Academic Support & Student Affairs Annual Report 2014-2015
2014 - 2015 Annual Report
Academic Support & Student Affairs 2 Dean of Students 3 Residence Life 4 Student Health Services 5 Center for First Year Students 6 Campus Center 7 Learning Communities 8 Center for Counseling and
Psychological Services
10 Center for Pre-College Programs 12 Educational Opportunity Program 14 Advising Success Center 1 6 Enrollment Management and Student Services 17
The Office of Student University Admissions
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Office of International Students
20
Office of the University Registrar
21
The Office of Student
Financial Aid Services 22 Physical Education and Athletics 23 Career Development Services
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hen students make the decision to come to NJIT, they know that they are going to receive an excellent
education, and that with that education, they are going to go on to a wonderful career. That doesn’t come about by accident. It is an intentional effort on the part of the NJIT community to provide a comprehensive array of services to ensure that each student is able to go farther than they thought possible. NJIT is that combination of forces that helps each student achieve their maximum potential. From our Pre-College Programs to our Career Development, all of the clusters that make up Academic Support and Student Affairs work together to take our students on the clear path to becoming well-prepared professionals, influential leaders, and responsible citizens. As Vice President for Academic Support and Student Affairs, I am proud of the work our clusters and units have done to come together and provide a cohesive path for students at NJIT. I have charged my staff to work to enhance the quality of campus life leading to increased student engagement, satisfaction, and pride. I am confident of the direction we are taking, and that we are laying a solid path of identifying, enrolling, supporting, and graduating qualified students who will excel in their professions.
Charles J. Fey , Ed.D. Vice President for Academic Support & Student Affairs
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DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE The Dean of Students office at NJIT advances student learning and personal development in a population that is highly diverse and discipline-focused. By engaging students in educational and purposeful reflection, the Dean of Students office encourages selfadvocacy, personal wellbeing, responsible citizenship, academic success, and the development of life skills necessary to be effective personally and professionally. Over the past year, the goals of the Dean of Students Office were to improve student retention, enhance students’ understanding of ethics and personal and professional integrity, and help students develop interpersonal skills. Among the initiatives the Dean of Students Office is working on is an Academic Integrity Campaign, including a website. The Dean of Students Cluster is responsible for the following units: n Residence Life n Student Health Services n Center for First Year Students n Campus Center n Learning Communities n Center for Counseling and Psychological Services
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RESIDENCE LIFE
Residence Life collaborates with students and university members to provide services that support students’ academic and personal development by fostering diverse, engaging, and residential communities.
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his supports NJIT’s vision of preparing students academically and providing them opportunities to enhance skills that will assist them as they move forward in their careers and engage with the larger community.
During the last Academic Year, the average occupancy was 91.3% (1,610 students). During this time, Residence Life assumed responsibility for the Greek Village, which brought in an additional 192 beds. Next year, our goal is even higher.
Residence Life focuses on facilitating student learning around communication and problem solving skills, interpersonal engagement and the impact individual behavior has on the community as well as departmental operations for the academic year 2014-15. Residence Life actively supported Learning Communities, promoted academic support services, provided students with tools to resolve conflict and provided a variety of programs and community building activities for students.
One way for Residence Life to measure outcomes and student satisfaction is participation in the bi-annual Association of College and University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I)/ Benchworks Assessment. NJIT’s ranking for Overall Learning, Program Effectiveness, and Satisfaction all improved. Indeed, NJIT earned statistically significant improvements in both overall learning and program effectiveness compared to our select six institutions (California Polytechnic State UniversitySan Luis Obispo, Drexel, Missouri
University of Science and Technology, Texas Tech University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, University of Massachusetts Lowell), the Carnegie Class Schools, and other institutions. All these assessments and statistics mean that when students come to live on campus at NJIT, Residence Life works to ensure the student life experience is a positive one. Of course, it wouldn’t be Spring without the Renaissance Fair. Some other popular events include the Stress Free Zone, International Dessert Potluck, and Resident Student Appreciation Days.
Students enjoying popular events like The Renaissance Faire, Highlanders games, and Stress Free Zone.
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Student Health Services strives to meet the ever-changing health needs of the NJIT Student Community in the creation of a Healthy Campus Environment for All.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES (SHS) Student Health Services’ mission is to enhance the academic success of our students by providing high quality and accessible health care and promoting healthy lifestyle practices that support the achievement and maintenance of lifelong health and well-being.
