Welcome to Edition 50 of This Week at NJCU for December 19, 2022. This once-weekly Monday publication will inform the university community about all events happening each week over the next eight days on campus and offer important announcements. To submit your event or announcement for the December 26, 2022 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.

Please scroll down to the end of this message to see our sections highlighting current faculty, staff, student and alumni news and an In Memoriam section to honor those alumni, faculty, staff, or students, who have passed.

Share your news with us at communications@njcu.edu.

More than anything else, the holiday season is about giving. Giving and serving is something we do all year long at NJCU. We'd like to share with you the many ways we serve our students and community and wish you a very happy and healthy holiday season. 

Resident Assistants (RAs) are undergraduate or graduate student staff members who live in the residence halls. RAs receive free housing and a meal plan in exchange for their work in the halls. They help support the academic success, social development, and personal growth of students by creating programs and experiences within a diverse community of learners that involve students, faculty, and staff.

The decision to become an RA is not one that should be made lightly. It is a demanding, challenging, and rewarding position. The Resident Assistant position is an opportunity for you to build your leadership skills, and be an ally and role model for students at NJCU.

Please consider your commitment carefully as you begin this process. In order to fulfill the expectations and responsibilities listed in this application, you must recognize that this position should be your primary out-of-class obligation.

Attend an Information Session to find out more:

Questions? Contact crivera1@njcu.edu

Are you interested in getting started on a graduate degree or certificate in business? The NJCU School of Business has virtual office hours to chat with current and prospective graduate students every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Join us to ask questions related to curriculum, classroom hours, course modality, program-specific details, career opportunities, and more!

Questions? Text 201-603-3064.

End of Fall 2022 Semester

No Events Scheduled

No Events Scheduled

No Events Scheduled

Christmas Eve

No Events Scheduled

Christmas Day

No Events Scheduled

The University offices will be closed from Monday, December 26, 2022 through Monday, January 2, 2023.

We are happy to offer 50 free holiday dinners available to families! 

You must register to receive meals and will be notified if you have been rewarded. 

Complete pre-requisites and/or developmental math courses.

Get ahead for free! MATH 100, MATH 96/106, MATH 112, MATH 114.

Virtual except for exam days.

For more information Contact:
Professor Chigr: fchigr@njcu.edu
University Advisement Center: UAC@njcu.edu
SOAR: soar@njcu.edu
College of Arts & Sciences: sroman1@njcu.edu

Register today for the 75 Hour Real Estate Sales Person course with NJCU’s Division of Professional Education and Lifelong Learning (PELL) and learn from industry experts the knowledge needed to pass the NJ Real Estate Commission Exam to become a licensed NJ Real Estate Sales Agent.

A Real Estate Agent is an intermediary between buyers and sellers. They use their knowledge of local real estate markets to assist individuals in the marketing, buying, selling and renting of residential or commercial properties. They study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property sites, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts.

The Benefits Include: Lifetime employment, unlimited earning potential, self-paced growth, flexible work hours, the joy of helping others attain their dreams and more!

Program participants must be 18 years of age and older and have a high school or GED diploma.

Workforce Development (WIOA Funded) students are also welcome to apply.

For more information on our PELL programs, call us at 201-200-3089, email us at pell@njcu.edu, or visit our website at njcu.edu/pell.

NJCU and TheDream.US, the nation’s largest college and career success program for undocumented immigrant students, announced a new partnership to provide scholarships for New Jersey immigrant youth to achieve their higher education dreams.

Through the new partnership, New Jersey’s immigrant youth will be eligible to apply for TheDream.US National Scholarship. The National Scholarship is for Dreamers who are about to graduate high school or earn a GED; current community college students; and current university students, including current NJCU students.

Full eligibility information for the National Scholarship available HERE. The award is for tuition and fees of up to $33,000 total for a bachelor’s degree. | Read More in NJCU News

The Department of Fitness, Exercise, and Sports would like to invite you to participate in a study titled, “Correlation of Physical Activity, Mental Health, and Body Composition in College Students After COVID-19 Lockdown.”

If you agree to participate in this study, you will be provided with an in-person consent form, an in-person 20-minute electronic survey that will ask you questions about physical activity and mental health, and a FREE InBody 570 body composition assessment (which retails for approximately $30.00 at commercial gyms and fitness centers).

More information on the InBody 570 can be found here:

If you are interested in participating in this study and/or if you have any questions or concerns, please email either Dr. Manuela Caciula (mcaciula@njcu.edu), (PI) or Dr. Luis Torres (ltorres10@njcu.edu), (Co-PI).

