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Student’s First Airplane Trip Begins Transformative Learning Experience
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University media communications major, Daisha Robinson ’25 (photo: standing on right), recently returned from a transformative South Africa learning opportunity coordinated through her media communications professor, Jason Torreano. The student’s work there was part of a plan to further enhance the College’s international engagement portfolio in the region.
To achieve their mission, the student and professor boarded a plane for the 8,000+ mile journey to South Africa where Robinson was to create documentary-style podcasts that would include her attendance at the Scaling the Summit education conference that took place at Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa, on January 27-28, 2024.
“This hands-on fieldwork abroad while still an undergrad is one I had not imagined coming my way,” said Robinson. “This was my first time traveling on an airplane, never mind my first exposure to people and culture abroad. I learned so much from this international experience, and especially through the personal interviews I did for creating the podcasts.”
Read more.
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College Students Publish Stories in Local News Outlet
A partnership between Bloomfield College of Montclair State University and Worrall Media has created the opportunity for college students in a Journalism 1 class taught by Professor Jason Torreano to work hand-in-hand with the publication’s editor, Joe Ungaro, to publish stories in local newspapers and on their websites.
“I am speechless,” said Ameen Jebali ’23 (photo above), a computer science major who is eligible to walk in Bloomfield’s May 2024 commencement. “Honestly, I wasn’t expecting this. The course was a great experience overall, but I couldn’t imagine that my article would make it to publication. Thank you, Professor Torreano, for pushing the pace and guiding us through this.”
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Lisha Brito ’25 (photo), an accounting major, said, “A huge thanks to my professor because I would not have been able to write this before taking his course. My parents are super proud of me, and I would’ve never thought I could do this at this age.”
The first group of student-published stories is online now (see links below).
Read more.
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Holley Program for Applied Ethics is a Big Success
On February 1, the first Cyrus H. Holley Professorship in Applied Ethics learning event of the 2023-2024 academic year kicked off with nearly 40 attendees in the Shelby Art Room.
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Accounting Professor Peter DeSarno (photo, right), the current Professor in Applied Ethics and coordinator for the program, introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Fiona “Freddie” Harris-Ramsby (photo, left), Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Analysis. The presentation, titled “Teaching and Learning with AI: Ethical Challenges,” focused on the scope of generative AI beyond text generation, including its social, economic and planetary impacts.
“It was wonderful to see such a great turnout for this terrific event,” said DeSarno. “We expect to grow participation even further at the next event this April by continuing to offer compelling speakers on thought-provoking topics. Faculty are encouraged to bring their classes.”
Upcoming Holley Event:
Mark Your Calendars/Bring Your Classes
Thursday, April 4, 2:25-3:45 p.m.
Program Description:
Discussion on the ethics and morality of organ transplantation and the ethics of organ procurement and allocation.
Speaker:
Representative from the NJ Sharing Network, the organization that stewards the gift of life through both recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for those in need of a life-saving transplant.
Questions? Contact Professor Peter DeSarno via email.
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Social Justice Speaker Series Begins Feb. 27
On behalf of the Office of Student Affairs, please join us for the first event of the Social Justice Speaker Series, The Struggle Continues “Activism: Past and Present” on February 27, 2 p.m.
This event, in celebration of Black History Month, will present activists from the past and present who have advocated for change in various social justice issues.
All Events:
Feb. 27, 2 p.m., Shelby Art Room
The Struggle Continues “Activism Past and Present”
Ashanti Jones, Director of Criminal Justice Reform at New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
March 28, 2 p.m., Location TBA
Hairstory “Corporate American to Entrepreneurship”
Nathalee Durose, Owner of Vigor Roots Hair Care
April 18, 2 p.m., Shelby Art Room
Global Recognition of the LGBTQ Community “Equality & Inclusion”
Shiko Njoroge, Emerging Director, Screenwriter and Photographer
RSVP:
Social Justice Speaker Series
Questions? Contact Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Chinasa Eke-McClean via email or ext. 1803.
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Attend the Mentorship Network Spring Mixer
Feb. 29, 4-6 p.m.
