In The Know – Issue 161
Posted in: In the Know
Montclair Named Among Nation’s Best in U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges
The University ranked Top 10 in the nation in social mobility and tied for second in New Jersey.
Montclair Students Score Big at Yogi’s Catch Challenge
Students from the College of Communication and Media put their skills to work behind the scenes of a Guinness World Record-breaking event.
From Busan, South Korea, to Montclair, NJ: CEEL Strengthens Educational Exchange Partnership
The College for Education and Engaged Learning (CEEL) welcomed 12 students and one faculty member from Busan National University in South Korea for a cultural immersion and teaching experience, giving them exposure to U.S. classrooms and insight into American culture.
HR Updates
New Absence Calendar Experience
Workday now features a new absence request procedure that will allow employees to manage both time off and leave requests in a single task. The enhancement will allow requests to be made from their desktop or mobile device. Please review the Request Absence and Manage Absence job aids. Should you have any questions, contact Human Resources at askhr@montclair.edu.
Updates
Review the University’s Romantic Relationships Policy
Employees should review the University’s Consensual Romantic, Amorous, or Sexual Relationship Policy to ensure compliance with the Policy’s reporting obligations. Failure to submit a disclosure form as required will be considered a violation of University Policy.
Workday Student Town Hall
Register to participate in a University-wide Town Hall on the transition to Workday Student on Tuesday, September 30 from 1 – 2 p.m. in Presentation Hall, College of Communication and Media, Rm. 1040. President Jonathan Koppell will open the event, followed by a panel discussion with Workday leaders: Benjamin Durant, David Chun, Nicole DeCapua, Dawn Meza Soulferis, and Tara Morlando Zurlo. A sneak peek of Workday Student has been added in response to feedback. Submit questions for the panel in advance even if you cannot attend. For more information, visit the Workday Student webpage or email workdaystudent@montclair.edu.
Montclair 250
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America. Beginning this semester and running through December 2026, Montclair 250 will host a series of events that not only reflect on the last 250 years of American history, but look to our future. Montclair 250 events can come from any individual or group on campus. Events might include art exhibits, performances, lectures, debates, installations, publications, book groups, or videos that not only address historical topics, but explore the foundational ideals and commitments of the American experience.
If you are interested in joining the Montclair 250 Planning Committee, contact Mark Allman, allmanm@montclair.edu before Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Inquiry: Critical Thinking Across the Disciplines
Submit to an academic refereed journal hosted at Montclair. This special topics issue is titled “AI, Education, and Critical Thinking: Dispatches from the College Classroom,” and it is guest edited by Dr. Ashwin Vaidya, Department of Mathematics, Montclair State University, and Dr. Marguerite K. Mayhall, Department of Fine Arts, Kean University.
Reminders
Fridays with ITDS: Exploring the Future of Montclair Unbound
Montclair Unbound is more than an initiative; it’s a transformation of how students connect with learning. Join us in this session, Friday, September, 26, 10-11 a.m., Zoom. Marc Austin, Vice Provost and Managing Director for Montclair Unbound, will unpack the Unbound vision and its goals for course design, student flexibility, and the University’s future. Faculty will gain insights into emerging programs, future initiatives, and the evolving role of technology and pedagogy in creating a truly blended campus. Registration required.
Open Call for Submissions
Montclair Life
University Communications and Marketing is always looking for stories to share about our students, faculty and staff. We are interested in showcasing members of our University community who are living the mission — whether in the classroom, through research, internships, jobs, hobbies or unique personal experiences. If you or someone you know has a compelling story to share, please complete the Montclair Life submission form. Faculty and staff may also submit on behalf of students.
Share Your Story or Nominate a Fellow Red Hawk
Everyone has a story, and Student Communications wants to share yours! Red Hawks of Montclair State U highlights the incredible students, staff, faculty and alumni who make our community special—just like Humans of New York, but right here at Montclair. Interested in being featured? Fill out the form and schedule a photoshoot with our student photographers. If you would like examples of our photoshoots, view our photo gallery. You can also nominate someone whose story deserves to be shared.
In The News
(Articles may require a subscription to view)
- President Jonathan Koppell is quoted in this NJBIZ article about New Jersey’s economic mission to India, during which Governor Murphy signed two MOUs with India to boost education and research ties. Montclair’s agreement with the Association of Indian Universities is aimed at exploring academic, cultural and research collaborations.
- Yogi’s Big Catch Challenge at Yogi Berra Stadium was covered by several outlets including News12 New Jersey, NorthJersey.com, ESPN, New Jersey Monthly Magazine, Montclair Local, NJ.com, NJ 101.5 and MLB.com.
- Kate Temoney (Religion) appeared on an episode of NPR podcast “Code Switch” discussing the stakes of calling Israel’s actions in Gaza a genocide; ; Temoney’s interview begins around the 31:25 mark.
- Stefanie Murray (Center for Cooperative Media) appeared on State of Affairs with Steve Adubato to discuss the growth of the College of Communication and Media, the future of journalism and media and more.
- Dierdre Paul (Teaching and Learning) contributed an opinion piece to NorthJersey.com on the subject of free speech.
- Kaitlin Mulcahy (Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health) is the featured expert in this NorthJersey.com Q&A about Trump’s announcement regarding Tylenol and autism.
Kudos
- To Enza Antenos (World Languages and Cultures), who was invited to Auburn University to facilitate a student workshop on AI in the classroom and a guest lecture on preparing world language programs in the AI era.
- To Erin Kang (Psychology), who was featured on an episode of the Autism Weekly Podcast, and discussed addressing health disparities in autism services.
- To Peter Flynn (Theatre and Dance), whose production of The Lehman Trilogy at the Maltz-Jupiter Theatre has been nominated for eight Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s prestigious theatre award. Nominations for the production include Best Production of a Play and Flynn is nominated for Best Direction.
Social Media Post of Note
❤️ #firstdayoffall
Photo of the Week
Frank Martinez (Cage Supervisor, Broadcast and Media Operations) giving students a lighting tutorial. – 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.