Dear Colleagues,
Last issue we celebrated the publication of the Montclair strategic framework: Building the Modern Public-Serving University. The framework articulates our goals and the mission and values that animate them. Our organizational structures, processes, and policies are important foundations that support the realization of these strategies.
Following the integration of Bloomfield College, several academic policies have now been aligned across the University and are now in effect. These updates ensure consistency for all students while preserving the intent of existing policies. Most policies remain unchanged, now applying to students on both campuses, with only minor clarifications or Bloomfield-specific details added where appropriate.
All academic policy revisions are overseen by the Academic Policy Committee and undergo a comprehensive review process that includes the Provost’s Academic Affairs Council, the Academic Affairs Committee of the University Senate, a community-wide Open Comment period, and final approval by the Office of the Provost.
The new or updated policies can be found on the University website and include:
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- Course Overlap: A policy was written to describe and govern current practices.
- Emergency Transcript Evaluation: Establishes alternative pathways for credential evaluation and admissions for applicants unable to provide official academic transcripts due to extraordinary circumstances, such as forced migration, natural disasters, or political crises, ensuring equitable access while maintaining the institution’s academic standards.
- GPA Scales and Grading Practices: The former policy on Grading Standards has been renamed, the text simplified, and brought up to date with current practices.
- Internships and Cooperative Education (Undergraduate): A policy to set definitions, standardize credits earned for hours worked, create consistency across colleges, and clarify the difference between internships for credit and cooperative education programs.
- Credit for Prior Learning: A policy to evaluate and acknowledge learning that has occurred outside of the traditional academic environment, allowing students to obtain credits for their program.
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I am also pleased to share new curricula created by our faculty this year, slated to begin starting in Fall 2026:
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- B.S. Computational Linguistics
- B.A. Communication and Media Studies (degree completion, Unbound)
- M.S. Computer Science (Unbound)
- M.A. Criminal Justice Leadership and Innovation (Unbound)
- EdD Organizational/Educational Leadership (title TBD; planned for Spring 2027)
- PsyD School Psychology
- DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice (Unbound) with two concentrations offered:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management
- Undergraduate Bloomfield SCHOLAR Certificate
- Undergraduate Certificate in Science Writing for STEM Majors
- Undergraduate Certificate in Applied Spanish for Professions
- Undergraduate Certificate in eSports
- Undergraduate Certificate in Software Engineering
- Minor in Disability Studies
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With much gratitude,
Fatma
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University Authors Recognition Program
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You’re invited to join us for the University Authors Reception, Thursday, April 16, 2-4 p.m. in the Sprague Library 1st Floor Reading Room, celebrating faculty and staff who have published books or created original scholarly and creative works over the past year. This year’s program will feature Lightning Talks highlighting colleagues’ research and creative insights, along with live student musical performances adding a vibrant backdrop to the afternoon. Explore This Year’s Publications.
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AI in Assessment Workshop
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Join the ADP Center at their upcoming workshop exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping the evaluation of student learning, Thursday, April 16, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Online. Gain insight into emerging AI tools for grading, feedback, and data analysis, along with key ethical considerations and best practices for implementation. Register Today!
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ONE DAY For Montclair + World’s Fair Day
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Thursday, April 23, 12-2:30 p.m., marks a campus-wide celebration of connection and community impact as ONE DAY For Montclair coincides with World’s Fair Day across Cole Hall’s Alumni Green and the Amphitheater. Now in its 10th year, ONE DAY is a 24-hour day of giving that has raised over $1.9M since its launch, uniting the community in a shared day of action and impact. World’s Fair Day adds to the celebration with a vibrant showcase of Montclair’s rich diversity through food, music, performances and interactive experiences.
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Student Research Symposium 2026
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The Office of Research invites you to the Annual Student Research Symposium, Friday, April 24, 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. in University Hall’s Conference Center celebrating the innovative research, scholarship, and creative work of students across the University community. Explore discoveries, exchange ideas, and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue in a dynamic, collaborative setting. Learn More.
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May 2026 First Destination Survey
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Faculty and staff are encouraged to remind and support students in completing the survey as a mandatory component of the Commencement process. The survey can be found on Handshake.
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Student Research & Conference Travel Fund (SRCTF) for Graduate Students
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Additional funds are available for graduate students who traveled for research data collection or who presented research results at a professional conference during FY26. Applications for Spring (January - June) research or conference activity close Friday, May 31.
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