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William Paterson University’s annual Bring Your Child to Work Day continues to grow as a signature initiative supporting employee engagement, workplace culture, and community connection.
Welcoming both new and returning participants, 115 children of faculty and staff—accompanied by 77 employee parents and guardians—participated in a full day of activities designed to blend hands-on learning, career exploration, and community-building. Participation increased by 35 percent compared to last year, reflecting growing enthusiasm for the program across the University following its reintroduction.
Organized by the Division of Human Resources, this year’s event embraced the theme, “The Future is at Work,” and featured a range of activities that introduced children to diverse interests, skills, and potential career paths while offering insight into the roles their parents and guardians play within the University community.
“Events like Bring Your Child to Work Day are a meaningful part of how we intentionally build a workplace where employees feel valued—not only for their professional contributions, but as individuals with lives and priorities outside the workplace,” says Vice President for Human Resources Allison Boucher-Jarvis. “By creating opportunities for connection, learning, and shared experience, we strengthen our campus community and support a culture where employees feel a strong sense of belonging and pride in being part of William Paterson.”
Throughout the day, children engaged in interactive experiences across campus, including an Escape Room Challenge, a guided tour of the University’s radio station, and hands-on VR demonstrations and 3D printing workshops—both new additions this year. Additional activities such as career-themed games, creative arts programming, and a scavenger hunt encouraged children to explore their interests while developing skills in creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
The event also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the WP community, with employees from 16 departments volunteering to plan and lead activities across campus. Their involvement created opportunities for interaction between students, employees, and visiting children, reinforcing a sense of connection across the University.
Programs that prioritize employee experience and community-building are part of what distinguishes William Paterson as a workplace. The University was named to Forbes’ “Best In-State Employers” list, recognizing it as one of New Jersey’s top employers based on independent surveys of employees nationwide. It was also named a “2025 Great College to Work For,” an honor awarded to just 76 institutions across the country and regarded as one of the most respected workplace recognitions in higher education.
