"The major concern was
to find meaningful ways to be responsive to the needs of
the Montclair State community. So we thought why not use our own excellent resources and do what we do best -educate."

-- Joan Ficke
Academic Affairs

Nine days after the terrorist attack on our nation, faculty gathered to engage in a discussion on how they can help each other and their students deal with this tragedy, which impacted so many lives.

Michael Whelan of History moderated the two-hour panel discussion, "Understanding Where Our Students Are and Helping Them Face the Future."

"Students and faculty will be dealing with some difficult issues this semester," Whelan said. The attack was the topic of discussion in most classes throughout campus in the days following the event, and many agree that discussions will continue. "We are having this meeting so faculty can share what's going on in classrooms from a teaching standpoint," said Richard Gigliotti, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. "Professors are trying to use teaching strategies that will make this a learning experience. We are struggling to understand this with our students."

Whelan spoke about his own experience. "I wasn't able to attend Montclair State University until Thursday (Sept 13). My classes talked, but I didn't feel any better and neither did they," he said.

"I want us to spend some time thinking about ourselves and our principles," he said to his colleagues. "At times like this we need to remember the conviction and ideals we had when we decided to become teachers. What is it we are trying to do in classrooms? What do we want our better, smarter students to do? What do we want them to do in society?"

Faculty were divided into small groups and asked to reflect on the calling of their profession. Whelan asked. "You should think of one thing you are going to do differently this semester. Think about how we are going to interact with students individually. They are going to come to our offices to deal with their own feelings."

Whelan made a commitment to himself. "I will see to it that I deal with each of my students individually during this semester."

A week later, students joined faculty in another discussion, "Reflections on Sept. 11, 2001: Understanding and Facing the Future," moderated by Larry Londino of Broadcasting.

The idea for both programs originated from discussions among vice presidents Richard Lynde of Academic Affairs and Karen Pennington of Student Development and Campus Life, and administrators in both divisions. Joan Ficke of Academic Affairs was involved in planning the programs. "The major concern was to find meaningful ways to be responsive to the needs of the Montclair State community," she said. "So we thought why not use our own excellent resources and do what we do best -- educate."

Father Al Berner, catholic chaplain at the Newman Catholic Center, welcomed the opportunity. "This is a chance to have a conversation with the campus about their thoughts," he said. "This should be a learning experience and an opportunity to listen and inform people of the resources available."

One resource, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), has been available to help students and faculty deal with the tragedy. "This is the largest thing I have had to deal with on campus," said Ben Brennan, a CAPS psychologist. "Everyone was affected."
Carla Petievich of History talked about the different emotions she experienced. "I don't recall having any anger in my initial response," she recalled. "I felt sad and worried. I was scared of the anger of others. I was very worried because I am engaged mentally and emotionally with many Muslim people."

Senior Amal Bino, a business major who is the secretary for the Muslim Students Association, shared her concerns. "After everything that happened, I asked myself, 'How I am going to go to school?" she said. "I had felt so safe in this country, but that ended. I was scared. Many Muslims wouldn't go to school that first week. Now I feel better because people are trying not to hold it against all Muslims. The University has been great."

"We are a generation that has been blessed with a lack of war," said senior Bill Guardino, a human ecology major. "But this lack of trauma has made use feel a bit isolated. We are coming together as never before."

Londino emphasized the importance of discussion as part of the healing process. "We want to give students and faculty an opportunity to make statements and ask questions," he said. "There has been too much heat created by the press and we want shed some light on the disaster."

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