Academic calendar
Summer 2026 runs May 1, 2026 – Aug 23, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.
- Summer 2026Relevant now
- Summer Session I 2026
- Summer Session II 2026
- Fall 2026
Campus language
Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.
Showing 104 of 104 terms
A
- ACSA
- African Caribbean Student Association, a cultural organization for students of African and Caribbean descent.
- APEX
- Appalachian Experience, a popular spring break service immersion program.
- ASA
- Asian Student Association, an affinity group for Asian and Asian-American students.
- Ashwood
- Ashwood Apartments, a residence option for upperclassmen located on the edge of campus.
- ASPIRE
- A program supporting students on the autism spectrum to navigate university life.
B
- Barb
- Barbelin Hall, the iconic Gothic building that formerly served as a residence hall and remains a central campus landmark.
- BITS
- Business Information and Technology Society, a student organization for data analytics and business intelligence majors.
- Bowman
- Sr. Thea Bowman Hall, a residence hall for first-year students.
- BSU
- Black Student Union, a major student organization focused on advocacy and community for Black students.
C
- CAB
- Campus Activities Board, the student-led group that plans concerts, trips, and social events.
- Campion
- The Campion Student Center, which houses the main all-you-care-to-eat dining hall.
- CID
- The Center for Inclusion and Diversity, located in the Campion Student Center.
- City Ave
- City Avenue, the major road that bisects the campus, separating the Philadelphia and Lower Merion sides.
- Club Lib
- A popular nickname for the Drexel Library and Post Learning Commons, especially during late-night study sessions.
- Cura
- Short for 'Cura Personalis,' the Jesuit value of caring for the whole person.
- Cura Personalis
- A core Jesuit value meaning 'care for the whole person,' frequently cited in campus life and academics.
D
- DB
- Dining Bucks, the declining balance currency included in meal plans for use at retail food locations.
- Dining Dollars
- Funds included with meal plans specifically for use at on-campus dining locations.
E
- Einstein's
- The Einstein Bros. Bagels location situated within the Campion Student Center.
H
- Hawk Cash
- A prepaid spending account on the Hawk Card used for purchases on and off campus.
- Hawk Hill
- The nickname for the main Saint Joseph's University campus area.
- Hawk Host
- A student ambassador who leads campus tours for prospective students.
- Hawk Wrap
- A signature chicken wrap that is a staple of the SJU student diet.
- Hawk Wraps
- A popular made-to-order wrap station located in the Campion food court.
- Hawk's Landing
- A retail dining area in the Campion Student Center featuring various food stations.
- HawkEats
- The mobile ordering app (powered by Transact) used by students to order food from campus retail locations.
- HHP
- Hawk Hill Productions, the student-run programming board that organizes campus events and entertainment.
- Hogan
- Hogan Hall, which includes specialized housing like the Recovery Residence.
J
- Jawn
- General Philadelphia slang used by students to refer to any person, place, or thing.
K
- Kettle
- The Kettle Cafeteria, a dining location often used during orientation and campus events.
L
- Lafarge
- Lafarge Hall, a traditional-style residence hall often housing first-year students.
- Landmark
- Landmark Americana, a popular off-campus restaurant and bar frequently visited by students, located on the edge of campus.
- Lannon
- Lannon Hall, an apartment-style residence hall typically for sophomores.
- LSA
- Latinx Student Association, an affinity group supporting the Latinx community.
M
- Magis
- A Jesuit term meaning 'the more,' used on campus to encourage excellence and doing more for the common good.
- McShain
- McShain Hall, a traditional-style first-year residence hall.
- Meal Exchange
- A program allowing students to use a standard dining hall meal swipe for a designated 'combo' meal at retail locations like Moe's or Bento Sushi.
- Merion
- Merion Gardens, an apartment-style housing complex located on the Lower Merion side of campus.
- Merion Gardens
- An upperclassman apartment complex located just off the main campus footprint.
- Moore
- Moore Hall, a residence hall located on the Maguire Campus (Lower Merion side).
O
- Osol
- Osol Hall, a primary residence hall located on the University City campus.
P
- P.O.D.
- Provisions on Demand, the campus convenience stores found in Campion and other locations.
- PCOM
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, a neighboring institution often cited as a shuttle stop location.
- PCP
- Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, a historic institution now part of the University City campus.
- Pennbrook
- The Pennbrook Apartments, a popular housing option for upperclassmen located near the edge of campus.
- PLC Quick Eats
- The cashier-less, grab-and-go market located in the Post Learning Commons.
- POD
- The P.O.D. (Provisions on Demand) Market, a campus convenience store for snacks and quick meals.
- Post Crossing
- The pedestrian underpass beneath City Avenue that provides a safe walking route between campus sections.
- Presidential
- Presidential City Apartments, off-campus housing used by the university for upperclassmen.
- PS
- Public Safety, the department responsible for campus security and emergency response.
