Welcome to Edition 185 of This Week at NJCU for December 8, 2025. This once-weekly Monday publication will inform the university community about all events happening each week over the next eight days on campus + future events to add to your calendar.

To submit your event for the December 15, 2025 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.

Get ready for finals with support in all major subjects—including biology, business, chemistry, computer science, math, and physics.

Drop in anytime for tutoring, study guidance, and a productive space to stay on track. Refreshments will be provided!

New Jersey State Senator Angela V. McKnight will lead an engaging roundtable discussion on the critical importance of cursive writing and early literacy on December 9 on the NJCU campus.

The discussion will bring together community leaders, educators, and advocacy groups to explore the health and cognitive benefits of cursive reading and writing, the critical milestone of achieving literacy by third grade, and strategies for reintegrating cursive writing instruction into New Jersey schools.

This important dialogue is open to all students, educators, parents, and community members who are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

As the end of the semester wraps up, the Supplemental Instruction team invites you to study with us as we get ready to ace those STEM final exams! Enjoy food, refreshments, and chances to win prizes while prepping for your finals. We can’t wait to see you there!

Study Sessions are available in the following subjects:

Many thanks to our wonderful event co-sponsors for their collaboration and outstanding support: Division of Student Development & Community Engagement, Center for Student Persistence & Success, Dean of Students, Center for Teaching & Learning, Student Government Association, Student Activities Board, Pre-Dental Club, The Thread, Health Science Student Organization, Pre-Med Club, Biology Club, Chemistry Club, Muslim Student Association, ASBMB Club, Pre-Physician Assistant Club, Psychology Club, Dance Club, Math Club, Class of 2026 and Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honors Society.

In a world that’s constantly evolving, having solid, practical skills can help you stand out and move forward with confidence. Our 6-Week Fundamentals programs are built for that purpose: short, flexible courses that deliver real, career-boosting knowledge in just a few weeks. No matter where you’re starting, each course offers a powerful jumpstart, helping you strengthen your foundation, explore new interests, and invest in a future filled with opportunity.

Click on any of the below to learn more about our program offerings and to Register Today!

For more details, or to enroll, contact us:

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

Pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et. seq., notice is hereby given that there will be a regular public meeting of the Board of Trustees of New Jersey City University, to be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Study-A-Thon
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

See Spotlight Events for more information

Senator McKnight Cursive Writing Roundtable
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 10-11:30 a.m.

See Spotlight Events for more information

Join us to meet our newly elected CHA e-board members! This gathering

is a great opportunity for the e-board and the NJCU community to connect, share ideas, and discuss upcoming initiatives.

We’d love to hear your feedback on what you’d like to see in the future.

Bring your favorite appetizer to enjoy a fun and supportive atmosphere.

Supplemental Instruction (SI) Exam Jam!
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 9:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.

See Spotlight Events for more information

Celebrate the holidays and close the semester with lunch, games, and good conversation! Sponsored by the Black Alumni, Administrator, Faculty, Students & Staff Organization.

The Gothic Knight women's basketball team is 2-1 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference and looks to move up in the standings when they host the Stockton University Ospreys (4-3, 1-2 NJAC.

Make this holiday season merry, bright, and full of color! Join the NJCU Alumni Association for our festive Holiday Paint & Sip Mixer on Wednesday, December 10!

Enjoy a guided painting session led by a local artist, delicious food and beverages, and lively karaoke. No experience needed—just bring your holiday spirit and a smile! Network with fellow Gothic Knights and create lasting memories.

All materials provided. Space is limited—reserve your seat today! Tickets are just $15.

The Gothic Knight men's basketball team is red hot and tied for first place in the New Jersey Athletic Conference with a 3-0 record, and 5-2 overall. Stockton is 2-1 in the league. This promises to be a fantastic game between perennial conference champions. Don't miss it!!!

No events are scheduled.

No events are scheduled.

No events are scheduled.

No events are scheduled.

No events are scheduled.

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.

Eligible graduate students are invited to apply for the Professional Pathways Scholarship for the Spring 2026 semester. This program is part of the Department of Education Title V PPOHA initiative, which is dedicated to enabling Hispanic and low-income students with academic ability to successfully complete graduate professional degrees.

We are providing a limited number of scholarships—14 awards of up to $5,000—for Spring 2026.

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

Don't miss out on this opportunity!

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.

As the 2025-2026 academic year begins, NJCU has made significant progress on the 2027 Middle States Commission and Higher Education (MSCHE) Self-Study. This process is central to our accreditation and advancing our strategic priorities. 

This is the first of several updates we will share throughout the fall semester regarding our Middle States accreditation progress.

MSCHE Self-Study Updates:

We encourage you to stay involved in this process, as your insight and contributions are vital to NJCU's continued growth and accreditation success.

Thank you for the role you play and for your commitment in supporting our students and shaping the NJCU experience! 

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.

Instruments offered:

Lesson Details:

Start your musical journey with NJCU today!

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.

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.