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.
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Inclusive Whole-Person Wellbeing: Building a Campus Where People Can Flourish
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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.
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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.
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Make an Impact: Join Community Impact Day!
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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.
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| 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. |
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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!
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The Office of Inclusive Excellence Has Moved! 🏠
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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.
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Date: October 7th, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Normal Ave (various locations)
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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.
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Upcoming Community Events
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Date: September 23, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Cole Hall 340
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Early Career Emerging Professionals Social Mixer
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Date: October 7th, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Dickson 178
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Hispanic Heritage Month Employee Mixer
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Date: October 12th, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: University Galleries
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Navigating Intersections Conference
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Date: October 22, 2026
Time: Various times
Location: Various locations
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Date: October 29th, 2026
Time: 9:00AM - 1:00 PM
Location: University Hall 7th Floor Conference Center
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🌷 A New Year of Gratitude 🌷
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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.
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University Collaborative for Inclusive Excellence: Advancing Campus Impact
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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.
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Office of the Secretary of Higher Education Spotlight
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Coordinating Heritage and Cultural Celebrations at Montclair
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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.
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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
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15th: International Day of Democracy
16th: Mexican Independence Day
21st: International Day of Peace
26th: European Languages Day
27th: World Tourism Day
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Employee Resource Networks & Caucus Groups
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1 Normal Ave. Montclair, NJ 07043 montclair.edu 973-655-4000
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