Talk Like a Redhawk!

Talk Like a Redhawk!

As someone new to our campus, you will be learning a lot about Seattle University. Read on for a list of phrases and acronyms used across the Redhawk community!


Academic Advisor - faculty or professional staff who help with educational planning

Area Coordinator (AC) - full-time, live-in professional staff member in the residence halls

Assistant Area Coordinator (AAC) - part-time, live-in professional staff member in the residence halls who assists the Area Coordinators

Bell - Short for Bellarmine Hall

The Bistro - Short for the "Hawks Nest Bistro," this is an eatery on the Student Center third floor

The Bottom Line - food center in the Pigott Atrium

The Byte - café in the Library 

C Street (Cherry St. Market) – The main eatery in the Student Center, officially titled Cherry Street Market 

Camp - shortened version of Campion Hall 

Camp Min - Campus Ministry: encourages students to explore faith and life’s big questions. Open to all students.

Cap Hill - Capitol Hill. The neighborhood surrounding and north of campus

CAPS - Counseling & Psychological Services.  Time-limited individual and group counseling and referrals.

CCE - The Sundborg Center for Community Engagement: main entry point for students, faculty and staff who want to engage in the local community 

The CD - the Central District neighborhood of Seattle, located east of campus 

The Chapel - Chapel of St. Ignatius 

Links - “home away from home” spaces that provide welcoming environments to support the day-to-day needs of the complex lives of commuter, transfer, graduate, and adult learner students through study spaces, kitchenettes, access to campus resources, computers, and printers! Click here to see a map of the Links across campus: MOSAIC Center Links Map.

ConnectSU - An online warehouse of campus clubs and events, available at www.seattleu.edu/ConnectSU

The Core - A multi-discipline curriculum for all students, in addition to their major

CSI - Center for Student Involvement: student activities, student government, student leadership, student clubs

DA - Desk Assistant at one of the residence hall desks 

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Fall Welcome - academic and social programs orienting new undergrads in September

Family Weekend - Annual opportunity for families and supporters to visit and experience campus with their student

GSC - Graduate Student Council serves as the graduate student government

Handshake - online career development platform that includes on/off campus job searches, resume support, career counseling, interview help, and more!

HAWC – Health and Wellness Crew: Wellness peer educators

Homecoming -  A campus-wide celebration packed with a series of events and programs for all Redhawks to enjoy

Hub Desk - The information desk on the first floor of the Student Center.

The ID - The International District, local historic neighborhood with various Asian restaurants, groceries, and shops 

ISC - International Student Center, located in Pigott Pavilion 

KXSU - Seattle University’s student-run radio station

mySeattleU - student on-line access to academic records, registration, financial aid, bills, student employment

NSR (New Student Retreat) - An opportunity for new students to reflect on their transition and have fun

OL (Orientation Leader) - Peer leader who helps new students transition to university life

Office Hours - an opportunity to talk with your professors to discuss questions you may have about your class or other related topics (usually announced in class and in your syllabus)

ORCA Card - transportation card used across systems in the Seattle area 

Pavilion - officially the Pigott Pavilion, location for offices like MOSAIC, CAPS, Career Engagement, ISC, Education Abroad, Super Copy, and more. Not to be confused with the Pigott Building!

Pigott - Pigott Building, location of many classrooms and the Albers School of Business. Not to be confused with the Pigott Pavilion (aka the Pavilion)! 

DPS - Department of Public Safety, available for support on campus 24/7.

The Quad - Short for "quadrangle", the Quad is located in the heart of campus and home to our fountain.

Quadstock - annual spring music festival sponsored by SEAC

RA (Resident Assistant) – student staff member on floors in the residence halls.   Help build community

RedhawkTHON - Student philanthropy organization raising money for Seattle Children's Hospital 

Redhawk Center - the campus Athletic and Recreation complex

Redhawk Service Center - co-located resources of the Registrar’s Office and Student Financial Services in Vi Hilbert Hall.

RedZone - campus spirit organization

Rudy the Redhawk - Seattle University mascot

SEAC - Student Events and Activities Council.  A student programming body on campus.  Plans large scale signature programs and off campus excursions.

Search - a retreat sponsored by Campus Ministry focused on self-discovery in the context of community.

SGSU - Student Government of Seattle University

Upper/Lower Mall – the main North/South walking thoroughfares through campus.

UREC - University Recreation: Intramural Sports, Sport Clubs, work out space/Group Fitness classes, Aquatics facility/lessons, Outdoor activities.