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HS serves the students as an integral part of the network of student support services. The unit provides access to preventative health programs including immunizations, care for accidents and illness, and referrals and linkages to specialty services. SHS utilizes a holistic approach, which recognizes the
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connections between healthy minds and healthy bodies in all our interactions. All students are provided access to low cost, high quality health insurance plans. SHS staff members work closely with mental health and drug and alcohol services on campus. Finally, SHS maintains relationships within State and local resources in order to alert the campus in case of a public health emergency. SHS implemented the Electronic Health Record in the Spring of 2014. By the Fall of 2014, SHS implemented a Self-Check-in process which allows students to update demographic information and enter insurance information. SHS also implemented the Patient Portal which enables students to communicate with Student Health Services via a secure portal and allows students to see their Personal Health Record, including immunization status, medical history, and health education.
2 on-site flu shot clinics provided
over 400 flu shots to faculty, staff and students
Each student encounter is an opportunity to provide support and education for healthy life-style choices, personal responsibility, and self-advocacy.
CENTER FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS (CFFYS)
The Center for First Year Students facilitates the transition of first year students into the institution by creating a connected academic community that will initiate the integration of first year students into the intellectual, cultural, and social climate of the university.
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FFYS provided a clear and cogent introduction to the university’s academic and social community. First Year Connections (FYC) was a fourday, two-part program. FYC 1.0 was a two-day overnight program operating simultaneously with Parent Connections. Students interacted with their academic advisers, learned about their curriculum and major options and were introduced to a culturally diverse population which
Over 1,000
students were introduced to humanitarianism and civic engagement through various community service projects. promoted appreciation and respect for differences. Students were taught how to build a schedule and register for classes.
and June while their student took the math placement test. Over 900 parents participated in the parent orientation.
FYC 2.0 was a two-day program where students attended their first freshman seminar class, a workshop on sexual violence prevention and participated in “Play Fair,” an activity which connects students to the university and each other.
Veteran student involvement increased dramatically with the creation of the Veteran Student Organization and cosponsorship of several veteran programs. The Veteran Student Organization is now a recognized campus organization with 32 active members.
Parent involvement significantly increased during the 2014-2015 Academic Year. Approximately 525 parents/guardians attended our “coffee hours” in May
Students getting to know each other.
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CAMPUS CENTER
The Campus Center and Student Activities staff provides services that the NJIT community needs in their daily lives and creates an environment for engagement through formal and informal interactions.
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he Campus Center is an integral part of the educational mission of NJIT by offering an extensive variety of cultural, educational, social, recreational, and civic engagement programs which provide the opportunity to balance academics and social time as cooperative factors in education. Through volunteerism, its student organizations, committees and student employment, the Campus Center offers first-hand experience in citizenship and educates students in leadership, social responsibility, diversity and values. Campus Center works with 95 student organizations. The Diversity Programs Office coordinated and hosted numerous events in collaboration with multicultural groups throughout the university. NJIT prides itself on its commitment to social responsibility and to being engaged in the community. For our 3rd Annual
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Alternative Spring Break, 220 students volunteered to work within communities in need. That’s approximately 13,310 hours of events! Last academic year, the Campus Center held 2,388 events, of which 1,326 were student events! A new website and online reservations helps maximize our Campus Center. Did you know students work at the Campus Center as Student Staff and Student Cleaning Engineers? Not only do they gain experience and a salary, but 57% of students participating were on the Dean’s List.
Last academic year, the Campus Center held
2,388
events, of which
1,326
were student events!
In the coming year, we will focus on further developing the Center for Student Involvement, with a goal of increasing awareness of and participation in student engagement activities.
President Bloom sharing a meal with students.
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Learn together, Connect for life. NJIT’s Learning Communities Initiative is dedicated to creating a positive learning environment through a connected academic community for the students to explore their common interests, passions, goals, and purpose. Learning Communities engage like-minded students to connect and learn together through guidance from peer mentors, faculty, staff, and advisors. Learning Communities focus mainly on enhancing students’ learning experience and provides opportunities for academic, personal, and social development.
