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Welcome to Law School!

I have been asked to offer a few words of advice to incoming law students.

The first year of law school is much like a marathon. Preparing for a marathon requires months of training—running consistently, building endurance, and gradually preparing for the 26-mile race. Beginning your training a week before race day is unlikely to produce a successful result. Law school is not different. Rather than cramming before final exams, study consistently throughout the semester. Come to class prepared, engage actively in class discussions, and review the material regularly. Those habits often distinguish successful students.

Two additional suggestions. First, know your audience. Professors frequently test the concepts and principles they emphasize in class, so pay particular attention to those topics. You may also find it worthwhile to look at your professors' scholarship—their articles (and books, if any). When their research overlaps with the course material, it can provide insight into the issues they consider especially important, issues that might appear on their exams.

Second, practice the skill that will be tested. Law school exams are unlike most college exams. The best preparation is to review your professors' prior examinations and regularly practice writing answers under exam conditions. It takes time to develop strong legal analysis and exam-writing skills, and consistent practice is the best way to improve.

Success in law school also depends on taking care of yourself. Regular exercise—even a 20-minute walk several times a week—can improve concentration and reduce stress. Eating well and getting sufficient sleep are equally important. Knowing the law is a necessary, but not a sufficient condition to excel. You also need to be alert and focused, as well as attuned to law exam-taking techniques, to maximize your performance.

Remember that law school is not only challenging—it is also an opportunity.

—Professor Thomas M. McDonnell

Finally, remember that law school is not only challenging—it is also an opportunity. Use your time here, including your summers, to explore different areas of law and different forms of legal practice. Ask questions, seek advice, and take advantage of the many resources available to you. Speak with your professors during and after class, visit during office hours, and reach out by email. Our librarians, Academic Success, the Registrar’s Office, Career Services, IT professionals, faculty assistants, and everyone else on the law school faculty and staff are here to support you on your journey.

I wish you every success as you begin your legal education.

Best,

Professor Thomas M. McDonnell

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For four decades, Dean Angie D’Agostino has been a constant presence at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law: guiding students, shaping campus life, and helping define the Law School community. As she enters a well-deserved new chapter, her legacy is deeply intertwined with the Law School’s history and can be found in the generations of students, alumni, faculty, and staff whose lives she has touched.

A three-time Pace graduate, Dean D’Agostino first arrived on campus in 1982 as an undergraduate student at the College of White Plains, Pace University. “My mother graduated from Good Counsel College, and I received an academic scholarship to attend,” she recalled. Just a few years later, after graduating with her BA from Pace University in 1986, she joined the Law School staff as an Admissions Assistant—beginning a career that would span 40 years and leave a lasting impact on countless students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Over the years, Dean D’Agostino steadily rose through the ranks, serving in admissions and student affairs leadership before being appointed Dean for Students in 2000. In 2014, she assumed additional responsibilities overseeing campus affairs and residential life, managing everything from wellness initiatives and emergency response planning to scholarship oversight and student support services.

Her extraordinary commitment to the Law School community has been recognized through numerous honors, including the Pace University Outstanding Contributor Award, the President’s Award for Excellence, the University Award for COVID Leadership, and the Student Bar Association Award for Service to Community. She was also honored with the Honorable Richard J. Daronco Lifetime Service Award from the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County—recognition that reflects the profound impact she has had on both the Law School and the broader Westchester legal community.

Yet despite the breadth of her responsibilities and accomplishments, colleagues and students alike consistently point to her humanity as the hallmark of her leadership.

I have tried to lead the Law School not by overseeing anyone or anything, but by taking care of those placed in my path.

—Dean Angie D'Agostino

“I have tried to lead the Law School not by overseeing anyone or anything, but by taking care of those placed in my path,” Dean D’Agostino shared in her retirement announcement to students. “That is what I hope you take from me—celebrate one another, comfort one another when needed, and understand that this journey at the Law School binds us together.”

That philosophy has shaped every aspect of her work. While serving full-time as Assistant Dean for Admissions, Dean D’Agostino enrolled in the Law School’s four-year evening program, earning her JD while balancing the demands of professional and academic life. “I entered the four-year evening program while serving as Assistant Dean to be able to advance my career in higher education,” she explained. “Having experienced the rigors of law school, especially as a part-time student, allowed me to meet students where they were in their journey and help them move forward.” In 1999, she graduated from the Law School with her JD, was admitted to the Second Department, and would ultimately complete an additional Pace degree, graduating in 2017 with her Master of Public Administration.

