April 18, 2022
Dear William Paterson Faculty and Staff,
I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and is returning refreshed and ready for the busy, four-week sprint to the end of the semester.
After receiving input from the Faculty Senate and the Student Government Association, Provost Powers recommended that two Wellness Days be integrated into the Fall semester, beginning this year. I am approving this proposal, and for the Fall 2022 semester, these days will be October 13th and 14th. No classes will be held on these days, though the University will be open. This updated Fall 2022 calendar has been posted to the Office of the Provost website. It is my wish that we use one of these days to convene all faculty and professional staff for an in-service experience consisting of conversation and professional exchange in support of the theme of wellness, broadly defined to include student success. Provost Powers will consult with the Faculty Senate and University Council seeking input on how that might be structured to provide the most benefit for participants and our students.
With just a few weeks remaining in the semester, it is important that we all continue doing whatever we can to help get students registered for the Fall 2022 semester. We are currently about two-thirds toward our goal of registering 80% of our continuing students by the end of this semester. The ultimate goal is to help get all students registered as soon as possible.
The approaching close of the Spring semester also means that the good work of the many faculty, staff, administrators, and students involved in both the Strategic Planning and Branding & Identity (B&I) work is reaching critical momentum. As you have been notified in emails, there are still opportunities to participate in focus groups and share your thoughts through surveys with the working groups. I want to take this opportunity to thank all the co-chairs and facilitators along with everyone who is serving on a committee and everyone who has shared their thoughts in a survey or focus group already. This is vitally important work, and the more people who take part, the better.
As you are probably aware, New Jersey and many parts of the country are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases. Our campus has recently had a few cases of classroom transmission, so please remember that everyone is still required to wear masks in all academic instruction settings, regardless of vaccination status. We need everyone’s help to continue keeping our community safe and have a successful finish to the semester. Please also consider getting a booster, if you have not done so already, and let’s continue being respectful of those who are wearing masks outside of instructional settings, either because they are vaccine-exempt and so required to or because they choose to take added precautions.
Last week, I had the pleasure of offering remarks at the 2022 University Authors Reception, where we celebrated the many faculty, staff, and administrators representing every college and across disciplines who published scholarly and creative works in the 2021 calendar year. Congratulations again to all the authors, and thanks to the entire Library staff for its support and hosting of this important program, with particular appreciation for Dean Edward Owusu-Ansah’s leadership and the logistical work done by Lea Zamora.
Thanks to everyone who came out April 7th to support the 3rd Annual Manhattan Bagel Scholarship Event. The Manhattan Bagel in Wayne generously donated 50% of the proceeds from the day to support WP students through the Manhattan Bagel Scholarship. With the support of WP alumni, students, faculty, staff, friends, and community members, the event raised $2,000 for deserving William Paterson University students. The community demonstrated great support, with an outpouring of Pioneers stopping in throughout the day. By purchasing a bagel, sandwich, or treat, they also contributed towards making a big impact on the life of a WP student. We appreciate the generous support that Manhattan Bagel in Wayne has provided William Paterson and are grateful to have a wonderful partner in the local community.