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earning Communities (LC) supports a very large and diverse portion of the freshmen population at NJIT. Learning Communities strives to increase student success, bonding and retention. Through the program, the students bond with one another and connect with their academic departments and NJIT. Learning Communities utilize a strong network of faculty, staff, academic advisors, and peer mentors to provide students with a highly organized support structure to help them transition smoothly to college. The
program has grown significantly in the last 2 years, nearly doubling the population it served. A significant increase was seen in students showing up in the LC lounge to study, in study sessions and other academic and social events and in the LC Freshman Research Showcase. The 3rd Annual Freshman Research Showcase had the highest ever participation – close to 450 freshmen presented their work around a central theme of “helping humanity.” Bonus points! In Fall 2014, a freshman satisfaction survey conducted by NJIT Institutional Research found that students in Learning Communities were more satisfied with their experience at NJIT as compared to non-learning community students. They had more regular interactions with their academic advisors, and made more friends upon whom they can rely.
Approximately
440 students participated in
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We believe that participating in Learning Communities will be one of the most signification NJIT experiences for incoming freshmen, thus becoming an effective recruitment tool as well as a retention tool.
Students who participate in Learning Communities connect with their major and experience deeper learning.
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CENTER FOR COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (C-CAPS) The NJIT Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (C-CAPS) provides competent, confidential, culturally sensitive psychological and disability services to students as well as education, consultation, outreach and referral services to meet the needs of the entire NJIT community.
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- CAPS provides and facilitates comprehensive psychological and disability services and programs designed to enhance academic performance, enrich personal and professional growth and promote community involvement. C-CAPS makes great strides in enhancing and improving the quality of each student’s life and their development as a whole person by promoting their emotional and psychological health and well-being and facilitating their personal, academic and professional growth. All of this supports the Division’s mission to support and graduate qualified students who will excel in their professions and become engaged in their communities. C-CAPS developed group counseling with the successful running of three ongoing groups: “Breaking Bad…Habits” a psychotherapy group that focuses on assisting students who are experiencing difficulties with addictions including alcohol, drugs, computer/gaming addition, porn, sexual addiction, gambling, shopping addictions, and codependency, as well as dealing with family members or friends who are struggling with addiction.
“Out and About” is a psychotherapy/ discussion group focusing on LGBTQ issues such as “coming out,” questions or decisions regarding identity, and handling emotional barriers to having a successful life. “Let’s Talk” is a general psychotherapy process group that focuses on helping peers by providing information and resources/referrals for issues related to personal, social, and mental health concerns. C-CAPS provides students with disabilities information on internships and co-ops that are specifically geared toward students with disabilities. Through our connection with Prudential’s Abled and disAbled Associates Partnering Together (ADAPT) program, students with disabilities found part-time employment. Often this leads to offers of full-time employment after the completion of their degrees. C-CAPS established the Peer Helpers program. Peer Helpers organized creative tabling events that provided information on topics such as: Alcohol, Drugs and Other Addictions, Stress Management
and General Mental Health Awareness with a particular emphasis on depression and anxiety. The Peer Helpers reported very positive feedback from the students who participated in the tabling events and provided information or made contact with 600-700 students. C-CAPS also provided outreach to faculty and staff as well as parents and family members of NJIT students. C-CAPS held an “Addressing the Needs of Students in Distress” workshop for faculty and staff and presented workshops for parents multiple times during Parent Orientation (“Parent Roles in Helping with Stress and Change”). The department implemented an electronic scheduling and records system which improved office efficiency. Students can also access several online assessments on the C-CAPS website (ULifeLine, Test Your Moods, E-Check-Up-To-Go). Student Health 101 is a collaborative monthly online publication sent to all students.
Psychoeducational workshops offered included: Anxiety 101 | Depression 101 | Test Anxiety | Stress Management Overcoming Procrastination | Understanding Perfectionism | Managing Job Search Stress | Managing End of the Semester Stress 8
C-CAPS seeks to improve the lives and functioning of NJIT students and enhance their development as competent, successful students and graduates of the university.
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CENTER FOR PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS (CPCP) Students learn in the classroom and then apply the knowledge in hands-on setting.
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The Center for Pre-College Programs was established in 1978 to increase access to scientific and technological fields among traditionally underrepresented populations, and to improve the teaching of science and mathematics in secondary and elementary schools.