It was also during her time as a student at the Law School that she met her husband, Rocco Siconolfi (JD ’98). Together, they built a beautiful family while she devoted herself to supporting generations of law students.

Family remains at the center of Dean D’Agostino’s life. Their daughter, Abby, a graduate of Bucknell University, will be graduating from NYU’s master’s program in Communicative Sciences and Disorders in December, and their son, Joseph, who has multiple disabilities, has profoundly shaped the family’s perspective on resilience and purpose. As Dean D’Agostino shared, he “shows us every day that a life filled with meaning doesn’t have to follow a conventional path.”

Her experiences as both student and administrator gave her a unique understanding of the challenges students face and reinforced her belief that “service is grounded in faith, compassion, and humanity.”

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Over the course of her career, Dean D’Agostino has witnessed, and helped shape, significant changes at the Law School. She points to the institution’s growth in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, its renewed commitment to wellness, and the reinstatement of the evening program as especially meaningful milestones. She has also played a central role in developing wellness programming, creating emergency response protocols, increasing scholarship opportunities, and supporting generations of students through moments of achievement, uncertainty, and crisis—including serving as Haub Law’s Campus COVID Lead during the pandemic.

For many students, Dean D’Agostino, affectionately referred to as “Dean D.,” became more than an administrator. She became a mentor, advocate, and trusted source of support. Alumni frequently describe Dean D’Agostino as the person who helped them navigate some of the most difficult moments of law school and life. “If it wasn’t for you, I would not have survived law school,” one alumna shared. “Thank you for your human-centered kindness, strength, character, and ‘seeing’ me.”

Another graduate recalled Dean D’Agostino’s “kindness, steady hand, and compassion,” particularly during the uncertainty and aftermath of the September 11 attacks, which coincided with the beginning of their first semester of law school.

Alumni also credit Dean D’Agostino with helping shape their decision to attend Pace and fostering the sense of community that defined their law school experience. One alumna reflected, “Your dedication, care and leadership are simply the best,” thanking Dean D’Agostino for going “above and beyond for so many students, faculty and alumni for so long.”

“What an incredible run of service you have had at the Law School,” one student reflected. “Your regular engagement was an ongoing point of encouragement. Most of all, your kindness and deep connection to the school, the community, and your family was and will be a constant reminder about what is important.”

Colleagues echo that sentiment. One longtime faculty member described her as “absolutely unmatched in her contributions to the Law School,” adding, “It is so hard to imagine the law school without you—truly no less than a giant’s shoes to be filled.”

Having retired this past summer, Dean D’Agostino reflects on what it means to have spent 40 of the Law School’s 50 years on campus.

“I have been a part of this campus for 40 of the 50 years,” she said. “I have been trusted with student health and the ability to maintain and enhance the campus spaces.”

Still, for Dean D’Agostino, the Law School was never simply a workplace.

“The Law School has never simply been a workplace to me; it has been my home, my community, and my family,” she wrote to students. “I will carry the memories, friendships, and lessons from these 40 years with me always.”

Pace University has been selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network Class of 2026 in recognition of its demonstrated commitment to improving the experiences and advancing the success of first-generation college students.

“We are honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Pace University President Marvin Krislov. “At Pace, we believe talent is universal, and opportunity should be too. We are proud to join the FirstGen Forward Network in recognition of our commitment to first-generation student success and to continue expanding the resources, support, and sense of belonging that help our students thrive. With one in four Pace students identifying as first-generation, this recognition reflects our enduring commitment to opening doors and creating pathways to success for every student.”

The FirstGen Forward Network offers a three-phase approach—Network Member, Network Leader, and Network Champion—to scaling holistic first-generation student success. The Network engages and empowers higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures.

With the addition of the Class of 2026, the Network includes more than 500 higher education institutions, including two statewide systems, across 48 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are excited to welcome Pace University to the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Martina A. Martin, vice president of FirstGen Forward. “Throughout the application process, Pace University demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing success for first-generation students—backed by a willingness to align strategy, data, and campus-wide efforts for long-term impact. Their leadership reflects a meaningful investment in creating the conditions where first-generation students can thrive.”

