The newest members of the Montclair State community now have an easy and convenient way to become familiar with the University, and the services and programs offered to employees. On Nov. 15, Human Resources will offer the first "Getting to Know MSU" Blackboard course for new employees.

Carole Lange, Human Resources' technology coordinator, and Keesha Chavis, director of Classified Staffing Services, created the online course with the assistance of Patricia Kahn, manager of Technology Training, to educate new employees about all Montclair State has to offer.

"New employees will learn about the various administrative offices and their functions as well as sources of information on the MSU Web site," Lange said. The course, which will be taught by Lange and Chavis, will be offered monthly to accommodate the more than 80 new faculty and staff that have come on board since August.

The course is an addition to orientation and materials all new employees receive from Benefits and Staffing Services. The Blackboard course, however, offers information on topics not covered by those offices. "In one session, new employees will get an overview of many of the important services and programs available to them," Lange explained. "In addition, it brings together the newest members of our community who are shaing a common experience of getting to know the campus."

The "Getting to Know MSU" Blackboard course includes information on "Who Does What" in Human Resources, how to get a parking permit, services provided by Information Technology, how to access the Employee Handbook, where to eat and more. It also includes a discussion forum in which new employees can talk about their experiences and ask questions.

Nancy Masterson-Newkirk, who joined the University in September as University Advancement's development communications and marketing coordinator, said the Blackboard course will be a great way to familiarize faculty and staff with the University. "As a new employee, I would welcome the opportunity to participate in this course, and to see and learn about the services available to me," she said.

New employees interested in participating in the course should e-mail hr@mail.montclair.edu.

A group of the newest members of the faculty gathered recently in front of the Alexander Kasser Theater, ready to begin their Montclair State University careers. Pictured, seated from left, are Nancy Carnevale of History, Monica Gordon-Pershy of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Aihua Li of Mathematical Sciences, Patricia Salzman of Classics and General Humanities, Pauline Garcia-Reid and Kathryn Herr of Human Ecology, Agatha Jeffers of Accounting, Law and Taxation, Cigdem Talgar of Psychology, Rhoda Halperin of Anthropology, standing from left, Lisa Zilney of Sociology, Avinandran Mukherjee of Marketing, Paul Hostetter of Music, Katherine Herbert of Computer Science, Jorge Cacheiro of Theatre and Dance, Tricia Giovacco-Johnson, Leigh O'Brien and Danne Davis of Early Childhood, Elementary and Literacy Education, W. Matthew Shurts of Counseling, Human Development and Educational Leadership, Kristy Mathiesen of Philosophy and Religion, Prudence Jones of Classics and General Humanities, Laura Nicosia and Paul Butler of English, and Jason Dickinson of Psychology. Not pictured is Andrew Atkinson of Art and Design.