In The Know – Issue 156
Posted in: In the Know
Montclair’s Vision for Online Programs Emphasizes Innovation
Marc Austin, Vice Provost and Managing Director for Montclair Unbound, shares how changing the student experience can reimagine higher education.
From Classroom to Career: High Schoolers Get a Taste of College Life and Career at Montclair
Through the University’s Pre-College Summer programs, students were able to explore paths in fashion, psychology and healthcare.
Faculty to Lead Evaluation of New Jersey’s Child Welfare System in Partnership with Department of Children and Families
This new contract builds on state reforms and reestablishes a vital university-agency partnership in service of New Jersey’s children and families.
Opening Day Town Hall
President Jonathan Koppell invites all faculty and staff to his Opening Day Town Hall on Thursday, August 28 at 11 a.m. in Alexander Kasser Theater. Following the Town Hall, faculty and staff are invited to Yogi Berra Stadium at 12:30 p.m. for a spirited clap-in as we welcome our Red Hawks to an exciting new academic year. The campus community carnival and lunch will follow in Lot #23 (across from Yogi Berra Stadium).
Updates
Regular Work Schedule and Employee Newsletter Updates
The Summer Friday schedule has ended and the University has returned to its regular Monday–Friday work week. In the Know and the Events Digest will resume their regular weekly schedule starting the week of August 25.
Direct Deposit Self-Service Feature in Workday
The self-service direct deposit function in Workday has been activated as of August 5. Employees can now securely add or update their bank account information to ensure timely and efficient payroll deposits. Please visit the Direct Deposit webpage for instructions to set up or modify your preferences.
New Facilities Work Order System
As of August 4, all facilities related services requests will be managed through the Nuvolo platform. Nuvolo will allow you to easily submit, track and update your work orders for faster, more efficient service. Requests can be submitted via the Facilities website or by downloading the NOW Mobile App from the Apple or Google Play Store. View this quick training video that walks you through submitting a work request.
Farewell Celebration for Wendy Lin-Cook
Join us as we thank Wendy Lin-Cook for her service and celebrate her contributions to the University. A send-off with light refreshments will be held on Wednesday, August 13, from 3-4:30 p.m. in Cole Hall, Room 336. Stop by to share your good wishes as she begins her next chapter.
University Social Media Engagement and Support Poll
University Communications and Marketing is collecting feedback to better understand social media engagement and support across the University. This survey is for individuals who oversee or create content for any social media accounts on both Montclair and Bloomfield campuses. Your input will help shape future resources, meetings and strategic planning. The survey should take about five minutes.
New Curriculum Resource
The Institute for the Advancement of Philosophy for Children (IAPC) has just released a new resource for teachers, parents and librarians. “Thinking in Stories about Nature” is a project that collects and recommends picture books, chapter books, and documentary films on the natural world that ‘go philosophical’ in different ways. The reviews for these books and films are organized according to the kinds of philosophical questions they raise and perspectives they offer. This new resource invites younger and older humans to engage with philosophy of nature as an intellectual adventure full of surprise and insight.
Reminders
Student Appreciation Week 2025
Register to participate in Montclair’s 4th Annual Student Appreciation Week! From October 6-10, Montclair and Bloomfields campuses will come alive with events and activities celebrating our amazing students. Last year included 87 events with more than 5,500 participants. See last year’s Engage news article for inspiration. Contact Tara Morlando Zurlo, morlandot@montclair.edu for more information.
Homecoming 2025
Homecoming will take place on Friday, September 26 on Bloomfield Campus and Saturday, September 27 on Montclair Campus. Save the dates for a day filled with fun, food, athletics and performances! View the schedule of events and register today!
Register for the Homecoming Street Fair
Secure your spot for your department or organization at the Homecoming Street Fair! The street fair will take place from 12-4 p.m. on Chapin Drive and participants must stay for the duration of the event. The last day to register for a table is Monday, September 8.
You Asked, We Served: Summer Dining Details Are Here!
Summer break doesn’t mean going hungry. Check out our seasonal hours to stay fueled and refreshed. Check out What’s Open and find out what’s open on campus right now and during the summer! Current hours of operation for dining on campus below.
- Panera Bread: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Montclair campus, Cole Hall
- Java Love & C-Store: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m-2 p.m., Montclair campus, Student Center
- Social Grill: Monday – Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Montclair campus, Student Center
- Starbucks: Monday – Thursday, 2-7 p.m., Montclair campus, Sprague Library
In The News
(Articles may require a subscription to view)
- Paul Bologna (Biology) was tapped to speak on a number of marine-related topics, including jellyfish stings for NJ101.5, research into moon jellyfish for the Cape Code Times and bay nettles for TheSandpaper.net.
- Joel Penney (Communication and Media) is quoted in this Montclair Local article about the cancellation of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” on CBS. Penney is also quoted in an article by PolitiFact about the defamation lawsuit against conservative commentator Candace Owens filed by France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron.
- Greg Pope (Earth and Environmental Studies) offered commentary on two videos for NorthJersey.com, explaining what a heat dome is and what corn sweat is and how it impacts humidity.
- Stephanie Silvera (Public Health) appeared on Think Tank with Steve Adubato to discuss the topic of vaccines. Silvera is also quoted in this NorthJersey.com story about the impact of cutting research funding for mRNA vaccines.
- Matthew Gorring (Earth and Environmental Studies) is quoted in this NorthJersey.com article discussing the basic science behind New Jersey earthquakes and the Ramapo Fault.
- Rolling Stone magazine highlighted a study published by the Center for Strategic Communication and the Global Center on Human Trafficking about how prominent QAnon-adjacent voices have largely fallen silent on the issue of human trafficking.
- Daniel Geltrude (Adjunct, Accounting and Finance) appeared on Newsmax to discuss a number of issues related to the economy.
Kudos
- To Elaine Hitchcock (Community Health), who was named a 2025 ASHA Fellow, one of the highest honors awarded by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. This prestigious recognition is given to those who have made exceptional contributions to the field of communication sciences and disorders.
- To Bond Benton (Communication and Media) and Daniela Peterka-Benton (Justice Studies), whose joint social media study has shown a 64% decrease in the total number of posts about human trafficking made by prominent QAnon-affiliated or adjacent accounts, compared to the 2023 highpoint.
Social Media Post of Note
Best day EVER‼️
Photo of the Week
University Photographer: Mike Peters
Quick Links
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.