Welcome to Edition 198 of This Week at NJCU for the week of March 16, 2026. This once-weekly publication will inform the university community about all events happening each week over the next 8 days on campus + future events to add to your calendar.

To submit your event for the March 23, 2026 edition, please use the form at the bottom of this communication. All listed times are Eastern Standard Time (EST). All events are in-person unless otherwise noted as online, via Zoom, or hybrid.

Connect with us at communications@njcu.edu.

Saturday, March 21, 2026 • 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Virtual Event via Zoom

Ready to take your passion for education to the next level? Join us for an inspiring Virtual Open House designed to ignite your future in the field! Whether you’re looking to advance your teaching career, specialize in a new area, or make a bigger impact in your community—this is the event you don’t want to miss.

What to Expect:

🎤 Faculty Power Panel: Get the inside scoop from our expert faculty! Hear about the trends, innovations, and real-world impact shaping education today. You’ll walk away inspired and empowered.

💬 Live Breakout Sessions: Connect directly with department reps to explore your program of interest. From cutting-edge teaching strategies to flexible certifications and advanced degrees—you’ll get personalized guidance to match your goals.

🤝 Meet, Greet & Network: Engage with faculty, current students, and like-minded peers in our interactive virtual space. Ask questions, swap stories, and start building your professional network from day one.

🎁 Bonus Perk: All attendees will receive an application fee waiver code—your first step toward an exciting new chapter, on us!

March 16 - April 9, 2026
NJCU Visual Arts Gallery, Visual Arts Building, Lower Level

Artist Reception: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • 4-7 p.m.
Artist Talk with Dr. Marice Rose: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Meet the artist: Sunday, March 29, 2026 • 2-4 p.m.

NJCU Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present the exhibition, “Between Air and Earth: Winifred McNeill,” honoring a distinguished artist and Professor Emeritus, Winifred McNeill, who built and nurtured the NJCU Art Department for more than 25 years.

Margaret Williams Theatre (Hepburn Hall)

Weekend One:
Friday, March 20, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 21, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 22, 2026 • 3:00 p.m.

Weekend Two:
Friday, March 27, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 28, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 29, 2026 • 3:00 p.m.

Price: General Admission $25, Student/Seniors $15

Released in June 1995, "Jagged Little Pill" made a household name of Alanis Morissette, earning her the title of the best-selling international debut artist in history. Now, three decades later, that same album is the inspiration for a new Broadway musical and we've fallen "Head Over Feet" for It.  Jagged Little Pill is a raw, edgy, topical, and by no means difficult to swallow.

This is not a bio-musical about Alanis Morissette. It tells the original story of The Healys; a family in crisis. Set in Connecticut, we meet Mary Jane (aka MJ), her husband Steve, her star pupil son Nick (who has just been accepted to Harvard), and her adopted black daughter Frankie. The picture-perfect family, however, might not be as squeaky-clean as it seems and soon the cracks begin to show.

Despite her efforts to keep up appearances, MJ battles a growing addiction to opiates following a car accident and battles with trauma in her past that she has not yet come to terms with. Steve watches his wife become increasingly withdrawn and distant from him, without knowing why. Meanwhile their children are battling challenges of their own. Frankie is determined to find her own voice and discover her sexuality, while Nick must balance the pressure of his parents to do well against exposing his own faults in order to make sure justice is served. Exploring a range of sensitive issues, including rape, sexuality, addiction, and racism, Jagged Little Pill presents a vivid, passionate, and chaotic portrayal of a modern-day family who deal with their pain and find their way to healing.

Directed and coordinated by Professor Marc Dalio, the production features an exceptional cast of NJCU students: Sydney Millevoi as Bella, Tatyana Serrato as Mary Jane, Byron Flores, Jr. as Steve, Zemirah Redmond as Frankie, and Mathew Segovia as Nick.

The total run time for this show is 2:20.

This summer, give high-achieving students in grades 7 through 11 the opportunity to explore, discover, and innovate at the NJCU STEAM Academy, a highly competitive program designed for gifted and talented students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Through hands-on activities, experiments, and engaging instruction, students will build critical thinking skills while exploring exciting STEAM concepts in a collaborative learning environment.

Students will engage in interactive learning experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and innovation, all while preparing them for future academic success.

Space is limited due to the program’s competitive nature.

Learn more and apply today by visiting njcu.edu/steam, contacting us via email at steamacademy@njcu.edu, or by phone at 201-200-2307.

