Dear Colleagues,

At last week's town hall, President Koppell reaffirmed our mission and commitments and unveiled the complete Strategic Framework for Montclair State University. Copies have been distributed to the colleges; if you have not yet received your copy, please reach out to your Dean's office to request one. I look forward to seeing our shared strategic plan reflected in everything we do. This week, I want to build on two components: our mission and our second goal.

Our mission states: "Montclair State University is a public-serving institution, advancing the common good...by broadening access to rigorous education and exceptional learning opportunities for a diverse population, rich in talent, dedication and ambition."

We broaden access by admitting a broader student profile, and–most importantly–by ensuring that every student we admit feels they matter, that they are welcome, and that they belong. The notions of mattering and belonging are not optional features of the student experience; they are essential to the development and identity that are core to an education. When students belong, they are not just let into this environment; they are embraced and celebrated for what they add to it. Students are not expected to arrive as perfect, flawless humans; they are given the grace of second and third chances because this is the institution where they belong.

The annual Sense of Belonging survey, an initiative started in 2023 by Provost Gonzales, is vital to this mission. The data collected helps us understand student needs and guides our targeted interventions.

This week, we will launch the 2026 survey. Over the past three years, hundreds of faculty have administered this survey in their classes, helping us gather data from thousands of students.

My ask of you:

Regarding our second goal, Drive Academic Excellence and Innovation, I invite submissions for Interdisciplinary Research Institutes. While this initiative emerged from the restructuring of CHSS, colleagues across the university suggested a broader scope, a suggestion that makes perfect sense. We want to support areas of distinction through multi-disciplinary, issue-focused research institutes.

These institutes are not intended to become administrative or permanent structures. Rather, they are intellectual "bridges" designed to bring together faculty from across the university to address the world’s complexity. Our goal is to create flexible, collaborative spaces where faculty can pursue ambitious ideas that transcend disciplinary boundaries

With my best regards,

Fatma

The SEEDS Advisory Board invites nominations for three open seats (fall 2026-Spring 2029) and encourages all tenure-track and teaching faculty to nominate colleagues, or themselves, to help guide and strengthen the University’s core curriculum. Nominations close Wednesday, April 8 for the open seats below:

The First Destination Survey is now open for all graduating students. Faculty and staff are encouraged to remind and support graduating students in completing this survey, which collects important data on their post-graduation plans and is a required part of the Commencement process. Students can access and complete the survey on Handshake.

The Office of Research is pleased to announce the launch of the FY27 SL-RSCA Program. Undergraduate and Graduate Students are encouraged to review award guidelines on the InfoReady website and consider applying. Student applications are due by Thursday, April 30, 4:30 p.m. with faculty mentor materials due by Friday, May 8, 4:30 p.m.

As the deadline approaches, the Office of Sponsored Programs will host Open Lab Zoom sessions for students and faculty mentors to ask questions about the program and application process. Sessions will be held Monday, April 13, 12-1 p.m. and Wednesday, April 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

The Asian Pacific Islander Caucus (APIC) invites you to kick off the month at the Flag Raising Ceremony, Wednesday, April 1, 12 p.m., Student Center, Flag Pole, in recognition of the contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history, society, and culture. Plus, enjoy the first ever AANHPI "Day" Market the same day in the Student Center, Quad, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Join colleagues from the CTAI and CAST for a virtual session on integrating academic support into course design, Thursday, April 2, 12-1 p.m. Learn how partnerships with CAST–including Supplemental Instruction, tutoring, and peer coaching–can enhance student learning and improve course outcomes, and leave with practical strategies to connect students with support resources early and often. Register Today!

Join President Koppell for his final lecture in The American Experiment series, Wednesday, April 8, 6-7:30 p.m., College of Communication and Media, Presentation Hall, as he dives into the tensions between ideals and actions in U.S. global engagement. Explore how the U.S. has shaped--and been shaped by--economic order over the past 250 years, from its founding principles to today's complex challenges. RSVP on Engage. 

In collaboration with University partners, the Graduate Center is facilitating a number of online workshops to support students preparing their capstone experiences:

Congratulations to the new Board Members appointed to serve on the Unbound Advisory Board (2026-2028 term): Chedia Ayari (Educational Leadership), Catherine Baird (University Libraries), Jeff Bendett (Educational Leadership), Theodorea Berry (Bloomfield College), Jessica Brandt (CHSS), Sarah Ghoshal (Writing Studies), Sumi Hagiwara (CEEL), Kimberly Hollister (SBUS), Brenda Marshall (School of Nursing) and Martina Santia (Political Science and Law).

Congratulations to the 28 graduate students and their host units participating in this year’s Micro-Internship Program! The program is an opportunity for graduate students to apply their academic knowledge and training to hands-on projects, build new skills, and expand their professional networks by conducting on-campus projects.

Events and Workshops

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