Happy New Year! Welcome to Edition 188 of This Week at NJCU for the week of January 5, 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 January 12, 2026, 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.

Beginning in mid-January, This Week at NJCU will expand into two editions to better serve our campus community. Due to the newsletter's continued growth and success, we are splitting content to make it easier for you to find the information you need.

The Monday edition will focus exclusively on upcoming events, giving you a comprehensive look at what's happening on campus each week. Our new midweek edition will feature university announcements, news, and important updates.

We appreciate your continued readership and hope this new format will make This Week at NJCU even more useful for staying connected to campus life. You will still use the same form to submit your announcements.

The 186th known meeting since the 1932-33 season between these historic rivals is one you won't want to miss because it's a battle for first place in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. NJCU (9-3) and nationally No. 10 ranked Montclair State University are both 5-0 and tied for first place in the NJAC standings. All other teams in the league have at least two losses or more! Can NJCU hand the Red Hawks (12-0) their first loss of the season? Whether you go to every game or haven't been to a game in years, this is a must watch.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026

The Black Alumni, Administrators, Faculty, Students & Staff Organization (BAAFSSO) was founded in 1975 and has since been committed to supporting, advocating for, elevating, and celebrating Black culture at NJCU. Eight (8) scholarships will be awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to persistence, success, and service. Recipients will be announced at the opening ceremony for Black History Month in January 2026.

Eligibility:

Application Guidelines:

Video Format & Quality:

Deadline to Apply: Friday, January 9, 2026

The Livermore Lab Foundation (LLF), a nonprofit philanthropic partner to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, is recruiting undergraduate fellows for Summer 2026. This opportunity is open to all undergraduate students in a STEM-related major.

This fellowship connects students with LLNL’s world-class research environment and mentors, offering hands-on STEM experience and opportunities to contribute to research addressing global challenges.

To apply, you will need to submit a statement of interest, resume, and a faculty letter of recommendation.

Monday, January 5, 2026

Don't let the winter break slow your academic progress! NJCU offers three flexible options for Winter 2026 intersession classes to fit your schedule.

Students can choose from an in-person session running January 5-16, 2026, or two convenient online options: Online Session I from December 22, 2025 through January 16, 2026, or Online Session II from January 5 through February 20, 2026.

Whether you want to get ahead, catch up, or simply keep the momentum going, our winter intersession courses give you the opportunity to earn credits in an accelerated format that works for you. Register now and make the most of your winter!

January 5-16

This is a 10-day hybrid math program offered by NJCU during the winter to help students complete developmental and prerequisite-level Math courses before the start of the Spring 2026 semester!

See Spotlight Events for more information

No Events Scheduled

In a matchup of potential playoff teams with one of the longest rivalries in the history of the New Jersey Athletic Conference, the NJCU (5-6, 3-2 NJAC) women's basketball team hosts second-place Montclair State University (8-4, 4-1 NJAC) in conference action. It's the Gothic Knights. It's the Red Hawks. It's gonna be good.

Men's Basketball 🆚. #10 Montclair State
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 • 7:30 p.m.

See Spotlight Events for more information

💸🎓 Feeling overwhelmed by how to pay for grad school? Take charge of your future at the HESAA Graduate Financial Aid Workshop, where expert advisors will break down loans, repayment options, and funding resources—clearly and confidently. Walk away empowered with smart borrowing strategies, personalized guidance, and the clarity you need to invest in you.

Ready to elevate your nursing career? Our M.S. in Nursing – School Nursing specialization empowers you to build on your BSN with advanced skills for today’s healthcare and school-based settings. Apply directly or transition seamlessly while earning your Graduate School Nurse Certificate—your pathway, your pace, your purpose.

January 9 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! We are grateful to all the men and women who serve and protect our communities — many of whom earned Criminal Justice degrees here at NJCU.

Deadline to apply for 2026 Donald J. Silberman Scholarship

See Announcements for more information

Four members of the NJCU men's wrestling team are nationally ranked and the Gothic Knights are 9-4 on the season. There's just a few more chances to catch the Gothic Knights grapple at home as they take on the Elizabethtown College Blue Jays on January 9.

No Events Scheduled

No Events Scheduled

No Events Scheduled

December through January

Researchers in the NJCU Department of Psychology are conducting an online study about how everyday environmental conditions (such as local weather) relate to daily habits, including physical activity, screen use, and general well-being.

Adults aged 18 or older are invited to participate in an anonymous online survey that takes approximately five minutes to complete. Participation is completely voluntary, and you may choose to opt-out at any time.

At the conclusion of the survey, you have the option to enter a raffle for a chance to win one of four $25 digital gift cards. To ensure your anonymity, raffle entry information is collected on a separate form and will not be linked to your survey responses in any way.

Questions about the study? Contact the Department of Psychology research team leader, Wei Zhang, Ph.D., at wzhang@njcu.edu.

This research study has been reviewed and approved by the New Jersey City University Institutional Review Board.

December through January

As the semester winds down, settle in with a great read and explore frosty landscapes, thrilling mysteries, heartwarming romances, and surprising journeys. The Guarini Library’s latest leisure reading collection offers a fresh escape for any winter day.

Visit the Library on the first floor to book your winter adventure with your Gothic ID — or view it online — and discover a story to enrich your season.