Intramural Events for Spring 2026 – Dodgeball
Monday, March 16, 2026 • 7-9 p.m.

See Continuing Events for more information.

NJCU CRU: Bible Study  
Faculty and Staff: Every Tuesday at 1 p.m.

See Continuing Events for more information

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 • 3:30 p.m.
Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex
Route 440 South, Jersey City, N.J.

The Gothic Knight baseball team hosts a Tuesday non-conference matchup with the Baruch College Bearcats. Admission is always free for NJCU baseball.

Dance Club Weekly Sessions
Tuesdays: Beginner Hip Hop: 6-7 p.m.

See Continuing Events for more information.

Dance Club Weekly Sessions
Tuesdays: Street Jazz: 7-8 p.m.

See Continuing Events for more information.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • 1–4 p.m.
Virtual Event via Zoom

Presented by the New Jersey Department of Pensions & Benefits, this live webinar will give you a step-by-step understanding of the retirement process and explain your benefits, survivor options, group life insurance, loan information, and taxability of your pension. For PERS Members only. This event is a collaboration between the Kean and NJCU Offices of Human Resources and the Well-Being at Kean program.

Between Air and Earth: Winifred McNeill
Artist Reception: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • 4-7 p.m.
Artist Talk with Dr. Marice Rose: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • 5:30-6:30 p.m.

See Spotlight Events for more information.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • 6 p.m.
Virtual Event

Many math struggles stem from mismatched instruction—not lack of ability—and this session shows how adaptive supports powered by generative AI 🤖➗ and evidence-based pedagogy can move students from confusion to confidence through differentiated strategies 📐. Participants leave with actionable tools, effective AI prompts, and ready-to-use practices that close learning gaps, strengthen problem-solving, and build self-efficacy for diverse learners 🌟.

Intramural Events for Spring 2026 – Knock Out 1
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • 8:30-10:30 p.m.

See Continuing Events for more information.

On campus? On the move? We’ve got you!

Our Commuter Grab & Go series is back for Spring 2026! Swing by the GSUB lobby, grab free food and snacks, resources, and good vibes on the go. Commuters stick together and snack together!

March Theme: Commuter Grab & Go
Thursday, March 19, 2026 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Stop by for free snacks and meals designed for students on the move. While you’re there, connect with Commuter Life resources and take advantage of free professional headshots for your LinkedIn or portfolio.

Additional Dates this Spring:

April Theme: Movie Snack Pack
Monday, April 13, 2026 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Grab a to-go movie kit featuring popcorn, candy, and bottled water. It’s the perfect treat for commuters to enjoy between classes or on the ride home!

Thursday, March 19, 2026 • 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
El Centro, Karnoutsos Hall, Room 102

Thursday, March 19, 2026 • 3:30 p.m.
Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex
Route 440 South, Jersey City, N.J.

The NJCU baseball team plays its second home non-conference game of the week as the Gothic Knights swings against Marywood. Admission is always free for NJCU baseball. Come out and support NJCU baseball!

Dance Club Weekly Sessions
Thursdays: Afrobeats/Afrostyle: 4-5 p.m.

See Continuing Events for more information.

Jagged Little Pill Opening Night
Friday, March 20, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.

See Spotlight Events for more information.

Graduate College of Education Virtual Open House
Saturday, March 21, 2026 • 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

See Spotlight Events for more information.

Jagged Little Pill Night #2
Saturday, March 21, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.

See Spotlight Events for more information.

Jagged Little Pill Showing #3
Sunday, March 22, 2026 • 3:00 p.m.

See Spotlight Events for more information.

Intramural Events for Spring 2026 – Kickball
Monday, March 23, 2026 • 8-10 p.m.

See Continuing Events for more information.

Monday, March 23, 2026 • 1-3 p.m.
Gilligan Student Union Lobby

Calling all First-Gen Gothic Knights! Our popular First-Generation Lunch & Learn and Tabling series return this Spring with the connections, insights, and resources you need to own your NJCU experience. Meet fellow first-gen students, learn from mentors who understand your unique journey, and discover the support systems that will help you excel. Don't miss out—your community is waiting!

Additional Event this Spring:

Thursday, April 2, 2026 • 1-3 p.m. • Gilligan Student Union Lobby
Topic: Lunch & Learn

Monday, March 23, 2026 • 4-6 p.m.
Gothic Lounge, Hepburn Hall, Room 202

El Centro is honored to host Dr. Patricia Campos Medina for a book talk to discuss her book “Legalized Inequalities: Immigration & Race in the Low Wage Workplace” in conversation with Dr. Franca Roibal Fernández. 