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PCP implements Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs for students in elementary through high school and for the teaching staff who serve in participating schools. Last Academic Year, student participation increased in the Early College Preparatory Programs by 79 students. As a result of increased outreach, TRIO conferences served over 550 students, a record over prior years. Academy college courses summer program participation nearly doubled from the previous year. The Technology Student Association Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (TSA TEAMS) competition brought in 70 more participants in 2015. CPCP also offers teachers professional development programs in STEM, ranging from a one-hour to six-hour experience. In the Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Program – a joint collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceutical, Biological, and Chemical Engineering – 11 high school teachers conducted 6 weeks of research in pharmaceutical engineering.
The Technology Student Association Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science (TSA TEAMS) competition brought in
70
more participants in 2015.
Of course, STEM is our passion at NJIT. We know others out there are passionate about it too. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of igniting that passion in a young student, or to fuel it along by providing workshops and conferences for teachers.
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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM (EOP) The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at NJIT seeks to provide comprehensive educational and support services for technically oriented students coming from economically disadvantaged school districts and/or urban/rural areas, low-income and/or have educational/ academic challenges or want intensive college preparatory assistance initially and throughout their college career at NJIT.
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OP strives to help students during their time at NJIT, ensuring that they move on to the next grade, and that they graduate within six years. Freshmen retention rates of EOP students have been as high 87% and EOP endeavors to improve that rate even more with tailored programming. The EOP department reaches out to Special Needs Districts (such as the formerly Abbott Districts, or districts so designated because of their low-social economic income status, low-income of the community in general, and low academic rating by virtue of low funding of the districts, i.e. tax rates). EOP identifies eligible students in these districts who have strong math, verbal and computer skills. Over this past year, student applicants increased 10%.
Engineers-NJIT Student Chapter, EOP recruits female students. EOP has been the recipient of funding in recent years. Additional funding is sought from industry and foundations. Grants are used for scholarships for eligible students, including STEM graduates who could be admitted into STEM doctoral programs. EOP is looking to grow grant funding in the coming years.
Students applications to EOP increased by
10% from the previous year. Freshmen retention rates of EOP students have been as high as
87%
NJIT’s strategic plan includes a goal to increase its overall SAT score to 1200 by 2015. EOP is striving to help bring up the SAT profile of its students to help the university achieve that goal. Engaging our communities to provide educational opportunities to help students get an edge enhances the entire university.
With assistance from the Murray Women’s Center, and the Society of Women
EOP offers a range of services designed to foster a student’s individual and intellectual development.
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ADVISING SUCCESS CENTER
2,363 students visited the ACS and their advisers last year, over
1,000 more than the previous year.
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Through meaningful, individual, collaborative relationships with academic advisors, students are able to effectively create and follow lifelong educational and career goals. The Advising Success Center provides academic support and guidance to students in the decision-making process related to their choices of majors and academic programs.
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dvising Success Center (ASC) assists in the cohesion and communication between the university and the student body. The Advising Success Center prepares, connects and supports students to ensure a smooth transition both entering and staying at the university. Through this department’s services, the goal is to retain, graduate and create motivated and dedicated citizens who are satisfied with their undergraduate experience.
The ASC takes a holistic, learning-centered approach to advisement – Advisors teach their undeclared incoming first semester freshmen through a freshmen seminar course. This creates connections between students and their academic advisor early on and fosters a warm, positive atmosphere while incoming students are becoming acclimated to NJIT. ASC collaborates and connects with both NJIT academic departments and community colleges to create better communication with administrators,
ASC events and programming foster a warm and positive atmosphere for students.
faculty and students. In the coming year, all transfer students are to enter through ASC. This will help students with their transition from community college and acclimation to NJIT through workshops, one-on-one advisement before and during their first term as well as outreach to community colleges. ASC is focused on creating a warm, supportive environment for NJIT’s student body through freshmen seminar, the peer advisor liaison program, and our constant student outreach.
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ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT AND STUDENT SERVICES The Enrollment Management and Student Services Cluster is responsible for the following units: n Office of University Admissions n Office of International Students n Office of the University Registrar n Office of Student Financial Aid Services
The Enrollment Management and Academic Services Cluster has been transformed to focus on how to ensure success for students from New Jersey, our country, and around the world. This cluster is committed to the delivery of student oriented services that will facilitate and support the recruitment, retention, and graduation of a diverse student population in accordance with the University’s mission.
Integrated services in Enrollment Management and Academic Services help students from admission to graduation.
