Dear Colleagues,

Two weeks ago, I shared the goals that we have for the college. This week, I want to share our progress on Goal 7:

Advancing Student Enrollment, Retention, and Success

This goal is fundamental to our mission to "broaden access to a rigorous education and learning opportunities for a diverse population" and to "challenge and support students... in an inclusive and respectful environment that promotes their intellectual growth, emotional maturity, and social responsibility."

Before detailing our specific actions, I want to further anchor this goal in the Montclair institutional culture I've experienced. A recurring theme from University leadership, faculty, and staff is our focus on people—our commitment to ensure everyone matters.

As we admit a new cohort of students, we ensure every student knows and feels they matter; we value them, and they add value to the institution. While it's our responsibility and mission to admit deserving students, it's also our privilege to learn daily with and from them. A new generation of students challenges and stretches us every year, helping us discover new horizons and possibilities, and, as Valerie Kaur notes[1], discover "parts of ourselves we do not yet know." This mindset is what makes us a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Our students matter, individually and collectively, and we welcome, celebrate, and take pride in their diverse perspectives and invaluable contributions to Montclair State.

Last year, a CHSS DFW task force made recommendations consistent with national best practices: Do not wait until the mid-term; instead, set up frequent low-stakes assignments so struggling students can be identified early and helped to get back on track. We will implement these recommendations through the following actions:



• Department chairs will remind their faculty to incorporate low-stakes assignments in their courses and give students timely feedback.
• University College will design campaigns for these courses. Students who are not adequately engaging with Canvas, are not submitting assignments on time, or receiving non-passing grades will receive targeted support and guidance.
• For these same courses, if faculty do not provide their students with opportunities for feedback (e.g., infrequent assignments or late grading), their department chairs will offer the necessary support and resources.

We look forward to seeing the impact of these interventions and will adjust our approach as needed. Every support we provide to a student can make a significant difference in their trajectory.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to our many enthusiastic partners across campus and to everyone in the college for their strong commitment to examining the data and finding solutions for student enrollment, retention, and success. For example, our Summer Department Chairs have enthusiastically volunteered to write and call incoming students, including those who have not yet committed. This collective effort truly embodies our belief in student mattering and our passion for student success.

Have a great week everyone.

Fatma

[1] Valerie Kaur, See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love, 2020.