March 15, 2021
Dear William Paterson Faculty & Staff:
One year ago this week, all instruction and most other University operations went fully remote in the wake of COVID-19 being declared a global pandemic. As difficult as this past year has been, we should all be proud that we have pulled together as a community to continue advancing our mission, while keeping each other safe. After moving to mostly remote operations and then transitioning to a hybrid framework for the current academic year, we now plan to return to normal campus operations for all students, faculty, and staff for the Fall semester, as I announced last week. This is the result of Will. Power. and the power of this community. Thank you.
I’m glad that so many of you were able to join us last week, as Dr. Shaun Harper delivered the inaugural President’s Diversity Lecture. Taking the urgency of racial equity in higher education as a given, Dr. Harper focused his talk on practical strategies for working toward it. Thanks to Dr. David Jones, Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Talent Management, for securing Dr. Harper’s participation, hosting the event, and facilitating the Q&A session. If you were unable to attend or would like to view the lecture again, you can find it here.
Yesterday evening, several members of the William Paterson community virtually welcomed the Middle States reaccreditation review team, under the leadership of College of Staten Island President William J. Fritz, for this week’s site visit. Many people across campus will be involved in supporting the team’s visit. More information on the Middle States process can be found here.
Also this week, I will host Office Hours for students (Thursday at 11 a.m.) and faculty and staff (Friday at 11:30 a.m.). As always, bring your questions, comments, and ideas about whatever subject is on your mind. Invitation emails went out last week. Keep an eye out this week for email reminders.
This week’s WP: We are Proud – Recently, 28 William Paterson students, faculty, and staff participated in the Real Men Read program by conducting virtual readings for preschool-through-6th-grade students in Paterson Public Schools that are part of WP’s Professional Development School Network. Real Men Read provides male mentorship and encourages literacy among boys by showing early childhood and elementary students that men have a love of reading and learning. Conducted March 1-5, in conjunction with NEA’s Read Across America week, the program was made possible by Neil D. Grimes, Education & Curriculum Materials Librarian; Nancy Norris-Bauer, Program Director for the school network; Child Development Center Director Cindy Gennarelli; Professor of Elementary Education Betsy Golden; and, of course, all the men who volunteered to read to students. Thanks to all of them for demonstrating WP’s commitment to our broader community.
