Passaic Today

With a bullhorn in hand, student leader Allen Macaraeg was ready to lead Orientation programming for first-year students at Montclair State University. He knew exactly how they felt, recalling his own uncertainty navigating campus life just a year ago. “My job is to make that leap from the past to the present a little less intimidating,” he says.

Welcome Week invited Montclair’s biggest and most diverse incoming class to fully immerse themselves in the college experience. Under clear skies, Montclair’s signature red took over the campus as most of the 4,548 first-year students – as well as 800 new students at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University – enjoyed carnival rides, dancing, club introductions, and more.

“Belonging” has emerged as a key focus at Montclair, where the Office of Student Belonging and Center for Student Involvement orchestrated special programs aimed at fostering a supportive, inclusive campus where these new students feel valued and connected.

The efforts of the aptly named Office of Student Belonging – which supports Orientation programs, first-generation initiatives, international students, and military veterans – go a long way in improving retention, academic achievement and overall student well-being, says Director Jonnine DeLoatch.

“Everything we do is intentional in helping students affirm that Montclair was the right choice, that they can be successful, and to also start to think about how they can develop their potential,” DeLoatch says.

What Does It Mean to Belong?

“The philosophy is that we need to make sure that students feel grounded here,” DeLoatch says.

Recently, students were asked: “What does belonging mean to you and how do you know that you belong?” Some of their responses included:

I feel safe.

I feel like this is a home away from home.

I feel like I can connect with somebody.

I feel like somebody will look for me if I’m lost.

Sadifa Anjum, a senior Chemistry major, shares that she finds Montclair to be a welcoming community. “I see a lot of Muslims walking around, and it makes me feel like I belong,” she says. This sense of belonging has helped her embrace her culture and religion more fully. “When you’re isolated, you want to fit in but realize you can’t because you’re different. At Montclair once you see that not everyone’s the same; you feel it’s okay not to fit in. You find your clique and your people.”

Belonging also extends to Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. The integration was easily seen at the carnival as students and mascots from both schools—Deacon the Bear and Rocky—shared the experience.

Personalized orientation experiences at both Montclair and Bloomfield help set the foundation for student belonging.

Soaring on Red Hawk Day

“When I first came to Montclair two years ago I was terrified of how I was going to adjust and make friends. But just from how welcoming the orientation leaders were to the fun events happening; I was able to branch out fast,” recalls Matthew Mcdonald junior majoring in Public Relations Social Media.

The Red Hawk Day carnival is a signature event with about 3 600 students on September 3 riding Ferris Wheel flying into semester on giant slide

Other highlights include tropical bash attended by 1 400 intro Greek Life craft activities Campus Recreation Student Involvement Fair quieter activities cookies coloring organized Counseling Psychological Services (CAPS).

‘Ask Me Booth’ Team Offers Help 

Where’s University Hall? Where’s ID card office? Where exactly park? Where refillable water station?

“Someone even asked for sewing machine,” Assistant Director Student Involvement Casey Coleman On first day class questions all asked Coleman volunteers spread across campus

“We know these first few days our students looking reassurance — familiar face sense connection” Coleman Ask Me Booths long-standing pillar Welcome Week Since 2005 answered questions service continue provide simply knowing someone there answer make feel belong.”

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