department logo Inclusive Excellence

The mission of Inclusive Excellence is to advance Montclair’s aspirational goals and initiatives for inclusion by promoting professional development, cultural and emotional intelligence, and human connection. By fostering a greater sense of belonging and a welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff, and alumni, we implement an integrated and shared approach to recommend and inform University structures, policies, initiatives, and programs.

 

Inclusive Whole-Person Wellbeing: Building a Campus Where People Can Flourish

This year, our programming will center the eight dimensions of whole-person wellbeing: emotional, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual.

Through the lens of inclusion, we recognize that wellbeing extends beyond individual self-care. It is a shared institutional responsibility shaped by campus and workplace culture, policies, leadership, belonging, access, and community connection. Our programs will create opportunities for all members of our community to strengthen their wellbeing, build meaningful connections, and experience a greater sense of belonging.

Check out our new webpage on inside.montclair.edu. 

Office of Inclusive Excellence
 

Honoring September 11

This week, Montclair State University remembers those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and honors the courage of the first responders, service members, survivors, and community members forever impacted by that day.

As we reflect, we reaffirm our commitment to compassion, unity, and care for one another. We recognize that this anniversary may hold deep personal and emotional significance for members of our Montclair community and encourage everyone to observe it with empathy, respect, and understanding.

The Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships extends its gratitude to everyone participating in the 9/11 Day of Service and helping to transform a day of remembrance into a day of service and collective good.

 

Make an Impact: Join Community Impact Day!

Community Impact Day is an exciting new initiative created for Montclair State University faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. The Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships and the Office of Inclusive Excellence have joined forces to expand the University’s service impact through one inclusive day of collective action.

Our university-wide day of service and reflection that connects faculty, staff, and alumni to community-based organizations and invites employees to consider the relationship between our students, service, belonging, and institutional mission.

Community Impact Details:  Faculty and staff may choose to: Purpose of the Day:
Thursday, October 22, 2026 Participate in a Community Impact Day service project; or Strengthen relationships among colleagues;
8:30AM to 4:30PM  Work their normal schedule; or Deepen inclusive partnerships with diverse local community organizations;
Break Week - No Classes  Use a PTO or vacation day. Visibly demonstrate the University’s commitment to civic engagement, inclusion, belonging, and shared responsibility.

Why does this matter?

Montclair State University is more than an institution—it is a community partner and neighbor with valuable skills, talents, and resources that can make a meaningful difference to the diverse communities that we surround.  

Follow the link below to let us know that you would like to participate. Service-site opportunities will be announced shortly. We hope to see you on October 22!

Community Impact Day RSVP
 

The Office of Inclusive Excellence Has Moved! 🏠

Visit the Office of Inclusive Excellence at 18 Normal Avenue—the Blue House! Explore our wellness areas, connect with our team, and learn about reserving space for small meetings and events.

Join us for the “Welcome to the New Normal” Open House on October 7. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Inclusive Excellence street sign 18 Normal Ave
four houses for the open house event
 

Date: October 7th, 2026

Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: Normal Ave (various locations)

 
 
"New Normal" RSVP
 

Join us for an opportunity to tour several campus spaces, meet our teams, and learn about available programs and resources.

10 Normal Avenue
Tour the New Jersey Center for Indigenous Justice and learn about its resources and community outreach initiatives.

14 Normal Avenue
Meet the Development and Alumni Engagement team to discover how faculty and staff giving creates opportunities for students. You can also learn about the Alumni Campus Employee Program.

18 Normal Avenue
Visit the Office of Inclusive Excellence and explore the Community Wellness Floor and backyard. The space is available for walk-ins and reservations.

20 Normal Avenue
Tour the International Guest House and learn more about this unique campus resource.

 

Upcoming Community Events 

Queer Leadership Panel

 

Date: September 23, 2026

Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location: Cole Hall 340

two women talking
Queer Panel RSVP
 
two women talking
Early Career Mixer RSVP
 
 

Early Career Emerging Professionals Social Mixer

Date: October 7th, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Location: Dickson 178

 

Hispanic Heritage Month Employee Mixer

Date: October 12th, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Location: University Galleries

group of people holding flags
Hispanic Heritage Month Mixer RSVP
employee participating in service
 

Navigating Intersections Conference

 

Community Impact Day

Date: October 22, 2026

Time: Various times

Location: Various locations

Community Impact Day RSVP

Date: October 29th, 2026

Time:  9:00AM - 1:00 PM

Location: University Hall 7th Floor Conference Center 

 
group of people holding flags
Navigating Intersections
 

🌷 A New Year of Gratitude 🌷

A New Year of Gratitude

The Community Gratitude Spotlight is back! Help us celebrate the employees and teams whose contributions strengthen our community and keep Montclair thriving. Submit your appreciation through the Community Gratitude Form for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

You must be logged in to your Montclair Gmail account to access the form.

Community Gratitude Form
 

University Collaborative for Inclusive Excellence: Advancing Campus Impact

university collaborative logo

The University Collaborative for Inclusive Excellence continues to make a meaningful impact across campus. Recent contributions include recommending a consistent and compassionate approach to communicating employee deaths and helping to shape Red Hawk Recognition Day. President Koppell also recognized the Collaborative during the Fall Town Hall, highlighting its members and their important work across the University.

Share your recommendations for Red Hawk Recognition Day at inclusiveexcellence@montclair.edu, and visit our new webpage to learn more about the Collaborative and its members.

University Collaborative for Inclusive Excellence
 

Office of the Secretary of Higher Education Spotlight

university collaborative logo

Welcome Secretary Margo Chaly

Last week, Secretary Margo Chaly was officially sworn in. She continues her chapter of leadership under the Sherrill Administration as New Jersey’s first Latina Secretary of Higher Education.

UWill Hosting Free Faculty & Staff Webinars

Faculty and staff are invited to join a free, 45-minute webinar from Uwill covering early intervention in student mental health. Participants will learn to recognize signs of emerging mental health concerns with students, respond effectively, and connect students with appropriate resources.

UWill Webinair RSVP

Graduating from Campus to Career

Read the advice Secretary Chaly and higher education leaders shared with graduates and employers navigating a changing workplace, and what students can do to prepare themselves.

Graduating from Campus to Career Article
 

 Coordinating Heritage and Cultural Celebrations at Montclair

Hertiage Months and Cultural Celebrations

The Office of Inclusive Excellence is partnering with campus leaders to strengthen coordination for heritage and cultural recognition month programming across Montclair, Bloomfield, and Montclair Unbound. Periodic meetings will help partners share updates, coordinate calendars, explore co-sponsorships, and identify resources.

To share a program or get involved, email inclusiveexcellence@montclair.edu.

Hispanic Hertiage Month (2026) Programming Submissions
Black History Month (2027) Programming Submissions
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All Month: Hispanic Heritage Month

All Month: National Guide Dog Month

7th: Labor Day

11th: Patriot Day

12th: National Native American Day

15th: International Day of Democracy

16th: Mexican Independence Day

21st: International Day of Peace

26th: European Languages Day

27th: World Tourism Day

Office of Inclusive Excellence Calendar of Events
 

Employee Resource Networks & Caucus Groups

ACE Women's Network
African American Caucus
Asian Pacific Islander Caucus
Disability Caucus
Latinx/a/o Caucus
Early Career and Emerging Professionals (ECEP) Network
Men of Montclair (Interest Network)
Parent and Caregivers Network
Queer Employee Network 
 

Stay Connected with Us!

Community Recommendations Form
Inclusive Excellence
 

1 Normal Ave.
Montclair, NJ 07043
montclair.edu
973-655-4000

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