- PSIP
- Philadelphia Service Immersion Program, a pre-orientation program for incoming freshmen.
- PSL
- Philadelphia Service Immersion Program, a pre-orientation program for incoming freshmen.
- PSN
- Philadelphia Service Network, a student organization dedicated to community service and social justice in the city.
Q
- Quigley
- Quigley Hall, a residence hall typically housing upperclassmen.
R
- Rashford
- Rashford Hall, an apartment-style residence hall typically for upperclassmen.
- RLC
- Residential Learning Communities, themed housing options for students.
- RSA
- Resident Student Association, the representative body for students living in university housing.
S
- SAB
- Student Activities Board, the organization responsible for planning major campus events and concerts.
- SAGA
- Sexuality and Gender Alliance, the primary LGBTQ+ student advocacy and social group.
- SBAC
- Student Budget Allocations Committee, the body responsible for funding registered student organizations.
- SGA
- Student Government Association, the representative body for the student voice on campus.
- SJU
- The standard abbreviation for Saint Joseph's University.
- SJU Pride
- The university's primary student organization for LGBTQ+ students and allies.
- SLA
- Student Leadership & Activities, the office that oversees campus clubs and events.
- SNAH
- School of Nursing and Allied Health, located primarily at the Lancaster and University City campuses.
- SOTA
- Student Occupational Therapy Association, a professional org primarily at the U-City campus.
- Sourin
- Sourin Residence Center, a suite-style dorm known for its central location near the dining hall.
- Sr. Thea Bowman
- Sr. Thea Bowman Hall, a newer residence hall located at the corner of City and Cardinal avenues.
- Starbucks
- Specifically refers to the Starbucks cafe located within the Post Learning Commons.
- Starbucks at PLC
- The Starbucks location situated within the Post Learning Commons.
T
- The Bridge
- The McShain Bridge, a pedestrian walkway that crosses over City Avenue to connect the two sides of campus.
- The City
- A common way students refer to the University City campus following the merger with USciences.
- The City Ave
- City Avenue, the busy road that divides the campus between Philadelphia and Lower Merion.
- The City Line
- Refers to City Avenue, the busy road that divides the campus between Philadelphia and Lower Merion.
- The City Side
- The portion of the campus located within the Philadelphia city limits.
- The Drop
- A mobile-order ghost kitchen located in The Kettle featuring various food brands.
- The Flap
- The continuous wing-flapping motion performed by the Hawk mascot throughout basketball games.
- The Flapper
- A nickname for the student mascot who must flap their wings continuously during basketball games.
- The Food Court
- The retail dining area in Campion featuring brands like Chick-fil-A and Subway.
- The Gardens
- Merion Gardens, an apartment-style residence hall typically for upperclassmen.
- The Hawk
- Refers to both the university's mascot (who never stops flapping) and the student newspaper.
- The Hawk Will Never Die
- The university's official rally cry, referencing the mascot's tradition of never stopping its wing-flapping.
- The Kettle
- The official name for the newly renovated main dining hall located in the Campion Student Center.
- The Landmark
- Landmark Americana, a popular restaurant and bar located on campus that accepts student meal plan credits.
- The Magis
- A Jesuit term meaning 'the more,' frequently used to describe the school's philosophy of excellence.
- The Nest
- The online student portal used for checking grades, registering for classes, and financial aid.
- The P.O.D.
- Provisions on Demand, the campus convenience stores located in Campion and other buildings.
- The Perch
- A popular student hangout and activity space located within the Campion Student Center.
- The Perch
- A late-night dining and social hangout spot located in the Campion Student Center.
- The POD
- The Provisions on Demand market, a small convenience store for snacks and essentials.
- The Shore
- Refers to the Jersey Shore, a popular weekend destination for students during the warmer months.
- The Suburban Side
- The portion of the campus located in Lower Merion Township (the 'Main Line').
- The Townhouses
- On-campus apartment-style housing units located near the athletic fields.
- The Wall
- The low stone wall running along City Avenue where students often sit or wait for shuttles.
- THWND
- The Hawk Will Never Die, the university's official motto and rallying cry.
- THWND
- The Hawk Will Never Die, the university's primary slogan and rallying cry, frequently used as an acronym in student communications.
U
- U-City
- The University City campus, referring to the former University of the Sciences campus acquired in the 2022 merger.
- U-City
- Refers to housing located on the University City campus (formerly USciences).
- UC
- University City, referring to the campus acquired through the merger with the University of the Sciences.
- UCity
- Refers to the University City campus, acquired during the merger with the University of the Sciences.
- USG
- University Student Government, the representative body for the student population.
- USS
- University Student Senate, the primary student government organization on campus.
V
- Villiger
- Villiger Hall, the primary freshman residence hall located on the Philadelphia side of campus.
W
- Weekly
- The Weekly, the common name for the student-run newspaper, The Hawk.
Places and practicalities
Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.
