September 11, 2023

Dear William Paterson Faculty and Staff,

I hope your semester is off to a great start and that everyone is riding the momentum that the wonderful events of Welcome Day provided us. If you joined Provost Josh Powers and the Deans for Friday’s Academic Affairs Fall Address, you know that momentum was their theme, and sustaining momentum – in enrollment and retention, implementing the “How” strategy, and everything we do – is something we will talk a lot about this year.

Speaking of enrollment and retention, with the first census at the end of this week (Sept. 15), our total enrollment is currently 5.9% away from goal, versus 9.8% away last year at this time. Our main campus continuing enrollment is 0.4% ahead of goal, compared to 3.2% behind goal last year. Continuing WP Online enrollment is 10.7% ahead of goal, versus 6.4% away from goal last year. First-year enrollment continues to trend well with 932 deposits, which is 3.56% ahead of goal, and 930 students enrolled to date for the Fall semester. Main campus retention is currently 1.6% ahead of this time last year.

Please join me for my first Office Hours session of the semester on Thursday, September 14 at 12:30 p.m., upstairs in Hobart Manor. This is an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, or just share how your semester is going.

Today marks 22 years since the September 11^th attacks on our nation. Our campus community will remember those who were lost as a result and honor those who served in response today from 8:30. a.m. to 12:30 p.m., when you can stop by the green between the Cheng Library and Speert Hall to pick up a special pin from the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. 

Next Monday, September 18, the William Paterson University Foundation will host its Annual Golf Outing at Preakness Hills Country Club to raise funds that provide direct support for our students. If you would like to take part in the event and further support our students, please click here. Thanks to the organizing committee members and our many sponsors for their vital support.

This week’s WP – We are Proud: While most of us are in “start” mode, some Pioneers are celebrating the completion of their William Paterson degree. On Friday, I had the honor of joining Provost Powers, Vice President Miki Cammarata, College of Science and Health Dean Venkat Sharma, founding School of Nursing Associate Dean Minerva Guttman, and family and friends to celebrate 19 graduates of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the 66^th Pinning Ceremony. This is a demanding degree under the best of circumstances, even more so in an accelerated format. What’s more, many of the graduates earned their degrees while working and raising families. They personify the grit and the “Will. Power.” that defines William Paterson, and their success is another sign of promise for our new School of Nursing. Congratulations to all of them!

Have a great week!