Dear Colleagues,
This past week, in collaboration with the Academic Affairs deans and colleagues, we compiled a list of achievements accomplished this past year. The process left me deeply impressed and immensely proud. Congratulations and thank you.
Each of the accomplishments is remarkable on its own, but together they paint the portrait of an institution driven by a sharp vision for the future and grounded in enduring values. We take accountability for our actions—individually and collectively—and we are animated by a spirit of collaboration and partnership. At a time of accelerating discontinuity, our aspirations serve as our orienting compass, and our curiosity, imagination, and flexibility act as our shuttle into the future.
This is what our Middle States peers saw in the self-study report, in the many interviews and meetings they held over their two-day visit, and through the thousands of documents we shared with them. They found that Montclair State University meets every one of the seven standards and have re-accredited us for ten years, until 2036.
Equally important, in their report, the accreditation team mentioned several areas of accomplishment or exemplary and innovative practices. For example, commenting on Standard IV: Support of the Student Experience, they write:
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"Sense of belonging is a cornerstone of Montclair State University's student-centered support system. The University should take pride in the fact that students cite the campus as a welcoming community with diverse opportunities to find their place. This environment is bolstered by strong communication and collaboration across all departments dedicated to the student experience."
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And commenting on Standard VII: Governance, Leadership, and Administration, they write:
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"The team recognizes Montclair State University for several notable strengths related to governance, leadership, and administration:
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- Strong integration of shared governance structures, including meaningful participation by faculty, students, and institutional groups in institutional decision-making.
- Effective administrative restructuring that has strengthened leadership capacity and improved institutional coordination during a period of significant growth and transformation.
- Transparent governance processes, including accessible documentation and communication channels that allow institutional stakeholders to understand governance decisions and institutional priorities.
- Inclusive governance culture, supported by the engagement of caucuses, representative groups, and advisory bodies that broaden institutional participation and reinforce the institution's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in governance practices.
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These practices position the University well to continue advancing its mission, responding to emerging challenges, and sustaining institutional effectiveness."
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This spirit of innovation and reinvention are also reflected in the other major accomplishment of Montclair State University this past year: Our selection as the new operator for the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Stations. The initiative we took, to bid for this public service, and the quality of our proposal underscore our belief in and commitment to public service.
At a time when public trust and expectations in higher education are waning, we are not shying away or retreating from public service and public good. We are investing in it with renewed energy, conviction, and commitment. We are here to educate, to serve, and to shape—even when, or especially when, that mission does not fit neatly into a transaction with a monetized ROI. Details about this partnership can be found here.
Congratulations, colleagues, and thank you for all you do. Keep navigating and reinventing with curiosity, imagination, and humility.
Sincerely,
Fatma
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Office for Faculty Excellence: Summer Support Available
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The Office for Faculty Excellence remains open throughout the summer, offering virtual and in-person support for faculty. Resources include:
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- Academic Affairs Divisional Meeting with President Koppell: For faculty and staff, Thursday, July 9, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., University Hall, Conference Center.
- CIM Programs Implementation Open Forum: Join the next open forum on CIM Programs, the University's new program management system, Monday, July 13, 2 p.m. on Zoom; faculty and staff may also submit questions and feedback through this form.
- Annual Student Supervisor Conference: Faculty and staff who supervise student workers are invited to attend this year's conference for resources and support in management, recruitment and technology, Wednesday, July 15, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., in the Student Center, Ballrooms.
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