Dear Colleagues,

A colleague recently shared a short paper with me titled Joy-Centered pedagogy. It explores how the emotion of joy enhances motivation, deepens learning, fosters resilience, and strengthens social connections in educational settings.

The title alone caught my attention because we do not often associate rigorous academic work with joy. In fact, the focus recently has been on the necessity of intellectual tension: students wrestling with new ideas, and engaging in the painstaking, time consuming, and repetitive effort to achieve deep learning (e.g. this piece by James Lang, or this research paper on intelligence).

When “performance,” in the form of polished essays for example, is greatly facilitated by technology, we must return to the root of our purpose, learning; we must equip our students with the capacity and habits necessary to learn. Professor Fuentes shared this video with the college chairs. It has invaluable evidence-based approaches to deep learning such as repeated self testing, eliminating distractions, and disciplined spaced practice.

birds in flight - a murmuration - with a sun setting in the background

Learning is inherently difficult, but difficulty and joy can be powerful partners. Humans are wired to find joy and fulfillment in the process of learning. It is precisely because learning is hard, it is especially because our work as educators is hard, that joy is important and worthy of cultivation and nurturing in ourselves and our students. Think of the extra energy we get from a favorite tune as we hit a steep hill, or lift a heavy weight. Joy is “a propulsive force... that disrupts expectations... promotes resilience... [and] gives rise to hope”.

We all begin the semester with a fresh sense of joy. As we dive into the hard work ahead, let's remember to keep that joy alive for ourselves and for our students.

Have a joyful week everyone,

Fatma

P.S.: Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to work on the college’s goals this semester. We are currently forming the team and interviewing the candidates. Please stay tuned.

CHSS Faculty and Staff in the News

Gabriel Rubin (Justice Studies) is quoted in this Cleveland.com article about how Gen Z college students in Ohio are navigating Trump’s second term.
Patricia Matthew (English) is featured on this Shakespeare Unlimited podcast episode discussing her research on Jane Austen and Regency-era literature.
Jason Williams (Justice Studies) is quoted in this USA Today article discussing how federal actions in major cities can carry broader social and political implications.
Laura Nicosia (English) is quoted in this ROI-NJ article about Montclair's launch of its new Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation.
Fatma Mili's (Dean's Office) article, “Our AI Crisis isn’t Technical. It’s Human ”, was published in Educational Technology Insight magazine.

Kudos

Kudos is a space to celebrate one another—whether it’s expressing gratitude to a colleague, sharing milestones, or recognizing accomplishments and awards. Help us spotlight the people and moments that matter: send us your Kudos for an upcoming edition.

To Milton Fuentes (Social Work and Child Advocacy), who joined thought leaders in Washington D.C. at the 2025 APA Think Tank on Educational Equity and Workforce Development.
To Julia Berger (Religion), who was appointed a Trustee of the Parliament of the World’s Religions.
To Richard Conway (History), who has been selected for the AASCU Department Chair Leadership Institute. The program is designed to address the unique needs of department chairs and help develop the skills needed to succeed in advancing their institution’s mission and ensuring student success.
To Klara Naszkowska (Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies), who earned a Gerald Westheimer Career Development Fellowship from the Leo Baeck Institute.

Upcoming Events

University College is excited to invite CHSS departments to participate in two impactful events this fall: Major Kickoff, part of Academic Exploration Week (Pre-Major Welcome Week), and Crash-a-Class, a signature program returning later in the semester. Registration for both events closes on Monday, September 15.

Major Kickoff (Formerly Major Madness)

Plan to bring faculty, staff and/or students to represent your major and create a table that is interactive and welcoming!

Monday, September 29, 1 - 3 p.m.

Student Center

Find full event information and registration here.

Crash-a-Class

Week of October 13

Give students the opportunity to explore courses and majors from inside the classroom and gain insight into academic life across disciplines!

Find details and registration information here.