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS- IMPORTANT DATES

The mission of Pedagogy Day is to bring together scholars, educators, and students to exchange ideas on current evidence-based teaching and learning practices. The theme for 2023 focuses on how the human mind functions in a distracted world through sustained attention. How can we minimize distractions, e.g., by filtering out irrelevant stimuli during a learning process? Let’s critically engage in the assessment of digital education for effective usage and growth. The Sixth Annual NJCU Pedagogy Day Committee invites you to submit your scholarly and creative work connected to “distraction”. All are welcome!

Join this Virtual Event on Monday, April 3, 12-6 p.m.

▶️ The Committee seeks 150-word abstract submissions for: Spark talk/demo: Best practices for a distracted mind*
▶️ Faculty-student research posters or talk presentation**
▶️ Flash talk: Evidence-based teaching tips in a distracted world**
▶️ Flash talk: Evidence-based study strategies in a distracted world**
▶️ Symposium for a diversity of perspectives on digital education***

If you have any questions, you can reach out to Prof. Lukas J. Helikum (School of Business) at lhelikum@njcu.edu.

Are you interested in:

Join Psi Chi
The NJCU Chapter of Psi Chi— the International Honor Society in Psychology. Psi Chi is open to students majoring/minoring in psychology or a related degree. Induction is every Spring for celebrating excellence.

Eligibility:

Please submit your application NOW or by January 1 of each year to ensure participation in the annual Spring Induction:

For more information about Psi Chi visit psichi.org or contact Psi Chi Student President Amirah Kitchen (Akitchen@njcu.edu), or Co-advisors Dr. Wei Zhang (Wzhang@njcu.edu) and Dr. Peri Yuksel (Pyuksel@njcu.edu).

Download our recruitment flyer

Have you been looking for the moment to fulfill your career dreams in a new field or advance in your current industry? Our online courses allow you to earn the industry-recognized certification you need to achieve your new career dreams.

The Children’s Learning Center is now enrolling children for the Spring semester! 

CLC Highlights:

Learn More:
To enroll your child or learn more, call 201-200-3342 or email the CLC at njcuclc@njcu.edu.

The Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino Studies Center is hosting its annual LATI Colloquium at NJCU. Each year, the Colloquium highlights scholarly and creative work of faculty, staff, students, and alumni from NJCU and from other colleges and universities in the area.

If you have any questions about submissions or about the LATI Colloquium, please contact LATI Center interim co-director Dr. Marcelo Fuentes at mfuentes2@njcu.edu

We are looking forward to your participation in this event!

1. Get your COVID-19 and Flu Shots
COVID-19 vaccines can save you from COVID-19. Get vaccinated as soon as you can.

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most crucial step in protecting against flu viruses. It still recommends that international travelers stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines and follow the latest face mask recommendations. CDC guidelines also advise getting tested before traveling, as well as after arrival. Please check our campus vaccination and testing campaigns. GET VACCINATED!!

2. Wear A Mask
Wear a mask indoors if you are not fully vaccinated or have a weakened immune system. If you are fully vaccinated, wear a mask indoors in areas with substantial or high COVID-19 transmission.

3. Wash Your Hands
Use soap and clean running water for 20 seconds at critical times, such as after using the restroom or before eating.

4. Find Safer Ways to Celebrate the Holidays
There are many ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health.

5.Consider risks

The NJCU Career Success Lab is happy to announce that New Jersey City University is now partnering with Handshake, a career management platform to help students and alumni discover new career paths and find jobs and internships. 

What’s Handshake?
Handshake is the #1 site for college students to find jobs. Career offices at 1,400+ higher ed institutions utilize Handshake and there are 750,000+ employers recruiting on Handshake—from every Fortune 500 company to nonprofits, startups, and more. Schools that join Handshake see on average a 3x increase in the size and diversity of their employer network.

Claim your account today and get recruited by
the top employers for full-time, part-time jobs
and internships—no experience required. Use the link below or download the App.

State and local municipal employees may contribute to many charities through payroll deduction with the New Jersey Employees Charitable Campaign. Consider donating this year to a charity that is meaningful to you. charities.org/NJECC

You probably have heard of the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS), but do you know what the office does and doesn't do? Learn more by watching a short video on the DOS webpage! 

Provides FREE COVID-19 Vaccines
(Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax and J&J/Janssen)
* Vaccines available to anyone 6 months or older 

Current Vaccination Site Days: 
Mondays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wednesdays, 1-6 p.m.
Fridays, 1-5 p.m
* Hours may change due to inclement weather & holidays

Visit hudsoncovidvax.org to schedule an appointment and to find more information on additional sites and hours. Walk-ins are always welcome.