- Barb
- Barbelin Hall, the iconic Gothic-style building and bell tower that serves as the symbol of the university.
- Barbelin
- Barbelin Hall, the iconic Gothic building featuring the university's landmark clock tower.
- Bellarmine
- Bellarmine Hall, a primary academic building housing many liberal arts classrooms and faculty offices.
- Bronstein
- Bronstein Hall, which houses the Department of Communication and Media Studies.
- Campion
- The Campion Student Center, the main hub for dining, student organizations, and administrative services.
- Campion 229
- The location of the Service Center for replacing lost or damaged Hawk Cards.
- City Ave
- City Avenue (US Route 1), the major road that divides the Saint Joseph's campus into Philadelphia and Merion sides.
- Club Lib
- A student nickname for the Francis A. Drexel Library and Post Learning Commons.
- Dining Dollars
- Funds included with meal plans specifically for use at on-campus retail dining locations.
- Drexel
- The Post Learning Commons and Drexel Library, the main research and study hub on campus.
- GEP
- General Education Program, the set of core curriculum requirements all students must complete.
- Hagan
- Hagan Arena, the university's primary indoor athletic facility and home to basketball games.
- Handshake
- The online platform used by students to find on-campus jobs, internships, and career opportunities.
- Hawk Card
- The official student ID card used for building access, meal plans, and laundry.
- Hawk Cash
- A prepaid spending account linked to the HawkCard that can be used at both on-campus and select off-campus vendors.
- Hawk Ready
- A practical orientation workshop designed to help new students transition to college life.
- HawkCard
- The official student ID card required for building access, meal swipes, and library services.
- HawkPrint
- The campus-wide wireless printing system accessible via student ID.
- Intercampus Shuttle
- The bus service connecting the Hawk Hill and University City campuses.
- IPEX
- The Interprofessional Education Exchange building, a key facility on the University City campus.
- Maguire
- The Maguire Campus, the area of campus located across City Avenue on the former Episcopal Academy grounds.
- Mandeville
- Mandeville Hall, the main building for the Erivan K. Haub School of Business.
- Merion
- Merion Hall, an academic building housing various departments, classrooms, and computer labs.
- Merion Hall
- An academic building on the Maguire side of campus, home to the English department and Einstein's.
- Overbrook Station
- The nearby SEPTA Regional Rail station providing direct access to Center City Philadelphia.
- PLC
- Post Learning Commons, the modern addition to the Drexel Library used for study groups and research.
- Post
- The Post Learning Commons, the modern wing of the library used for group study and research.
- Pub Saf
- Short for Public Safety, the campus security department responsible for safety and emergency response.
- Public Safety
- The university's security department, commonly called for walking escorts or building lockouts.
- Public Safety Escort
- A service provided by campus security to walk or drive students safely across campus at night.
- SEPTA
- The regional transit authority; students use the Overbrook station or local buses to reach Center City.
- Service Center
- Located in Campion 229, the primary office for ID card replacements and technical help.
- Simpson
- Simpson Hall, which houses The Perch and various student life offices.
- SJU Safe
- The official campus safety app used for emergency alerts and requesting walking escorts.
- Starfish
- The academic software platform used to schedule meetings with advisors and track course progress.
- STC
- The Science and Technology Center, a major academic building on the University City campus.
- Sweeney
- Sweeney Field, the main outdoor athletic field for soccer and lacrosse.
- The Bridge
- The pedestrian bridge over City Avenue that connects the Philadelphia and Lower Merion sides of campus.
- The Chapel
- The Chapel of St. Joseph, the spiritual center of the campus.
- The Link
- The glass-enclosed bridge connecting the Drexel Library to the Post Learning Commons.
- The Maguire
- The Maguire Campus, the area of campus located on the former Episcopal Academy grounds.
- The Nest
- The central online portal where students access grades, registration, and financial information.
- The Perch
- A student lounge and activity space located in Post Hall.
- The Science Center
- The main facility for natural sciences, often distinguished from the newer facilities on the University City campus.
- The Shuttle
- The campus bus service that transports students between Hawk Hill and the University City campus.
- Transact
- The mobile ordering app used for campus dining locations.
- TransLoc
- The mobile app used by students to track the real-time location of campus shuttles.
- TripShot
- The mobile app used by students to track the campus shuttle in real-time.
- U1/P1
- Nomenclature used to identify a student's year in professional health programs (e.g., U1 for first-year undergraduate, P1 for first-year professional phase).
- UCity
- The University City campus, formerly the University of the Sciences, now part of SJU.
- Wolfington
- The Wolfington Center, home to campus ministry and social justice programs.
Quick answers
Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.
- What academic term is relevant now?
- Summer 2026 runs May 1, 2026 – Aug 23, 2026.
- How much campus context is included?
- 104 approved campus terms and 51 local details are included in full.
- Are all approved campus terms included?
- Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
- Where does this guide come from?
- Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.