“At Pace, we believe talent is universal, and opportunity should be too. We are proud to join the FirstGen Forward Network in recognition of our commitment to first-generation student success and to continue expanding the resources, support, and sense of belonging that help our students thrive. With one in four Pace students identifying as first-generation, this recognition reflects our enduring commitment to opening doors and creating pathways to success for every student.”

During the first phase of the Network, selected institutions will participate in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kickoff on August 20, 2026. As a Network Member, Pace faculty and staff will have opportunities to collaborate with peer institutions working to improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. Participants will also take part in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and other activities.

As a key component of its commitment as a FirstGen Forward Network Member, Pace University will develop a FirstGen Student Success Hub through the Office of the Provost. The Hub will lead a centralized, university-wide approach to coordinating resources, programs, partnerships, and communications across departments and campuses. It will strengthen collaboration in support of first-generation students from entry through graduation.

After successfully completing the Network Member phase, institutions may advance to the second phase, FirstGen Forward Network Leader. Participating institutions receive an evidence-based, research-supported framework of actionable priorities; monthly workshops; diagnostic tools that provide critical institutional insights; data-sharing opportunities through the national Postsecondary Data Partnership; guidance from expert coaches; and other resources.

Ultimately, Network institutions strive to achieve national leadership as FirstGen Forward Network Champions.

“There is nothing quite like seeing a new generation of institutions step into this network with purpose and passion,” said Stephanie J. Bannister, president of FirstGen Forward. “FirstGen Forward exists because we believe institutions are strongest when they learn alongside one another—sharing evidence-based practices, working through challenges together, and advancing first-generation student success at scale. Pace University is joining a community of practitioners doing exactly that, and the Class of 2026 represents a remarkable groundswell of energy and commitment. I know Pace University will be a meaningful contributor to what we build together.”

One in four Pace students is a first-generation college student. The University is committed to helping these students succeed academically, professionally, and personally through personalized academic advising, financial aid counseling, career development, the First-Generation Certificate Program, the Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society, and other initiatives designed to foster belonging and student success.

Additionally, 97 percent of first-year students receive financial aid, supporting Pace’s mission to expand access and opportunity.

From quads to doubles and from townhouses to private rooms, moving out for the first time is stressful—for you and your family! Here are a few things you need to know as a first-year residential student moving on to a Pace campus. Please be sure to check your Arrival Checklist (located on the MyHousing portal) regularly through the summer to ensure that you and your student are meeting all the checklist items as they are available.

• What to Bring (And not bring!)
• On-Campus Mailing Addresses
• FAQ for Living in Residence
• Important Resources for Residential Students
• Contacting Residential Life and Housing Operations

And if you still haven’t found the info you were looking for, please refer to our exhaustive Guide to Residential Living (PDF).

What to Bring (And Not Bring!)

One of the great things about having campuses in New York is that we’re close to all sorts of stores—if you’ve forgotten something, if you got something for your space but it doesn’t work as well as you’d hoped, if you thought your roommate was bringing something and they didn’t, it’s okay. There are plenty of stores surrounding all of our campuses and if you don’t have something you need on the first day of the semester, it’s not the end of the world. Plus, during your first few weeks on campus, Student Engagement hosts shopping trips so you can grab any of the last-minute items you didn’t get to bring. On top of that, you can have just about anything shipped to your residence hall relatively quickly. For the full list of items to bring or not bring, please review this packing guide.

So, let’s get into it:

Do Bring:

• Your brand-new Pace ID. You'll get your Pace ID from Housing staff when you move in. To make sure your ID is ready and waiting for you, submit your ID photos online using the Online Photo ID Submission Webpage.
• Bedding and linens. All of our beds in all of our residence halls use Twin XL sheets.
• Clothing. You don’t need to bring all of your winter-wear at once. New York stays pretty warm until October, so pack a hoodie and a light jacket, but save the winter coats for later in the semester. You won’t need them right away and they’ll take up valuable space. Most of our students do a big wardrobe switch during November break, so plan to bring home your light clothing and return ready for the cooler months. Don’t forget your shower shoes!
• Personal items and toiletries. That’s your body wash, shampoo, shower poufs, razors, cosmetics, toothpaste, face masques, menstrual items, chargers, medication (prescription and OTC), band aids, sunscreen, condoms, emergency cash, tweezers, whatever. Shower caddies are the way to go for keeping all of your bath stuff organized.
• Decorative items. Half the fun of having your new space is decorating it to your personal tastes. We love this! We encourage it. We want you to do it in a way that doesn’t damage our walls or result in a fine at the end of the academic year. That said, be thoughtful about how you are mounting posters, etc. Be careful with the paint in the rooms and make sure you don’t damage anything.
• Functional things. Plan to bring surge protectors (limit 2 per student), ethernet cables (if the wifi is slow, you’ll thank us), hangers for clothes, laundry bags, and headphones. Another item to consider is a foldable rolling cart to help make carrying groceries or larger items easier.

Coordinate with Your Roommates:

• Shower curtains: 78'; best to chat with your roommates before purchasing!
• Televisions: We don't supply standard cable, but if you want to hook up a Fire Stick or Roku to a big screen, you'll need to provide one.
• Cleaning supplies. You are responsible for keeping your space clean. Your suite/room is yours and Pace’s janitorial team does not clean it. Talk to your roommates about who is bringing what to keep it clean—think paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, garbage bags, Swiffer cloths, a lightweight vacuum, all-purpose cleaning fluid, glass cleaner, soap scum sprays. Find what works for you, discuss if you prefer organic versus traditional cleaning supplies and consider assigning tasks to keep your space tidy.
• Lighting. Consider bringing a desk lamp for busy work and one or more for ambient lighting. Remember: no halogen bulbs!
• Food and cooking utensils. We’re talking coffeemakers (with an automatic shut-off), food storage containers, pots and pans, microwave safe plates/bowls, disposable or reusable plates/bowls/cutlery/cups.
• Shovel/snowbrush. This is really for our residents in Westchester bringing a car to campus…while Pace’s Facilities Team handles much of the snow removal on campus (plowing the lots and roads; shoveling and salting the sidewalks and stairs), there may come a time when you just NEED to get to your car. Having a snow shovel may come in handy if you are plowed in (we try our best not to do that, but this is the Northeast). Having a snowbrush will also get your car cleaned off and road ready, so be prepared.

Don’t Bring:

• Things that will catch fire. That means hot plates, air fryers, toasters, grills, space heaters, kerosene lamps, candles, or toaster ovens. We want all of our residents to be safe and that means making sure we don’t have potentially dangerous items in residence.
• Things that will disrupt other residents. No stereo speakers or other amplification devices.
• Furniture. Pace provides all of the furniture you’ll need while living in residence. This furniture includes bedframes and mattresses, desk space, chairs, and storage drawers and/or wardrobe. Some rooms have full closets.
• Bed risers. We know they are tempting to bring to get a little extra under-bed storage, but they can be dangerous when improperly used. The good news is, our beds are adjustable. Fill out a Facilities Request Form (see the resources section below on this page) and someone from our maintenance staff will stop by to raise the bed.
• Micro-fridge: Pace provides a free-standing microwave/mini-fridge unit for suites in all of our residence halls, on all of our campuses. The only exception to this is the Townhouses on our Westchester Campus, which are reserved for upper-level students.

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On-Campus Mailing Addresses

Students can receive mail and packages on campus at one of our many mailrooms. And just as an FYI, our mailrooms will accept deliveries for students prior to their arrival on campus, starting August 17. Here’s how to address things so you can be sure you’ll get what you need:

New York City Campus

• 15 Beekman:
  STUDENT’S NAME
  15 Beekman, Rm. XXXX
  New York, NY 10038
• 182 Broadway:
  STUDENT’S NAME
  182 Broadway, Rm. XXXX
  New York, NY 10038
• 33 Beekman:
  STUDENT’S NAME
  33 Beekman, Rm. XXXX
  New York, NY 10038

Westchester Campus

STUDENT'S NAME
Pace University
99 Castleton Street*
C/O Residence Hall Name (e.g., Alumni Hall, Elm Hall, North Hall), Rm. XXXX
Pleasantville, NY 10570

*That's not a typo. Pace's Mail Services for the Westchester Campus are housed in the town of Pleasantville, NY.