Everyone must present a valid ID to enter the facility. There are no exceptions.

Schedule subject to change depending on practice schedules.

All activities will cease 30 minutes before the building closes to allow everyone to leave the premises and time for cleaning and disinfecting.

Will you be completing your B.A. or B.S. degree this year in a subject area?

Teach while completing your dual certification program!

Contact: Carol Fleres or Charles Reid Taylor at cfleres@njcu.edu.

Please know that on July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline became “988,” replacing the previous 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) number. Today, “988” is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect with mental health professionals 24/7 that provides confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. Those experiencing a mental health crisis or those worried about someone who may need crisis support can call this number.

Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline which serves our nation’s Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. For texts, Veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.

These centers are supported by local and state sources as well as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.

In today's rapidly changing world, you need more digital skills than ever before to flourish and succeed in your career. The Grow with Google Career Readiness Program offers you interactive learning paths that will help you build digital and practical skills needed to thrive in internships or post-college employment. The Career Success Lab at NJCU is excited to offer you this digital tool to excel in your future endeavors. Resume writing, interview techniques, networking tips and how to succeed in a new job, are but a few lessons you can use.

Why Digital Skills Training?
Digital literacy, problem-solving, and creative skills are essential for current and future jobs. Yet, among 18- to 25-year-olds, less than half (44%) believe their education system is preparing them with the skills they need to enter the workforce. We at Grow with Google have a responsibility to ensure that the young people we serve can gain the skills required for the workplace. Then, they can move toward their bright and successful futures knowing they are well-prepared.

Read more about the partnership between NJCU and Google in NJCU News.

For more information call 201-200-3587 or email communitycenter@njcu.edu.

Dr. Philip Kreniske earned his Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from CUNY in 2016 and is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Dr. Kreniske concentrates on the impact of socioeconomic factors and digital technology on adolescent and young adult development in the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa. He will discuss his research with vulnerable populations across the globe. In this insightful talk, Dr. Kreniske will discuss his recent publication, entitled “HIV and Suicide Risk Across Adolescence and Young Adulthood: An Examination of Socio‐Demographic, Contextual and Psychosocial Risk Factors for Attempted Suicide in a Longitudinal Cohort of Ageing Adolescents Affected by HIV Living in the New York City Area.”

All are welcome!

Senior goalkeeper Nick Linebaugh (Linden, N.J./St. Benedict's Prep) of the NJCU men's soccer team and junior forward Kim Brites (Carteret, N.J./Carteret) of the women's soccer team were recognized by the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) on its 2022 Division III All-ECAC teams. Linebaugh was named First-Team All-ECAC; Brites earned Second-Team All-ECAC status. | Read more

Christine Harrington, Ph.D., Professor and Co-Coordinator, Ed.D. In Community College Leadership since February 2019 will be editing a new book tentatively titled Creating Culturally Affirming and Meaningful Assignments that will be published by Stylus. | Learn More

The IDR congratulates Dr. Michael Arbitblit for moving on to his newest role at NJCU in Enrollment Management. Through the IDR, Dr. Arbitblit has previously been awarded the L.M. Krieger Fair Dealing and Justice Fellowship for his research work on business, education, technology, and conflict resolution between 2020-2022. The L.M. Krieger Fair
Dealing and Justice Fellowship is the first ever privately funded fellowship by NJCU.

Viktor Dank, who worked for IDR as an international undergraduate research assistant, recently got an opportunity to work with one of the finest journals in the medical field. Congratulations to him for his outstanding work relating to cancer research! It was a great honor for the IDR to be acknowledged in such a prestigious article. We would also like to thank Viktor for being the runner-up in the NJCU Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition, and the UPitch Competition.

Professor David Weiss, the Founder and Director of IDR, is currently working on publishing an article on transformative mediation along with his graduate assistant, Takshma Gandhi. David Weiss concentrates on the advancement of self determination values through concepts of mediation theory.

This semester, the IDR laid the groundwork to create a simulation video on the Purple House case from The Purpose of Mediation book used in Transformative Mediation practice. The actor roles for this simulation video will be played by NJCU students from Media and Theatre departments. This cross-department collaboration will not only provide a new platform for these students to showcase their skills, but will also provide a new avenue for students to learn about the dynamics of transformative mediation for conflict resolution in their everyday lives.

The IDR has also continued discussions with the Dayton Ohio Mediation Center to provide a training seminar on transformative mediation for 2023.

