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Editor’s Note Michael Lawson, Contributing Editor

During this past year, this publication has gone through a major revamping in design and theory. We, both the Spring 09 and Fall 09 @ the Edge staff, has set a mission to make a publication that was both informative and knowledgeable for NJIT students and staff. Issue I and II performed the informative portion, while Issue III combined both, by having a cover story and the start of two repeating articles that highlight programs and people on campus. I hope that in the coming semesters @ the Edge can become a full fledge magazine created for students by students that tries to capture the spirit and life of NJIT.

@ the Edge 09: Issue I & II Staff Contributing Editor: Michael Lawson Graphic Design: Kimberly Lam Hajere Gatollari Nadene Taylor Megan Rapisarda Travis Flick Allison Termyna Staff Advisor: Joseph Rios

@ the Edge 2010: Issue I Staff Contributing Editor: Michael Lawson Graphic Design: Allison Termyna Contributing Writer: Jacqueline Bunner Staff Advisor: Donna Minnich

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Newark: Places to Go, Things to See

NJIT 2020: An in-depth look into the future of NJIT Cover Story

The Common Edge Spotting the Edge: Thea Schoenberg Get and Edge, Get Involved: Community Service

Get Connected-Stay Connected

Your Guide to Academia

Academic Planner/Calendar

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@ the EDGE 2010 is a publication devoted to providing quick and easy access to

necessary resources at NJIT, enlightening the student body about campus life and university news.

Made by the STUDENTS for the STUDENTS.

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Since 2000, NJIT has embarked on upgrading its

facilities, campus grounds, and curriculum. Many students would not be able to imagine NJIT without the Campus Center (2005), Fenster Hall (2005), Laurel Hall Extension (2001), the extension to Weston Hall (2000), the campus green (2005), or even the College of Computing Sciences (2001) and the College of Architecture and Design (2009), which have all been completed or established within the last decade. However in the next few years the campus will change even more with an ambitious plan to further NJIT’s goal of becoming

a comprehensive university that rivals its academic competitors.

Academically NJIT is hoping to add about 30 majors in the next half decade, some of which have already accepted students including Computational Sciences, Digital Design, Fine Arts, International Business, and a Pre-Law degree. Plans to begin a medical school in coordination with the prestigious St. George’s University in Grenada have already begun and hope to have students enrolled by 2014.

NJIT 2020 will be a very different place, just as NJIT 2010 is much different than in 2000.

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The most significant change will come with the project dubbed the “NJIT Gateway Plan.” This project will both reinvigorate the surrounding University Heights district and also reclaim an undeveloped portion of campus. Along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. NJIT, Jones Lang LaSalle, a real estate services and investment management firm, along with select developers will transform the boulevard into a thriving student friendly area with cafes and shops reminiscent of Samson Row at the University of Pennsylvania. At the corner of Orange Street and MLK Jr. Blvd, where the St. Michael’s Medical Center parking lot is, a supermarket, movie-theater, restaurants, condominiums, and a parking garage are planned along with offices and medical suites on the other side of the street. “Enhancing the community that surrounds NJIT and campus life is important to both the growth of our urban university and to the prosperity of the city of Newark as a whole,” NJIT President Robert Altenkirch stated.

One of the first developments that will be realized in the near future will be the Greek Village, located on the existing parking lot in back of Laurel Hall, the only undeveloped part of the current NJIT campus. This new complex will include Greek fraternity and sorority housing, and may include a new residence hall, a campus quad, and new academic building. The Greek Village

Task Force headed by Dr. Joel Bloom, VP of Academic and Student Services, has been working on the logistics and planning of the project, hopefully breaking ground within the next two years. The project was brought about by the major challenges that the NJIT Greek community, mirroring problems at college campuses across the country, have faced within the last few years. Declining membership, low occupancy rates, poor living conditions, and decreasing alumni involvement are among the issues facing Greek life now and in the future. The Greek Village Project will enhance NJIT’s fraternity and sorority chapters by significantly improving housing for members, strengthening current active member’s relationships with alumni, enhancing the University's relationships with Greek life, and ensuring a long term future for our Greek organizations.

