William Paterson University

May 12, 2011

Dear Student,

As the academic year draws to a close, I would like to congratulate our graduating seniors, and look forward to seeing you at our Commencement ceremony on May 18 at the IZOD Center. Commencement is a tradition-laden event whereby we honor the academic achievements of our students and the family support they have received. We hope that everyone will respect and affirm the celebration and what it means to our students, families, friends, and the William Paterson community.

At this time, I would also like to share with you some of this year’s events, accomplishments, and newsworthy updates.

Past Year Highlights

Student Government Association. The Student Government Association (SGA) has had an excellent year representing students and improving the quality of campus life. Some of their accomplishments have been to sponsor student forums on the new University Core Curriculum, as well as on the needs of students in the area of college affordability as it relates to financial aid. We are very proud that our student leaders took a statewide lead in organizing the state colleges and universities in an effort to speak to the Governor and legislators on the need to support higher education.

Also, at the SGA’s recommendation, a new special events policy was approved that will facilitate greater programming on campus while still maintaining student personal safety as a number one priority. Additionally, the student leadership, through their budgeting process, provided more funds for campus activities and is supporting expansion of programs in the Cheng Library that will directly benefit students.

New Fitness Center. In January, we opened a student-only fitness center in the residence community between Overlook North and South. The student usage has peaked at approximately 2,700 students per month, and nearly one-third are commuter students.

Summer/Fall 2011 Updates

Basic Skills Pilot Program. A basic skills pilot program, beginning this summer, will allow newly admitted students to take Basic Math (Math 106) and Basic Reading (BRI 109) free of charge prior to the beginning of the fall term. We believe this will not only have the benefit of timely degree completion, but could result in financial savings to students and their families.

Academic Advisement. Beginning in fall 2011, academic advising for most first-year students will be through the Career Development and Advisement Center located in the Student Center. We felt this would improve the convenience and consistency of the process for students. Advisement counselors, master’s level professionals trained in both academic advisement and career development, will facilitate advisement for first-year students.

Residence Hall Visitation Policy. At the recommendation of the Residence Hall Association (RHA), I have approved significant changes in the residence hall visitation policy, which reflect resident students’ requests for greater flexibility. The proposal was based on solid research and assessment of resident student desires. The changes are effective Fall 2011.

Weekend/Evening Programming. We are also pleased to announce that we are entering year four of a major grant from the State of New Jersey, Division of Human Services, Department of Addiction Services, which will allow us to offer greater weekend and evening programming.

I hope that this semester has proven successful for you and that you will excel in your final exams. I also wish you a restful and productive summer. To those not graduating, we look forward to seeing you in the fall!

Sincerely,

John Martone Signature

John A. Martone
Vice President for Student Development

C William Paterson University Faculty

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May 12, 2011 Dear Student, As the academic year draws to a close, I would like to congratulate our graduating seniors, and look forward to seeing you at our Commencement ceremony on May 18 at the IZOD Center. Commencement is a tradition-laden event whereby we honor the academic achievements of our students and the family support they have received. We hope that everyone will respect and affirm the celebration and what it means to our students, families, friends, and the William Paterson community. At this time, I would also like to share with you some of this year’s events, accomplishments, and newsworthy updates. *Past Year Highlights* Student Government Association. The Student Government Association (SGA) has had an excellent year representing students and improving the quality of campus life. Some of their accomplishments have been to sponsor student forums on the new University Core Curriculum, as well as on the needs of students in the area of college affordability as it relates to financial aid. We are very proud that our student leaders took a statewide lead in organizing the state colleges and universities in an effort to speak to the Governor and legislators on the need to support higher education. Also, at the SGA’s recommendation, a new special events policy was approved that will facilitate greater programming on campus while still maintaining student personal safety as a number one priority. Additionally, the student leadership, through their budgeting process, provided more funds for campus activities and is supporting expansion of programs in the Cheng Library that will directly benefit students. New Fitness Center. In January, we opened a student-only fitness center in the residence community between Overlook North and South. The student usage has peaked at approximately 2,700 students per month, and nearly one-third are commuter students. *Summer/Fall 2011 Updates* Basic Skills Pilot Program. A basic skills pilot program, beginning this summer, will allow newly admitted students to take Basic Math (Math 106) and Basic Reading (BRI 109) free of charge prior to the beginning of the fall term. We believe this will not only have the benefit of timely degree completion, but could result in financial savings to students and their families. Academic Advisement. Beginning in fall 2011, academic advising for most first-year students will be through the Career Development and Advisement Center located in the Student Center. We felt this would improve the convenience and consistency of the process for students. Advisement counselors, master’s level professionals trained in both academic advisement and career development, will facilitate advisement for first-year students. Residence Hall Visitation Policy. At the recommendation of the Residence Hall Association (RHA), I have approved significant changes in the residence hall visitation policy, which reflect resident students’ requests for greater flexibility. The proposal was based on solid research and assessment of resident student desires. The changes are effective Fall 2011. Weekend/Evening Programming. We are also pleased to announce that we are entering year four of a major grant from the State of New Jersey, Division of Human Services, Department of Addiction Services, which will allow us to offer greater weekend and evening programming. I hope that this semester has proven successful for you and that you will excel in your final exams. I also wish you a restful and productive summer. To those not graduating, we look forward to seeing you in the fall! Sincerely, John A. Martone Vice President for Student Development C William Paterson University Faculty


	300 Pompton Road, Wayne, New Jersey 07470 973-720-2179 Martonej@wpunj.edu