The Center for Academic Advising and Career Education invites the campus community to its Mentorship Network Spring Mixer on February 29, 4-6 p.m., in Westminster Hall, Room 110. The theme is Entrepreneurship Exposé. Supporters, and returning and new Mentorship Program members are welcome!
The Mentorship Network is funded by a PBI Formula Grant Program. It is designed to provide Bloomfield College of Montclair State University undergraduate students with a connection to faculty/staff, professionals, alumni and peers.
Questions? Contact Tikida Adams, Director of PBI Formula Grant, via email or ext. 1450.
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Supervisors: Attend the Spring 2024 Leadership University
Staff who supervise people are invited to participate in the Spring 2024 Leadership University.
This 8-week hybrid journey begins Friday, March 1 and meets weekly thereafter to explore topics such as Trust, Leading Situationally, and Management Best Practices in a Union Environment.
Leadership University has been designed specifically for people managers leading a staff of employees. Although focused on those who are new to their leadership role to participate, interest from all people managers is welcome.
Register yourself at the link above or nominate one of your team members to participate in the upcoming spring cohort.
Additional Learning Opportunities:
Supervising 101 - The Basics
Choose ONE of the date options listed below:
Best Practices for High Performing Teams
Schedule your team to participate in this in-person 2.5-hour workshop where participants learn through activities and exercises ways in which to boost productivity, foster innovation, increase morale and create a culture of collaboration.
Employee and Labor Relations Learning Series
Participate in one, some or all of the sessions offered:
- Understanding Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)
March 21, 2024, 10-11 a.m. - REGISTER HERE
- Understanding Performance Assessment Reviews (PAR/Civil Service) & Annual Performance Reviews (AFT)
April 18, 2024, 10-11 a.m. - REGISTER HERE
Questions? Contact Director of Learning and Development Erika Bush on the Montclair campus.
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JOIN FACULTY AT FREE VIRTUAL AEPL WORKSHOP
Register for the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning’s (AEPL) Critical Discourse Analysis on Stage: Practice and Pedagogy, a free workshop led by Dr. Fiona “Freddie” Harris-Ramsby on Friday, March 1, 3-4:30 p.m. EST. Registered participants will receive a Zoom link 1-2 days prior.
This workshop leverages Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Augusto Boal’s Forum Theater to offer a new approach to engaging with and interpreting text, particularly those that suggest discursive inequity. Using sentence level textual analysis, participants will learn to identify and articulate these power dynamics, and how they can translate those insights into physical expression.
The focus will be on how participants can use staging, blocking, props, gestures, and expression to represent discursive power relations, offering a novel method to comprehend and tackle inequities in texts at the smallest level of utterance.
REGISTER HERE
Questions? Contact Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Writing/Coordinator of Writing and Analysis Fiona “Freddie” Harris-Ramsby.
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HAVE A YOUNGSTER INTERESTED IN MUSIC?
Stokes Music Summer Camp
Directed by Montclair’s John J. Cali School of Music, Stokes Summer Music Camp grants admission to students between the ages of 10 and 17 who have a musical background.
From jazz band to boating, from orchestra to archery, students get a summer filled with music-making and fun in the great outdoors for two weeks of a sleep-away camp at Stokes, learning from renowned music faculty and making connections with their peers.
The Program Director is a Montclair State University adjunct, Tatyana Kebuladze.
Camp Address:
NJ School of Conservation
1 Wapalanne Rd.
Sandyston, NJ 07826
Questions? Visit the Stokes Summer Music Camp website, call the John J. Cali School of Music at 973-655-7333 or email stokes@montclair.edu.
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Free, Trustworthy Student Loan Repayment Support
*Open to Entire Campus Community*
Montclair State University has partnered with Ascendium Education Solutions®, a leader in student loan repayment support to address questions or concerns individuals across the University community may have about their federal student loans.
Questions? Email Successcenter@ascendiumeducation.org or call the Student Loan Success Center at 833-707-1220.