NJIT is not the only one with big plans in the Newark area, the city itself has many redevelopment plans in the works in the Downtown and University Heights sections. By 2020, both sections should be vibrant with activity, especially along Halsey Street and MLK Jr. Blvd, and around Broad Street Station and the Prudential Center. The days of Newark being only a stop on your way to NYC will hopefully be in the past, making Newark and in essence NJIT a destination

next few years will bring even more change than the years previous, making NJIT a comprehensive uni-versity with a thriving cam-pus life that students enjoy being a part of, NJIT 2020.

Michael Lawson,

Contributing Editor

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Being a dynamic part of the NJIT community means not only attending classes and receiving high grades but also giving back to your community through service. There are many opportunities to do so around campus and around Newark. Through the organizations at NJIT, community service can be accomplished with a group of fellow students, forging connections with not only the community, but also your colleagues. NJIT’s Career Development Services is a good starting place for anyone who is looking to volunteer. The CDS staff has knowledge about many of the organizations throughout Newark which are in need of help. Whether you are looking for a one time experience or service that can be done on a regular basis, Career Devel-opment Services is a resource with a wealth of information regarding community service opportunities through-out Newark. If you are an honors student, the Albert Dorman Honors College is another large source for volunteer-ing opportunities. The Honors College Student Council sends out emails to notify all honors students of upcom-ing community service events. Other volunteer opportunities through the Honors College include serving on the Honors College Student Council or mentoring within the Passing the Torch Peer Mentoring Program. It must be remembered that volunteering does not always require leaving campus. Writing for the col-lege newspaper, The Vector, serving on the NJIT Student Senate, or actively participating in Greek Life or any other NJIT organization serves a great benefit to the NJIT community. These organizations diversify and better our campus through the programs and other benefits they provide the student body. By volunteering your time to different organizations within our university, you are directly contributing to the advancement of university life. Although these are just a few of the NJIT resources, they provide a good starting place if you are consid-ering participating in community service. Always keep in mind, whether working on campus or off, any com-munity service benefits the community at large and will be greatly appreciated by all who are affected.

Jacqueline Bunner, Contributing Writer

NJIT welcomed a new member to the campus center staff this year, Thea Schoenberg, the newly appointed Assistant Director of Greek Life and Wellness. Her office is located on the 4th floor of the Campus Center across from the elevators. Thea’s responsibilities include overseeing NJIT’s fraternity and sorority organizations and educating the campus on wellness issues. Wellness education teaches students how to make good decisions on topics such as alcohol awareness, risk management, health, and safety. Before joining the NJIT community, Thea was the Assistant Director of Student Development at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. There she gained a background in Greek life, campus programming, student government, diversity, leadership and wellness. Thea believes that Greek life at NJIT will grow in size and visibility, not only on the local level but the national level as well. With new majors being offered at NJIT, which are attracting more

women to the university, sorority involvement is almost guaranteed to increase. Her short term goal is to continue to learn about NJIT’s Greek community, while learning about the student atmosphere at a “tech” school. She also hopes to challenge her student groups to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. When Thea is not on campus, she enjoys scrapbook-ing, shopping, the beach, spending time with her family and coaching the NJIT cheerleading team. She also has a love of dance and city life. Although she has just started, Thea’s new and innovative ideas have already started to impact the NJIT campus and will improve the lives of the student body at NJIT. Michael Lawson

