In the Know – Issue 68

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Yankees honor University’s efforts to preserve the history of Negro League baseball at the new Muth Museum at Hinchliffe Stadium.

University Launches New School of Computing

School to provide students more opportunities for research, interdisciplinary collaborations and pathways to success.

Navigating Conversations on Mental Health

As students continue to use social media for discussions on mental health conditions, faculty experts weigh in to clarify common misconceptions.

Sending Seniors Off in Style

Food, music, toasts and fireworks cap off an era for graduating seniors during University’s first-ever “Senior Send-Off.”

Red Hawk Spotlight: Ashante Connor

Meet Ashante Connor, the director of Equity and Title IX coordinator who spearheaded the University’s first campus climate assessment.

In the News

• Prudence Jones (Classics and General Humanities) is quoted in this National Geographic article that compares the family from HBO’s Succession to historic family feuds.
• The New York Times wrote about the $100 million renovation of Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, mentioning our role in highlighting the stadium’s storied past through an on-site museum; NJ.com also published an “inside look” of the ballpark’s revival.
• Charlotte Kent (Art and Design) wrote a piece for Art Papers about art and AI.
• Stephanie Silvera (Public Health) is quoted in this NJ.com article about the New Jersey health department’s response to fears it would add COVID-19 vaccine shots to the list of vaccination requirements for public schools.

Upcoming Events

• Commencement exercises will take place on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Prudential Center in Newark. Please plan to allow ample time for traffic, parking and security screening at the venue.
• The third annual Montclair Disability Pride Parade and Rally will take place on Saturday, May 20 (rain date May 21), 1 – 4 p.m. in Montclair. Meet at Heningburg Field, off of Chestnut Street on Midland Avenue. The parade will end at Rand Park for rally and speakers. Contact Priya Lalvani at lalvanip@montclair.edu for more information.
• The 2023 Green Teams Launch Event will take place in person and virtually on Thursday, June 1 at the Alexander Kasser Theater from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is now open. RSVP here.

Reminders

• Rocky’s Closet is accepting donations of Montclair caps and gowns to help students celebrate their accomplishments at Commencement. For more information please contact, rockyscloset@montclair.edu or escobark@montclair.edu.
• Final grades are to be submitted for the full spring 2023 term by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 22. For more information and deadlines for partial terms, use this guide or contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@montclair.edu.
• Several elevators on campus are scheduled for testing and will not be operating on certain dates and times. Visit the elevator testing schedule news item for the latest information.
• Need a pre-college program for your high schooler? Montclair’s new summer offerings include programs in pre-law, film and TV production, entrepreneurship, and the opportunity to explore the art and culture of New York City.
• The four-day summer work schedule for eligible University employees will begin Monday, June 5 and end August 7. For more information visit the Human Resources website.
• The Division of Human Resources provides a full range of services on campus at 18 Normal Avenue. Stop by to discuss employee benefits, tuition waivers, payroll matters or retirement planning. Questions regarding the satellite office location? Contact HR at hr@montclair.edu or 973-655-7736.
• The new University Calendar is here! Powered by the University’s room booking system, 25Live, all event listings should be entered here moving forward. Still need training? Register for online or in-person training.
• The Employee Assistance Program provides free, confidential support services for University employees and their families – including locating resources for substance abuse, mental health and self-help. For more information, see the attached CONCERN brochure.
• Worried about a student’s well-being? Please refer them to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
• If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988, the new nationwide 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24/7.

Kudos

• To Jim Anderson (Financial Aid) who was awarded the Arthur E. Richmond Distinguished Service Award by the NJ Association of Financial Aid Administrators. This award is given to one individual each year to recognize the outstanding contributions they have made to the field of financial aid through association activities.
• To Teresa Fiore (World Languages and Cultures) who was invited to join the delegation in charge of presenting the dossier for the candidacy of Agrigento as Italy’s 2025 Cultural Capital at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in Rome.
• To Summer Jones (Information Technology) who was re-elected for a second term as Village Trustee for the Township of South Orange Village.
• To Mousumi Bose (Nutrition and Food Studies) who shared her story of loving and caring for her first-born son – born with a rare, terminal genetic disorder – for Listen to Your Mother North Jersey.
• To Peter Flynn (Theatre and Dance) who was honored by TheaterworksUSA along with his wife, Andrea Burns, with the organization’s Good Works Award. The award recognizes their contribution to developing young artists in the public school system.

Social Media Post of Note

Have an item you’d like included in Kudos or Reminders? Want to nominate a staffer for our spotlight? Use this form to tell us. Read more about our people and programs in the University News Center and in back issues of In the Know. And find out what’s happening on campus in the Events Calendar.