Dr. Campos Medina is a lifelong organizer, the executive director of the Worker Institute at the ILR (Industrial and Labor Relations) School at Cornell, the first woman and Latina to officially run for U.S. Senate in the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s history, and serves as the president of Latina Civic Action. She is a champion for the labor movement and a longtime supporter of NJCU. 

It will also be our first official collab with CRECE at Kean! You won’t want to miss this event.

Monday, March 23, 2026 • 6 p.m.
Virtual Event

Elementary educators will learn practical, low-cost strategies to strengthen numeracy using digital manipulatives and engaging math games 🎲📊 that support diverse learners and varied classroom access. The session highlights virtual tools from The Math Learning Center and interactive platforms like 99 Math, Blooket, and Prodigy to build conceptual understanding, extend learning beyond school, and promote equitable engagement 🌟.

Now through March 30, 2026

March 16 through May 6

The Department of Athletics will offer the following Intramural activities during the Spring 2026 semester. Click on the links below to register for the activities.

All events will take place at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center unless otherwise noted.

For more information, contact Sergio Villamizar at 201-200-2170 or email svillamizar@njcu.edu.

This fall, take a midweek pause to refresh your spirit! Join us every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Vodra Hall Room 101 (Conference Room D). Online Option Available on Teams.

Come connect with colleagues, share fellowship, and grow in faith together. As a community, we’re here to support one another. If you have a Prayer Request, you’re invited to submit it using this form. All requests are kept entirely anonymous.

For more Information, contact Monica Almonor at malmonor@njcu.edu. Follow CRU on Instagram at @njcucru.

Every Wednesday • 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Gilligan Student Union Room 327

Join our weekly drop-in support group - no appointment needed, no commitment required. Every week, students gather to share real experiences, learn practical stress-management techniques, and discover you're not alone in navigating college challenges.

Whether you're dealing with academic pressure, relationship stress, or just feeling overwhelmed, this is your space to connect authentically with peers who understand. Drop in anytime during our weekly sessions. Stay for 20 minutes or the full hour - whatever works for your schedule and comfort level. Every voice is valued and every student belongs.

Take a creative pause in your week. This group uses art-based activities to reduce stress, reset your mind, and build healthy coping skills in a supportive, low-pressure space. No prior art experience is required.

The Kean Community Wellness and Counseling Center at NJCU offer a welcoming, affirming space for LGBTQIA+ students to connect, share experiences, and build community. This group offers support, reflection, and empowerment in a respectful and inclusive environment. Hosted by Bianca Paulino.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
Vodra Hall Exercise Science Room

Join El Centro and CHA for a panel featuring four amazing Latina leaders from the NJCU community who are also NJCU alumni or current students!

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Franca Roibal Fernández 

No matter where you are in life—whether you’re just getting started or planning for retirement—a session with a financial consultant can help you create a plan for your goals. And, it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

TIAA will be available these dates and times for one-on-one sessions in Gilligan Student Union Rooms 216-217. 

Register your sessions at tiaa.org/schedulenow. For additional information, contact Nita Patel in the HR Department at npatel@njcu.edu.  

"Sugarcane" captures a cinematic portrait of community during an internationally ground-breaking investigation into abuse and death at an Indian school. Following the showing, Dr. William Westerman of the Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work Department will lead a brief discussion on indigenous people, culture, healing, and social justice.

Limited seating availability. Sign up by emailing jpax@njcu.edu and/or ehassan1@njcu.edu.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Gilligan Student Union Multipurpose Room C

On March 25, 1911, a fire broke out on the eighth floor of the Asch Building in Greenwich Village, New York. The top three floors housed the Triangle Waist Company, a factory where approximately 500 workers, mostly young immigrant women and girls, labored to produce fashionable cotton blouses, known as “waists.” Caused by inadequate fire safety regulations, the fire killed 146 workers. The Triangle fire, and the resulting movement for change, were pivotal in shaping workers' rights and unions.

In this panel, four NJCU Triangle fire course alums (Sophia Burns, Thomas Deignam, Jimena Figueroa Martinez, and Radha Rench), Professors Edvige Giunta and Jacqueline Ellis, and Dr. Jason Martinek reflect on the powerful memory work the Triangle fire inspires.