Multisite University Student Experience Survey

College/University Students ≥18 Needed for an Anonymous Online Survey on Student Life & Tech Usage

Faculty from the NJCU Psychology Department are seeking volunteers to complete an anonymous online survey about everyday online and offline behavior and technology use (including AI) among university students.

Your anonymous responses will help investigators understand student experiences and skills across campuses and will inform peer-reviewed research, campus support services, and responsible technology guidance.

If you are 18 or older, please use the survey link/QR code to read the consent information before starting this study. Please feel free to share this volunteer research opportunity with other students.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this study, contact the Principal Investigator Dr. Peri Yuksel at Pyuksel@njcu.edu or Co-Investigator Dr. Nic Zapparrata at NZapparrata@njcu.edu. You can also contact Dr. Meriem Bendaoud, chair of the NJCU Institutional Review Board, for any questions concerning your rights as a participant in this study at Mbendaoud@njcu.edu.

The Alumni Relations office is pleased to share that New Jersey City University has once again been awarded funding from the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation to support scholarships for NJCU students. This scholarship is designed to ease financial burdens and recognize the unique challenges faced by students who balance academics with work and family responsibilities.

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Each year, over 25 students are selected to receive this scholarship. If you meet the eligibility requirements, the Alumni Relations team strongly encourages you to apply.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 1839 AFL-CIO is offering three scholarship opportunities each in the amount of $1,000 during the Spring 2026 semester to any NJCU undergraduate or graduate student who meets the following qualifications:

GPA Requirements:

For further information, contact: Isabel Casais at icasais@njcu.edu.

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.

KNIGHTPASS is your ultra-affordable ticket to all of the VIP experiences, private receptions, biggest moments, best thrills, and breakthrough performances by tomorrow's elite actors and actresses, today's award winners, and more.

The NJCU Exercise Science Department is recruiting participants for a university-approved research study titled “Culturally Tailored Dietary Guidelines for Hispanic and Afro-Caribbean Populations.” The goal of this study is to better understand cultural food practices and create more inclusive and effective nutrition resources.

We’re looking to speak with individuals who identify as Hispanic or Afro-Caribbean and are interested in sharing their experiences and perspectives in a short focus group session (in-person or via Zoom).

If you or someone you know may be interested, sign up here:

For more information, please email Dr. Josh Williamson at jwilliamson3@njcu.edu.

This annual award is presented for the best memoir, personal essay, or creative nonfiction written by a student in a course at NJCU during the 2025-26 academic year.

Email submissions by May 20, 2026 to:

Submissions must be 2,000-3,000 words and must be submitted in a file that includes title and word count, but not the author’s name. A separate file should include the title of the submission, author name, course, and semester for which it was written, and contact information. No more than one submission per student.

About the Kathy Potter Memorial Writing Award

The Kathy Potter Memorial Writing Award was established in 2013 in memory of Kathleen M. Hackett Potter who died on January 6, 2013. Kathy graduated summa cum laude from NJCU with a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. She received honors for her senior thesis in creative nonfiction, “Thruway.” In 2008, she became Editorial Assistant at "Transformations: The Journal of Inclusive Scholarship and Pedagogy," published by NJCU, and was a vital force in its success. In 2009, she was appointed Managing Editor. With other NJCU writers, Kathy started a 100-word group that became the catalyst for countless NJCU-based 100-word groups. With other alumni, she founded the writers’ group The ReCollective. Kathy’s family, friends, fellow writers, and the NJCU community remember her though this award that recognizes the literary excellence of a student at the university she so loved.

NJCU’s Community Music School is now accepting registrations for private, one-on-one music lessons for students of all ages. Whether you're a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, our experienced instructors offer personalized lessons across a wide range of instruments.

Start your musical journey with NJCU today!

For more details, or to enroll, contact us:

Adult and Continuing Education | 201-200-3089 | conted@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.

Select a therapist that aligns with your personal preferences, including gender, language, ethnicity, and area of expertise. Additionally, choose a time that suits your schedule, whether it be during the day, night, or weekend. You can conveniently connect with them through video, phone, chat, or message.

Experiencing a mental health crisis?

Help is available 24/7/365 by contacting: 866-646-1526.

Ask. Listen. Refer. is a 15–20 minute online suicide prevention training that equips faculty, staff, and students with the skills to recognize warning signs, identify those at risk, and refer them to help.

The training covers:

Participants will complete a pre- and post-test and receive a certificate. If you need proof of completion, please contact me—I can track participants.

This interactive program supports our ongoing commitment to mental health awareness and is a valuable resource for our division and campus.

Orientation is your gateway to college success at NJCU. At New Student Orientation, you'll finalize your course schedule and plan your academic path forward while picking up your official Student ID. You'll discover the leadership and professional development opportunities that will help distinguish you throughout your college career, and explore the comprehensive campus resources designed to support your academic and personal growth. This is also your chance to build meaningful connections with your classmates—the peers who will be part of your NJCU story. Before you arrive on campus for the spring semester, we'll help you resolve any last-minute Financial Aid or billing questions so you can start the year with confidence and clarity. Your future starts here!

Save the date for the 9th Annual NJCU Pedagogy Day. This year's theme is "From Neurons to Narratives: Motivation, Anxiety & Teaching in the Brain-Aware Classroom."

Spend 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.

All faculty, staff, alumni, and students are warmly welcome.

If you have any questions or would like to contribute, please contact the event chair, Dr. Peri Yuksel, at pyuksel@njcu.edu

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.