University Communications and Marketing
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University Communications and Marketing
August 19, 2024

In The Know – Issue 115

Posted in: In the Know

In the Know, The Newsletter for the people who make the University work
Graphic ofThe Program for Leadership and Character

Montclair Awarded $1 Million to Develop Unique Character Education Course Using Virtual Reality

Montclair State University is launching a first-of-its-kind effort to create a character education course for its core curriculum using virtual reality – a project that has the potential to reach the entire undergraduate population at Montclair as well as other educational institutions.

Parent helping student move in.

College Move-In Day Tips from the Pros: How to Plan, Pack and Say Goodbye

College Move-In Day Tips from the Pros. Montclair will move-in 5,000 students over five days August 26 – August 30. How does Residence Life do it? The team says it takes a village.

Student working on their laptop.

University Launches Four New Online Degree Programs

The fully online programs focus on in-demand career paths including psychology, accounting, business administration and social work.

Reminders

Federal Work-Study Supervisors – Action Required

  • If you are a new or current supervisor for Federal Work-Study students, it is important that you stay informed about the latest updates and resources available to support student workers. To ensure you receive all necessary communications, please sign up for the Federal Work-Study Supervisor email list. Your participation will help keep you informed of important information that affects your role as a supervisor.

Strong Student Campaign Fall 2024

  • Join the Strong Student Campaign and help students develop behaviors and habits that will help them succeed. Piloted last spring and positively reviewed by instructors and students, the campaign and accompanying slides have been revised for Fall 2024. Student Development and Campus Life and University Communications staff are intensifying their efforts to reach students directly with our week-by-week messaging. The OFE asks instructors to incorporate the campaign into their teaching — it takes as little as 0 minutes to support students in taking on the small, simple behaviors and actions that, in total, lead to success. View the website to learn more, import the new slides, or attend a workshop to explore ways to foster strong “studenting” skills in your classes.

Coffee with Cops

  • Chief Barrett invites the University community to tour the beautifully renovated break and locker room spaces at police headquarters on Thursday, August 22 from 8 – 10 a.m. Join officers for coffee and a donut (or two) and meet with the team!

Help Students Create Mindful Student Spaces

  • The Crisis, Assessment, Response and Education (CARE) Team, a group of University administrators that meets regularly to evaluate concerning behaviors of University students, has seen a 15% increase in case referrals each year since 2020. To address the increase in mental health concerns, student leaders are raising money to create two safe spaces for students called Zen Dens. Zen Dens are rooms of mindfulness and calmness for students to utilize to escape the busyness of campus life. There is one currently located in Life Hall for the students who utilize that facility. Donate today to help create two more zen dens for students in Schmitt Hall and the Student Center! Donations are being accepted until Friday, August 30.

In The News

  • Fanny Lauby (Political Science and Law), contributed an op-ed for French newspaper Le Monde about deep divisions in the Democratic Party and why Joe Biden should rally the entire party behind Kamala Harris. Lauby also gave an interview to Radio France International on the selection of Tim Walz for the Democratic presidential ticket.
  • Jason Williams (Justice Studies), is quoted in this New Jersey Monitor article about police misconduct databases and police reform. Williams is also quoted in this NJ Spotlight News article about the state’s Arrive Together program, which pairs mental health professionals and law enforcement on emergency calls.
  • Paul Bologna (Biology), shared his expertise and details of his research for an NJ.com article about efforts to stop the stinging jellyfish that are invading the Jersey Shore. Bologna also spoke to ABC 7 New York, News12 New Jersey and WCBS 880 about the stinging jellyfish and NJ 101.5 about sea lice.
  • Jonathan Greenberg (English), co-wrote a piece for CNBC sharing highlights from his new book, “Roctogenarians: Late in Life Comebacks, Debuts, and Triumphs,” co-authored by CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Mo Rocca.
  • Montclair’s Strong Student Campaign is highlighted in this Inside Higher Ed article.

Kudos

Promotion Announcement

Photo of Nia Spencer

Nia Spencer has been promoted to Assistant Director of Employee and Labor Relations within the Division of Human Resources. Nia joins the ER/LR team with a wealth of knowledge on civil service regulatory law, recruitment, and performance management. She has successfully led Human Resources efforts since July 2017 for the Division of University Facilities.

As an Assistant Director, Nia will continue to deliver employee and labor relations guidance to all levels of supervisory and managerial staff across the University. She will play a lead role in the administration of collectively negotiated agreements and address civil service, employee relations, discipline, dispute resolution, and grievance matters. In addition, Nia will continue to promote and foster positive relationships with our labor partners in furtherance of Montclair’s strategic mission and in support of a work environment based on mutual respect.

Please join us in congratulating Nia on her new role!

Social Media Post of Note

Screenshot of Hudson Waterfront.

Leaving this here when you’re ready… ✍️ ➡️ @MontclairAdmissions (Applications for fall 2025 open NOW)

Have an item you’d like included in Kudos or Reminders? Want to nominate a staffer for our spotlight? Use this form to tell us. Read more about our people and programs in the University News Center and in back issues of In the Know. And find out what’s happening on campus in the Events Calendar.