For more information, contact Professor Edvige Giunta at egiunta@njcu.edu.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 • 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Harwood Arena at Kean University

Buses will pick up students at NJCU at 11:30 a.m. and return to campus at 3:30 p.m.

This event is open to students of all majors and will feature 100+employers from a wide range of industries!

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 • 2-3:30 p.m.
The Gothic Lounge (Hepburn Hall 202)

Join us for a special book talk featuring Mosab Abu Toha ’23, graduate of NJCU’s MFA in Creative Writing program and recipient of the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for his powerful "New Yorker" essays capturing life in Gaza. Now a Visiting Scholar at Syracuse University, Abu Toha returns to discuss his acclaimed work, "A View from Gaza," and reflect on storytelling, resilience, and the human spirit behind his writing.

All are welcome to attend this event celebrating the achievements of one of NJCU’s own.
This event is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, Department of Sociology and Social Work, Department of World Languages and Cultures, English Department, and the Muslim Students Association.

For more information, contact Dr. Max Herman at mherman2@njcu.edu.

NOTE: This event has been rescheduled from a February 24 weather postponement.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 • 6:30–8 p.m.
The Gothic Lounge (Hepburn Hall Room 202)

Join the Latino Action Network Hudson County and civil rights attorney Juan Cartagena for a powerful look back at Vargas v. Calabrese, the landmark case that challenged racial voter intimidation in Jersey City and led to reforms protecting minority voting rights. This event, presented in partnership with the LAN Foundation, marks the 40th anniversary of the case and its lasting impact on civil rights and electoral justice. The NJCU community is welcome and encouraged to attend. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 26, 2026 • 5 p.m.
Virtual Event

Ready to elevate your career in accounting and analytics? 📊💼 Join us for a virtual event to learn about New Jersey City University’s M.S. in Accounting and Analytics, including curriculum, admissions, and the skills today’s employers demand. Discover graduate resources, career pathways, and preparation for the CPA and other certifications, and take the next step toward becoming a future-ready financial professional 🚀

The Psychology Department invites all faculty, staff, alumni, and students to join us for the 9th Annual NJCU Pedagogy Day—a vibrant day grounded in science and best current practices as we explore the human driving forces behind learning and forgetting, motivation and anxiety, and the deeper drives that make us human.

Through expert and student panels and workshops, we will connect brain research to classroom realities, share practical strategies, and build a community of educators committed to compassionate, evidence-based teaching.

Featured Programming:

Monday, March 30, 2026 • 12-4 p.m.
Gilligan Student Union Multipurpose Room

Join us on Monday, March 30 for the 5th Annual Women’s Empowerment Brunch! This is a powerful celebration of strength, leadership, and community. This afternoon brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to uplift and empower one another through meaningful conversations, intentional networking, and impactful mentorship. Whether you’re looking to expand your circle, share your journey or simply be in a room filled with dynamic and driven women, this brunch is your opportunity to connect with likeminded individuals and leave feeling motivated, energized, and empowered. Come ready to build community. Come ready to be inspired. Come ready to celebrate the power of women.

Monday, March 30, 2026 • 7 p.m.
Clement’s Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, N.J.

The NJCU Jazz Ensemble welcomes you to an exciting evening of big band music to celebrate Black History Month. The concert features the Jazz Ensemble, built from students in NJCU's jazz department, and will also showcase our special guest, world-renowned tenor saxophonist Abraham Burton. The music will span the full history of jazz and highlight works by great Black composers and bandleaders, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, John Coltrane, and many more.

Under the direction of Nathan Eklund, the ensemble will deliver a powerful, dynamic evening for listeners of all ages that you won't forget.

This event is rescheduled from a February 23 postponement. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • 2-3 p.m.
Virtual Event

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program provides opportunities to U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research, or pursue a professional project abroad. Join us as 400+ awards open for U.S. citizens to support teaching, research, and professional projects.

This hour-long webinar will discuss how to register for the launch of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Competition 2027-2028. In this webinar, we will highlight new and priority awards in all regions and answer your questions. We will also discuss our full slate of programming so you can join us for webinars and office hours throughout the competition.

We look forward to answering your questions and learning about your specific interests in Fulbright.

