The Provost’s Office announces the launch of a pre-professional counseling center

Seton Hall University is proud to officially announce the start of our new Pre-Professional Counseling Center (P-PAC)! The center is in line with Provost’s strategic plan and has been developed to provide student-centered counseling, coaching for academic success, skills-building workshops and application cycle preparation for academics interested in exploring and learning. pursue a career in medicine, law and other areas of health. The center will focus on developing and supporting students to explore, prepare and apply to various professional schools such as medical school, pharmacy school, veterinary school, law school, for no name a few. Pre-professional counseling is a great addition to the support services already in place at SHU and will meet great demand. The pre-professional advice is open to all students, whatever their specialty.

Chantal Vergara MA, NCC, Director of the Pre-Professional Counseling Center, has been hired to lead this new initiative at Seton Hall University. She comes to SHU with extensive experience in providing student-centered academic advice and career guidance. Ms. Vergara previously worked at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, where she supported medical students throughout their intensive program and preparation for the National Board exams. She worked with her medical students to create individualized learning plans that included long-term retention strategies and active learning techniques. In addition, she oversaw the EOF grant-funded Premedical Research and Education (PREP) program, which provided an opportunity for premedicine students who are often under-represented in the medical profession to explore medicine and gain experience to support their application to medical school. . Prior to joining medical school, she was Associate Director of the Student Success Center at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. Chantal received her undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University and her Masters in Clinical Counseling from the College of New Jersey. She is a passionate individual who has dedicated her career to helping young adults achieve their academic and professional career goals. It is his professional mission to help diversify the face of medicine and to continue to create opportunities for professional study for diverse student populations.

Ms. Vergara looks forward to working with the SHU community to continue to develop an interactive and innovative pre-professional counseling center. She believes that preparation for vocational school is developmental and begins on the first day of a student’s undergraduate career. Therefore, students are encouraged to connect and meet the first semester of the first year of P-PAC University and continue each semester throughout the undergraduate path to vocational school. Consistent consultative appointments are advised to ensure that students meet the requirements of vocational schools and become competitive candidates. Ms. Vergara welcomes students interested in the services to make an appointment via COMPASS.

P-PAC Services:

• Individual Pre-Professional Advice
• Small group pre-professional counseling
• Information sessions
• Exposure to different career paths
• Networking opportunities with professional schools, physicians, lawyers and current medical and law students
• Student Panels: Student Tips for Students
• Academic success coaching
• Navigating the vocational school application process
• Specialized workshops and experiential programming

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We are now hiring P-PAC Peer Advisors – Student Team:
The NEW Pre-Professional Counseling Center (P-PAC) is hiring peer counselors! Peer counselors will play a crucial role in the Pre-Professional Counseling Center by performing a wide variety of tasks that support the office’s mission. Peer counselors will also benefit from working at the center as it is a great opportunity for personal and professional growth for each student involved. Students looking to develop their leadership skills and are passionate about supporting their peers are encouraged to apply. Federal work studies and ministry funded positions available. Interested students, apply now.

The P-PAC landing site is launched! Resources and information will be gradually added and updated. To learn more about the Pre-Professional Advice Center, click here.