Location of Student Mailrooms

New York City Campus:

• 15 Beekman, 25th Floor, (212) 346-1491
• 33 Beekman Street, Ground Floor, (646) 218-5296
• 182 Broadway, 4th Floor, (646) 218-5413

Westchester Campus:

• Elm Hall, Ground Floor, (914) 773-3865

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FAQ For Living in Residence

We know you have a lot of questions, and we want to do our best to get you the info you need. Check out our abridged list of the most asked questions related to living on campus. If you still need more info, check out the full list of FAQ here.

How will housing communicate with me through the summer before I start classes?

Housing communicates to students through their email throughout the summer. We email students at BOTH the personal email address they provided to admissions (through the admissions process) and their Pace University email (which they receive once they are admitted to the University). When completing the housing application, students may (but are not required to) provide an email address for a Parent or Guardian if they would like them copied on the Housing-related emails that we will send during the summer. The identified email will only be sent copies of the standard on-boarding emails sent by the Housing Operations Office, including any reminders we may send, and they will only receive these emails through September 1. After that date, we will no longer copy this alternate address on emails we send the student.

Additionally, a range of important housing information will be available to students through the MyHousing Portal. There, students will find an Arrival Checklist that will help them keep track of the things they need to do prior to move in. This checklist will identify what items are completed, and which have yet to become available for completion.

Where can I get info about the residence halls on Pace’s campuses?

Take a peek at what we offer by visiting the Residence Hall section of our Housing website.

When will I know where I will be placed for housing?

We will begin making assignments, and emailing them to students, in mid-June. This occurs only after students have submitted the Pre-Assignment Form, which does not become available until June 1 on the MyHousing portal. Through that form students notify us that they have completed any roommate matching in which they wish to engage, and that they are ready to be assigned a space (whether they have matched with other roommates/suitemates or not). Please note that once we begin making assignments, we will prioritize those who submitted their housing deposits by March 3, and those who (through roommate matching) have formed groups large enough to fill complete rooms or suites. Assignments will not be made immediately after a student submits a Pre-Assignment Form; the assignment process will be ongoing through the remainder of the summer.

Can I see pictures or floorplans of my space?

Check out our full break-down of residence halls to get information on room dimension, building amenities, view virtual tours, and more.

New York City:

• 15 Beekman
• 33 Beekman
• 182 Broadway
• Maria's Tower (updated information coming soon)

Pleasantville:

• Alumni Hall
• Elm Hall
• Martin Hall
• North Hall
• Townhouses

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I’ve been placed in a temporary quad room. How long will I be assigned to a temporary or extended occupancy quad?

We cannot say for certain how long students will remain in these kinds of rooms. Our experience demonstrates that we are likely to have many vacancies occur in our first-year student housing within the first several weeks after move-in day. As soon as we confirm a student has cancelled, we begin the process of moving students out of these extended occupancy rooms. And, if you happen to LIKE where you’re living after you move in, you are not required to move out.

Instead of moving in to a temporary or extended occupancy quad, can I just commute from home and see if anything else opens?

This is possible, but we strongly advise students to move in and remain on campus while waiting to be de-quadded. If a temporary or extended occupancy room does not have all residents present (4 in a temp quad), then it will not be prioritized for de-quadding. If you do decide to wait it out at home, you must email the Housing Operations Staff to make sure that the housing office is aware of your plans, and that your guaranteed space is not offered to another student.

Can I change my room assignment?

Our experience shows that even if a student is unhappy with their original housing assignment, after taking time to adjust to their environment and meet their roommate, floor mates, and resident assistant (RA) the vast majority of students no longer wish to move. Students who would still like to request a room change may submit a room change request form via MyHousing beginning two weeks into the semester or contact housing@pace.edu for more information.

I want a single–how do I get one?

There are very few single rooms in Pace housing. Most are selected by upper-level students during the room selection process (the process where our current residents choose their rooms for the following year). First year students and transfers are generally not eligible for single rooms. Students who require a single room due to medical need must complete the medical accommodations application process with Student Accessibility Services to have their accommodation need assessed.

Am I guaranteed to be placed with the person or people I list as preferred roommate(s)?