If you have any questions, please contact the NJCU Fulbright Liaison, Dr. John Donnellan, at Jdonnellan@njcu.edu.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • 4-6 p.m.
The Gothic Lounge (Hepburn Hall 202)

Ann E. Wallace, Ph.D., the Director of the Writing Center and Professor of English at NJCU, will host an on-campus celebration to honor the release of her third full-length poetry collection, "Keeping Room" (Nixes Mate, 2026). Dr. Wallace is the Poet Laureate Emeritus of Jersey City.

"Keeping Room" is an intimate collection grounded in familial spaces of home and garden. The poems grapple with the nature of survival, and the survival of nature, as experienced by a woman living with chronic illness in an overdeveloped city with a shrinking natural footprint. The collection spools from the pain of chronic illness and grief, to the loss of political freedoms, to the disrupted urban (and global) landscape. However, despite despair and uncertainty, the poems reach for hope, love, and strength in the unlikely places where they may be found, with a steady turn toward nature and healing, or often, healing through nature, throughout the collection.

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • 5 p.m.
Virtual Event

Join New Jersey City University for a virtual info session that breaks down everything you need to know about earning your Certificate of Eligibility and preparing for the Praxis Content exams 📚✨. Explore Alternate Route programs in P-3, ESL, Elementary, and Secondary Education while getting expert guidance on CE requirements, Praxis prep, flexible course options, and endorsement areas ✅🎓. Take your first step toward the classroom with clear, practical support!

Tuesday, March 31, 2026 • 6 p.m.
Virtual Event

AI is entering STEM/STEAM classrooms rapidly 🤖📚, and this session shows educators simple, responsible ways to use it while protecting student privacy and ensuring accessibility for all learners. Participants will explore how AI can support scaffolding, differentiation, and assessment without replacing teacher judgment, while also learning to recognize bias and make ethical, informed decisions ⚖️✨.

Thursday, April 2, 2026 • 1-3 p.m.
Gilligan Student Union Lobby

Calling all First-Gen Gothic Knights! Our popular First-Generation Lunch & Learn and Tabling series return this Spring with the connections, insights, and resources you need to own your NJCU experience. Meet fellow first-gen students, learn from mentors who understand your unique journey, and discover the support systems that will help you excel. Don't miss out—your community is waiting!

Horizon: Monday, April 6, 2026 • 12:30–1 p.m.
Aetna: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 • 12:30–1 p.m.
Virtual Event via Microsoft Teams

Join representatives from Horizon and Aetna for an informative session covering retiree health plan options. This event will provide an overview of available medical and prescription benefits, enrollment details, and more. This event is a collaboration between the Kean and NJCU Offices of Human Resources and the Well-Being at Kean program.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 • 6-10 p.m.
Gilligan Student Union, Multipurpose Room

The Haitian Student Association is excited to invite you to our 3rd annual Kompa Night and Alumni Reunion, a night dedicated to celebrating Haitian culture, music, and community. Join us for an evening where students, alumni, and guests come together to dance, connect, and create unforgettable memories.

Dress to impress and get ready for a night of great vibes 💃🏾🕺🏾

RSVP is required.

Don't forget to check our IG page: @njcu.hsa
We can’t wait to celebrate with you all! 🇭🇹✨

On campus? On the move? We’ve got you!

Our Commuter Grab & Go series is back for Spring 2026! Swing by the GSUB lobby, grab free food and snacks, resources, and good vibes on the go. Commuters stick together and snack together!

April Theme: Movie Snack Pack
Monday, April 13, 2026 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Grab a to-go movie kit featuring popcorn, candy, and bottled water. It’s the perfect treat for commuters to enjoy between classes or on the ride home!

Monday, April 13, 2026
Session 1: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Session 2: 1-3 p.m.

Hepburn Hall, Room 112A (or 112D and walk to the back of the office)

The Office of University Communications and Marketing is providing free professional headshots for you to use on your Faculty & Staff Directory pages or LinkedIn profile. Just stop by to see our university photographer, Paul Gargiulo. We'll offer these sessions at least one day most months, so if you can't make this one, check This Week at NJCU for future dates.

This event is open to faculty, staff, and students.

Friday, April 17, 2026 • 12–1 p.m.
Virtual Event via Zoom

This webinar by Creative Financial Group, provides a high-level overview of five common financial topics: saving, investing, protecting, retiring, and estate planning. Topics addressed include compound interest, asset allocation, various insurance types, retirement income, and more. This event is a collaboration between the Kean and NJCU Offices of Human Resources and the Well-Being at Kean program.

All events/announcements must be submitted no later than Wednesday at noon to be included in the weekly email newsletter that will be released on the following Monday.