Academic Affairs Updates: February 2024 — Updates to Academic Affairs Organizational Structure

February 8, 2024
Student being advised

Dear NJCU Community,

During the fall 2023 semester, the Division of Academic Affairs conducted initial reviews on our current academic support programs, with careful consideration given to student retention and success, operational costs, and duplication of services. These reviews included feedback from campus-wide stakeholders.

As a result, the Office of the Provost has made changes to two existing programs which fall under the Division of Academic Affairs umbrella — Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR) and Achieving Success by Cultivating Excellence and Nurturing Discovery (ASCEND) — of which we are sharing news of organizational changes today.

Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR)
Effective immediately, the SOAR program and staff have been absorbed into the University Advisement Center (UAC). Staff members will continue to make referrals to support services while performing advising duties. Any previous or future outreach campaigns that SOAR may have been involved in should be requested by contacting Dr. Jonelle Knox, Assistant Provost, at jknox1@njcu.edu.

Achieving Success by Cultivating Excellence and Nurturing Discovery (ASCEND)
Effective with the Spring 2024 semester, NJCU is no longer accepting new students into the ASCEND program. Students who are currently enrolled in the ASCEND program will continue to receive services through the Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP). We are happy to report that Dominique Smith, who led our ASCEND program, has recently transitioned to our Enrollment Management team as the Director of New Student Programs.

The Division of Academic Affairs will continue to communicate any changes that occur within the division. If there are any questions regarding this communication, please feel free to contact Dr. Knox at jknox1@njcu.edu or the Office of the Provost at provost@njcu.edu.

Sincerely,

Donna Adair Breault, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs
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Dr. Jonelle Knox
Assistant Provost of Student Success and Retention
Academic Affairs

Dr. Jason Martinek
Assistant Provost of Faculty and Staff Development
Academic Affairs

Dr. Scott O’Connor
Assistant Provost of Academic Programming
Academic Affairs