No, but we will work very hard to place you together. We only grant reciprocal requests, meaning you can only be placed with another person if that person is also guaranteed housing and that person also selected you. For this reason, it is important to communicate with the people with whom you wish to live and ensure that they list you, too.

What do I do if I am interested in a Gender Affirming Roommate Match?

In keeping with the mission of Pace University to promote and support inclusion, the Office of Residential Life and University Housing Operations allows participation in Gender Affirming Roommate Matching for students who desire housing placement that is based on a broader and more inclusive definition of gender and gender identity.

Gender Affirming Roommate Matching provides participating students with the opportunity to be placed in housing in an environment that is welcoming to gender affirming identities. Students who seek a gender affirming assignment should consider the following guidelines explained on our Gender Affirming Roommate Matching page before deciding whether or not to participate in the process. Students who do wish to participate in this process MUST:

• Indicate (in the Housing Application) that you wish to have access to the Gender Affirming Roommate Matching Participation Form. This will be a question to which applicants must respond either Yes or No in the Housing Application. Upon indicating that you wish to have access to it and submitting your Housing Application, the Gender Affirming Roommate Matching Participation Form will be available to you under the Applications and Forms menu in MyHousing.
• Complete the separate Gender Affirming Roommate Matching Participation Form. Again, this form will be available to all students who, in their completed housing application, indicated that they wish to have access to it. This form will help ensure that students fully understand the scope of what is (and is not) offered in the GA housing option. It will also collect the personal information necessary to facilitate GA roommate/suitemate matching.

When do I move in? Will people be available to assist me?

New students, including first-year, transfer, and graduate students entering Pace for the first time this semester, are asked to select a move-in appointment on the Primary Move-In Days for their campus. These are:

• New York City Campus: Friday, August 29, and Saturday, August 30, 2025
• Westchester Campus: Saturday, August 30, 2025

There will be limited exceptions made for students participating in a pre-fall program; students in these programs should follow directions provided by their program organizer.

During the move-in period, teams of Pace staff will be on-hand to help move your belongings to your room. We’ll have big rolling bins to help make the process smooth and efficient.

For information pertaining to returning student move-in, early arrival and/or late arrival, please review the latest Residence Hall Move-in Plan.

Is there a curfew in housing, or are there "bed checks"?

No. We do not check on residents each night to ensure that they are in their room, and there is no curfew. College is an adult environment, in which students are expected to manage their own coming and going. While the floor RA and the rest of the housing staff is available to provide assistance and guidance, we do not enforce any kind of curfew, nor do we conduct "bed checks."

I’ve already moved in and there’s an issue with my space. How do I contact maintenance?

Need your bed raised to make space for your giant storage container? Have a leak in your residence hall? Too hot or too cold in your classroom? Facilities is here to help. Make sure you’re connected to Pace’s network to access the Facilities Request Form, otherwise you’ll receive a 404 error.

Do I have to move all of my belongings when I leave for winter break?

No, you may leave your belongings in your room if you are coming back for spring semester! We do advise that you take home any items of value.

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Important Resources for Residential Students

• MyHousing Portal: MyHousing allows you to take care of all your room arrangements—application, deposit, room assignment, roommate selection, and more—all online. Take control of your living arrangements and do it when it works for you. Log into the MyHousing Portal using your Pace credentials.
• Facilities Request Form: Report physical issues in your room or suite to Facilities. Make sure you’re connected to Pace’s network to access the Facilities Request Form, otherwise you’ll receive a 404 error.
• Housing Process for New Students: This webpage is the ultimate guide to residential living as a new student at Pace. It lays out what happens when, deadlines, forms, and so much more.
• Guide to Residential Living (PDF): This is a comprehensive list of all-things Housing and Residential life. Please check back as this guide will be updated on July 1, 2025.

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Contacting Residential Life and Housing Operations

University Housing Operations and the Offices of Residential Life are separate staffs that work closely together to meet the needs of resident students.

• The Housing Operations team is a single staff that covers both the NYC and Westchester campuses. They primarily focus on student room assignments, including the room selection process for returning students, and the on-boarding and assignments process for new students. Housing Operations also works as a liaison to the campus facilities staff and oversees summer usage of the residence halls.
• There is a Residential Life staff on both the NYC and Westchester campuses. They oversee the residential experience, from move-in through the end of the year. They oversee the Resident Assistant Staff, a team of peer leaders who live in the halls.