The IDR, in collaboration with the NJCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation club, hosted an event called “Entrepreneurship and Building Your Own Business” on November 16, 2022 at the NJCU School of Business. The guest speakers were Lance Howard, COO at Little Man Parking and his son, Sawyer Howard. The theme throughout the event was through the prism of organizational leadership and the discussion focused on entrepreneurship generally, operating a family business, and insights on navigating economic changes post-COVID.

The IDR is looking to host more events focusing on entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Club in early spring, focusing on our international students. The program will focus on startups in general and entrepreneurship ecosystem building | Learn more. 

In February 2023, the IDR and Mission 50 will co-host an entrepreneurship event at Mission 50 in Hoboken, N.J. A guest speaker will give a lecture on how to prepare for startup business pitch ideas for the second annual NJCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation Pitch Competition. | Learn More

IDR in partnership with Mission 50 successfully carried out an Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition held at NJCU on April 26, 2022. Professor David Weiss said that the goal of the program was to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation culture throughout the university by unleashing student’s ideas. | Read more. 

The NJCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation club has relaunched this semester, with student Maximo Vargas serving as president, and Professor David Weiss as a mentor/advisor. The purpose of the club is to promote entrepreneurship culture and create an ecosystem for the students of NJCU. The club’s focus is also connecting innovation with entrepreneurship projects hubbed under the Connecting Bridges and Borders program within the Institute of Dispute Resolution.

The IDR is pleased to welcome Takshma Gandhi, who has been actively working as a graduate assistant for the Institute for Dispute Resolution since the beginning of the fall semester. She is an international student from India and is currently pursuing her master’s in finance from NJCU.

Do you have news to share? Email communications@njcu.edu

Tom Ryan, a former Media Arts student at Jersey City State College, is the founder of New Jersey independent film company Theatre of Terror in 2012, which recently announced the release of four new films, with local screenings available. | Read more

Glenn Skarzynski '07 (B.S. in Criminal Justice) has been hired as the new municipal business administrator for the Borough of Sayreville (N.J.). in Middlesex County. In that role, he will run the day-to-day operations at borough hall. For the past five years, Skarzynski served as business administrator in South Amboy, N.J. | Read more

Do you have news to share? Email communications@njcu.edu

Jose F. Cruz '99 (B.S. in Fire Science) of Orlando, Fla., formerly of Jersey City, N.J., passed away on November 19, 2022, at the age of 68. A former Jersey City Fire Department Battalion Chief who aided in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks as a a member of the search & rescue teams working at the World Trade Center.

Cruz was also an amateur, and later, a professional boxer. He competed in the 1970s as part of the U.S. team, and had nearly 80 boxing bouts as a middleweight boxer. Cruz worked for the city as a health inspector and later continued to box even after he was sworn in as a firefighter in 1981, where he rose to the rank of battalion chief. He also served as deputy director and public information officer for the department from 2001 to 2004. He also traveled to Haiti and Puerto Rico on rescue and recovery missions after natural disasters. | Tapinto News | Hudson County View news

Marie Bozzone (nee Pacifico) '59 (B.A.) and '62 (M.A.) in Elementary Education, of Paramus, N.J., passed away on December 15, 2022, at the age of 85. She was an elementary school teacher for 39 years in the Union City Public School system, and later in Edison, N.J. | Obituary

Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth Sister Audrey Moloughney '73, (M.A. in Counseling; Student Personnel Services), formerly Sister Maria Madonna, of Convent Station, N.J., passed away on November 21, 2022 at the age of 87. Formerly of Jersey City, N.J., she was the oldest of 10 siblings. Through her life she was an educator and an alcoholism counselor in New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, and the Virgin Islands. | Obituary

Doris H. Pacholok '53 (B.S. in Education) of Pinecrest, Fla. and Cranford, N.J., passed away on December 12, 2022, at the age of 91 — just 10 days shy of her 92nd birthday. She was a graduate of then-Jersey City State Teachers College, and was a primary grade teacher for many years. | Obituary

Tiffany Lola Rawls-Dill (nee Wilder) '12 (B.S. in Managament and Marketing) of Tinton Falls, N.J., formerly of Neptune, passed away on December 3, 2022, at the age of 46. She was married to NJCU alumnus Dr. Elford Rawls-Dill ’00. | Obituary

Nancy E. Reilly Zollo '71 (B.A. in Elementary Education) of Belleville, N.J. passed away on December 1, 2022, at the age of 72. She taught in the Kearny school systems as an elementary school teacher. | Obituary

If you would like to submit information for the In Memoriam section, please contact: communications@njcu.edu.

Past alumni are memorialized on the In Memoriam section of the NJCU website.

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.