Contributing Editor

Get Connected–Stay Connected Campus Center Information

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CAMPUS CENTER Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 1:00am Saturday, 8:00am - 1:00am Sunday, 10:00am - 1:00am TRATTORIA Monday - Sunday, 11:00am - 8:00pm Korner Kilt C-STORE Monday - Saturday, 8:00am - 1:00am Sunday, 10:00am - 1:00am CONTINUOUS DINING Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 9:00pm Saturday, 10:00am - 7:00pm Sunday, 11:00am - 7:00pm TACO BELL Monday - Friday 11:00 am - 1:00 AM HIGHLANDER CLUB, “THE PUB” Monday - Friday, 11:00 am - 1:00am Saturday - Sunday, 5:00pm - 11:00pm VAN HOUTEN LIBRARY Monday - Thursday, 7:30am –11:45pm Friday, 7:30am - 7:45pm Saturday, 10:00am –5:45pm Sunday, 1:00pm –8:45pm LITTMAN ARCHITECTURE LIBRARY Monday –Thursday, 8:00am –8:30pm Friday, 8:00am –6:00pm Saturday, 12:00pm –6:00pm Sunday, 1:00pm –7:00pm FLEISCHER ATHLETIC CENTER Monday –Friday, 7:00am –11:00pm Saturday, 10:00am –6:00pm Sunday, 3:00pm –10:00pm

FROM THE DESK OF THE DEAN OF STUDENTS: In the Office of the Dean of Students, we are here to help you achieve your goals and are largely responsible for shaping the nature and direction of NJIT's campus life. I, the Dean of Students, oversee Residence Life, Student Activities, Health Services, Counseling Center, CAPE, the Center for First Year Students, and the Office for International Student Services. My office also serves as the official institutional liaison to Gourmet Dining Services and the NJIT Bookstore. You are encouraged to bring your concerns, issues and most importantly your ideas to the Dean of Students office and work with us to develop our campus community into a better environment for all of us here at NJIT. In addition to these operations, the Dean of Students office handles matters relating to student life and academics, such as conduct, integrity issues, and academic standing. My office also handles medical withdrawals, withdrawal requests beyond the drop date, as well as absences due to illness or family crisis. It is your responsibility to bring these issues up, so feel free to contact the office at anytime. In general, the Dean of Students office is the place to go when you are dealing with any kind of personal crisis that impacts your life at NJIT and/or academic progress. My office is located in 255 Campus Center and our doors are always open to your problems, concerns or ideas.

Jack Gentul Dean of Students

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Clubs + Organizations

For an expanded list of NJIT’s clubs and organizations, please visit www.studentsenate.njit.edu

NJIT’s Student Life Clubs

Student Senate………………..www.senate.njit.edu

Student Activities Council…………..SAC@njit.edu

Nucleus……………………...…….nucleus@njit.edu

The Vector…………………………..vector@njit.edu

WJTB Geek Radio……………………..ejr8@njit.edu

There are many ways students can get involved at NJIT, including joining one or more of NJIT’s 70 student run clubs and organizations and 24 fraternities and sororities. Organizations are recognized by both the Student Senate and Graduate Student Association (GSA). Contact these governing bodies if you have questions about starting your own organization!

Want to start a club? Or revive an old one? GREAT! Got a bunch of friends who want to se a club like it too? EVEN BETTER! Here are some things you need in order to begin. 1. Club Constitution packet (pick up from Campus

Center 480) 2. Membership list of 10 NJIT students (minimum) 3. Approved advisor (member of NJIT) 4. Constitution

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Greek Life

Student Leadership Programs

Office of Greek Life www.njit.edu/activities/greeks.htm NJIT’s fraternities and sororities are an integral part of campus life and the Newark community. Membership into one of NJIT’s 16 fraternities and 7 sororities can open the door to an exciting world of campus and community involvement.

Fraternities and Sororities exist as a proven support network for students as they begin this new period in their lives. They can help personalize students’ college experience in leading committees, managing budgets and interacting with faculty and administrators. They will be exposed to many new experiences and challenges that will enhance their overall educational development at NJIT.

Pillars of Greek Life

Student Leadership Programs is located in Campus Center Room 495. Aside from the services offered by the Center for Student Leadership, student leaders and Campus Center staff are available to assist all student organizations in planning leadership workshops and training for organization members. The office currently offers the following services and programs:

www.njit.edu/activities/leadership.htm Leadership Certificate Programs: Every year, students have the opportunity to earn an NJIT leadership certificate. Students have two choices to explore leadership: the Leading Edge Program for general student leadership and the LEAD Team for experienced leaders.