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THE OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS The Office of University Admissions is responsible for the recruitment, admission and enrollment of new students at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Freshman – 28% increase in applicant pool Transfer – 11% increase in applicant pool Graduate – 9% increase
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he Office of University Admissions supports the university’s commitment to academic excellence through the admission of qualified students. The selection process is sufficiently rigorous to admit those applicants with the highest potential to graduate from NJIT. The Office of University Admissions interacts with prospective students on a daily basis and strives to provide excellent customer service. We are often the first point of interaction for a prospective student. Our ability to adequately serve prospective students is critical to the success of the university both in terms of meeting revenue and academic goals.
in MS applicant pool
to generate applications for admissions from qualified students. These tactics are on-campus, off-campus, in-person, or virtual (online, mail, or via telephone). We target new undergraduate (freshmen and transfer), new graduate (masters and PhD), readmits (undergraduate and graduate), and non-matriculated (undergraduate and graduate) students. Last Academic Year, the Office of Admissions processed 18,000 applications. This marked increases across the board -freshman, transfer, and graduate master’s level students.
Increase in SAT profile of
18 points
from 2014 to 2015, a university record Increase in freshman (FTFTF) to 1,210 in Fall 2015, another university record
The activities of the office revolve around recruitment tactics that are designed
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OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (OIS)
Service, Responsibility, and Success. The Office of International Students provides excellent service to non-immigrant students enabling their maximum access to the NJIT environment.
Over 90% of the full-time F-1 international graduate student population is retained from entry to graduation.
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JIT welcomes students from all parts of the world. The Office of International Students reports on all F (student) and J (exchange visitor) full-time status students to the US Department of Homeland Security and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. This department serves over 2,500 students, with the help of four student “Ambassadors.” OIS’ role is to aid students to retain their status. We provide students with accurate information and advice on F and J status. Staff members are collegiate and collaborative for the student benefit. Over 90% of the full-time F-1 international graduate student population is retained from entry to graduation. OIS provides comprehensive information on the issues that international students and scholars commonly encounter.
OIS conducts workshops on Immigration Options, Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, and Study Abroad. In addition, each semester a lawyer is invited to present on Immigration Options. Staff is working on creating a series of podcasts, short videos, and live webinars on key F-1/J-1 topics. We are also working on creating F-1/J-1 ISO@Your Fingertips, a web enhancement, and a virtual orientation for students coming from other countries.
NJIT COUNTRIES Albania
Ecuador
Israel
Australia
Egypt
Italy
Bangladesh
France
Jamaica
In a twelve month period, OIS had 10,445 student contacts! This includes preparing documents for travel and for student visa renewals, and over 1,000 Optional Practical Training requests.
Barbados
Germany
Japan
Brazil
Ghana
Jordan
Burkina Faso
Guatemala
Kenya
Canada
Honduras
Kuwait
OIS also maintains the Study Abroad program. Last year, 28 NJIT students were outbound, and we hosted 52 inbound J-1 visitors.
China
Hong Kong
Latvia
Colombia
India
Lebanon
Cote D’Ivoire
Indonesia
Libya
Croatia
Iran
Lithuania
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Albania Australia Banglade Barbado Brazil Burkina F Canada China Colombi Cote D’Iv Croatia Ecuador Egypt France Germany Ghana Guatema Hondura Hong Ko India Indonesi Iran
Malaysia
Rwanda
Syria
Mauritius
Saudi Arabia
Taiwan
New Zealand
Senegal
Tanzania
Nigeria
Serbia
Thailand
Pakistan
Slovenia
Trinidad and Tobago
Peru
South Africa
Turkey
Phillippines
South Korea
Ukraine
Poland
Spain
UK
Qatar
Sri Lanka
Venezuela
Romania
Sweden
Vietnam
Russia
Switzerland
Isreal Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kenya Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Libya Lithuania Malaysia Mauritiu New Zea Nigeria Pakistan Peru Phillippin Poland Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Ara Senegal Serbia Sloveniaa South Af South Ko Spain Sri Lanka Sweden Switzerla Syria Taiwan Tanzania Thailand Trinidad Turkey Ukraine UK Venezue Vietnam
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OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR
The NJIT Office of the University Registrar accurately records the academic process of each student, within the rules and policies enacted by the faculty, administration, and Board of Trustees, in compliance with local, state, and Federal laws, and in accordance with accepted and established record keeping practices.