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Additional Resources:
Student loan borrowers may also visit MSU GradReady website for additional resources to help with managing their loan balances. Manage Your Repayment videos help create a strategy for success that may save students money.
Further, student loan borrowers may wish to explore the main Loan Repayment Information posted on the MSU website.
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Virtual Teaching and Learning Symposium on Social Justice in Higher Education
Feb. 26-Mar. 1
Registration is open for the virtual Teaching and Learning Symposium on Social Justice in Higher Education sponsored by the Hudson County Community College Center for Teaching, Learning and Innovation to be held February 26-March 1, 2024.
Join and collaborate with more than 150 colleges and social agencies to transform and drive positive change.
Registration for Virtual Symposium
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CARE TEAM
The Office of Student Affairs presents the “Care Team” to identify and address concerns about a student’s mental health, behavior or overall welfare. It includes representatives from counseling services, REH, student affairs, EOF, academic advising, tutoring and other relevant areas.
The Care Team provides:
- Early Intervention
- Coordination of Support Services
- Crisis Response
Want to learn more? Contact the Office of Student Affairs.
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EOF Clothing Drive
Men’s and Women’s business casual attire welcome! New or gently used (and drycleaned) only please.
Drop-off Dates:
Mon.-Fri.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Voorhees Hall
455 Franklin St.
Questions? Contact eof@bloomfield.edu.
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High Marks for Montclair State University Online Programs
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs survey for 2024 has once again ranked Montclair State University’s offerings among the best in the nation.
The five University programs that participate in the survey include the master’s in Business Administration (MBA), master’s in Education, master’s in Information Technology, master’s in Business and master’s in Nursing.
Highlights:
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Montclair’s online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program is ranked No. 15 in the nation and No. 1 in New Jersey. The education programs survey also ranked certain specialty areas, including Educational Administration and Supervision, in which the University also ranked at No. 15.
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Montclair’s online MBA program ranked at No. 74 in the nation, up 11 spots from 2023, and ranked second in the state. The Master of Science in Business Analytics program ranked at No. 71 in the nation.
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The University’s Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Applied Information Technology (Professional Science Master’s) is ranked No. 47, the highest ranking the program has received since participating in the survey.
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In its second appearance in the rankings, the University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, launched in 2018, had a substantial increase, improving nearly 50 spots to No. 77 and is tied for second in New Jersey.
Read more.
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In-Person Canvas Training
Just Drop in!
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will be shifting to Montclair’s Canvas learning management system (LMS) by Fall 2024.
The Faculty Professional Development Committee led by Professor Jason Torreano has arranged for drop-in sessions for in-person Canvas training.
Upcoming Canvas Drop-in Training Dates
Wed., 2/28, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Tues., 3/5, 9-10 a.m.
Tues., 3/19, 9-10 a.m.
Wed., 3/27, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
All sessions are held in Library L06.
(the computer lab in the library)
In addition, Canvas training by ITDS is provided year-round.
Questions? Contact Faculty Development Committee Chair and Instructor of Media Communications Jason Torreano.
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Free Mental Health First Aid Training
Full Day Course: Friday, March 8
Mental Health First Aid is a one-day, 8-hour course that teaches adults 18 and older how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. Certification lasts for 3 years, and can be added to your resume!
Please complete the form if you are interested in being certified in Mental Health First Aid. Training will be held Friday, March 8, 2024 on the Bloomfield campus in the Franklin Multi-Purpose Room. Classes are limited seating.
Once you register using the form, you will be sent an email asking you to sign up on the Mental Health First Aid Connect website. Only then will you be able to be added to the course. If you sign up and are no longer able to attend, please email personal_counseling@bloomfield.edu.
Registration Form
Questions? Contact Director of Personal Counseling LeTishia Little via email or ext. 1302.
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As we continue to recognize Black History Month, check out the upcoming events that honor Black heritage and foster solution-focused dialogues about a range of social justice topics.
View Events
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STATE EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT PROGRAM
As New Jersey state employees, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University faculty and staff are eligible to take advantage of the State Employee Discount Program with access to discounts in various categories.
