Montclair State University’s Benefits team schedules employee workshops throughout the year on various topics. For more information about upcoming workshops, select one of the links below.
Part 1: Leave of Absence Overview — Self-Guided Presentation
Part 2 (optional): Q&A Workshop for Leave of Absence Requests | Prerequisite Required
Thinking about taking a leave of absence for yourself, parental leave, or a medical reason? Start with our self-guided presentation to learn everything you need to know about eligibility, the application process, documentation requirements, and available support resources.
Once you have completed the overview, we invite you to join our interactive Q&A Workshop. This session offers a chance to ask questions, clarify details, and ensure you fully understand the steps for requesting and managing your leave.
To get the most out of the workshop, please review your notes and come prepared with any specific questions you would like to discuss. Our goal is to make this a helpful and supportive conversation for you!
Important Reminder: The Q&A Workshop is open only to employees who have completed the self-guided Leave of Absence Overview. Please be sure to complete it prior to registering for the session.
Part 1: Leave of Absence Overview — Self-Guided Presentation
Part 2 (optional): Q&A Workshop for Leave of Absence Requests | Prerequisite Required
To make the most of this Q&A session, we encourage you to come prepared with any general questions you’ve gathered from the presentation. Our goal is to make this an informative and engaging discussion!
Important Reminder: This workshop is open to employees who have completed the self-guided Leave of Absence Overview.. If you haven’t done so yet, please complete it before registering for the Q&A Workshop.
Part 1: Steps to Retirement — Self-Guided Presentation
Part 2 (optional): Q&A Workshop for Steps to Retirement | Prerequisite Required
Thinking about retiring within the next year? Start with our self-guided presentation to learn about eligibility, the application process, documentation requirements, and the steps needed to ensure a smooth transition from active employment to retirement.
Once you have completed the overview, we invite you to join our interactive Q&A Workshop. This session offers a chance to ask questions, clarify details, and ensure you fully understand the steps.
To get the most out of the workshop, please review your notes and come prepared with any specific questions you would like to discuss. Our goal is to make this a helpful and supportive conversation for you!
Important Reminder: This workshop is open to employees who have completed the Steps to Retirement Employees self-guided presentation. If you haven’t done so yet, please complete it before registering for the Q&A session.
The State is now offering personalized, one-on-one Zoom PERS retirement consultations tailored specifically to your needs. Additionally, they are hosting informative PERS planning seminars.
To sign up for a PERS workshop, simply click the link below.
- PERS Retirement Planning Seminar
- PERS Personal Video Counseling one-on-one sessions
- How to Run a Retirement Estimate
- MBOS
- Pension ID: can be found in Workday under your Personal ID tab
Financial and retirement counseling sessions will be offered by representatives from TIAA, VOYA, Empower, AXA, Metlife, and Valic on campus. These sessions will focus on your specific needs as you prepare for retirement. Registration is required.
TIAA – Joe Del Grande
Register here for your one-on-one session
VOYA – Frank Booth
Register here for your one-on-one session
Using Your 403b to Supercharge Retirement Savings:
When: January 26th, February 2nd & February 9th 11:45 – 12:30
Register here to attend the workshop
My Retirement Overview:
When: February 23rd, March 2nd, March 9th & March 16th 11:45 – 12:30
Register here to attend the workshop
Distribution Options:
When: March 23rd, March 30th, April 6th & April 13th 11:45 – 12:30
Register here to attend the workshop
Estate Planning:
When: April 20th, April 27th & May 4th 11:45 – 12:30
Register here to attend the workshop
Empower (formerly Prudential Retirement) – Jordan Swartz
Call/email to schedule an in person one-on-one session:
732-236-6782
jordan.swartz@empower.com
Register here for an one on one session with Jordan Swartz
AXA Equitable – David Lynch
Call/email to schedule an appointment:
732-585-2451
david.lynch@axa-advisors.com
Empower (formerly Mass Mutual) – Ira Goldberg
Call/email to schedule an appointment:
848-248-4353
igoldberg@gittermanwealth.com
MetLife – David Sharpe
Call/email to schedule an appointment:
973-575-3254
dsharpe@financialguide.com
VALIC – Nazma Begum
Call/email to schedule an appointment:
201-273-8017
Nazma.Begum@corebridgefinancial.com
Your Retirement Plan at Work Workshops:
When: Every Friday 12pm – 1pm
Register here to attend the workshop
Part 1: New Hire Benefits self-guided presentation
Part 2 (optional): Q&A Workshop for New Hire Benefits | *Prerequisite Required*
Congratulations on completing the New Hire Benefits self-guided presentation! Now it’s time to dive deeper and get answers to any lingering questions you might have.
We’re excited to invite you to an interactive Q&A Workshop. This is your opportunity to gain further clarity on any areas you found complex or need clarification.
To make the most of this Q&A session, we encourage you to come prepared with any general questions you’ve gathered from the presentation. Our goal is to make this an informative and engaging discussion!
Important Reminder: This workshop is open to employees who have completed the self-guided New Hire Benefits workshop. If you haven’t done so yet, please complete it before registering for the Q&A session.
Wellness Webinars
Programs available through Horizon NJWell:
PERS and TPAF Pension Payment Options
Register here to attend the webinar
PERS and TPAF Retirement Estimates
Register here to attend the webinar
Retirement Types, Eligibility & Calculations for PERS and TPAF Members
Register here to attend the webinar
Reviewing a Sample Retirement Application for PERS & TPAF Members
Register here to attend the webinar
Deferred Compensation Plan Overview for State of NJ Employees
Register here to attend the webinar
Retirement Planning for PERS & TPAF Members
Register here to attend the webinar
Social Security Benefits for all Members
When: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Register here to attend the webinar
Retirement Readiness for State Employees
Register here to attend the webinar
Overview for Employees in the DCRP
Register here to attend the webinar
Retirement Planning for PFRS (Police & Fire) Members
Register here to attend the webinar