New Student Orientation

Saint Peter’s University Lingo

Saint Peter’s University, like many other communities, has many phrases local to the students, faculty, staff and administration that call Saint Peter’s home. To help demystify some of these terms, we have created this short list of common terms and phrases

“The Quad”

The center of the University’s 18-acre campus, the Quad is surrounded by the Yanitelli Recreational Life Center, Gannon Hall, Dinneen Hall, McDermott Hall, O’Toole Library, and Pope Hall.  All doors seemingly open to the Quad, which is the perfect place for students to meet and “hang out” in a park-like setting before and after classes.  Many outdoor events such as Peacock Palooza and Club Fair are held in the Quad.

“131”

Short for “131 Glenwood,” and also known as Durant Hall, it is an apartment-style residence hall for juniors and seniors “down the hill.”

“140”

Short for “140 Glenwood.”  Like 131, this apartment-style residence hall for juniors and seniors can be found “down the hill.”

“850”

Short for “850 West Side,” and also known as Murray Hall, it is Saint Peter’s substance-free, apartment-style residence hall.  It has a minimum GPA requirement, and can be found “down the hill” on the corner of West Side Ave. and Glenwood Ave.

“Argus Eyes”

The student drama society, which performs two plays in the fall, one with professional direction and one student-directed, and one musical in the spring.  The name derives from another name for the concentric, circle-like feature found in a peacock feather.

“Armory Lot”

The largest University parking lot, which is located in McGinley Square on Montgomery St.

“The Boulevard”

Short for John F. Kennedy Blvd., formerly named Hudson Blvd.  This is the main thoroughfare in Jersey City and most of Hudson County.

“The Bridge”

The pedestrian bridge that connects the East Campus to the West Campus over Kennedy Blvd. It leads directly into Dinneen and McDermott Halls.  It is closed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

“The Bubble”

The top level of the Recreational Life Center, which contains indoor tennis courts.  It is also used for intramurals and various teams’ indoor practices.

“C.A.L.L.”

The Center for Advancement in Language and Learning is where students can receive peer or professional tutoring, and assistance with study skills and research paper development.  It is located in Pope Hall.

“The Chicken Shack”

A local fast food restaurant on Bergen Ave. open late which students often frequent.

“C-Town”

A local grocery store on Bergen Ave. that students frequently use.

“Down the Hill”

The West Campus residence halls on Glenwood Ave., a group that includes Durant Hall and 140 Glenwood, Veterans’ Memorial Court, and Murray Hall.

“The Fountain”

The garden area between Dinneen and McDermott halls.  It provides direct access to the College Store, the Advising Center, and the Pavonia Room’s food service areas.

“Io Pavo”

The University’s “fight song,” which was written in the 1930s by Fr. Chetwood as a tribute to Fr. Gannon’s resurrection of Saint Peter’s in 1930.

“Jaroschak”

Located in the Lincoln Park Athletic Field area, Joseph J. Jaroschak Field is the University’s outdoor athletic facility.  It is the site of the home fields for the men’s baseball and soccer teams, and the women’s softball and soccer teams.

“Jazzman’s”

A casual reference to the Pavonia Room a la carte cafeteria space in Dinneen Hall.  Although formally only the name of the cafe housed in the Pavonia Room, students use the name “Jazzman’s” to describe the entire area.

“Jesuit Court”

The grassy area in front of Millennium Hall.  It’s used for barbecues and recreational sports.

“The Light Rail”

The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail is a commuter rail system that runs along the Hudson River from Bayonne through Jersey City, Hoboken, and Union City, ending in North Bergen.

“OneCard”

The OneCard is the multipurpose student ID. Swiping the card gives students access to buildings on campus, the meal plan, and the campus shuttle, and even serves as a library card.

“PATH”

The Port Authority Trans-Hudson commuter rail system with stops in Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark, the World Trade Center and 33rd St. in Manhattan.

“Pauw Wow”

The student newspaper of Saint Peter’s University.  It publishes every two weeks during the school year.

“Peacock Pie”

The name of Saint Peter’s University yearbook .

“SEB”

The Student Entertainment Board is the activity and event programming organizationfor the full-time day student body.

“Up the hill”

Refers to the East Campus residence halls (Saint Peter, Millennium, and Whelan halls).

“Vet’s” or “VMC”

Veteran’s Memorial Court is an apartment-style housing complex located “down the hill.”  It houses sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

“The VIP”

A popular diner located on the corner of Kennedy Blvd. and Sip Ave., and a ten-minute walk from the campus.

“West Side”

Refers to West Side Ave., a perimeter street of campus.