December 8, 2025

Dear William Paterson Faculty and Staff,

As the Fall semester draws to a close, I know everyone is busy working to help our students finish the semester strongly while also taking advantage of opportunities to celebrate with colleagues. So, I hope you RSVP’d to join us to celebrate the season and the coming New Year at the Holiday Reception this Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in Hobart Manor.

In the meantime, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Jill Guzman will be taking on a new role at the University and will join Cabinet leadership as the Chief Wellness Officer. As we look to improve and focus more on the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, and staff, this leadership position will play a pivotal role in working with Student Development, Human Resources, the Division of Equity and Inclusion, and the Office of Sponsored Programs, along with individual academic and co-curricular programs, to lead and further our efforts in these areas. While we are in the midst of a new strategic planning process that will focus partly on Academic Programs, Building Community, and Partnerships and Collaboration, Dr. Guzman will also be a strategic lead as we work to develop stronger partnerships with state, regional, and local healthcare systems and related agencies and pursue new grant opportunities in these health and wellness areas.

While the Counseling, Health & Wellness Center will remain within the Division of Student Development, Dr. Guzman will provide administrative oversight to this department and serve as the final decision-maker on medical cases requiring clinical consultation. When additional staffing is needed, she will provide direct medical services to students. She will also regularly collaborate with the Counseling, Health & Wellness Center on the implementation of health initiatives focused on the student body. Please join me in congratulating Jill and welcoming her into this critical new role at the University.  

Turning to enrollment, Winter registration for 6-week courses will close at the end of business today, December 8. All registrations and payments must be resolved by that time. Registration for 3-week Winter courses (limited to one per student) will close on Wednesday, December 17.

Winter term enrollment is currently down nearly 90 students overall, a decline of approximately 14%. Main Campus is down 7.5%, while WP Online enrollment has decreased by 53%. This represents a notable shift from my previous report and is largely attributable to recent changes in federal grant resources, which have affected both headcount and the number of credit hours students are able to pursue. Please continue working to encourage students to consult the academic calendar and to register for Winter courses.

Looking ahead to Spring 2026, indicators remain positive. First-year domestic applications are up 34.62%, year over year, and overall domestic applications are up 19.77%. Acceptances and new student commitments are also trending upward, though it is still early in the cycle. International application volume remains below last year due to ongoing U.S. visa and broader geopolitical pressures. However, many Fall 2025 applicants who were required to defer are planning to enroll in January, which is expected to help offset some of the decline.

This is my final update message for the semester. I will resume my biweekly emails on Tuesday, January 20, following the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend. In the meantime, I will communicate as news warrants. 

Finally, I want to thank everyone for their good work this semester in support of our students. I hope everyone finds time over the break to relax, enjoy being with family and friends, and gear up for a great Spring semester and 2026!