboration and demonstrated how we can approach contentious issues with understanding and grace.

Max: How do you communicate the importance of civil discourse, especially in such a polarized climate?

We worked closely with our Student Government Association (SGA) to embed this messaging into our campus culture. One key strategy was encouraging students to focus on shared values rather than differences. We leaned heavily on lessons from the summer reading book – for instance, teaching students to ask, “How did you come to that belief?” instead of “Why do you believe that?” This subtle shift fosters storytelling and understanding rather than defensiveness.

Social media also came up as a challenge during our conversations. Students reflected on how misinformation and impulsive online interactions can erode civility. Through workshops, we encouraged students to pause, think critically, and engage respectfully both online and offline. By promoting active listening and curiosity, we’ve made strides in building a culture of empathy on campus.

Max: Belonging is crucial for student success. How does Seton Hall approach this, particularly with first-year students?

We emphasize early engagement during the orientation period. Our summer orientation program focuses on readiness in three key areas: academic, social-emotional, and financial. Many students face gaps in study skills and time management post-pandemic, so we offer workshops, tutoring, and resources to build these skills early. Recognizing heightened levels of anxiety and isolation, we connect every first-year student with a peer advisor who supports them throughout their transition. These peer leaders are integral to our university life seminar, which introduces students to campus resources, clubs, and organizations. Additionally, college affordability is a growing concern, and our staff collaborates with financial aid offices to guide students through the FAFSA process and help them navigate scholarships and grants. Ultimately, our goal is to create a holistic support system where students feel seen, supported, and connected to their community.

Max: Many institutions have noted challenges in re-socialising students post-COVID. How has Seton Hall addressed this?

We’ve focused on relationship-building and peer-to-peer connections. Our student leader programs play a big role in this effort. For example, our peer advisors serve as mentors, helping new students navigate their first year while fostering a sense of belonging. We also provide resources like short, digestible videos on topics such as stress management and time management. These videos, created in collaboration with students, resonate well and meet students where they are – online.

Max: Collaboration with student leaders seems central to your approach. How do you engage them in improving the student experience?

Our SGA is a vital partner in identifying and addressing student needs. They’ve established committees on academics, student life, and community relations to surface concerns and propose solutions. For example, students frequently raise questions about dining options. While we can’t address every request immediately, we work with them to identify incremental changes that enhance their experience. Closing the feedback loop – acknowledging concerns and communicating progress – is critical to building trust and collaboration.

Max: What continues to fuel your passion for Student Affairs?

For me, it’s about finding purpose and helping others do the same. Whether it’s supporting students holistically or mentoring the next generation of HE leaders, I’m inspired by the potential to make a meaningful impact. Our work is challenging – we’re often on the front lines of crises – but it’s deeply rewarding to see students and staff grow, thrive, and contribute to our community.

Max: To wrap up, what’s one piece of advice you’d give anyone starting a career in student affairs? 

Believe in the power of networking. Building relationships – both on and off campus – can open doors you never imagined. Early in my career, I met someone at a recruitment event who joked, “If you ever move to New York, give me a call.” Years later, when I relocated to New York City, I reached out, and that connection led to my first job in the area. Relationships matter, and putting yourself out there – even when it feels uncomfortable – can be transformative.