There is a one phone number and email address to contact staff members from these offices. When contacting us, please be ready to clarify which campus you are calling for (and which building, if you are currently a resident student).

Phone: (914) 773-3676
Email: housing@pace.edu

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Youngsoo Shin, PhD, assistant professor in Pace University's Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, has recently published two papers in leading international journals that explore a common question from different perspectives: how can artificial intelligence be designed to better serve people?

Published in two of the leading journals in their respective fields—the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, widely recognized as one of the top journals in human-computer interaction, and the International Journal of Project Management, a premier publication in project management research—the studies examine human-centered artificial intelligence at both the individual and organizational level. The publications highlight the growing impact of Shin's research across multiple disciplines and underscore the relevance of human-centered approaches in shaping the future of AI. This marks Shin's second consecutive year publishing in the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, a notable achievement in one of the field's most competitive scholarly venues.

Understanding Human-AI Interaction

In his paper, Empathy in Action: An Empirical Exploration of User Perspectives on Conversational Agent Empathy, Shin investigates how users perceive empathy in conversational AI systems such as chatbots and virtual assistants. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday interactions, understanding what makes these systems feel supportive, trustworthy, and responsive has become an important challenge.

The study identified four key characteristics that shape perceptions of empathy in conversational agents: active listening, personalization, emotional expressivity, and persona attractiveness. The findings revealed that while active listening and personalization consistently strengthened positive user experiences, more emotionally expressive AI systems could also introduce unintended effects, highlighting the complexity of designing AI that fosters meaningful engagement and trust.

The research offers practical guidance for designers and developers seeking to create AI systems that resonate with users while maintaining a careful balance between emotional connection and functionality.

The Future of AI Project Management

Shin's second publication, From Data to Experience: Framework for Managing Artificial Intelligence System Development Projects, expands the conversation beyond individual interactions to the organizational processes that shape AI development.

The study introduces a framework that integrates human-centered design principles with data-driven project management, helping organizations navigate the increasingly complex task of developing AI systems. Rather than focusing solely on technical implementation, the framework emphasizes collaboration, strategic thinking, and long-term value creation.

By bringing together perspectives from design, data science, and project management, the research offers a new approach to managing AI initiatives, one that recognizes the importance of both technological capability and human experience.

A Unified Vision for Human-Centered Innovation

Together, the two studies reflect Shin's broader research agenda focused on advancing human-centered artificial intelligence.

“My research is guided by a broader goal of advancing human-centered artificial intelligence,” said Shin. “These studies illustrate a coherent trajectory, from understanding individual user experience, to informing strategic innovation at the organizational level.”

For Shin, the significance of the publications extends beyond the individual findings. Having work recognized in both the human-computer interaction and project management fields demonstrates the growing importance of human-centered perspectives across disciplines.

“More broadly, it reinforces my belief that human-centered and data-driven approaches are not in tension, but can be integrated to support more effective and sustainable innovation,” Shin added.

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We are pleased to welcome Frances “Fran” Shields Dedeian as Assistant Vice President of Benefits and Total Rewards, effective August 3, 2026. In this role, Fran will report directly to Nila Bhaumik, VP Human Resources/CHRO, and will have direct oversight and responsibility over the areas of Compensation and HR Operations, Health and Retirement Benefits Administration, and Compliance. Fran brings extensive experience as a senior Human Resources and Total Rewards executive, with a proven track record of designing and leading comprehensive benefits, retirement, and employee well-being programs. Throughout her career, Fran has partnered closely with senior leadership teams to develop compensation strategies, align people initiatives with organizational goals, and strengthen the overall employee experience. Building on her deep expertise in benefits administration, Fran has also led efforts in compensation strategy, market benchmarking, workforce planning, and career architecture.

Fran holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. Thomas Aquinas College. She is a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS). In addition, she has completed executive and business leadership programs through Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, INSEAD, and the UC Berkeley - Haas School of Business.

Fran will be primarily based in the HR office at Goldstein Academics, Pleasantville campus and can be reached at fshieldsdedeian@pace.edu. Please join us in welcoming Fran to the team. We look forward to the expertise, leadership, and strategic perspective she will bring to our organization.