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Check out
Montclair Magazine
News and highlights from both the Montclair and Bloomfield campuses.
| Dawn Meza Soufleris, vice president for Student Development and Campus Life, penned an essay for The Chronicle of Higher Education on her journey as a “first-generation warrior” and how things have changed – and stayed the same – for students like her. |  |  |  | |
W-2 FORMS AVAILABLE
Employees have access to print and download their 2023 W-2 form in Workday.
From the Workday home page, under Applications, select the Pay Icon. Then select My Tax Documents. Once in My Tax Documents, scroll down to a table with the tax year W-2 documents that are available to view/print.
If you already selected to not receive a printed version of W-2:
You will see it noted under Current Year end Tax Document Printing Election at the top of the page.
If you do not see this notation, your W-2 was mailed by Monday, January 29, 2024.
_________
If you were employed by Bloomfield College between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2023, you will receive a separate W-2 for earnings during that time period.
If you previously suppressed the printing option with ADP: Log into your ADP Portal to download W-2.
If you did not suppress the printing option with ADP: Your W-2 was mailed by January 29, 2024.
Questions? Contact Workday Support at: wccsupport@montclair.edu or 973-655-5000, Option 3.
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INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN WORKSHOPS
Instructional Technology and Design Services (ITDS) offers many workshops and faculty development opportunities year-round to support teaching and learning. ITDS provides support for Canvas, as well as training and workshops on a wide range of instructional technologies.
View the
Workshop Calendar
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DISCOUNT SYMPHONY TICKETS AVAILABLE
Employees and alumni can save 35% on tickets for a New Jersey Symphony concert in Newark at which the Montclair student vocal ensembles will perform:
Orff's Carmina Burana
Friday, March 1
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Use discount code MONTCLAIR35 at the New Jersey Symphony website or call 1-800-255-3476.
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MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY DAY AT YANKEE STADIUM
Attend Montclair State University Day at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, April 7.
Watch the New York Yankees take on the Toronto Blue Jays.
Purchase tickets for Montclair section #334. Tickets include a free Yankees/MSU cap and a $20 food and beverage voucher.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS
All are welcome!
Upcoming Dates:
Thurs., April 18
Thurs., June 6
Thurs., July 18
Public Session Time:
11:30 a.m.
Location:
Montclair State University, University Hall, 7th floor
Visit Trustees Website for Zoom Link
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HUMAN RESOURCES CONTACT
Angie Valerio-Fernandez
from the Montclair State University Human Resources team is on the Bloomfield campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
She is located in the Human Resources office in Knox Hall, Rm. 206. While Angie is on campus, you may stop by or give her a call at 973-748-9000, ext. 1440. You may also reach her via email at valerioferna@montclair.edu.
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MONTCLAIR LISTSERVS
The email listservs “For Sale,” “Campus” and “Discuss” are now opt-in only. All members were unsubscribed effective Dec. 21.
Re-subscribe to opt in.
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Save the Date!
Saturday, April 20
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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Monday, May 13, 4 p.m.
Graduate Fair,
TBA
Thursday, May 16, 1 p.m.
Nursing Pinning,
Van Fossan Theatre
Thursday, May 16, 4:30 p.m.
Baccalaureate,
Van Fossan Theatre
Saturday, May 18, 12:30 p.m.
Commencement,
College Quad
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PARKING TAGS REQUIRED
To obtain the currently valid dark blue horizontal parking tag that is effective through October 1, 2026, visit the MyBloomfield Portal and click on Parking Tag under My Resources.
Tags are available in the Student Financial Services Office 48 hours after submission of the online application. On Thursdays, the Office is open until 6 p.m.
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SMOKE-FREE/VAPE-FREE POLICY
The College community is reminded of the Smoke-Free/Vape-Free Policy that prohibits smoking and vaping in ALL campus indoor and outdoor spaces.
The policy also states that while cannabis is legal for individuals 21 years of age and older in the state of New Jersey, it is not permitted in any form on the Bloomfield College of Montclair State University campus, indoors or outdoors, regardless of age.
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