Vision Eliminate the barriers that separate campus from community in order to create an engaged university that helps advance community aspirations, social capacity, and systemic transformation.
Mission The Montclair State University Community Action Nexus (uCAN) brings together the resources and assets of both the University and its neighboring communities to advance the aspirations of our community partners and improve equitable outcomes in housing, health, education, economic opportunity, and public safety in those communities. uCAN develops and helps implement collaborative, mutually transformative, place-based partnerships between Montclair State University and its neighboring cities and towns (Montclair, Paterson, Orange, Clifton, and Bloomfield) that advance research, teaching, learning, and service. These partnerships help improve the quality of life on campus and in the community
Intentions
- Develop and sustain collaborative, mutually transformative, place-based partnerships between Montclair State University and its neighboring cities and towns.
- Leverage and engage the broad range of University resources, particularly its human resources of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, to work with and contribute to neighboring cities and towns.
- Strengthen community engagement across the University so that it becomes central to our mission and work.
- Connect academic engagement and learning with the community to generate knowledge that helps solve real-world problems.
- Create and strengthen local and regional networks of anchor institutions working collaboratively with and for their local communities.
Values
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- We value diversity of approach, experience, expertise, and worldview in our workforce and partnerships. We recognize the power of encouraging and embracing diverse perspectives to inform the work we do. We strive to create an environment that is accessible and equitable for all.
Respect
- We value individual differences of belief, culture, knowledge, and perspective, and treat all people with dignity and professionalism. We engage in partnership with sensitivity, reflecting on how our actions will affect our environment and those around us. We are open, honest, and behave with integrity. We cooperate with the intention of achieving shared vision and common goals. We actively listen, and understand conversations to be an exchange of thoughts and ideas.
Trust
- We build trust through responsible actions and honest relationships. We are accountable, transparent, and truthful regarding our actions and subsequent results. We judiciously use the resources entrusted to us.
We are delighted to share that, Charles J. Muth generously donated $5 million to the University Community Nexus Action. We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Muth for his support, which has made a lasting impact on our community initiatives. His commitment to positive change is truly appreciated, and we remain grateful for his past contribution.