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he Office of the Registrar staff has participated in a great number of projects that have enhanced the services provided to students, faculty, staff and alumni. The Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs went live in May of 2014, and are being updated each year. This implementation brings NJIT one step closer to implementing the Leepfrog Technologies CouseLeaf Curriculum software, which will assist the faculty with managing their curriculum change requests.
Students enjoying the campus.
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Driven by President Joel S. Bloom, the Student Services Mall Beautification Project enhanced the visual aspects of the public areas in the Student Services Mall. A flatscreen monitor powered by a MiniMac computer was installed to loop NJIT approved videos during regular business hours. Additionally, a welcome banner was installed in the lobby, new office signage were installed, lighting was updated, office hours were posted on the outer doors, branding banners were placed on the nearest lampposts, and the outer faรงade
was updated with office names and NJIT branding. These additions have helped in promoting a welcoming environment for students, staff, faculty, and alumni to interact with Mall staff. NJIT is proud to support our veteran students. Over the past year, a number of services were implemented or enhanced to better serve veteran students. Our close working relationships with Student Financial Aid Services and the Office of the Bursar is helping ensure that veteran students benefit in that all eligible costs are appropriately charged to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
THE OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL AID SERVICES (SFAS) As the overall division’s mission of “identifying, enrolling, supporting, and graduating qualified students who will excel in their professions,” the Office of Student Financial Aid Services (SFAS) serves as a critical unit by providing students with the necessary support and financial resources necessary.
Nearly 2/3 of all students received financial aid. The average aid package was $17,500 –
a 3.8% increase. 2,895
undergraduate and graduate students were awarded scholarships totaling
$31.7 million. 4,364
students were awarded needs-based awards totaling
$50.5 million.
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s such, SFAS is committed to the pursuit of excellence in providing student support services. How do we do this? We do this by providing timely information about application processing as well as the most favorable resources to attract and retain students. SFAS staff members counsel students on their financial aid rights and responsibilities. We assist with the university’s goal of preparing students for positions of leadership with our Student Employment Programs. The Office ensures integrity in the administration of all student aid programs. Finally, SFAS initiates and implements cutting-edge technology that adds value. SFAS’ goals are to offer more financial resources to help meet need, elevate customer service, streamline processes, and provide a competitive award packet for recruitment efforts. The increase in FAFSA applications was a favorable goal met as it provided alternate sources of student aid. The decrease in the Cohort Loan Default Rate is another accomplishment as it is an indicator of overall institutional effectiveness. In the coming year, SFAS will focus on elevating and improving student satisfaction by streamlining and employing technologies that provide value to the organization; improving student communication methods using solutions that are customizable, creative, and student-centered are being expedited;
and devising a robust social media presence is key and relevant to our student population by empowering students with critical financial aid information.
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS 20 percent
Over of student athletes are in the Albert Dorman Honors College. For the 11th straight semester, student-athletes maintained a combined cumulative
GPA of over 3.0
65.2%
of the student-athletes were Dean’s list for the Spring 2014 semester. Student-athletes represent 20
states and 24 countries. Attendance at athletic events was at an all-time high –
33,135! There are six former Highlanders playing their respective sports as professionals, both in the US and abroad.
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As a public university, it is the mission of the Division of Physical Education and Athletics to provide quality programs and facilities which, as integral parts of the total educational program, both enhance the physical and moral welfare of its participants commensurate with their educational goals and support the university’s ideals.
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uality in fitness, health, intramurals, and intercollegiate athletics have a special impact on campus life, the development of campus spirit, the attraction and retention of students, and the promotion of the university’s reputation. The Division of Physical Education and Athletics is committed to be in full compliance with Title IX regulations, as well as maintaining and supporting gender equity in athletics. Specifically, the intercollegiate athletics program is to be a source of pride for the University, its students, alumni, the Newark community, and the State of New Jersey. Under the excellent leadership of coaching staff, and the hard work and talent of our student athletes, the NJIT Highlanders men’s basketball team achieved one of the biggest upsets of the basketball season when they defeated nationally ranked Michigan. This dramatic upset brought NJIT to national attention, and conferences in the Northeast are realizing that the Highlanders are a team to be reckoned with! Other memorable achievements last year: • Men’s soccer beat 22-ranked Navy • The combined fencing teams finished 12th at the NCAA championships
• Our first female All American – Women’s Fencer Julia Garcia • Damon Lynn, All American Honorable Mention, Men’s Basketball • Jenny Cislo, Women’s Soccer, NCAA Women of the Year Two additional program changing moments occurred off the fields and courts of play. First, with approval from the Board of Trustees, construction is underway for the Wellness and Fitness Center, which will serve as the home for Highlander Athletics. This 200,000 square foot multipurpose building will accommodate the rapid growth of the school’s athletic department, student body, and campus community. In addition to a number of conferences, academic and community facilities, the building will house a firstclass basketball arena, natatorium, locker rooms, indoor track, concessions, suites, offices, and a fitness center. Second, after years, NJIT joined the Atlantic Sun Conference, where for the first time ever our teams will have access to the NCAA championships, as well as other benefits of conference membership. NJIT is now the eighth full member institution of the Atlantic Sun. Go Highlanders!
Highlander student athletes compete in both intramurals and intercolligiate competitions.
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CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (CDS) The primary mission of NJIT Career Development Services is to be a value added contributor to the career planning, personal and professional development of NJIT students, and professional success of our graduates. CDS is continually improving our services and exercising leadership in the profession of career development.
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DS is continually improving our services and exercising leadership in the profession of career development. CDS helps! Each year Career Development Services produces an employment and graduate school report for the May graduating class. May 2015 graduates who reported that they had obtained full time employment were asked how they found their positions: 66 percent of undergraduates and 56.4 percent of graduates reported that they found full time employment through their participation in one or more NJIT CDS programs. In a survey of on-campus interview employers, 87% rated NJIT students’ preparation as good or excellent. After conducting a thorough self-review with outsider stakeholder input, and a rigorous independent review process,
555 organizations attended on-campus interviews and career fairs (12% increase)
603 students
participated in the co-op and internship programs, earning $4,231,007
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NJIT was designated by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University, given in recognition of a strong commitment to economic engagement. As a result of attaining this designation, President Joel S. Bloom stated, “We are delighted to be recognized by the APLU with this designation that accentuates our commitment to be a leader in economic development and job creation through hands-on education, talent development, applied research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and business incubation.” Civic Engagement CDS serves as the centralized unit of Civic Engagement for NJIT. Over 3,000 students participated in community service projects with 260 non-profit agencies, providing over 45,000 hours of service. First Year Connections – Service Day is one of the hallmark events for first year students during their orientation weekend, making their first campus experience one of community and public service. Over 1,000 incoming freshmen volunteered with local community agencies such as Apostle House, Broadway House, and the South Mountain Conservancy.
163 professional development workshops for over 3,800 students.
26,000 technologyrelated employment postings, an increase of
3,500.
Nearly 62,000 resumes were forwarded to employers!
CDS facilitates an interest in mentoring by our students through the start of a campus Mentor Network. This studentled organization supports mentors and provides a safe place for both mentors and mentees to meet. With our partner Big Brothers Big Sisters, the NJIT Mentor Network placed 17 students with a little brother or sister at the University Heights Charter School.
Dr. Charles J. Fey Vice President, Academic Support and Student Affairs charles.j.fey@njit.edu (973) 596-6476 (973) 642-4667
Shakera N. Rodgers Executive Assistant to the Vice President shakera.n.rodgers@njit.edu (973) 642-4667 (973) 596-6476
Dr. Jacqueline L. Cusack Executive Director, Center for Pre-College Programs jacqueline.l.cusack@njit.edu (973) 596-3550
Jean E. Feeney Director, Operational Excellence jean.e.feeney@njit.edu (973) 596-3327
Laurence “Tony” A. Howell Executive Director, Educational Opportunity Program laurence.a.howell@njit.edu (973) 596-3686
Dr. Laura Valente Associate Vice President, Student Engagement and Dean of Students laura.valente@njit.edu (973) 596-3470 Dr. Wendy W. Lin-Cook Associate Vice President, Enrollment Management and Academic Services wendy.w.lin-cook@njit.edu (973) 596-3309 Leonard “Lenny” I. Kaplan Assistant Vice President, Director of Athletics leonard.i.kaplan@njit.edu (973) 596-3636
Gregory Mass Executive Director, Career Development Services gregory.mass@njit.edu (973) 596-3100 Dr. Sarah Vandermark Executive Director, Center for Student Success sarah.vandermark@njit.edu (973) 596-5598
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University Heights Newark, New Jersey 07102-1982 www.njit.edu