Leadership Services: NJIT students can work with Campus Center student leaders and staff on individual and group leadership assessments. The Leadership Services also provides support for organizational conflict management and leadership testing.

Leadership Resource Library: You can currently check out books on icebreakers and teambuilders, leadership theory and practice, as well as loose leaf materials to create workshops.

Diversity Programs: From social justice programs to learning how to be a better ally, Diversity Programs supports the various student communities at NJIT as they explore their place in our multicultural community. For more information, contact Joseph Rios at (973) 596-5243 or email jrios@adm.njit.edu.

Scholarship: Membership in one of our fraternities or sororities provides students with a mentoring network to help maximize their educational achievements. Leadership: Being in a Greek society offers students opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Conferences, leadership retreats and officer trainings are ways students enhance their leadership ability as a member of the Greek community.

Service: Community service is an important part of the mission of Greek letter organizations. Students learn to become lifelong active citizens of their communities.

Friendship: Fraternity and sorority members enjoy a special type of relationship. This friendship means working together to reach a common goal and help each other reach their full potential.

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Lockers: Tired of carrying your books with you all day? Then you can rent a locker in the Campus Center Basement. The fee is only $5 for the entire semester! Don’t forget to bring a lock with you, or purchase one from the NJIT Bookstore. Contact Mr. Redd in the Campus Center Game Room if you are interested. Commuter Meal Plan: Commuter students may elect to have a meal plan. The commuter meal plan includes 5 meals a week (breakfast or lunch). Or, you can simply place money on your account. Students wishing to do either option must pay at the NJIT Bursar’s Office and then validate their receipt in the Gourmet Dining Office in the Campus Center. NJIT Vehicle Registration: In order to be allowed to park on campus, each vehicle must be registered with NJIT’s Department of Public Safety. All vehicles must bear a valid hangtag or temporary dashboard permit which must be visibly displayed while parked on campus. NJIT/Rutgers Shuttle: The shuttle bus provides transportation between the two campuses, and provides transportation for the University community to Newark’s major mass transportation system (Newark Penn Station + Broad Street Station) as well as Harrison and Kearny. NJ Transit Student Discount: Benefits of this partnership include assistance with creating on campus information centers, outreach to promote awareness of NJ Transit options and an online student monthly pass (available for bus, rail or light rail) that is discounted at 25% off. If you are a student, pick up an application from NJ Transit, fill it out and stop by the Campus Center Information Desk to have it validated. You must be a full time student of NJIT.

Commuter Resources

Commuter Assistance + Resource Services (CARS) www.njit.edu/activities/cars.htm The Office of Commuter Assistance and Resource Services (CARS) is committed to enriching the commuter experience by providing services, programs, advocacy and outreach that will help commuter students benefit from the institution’s total education process.

CARS has set up goals related to the following areas of emphasis for our staff to aid commuter students: • Orientation + Welcome • Social + Recreational Programs • Academic Resources • Information + Communication • Commuter Space Appropriation • Commuter Representation on college planning and governance

Council of Commuter Students (CoCS) 4th Floor Campus Center

If you are looking for a place to unwind before or after class, this is the place to go. The office has a microwave, television, refrigerator and movies.

Free Coffee: Monday– Friday, 8:30 –10:30 am

Doughnuts + Bagels—Tuesday 8:30– 10:30 am

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

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7 8 9 10

14 15 16 17

21 22 23 24

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February 2010 Groundhog Day

Super Bowl Sunday

Valentine’s Day

Chinese New Year

President’s Day

Nirvana Day (Buddhist)

Mardi Gras

Ash Wednesday

(Christian)

Washington’s Birthday

Holi (Hindi)

Thursday Friday Saturday Important Dates:

4 5 6

11 12 13

18 19 20

25 26 27

Projects Due:

Notes:

1/18 No Classes- MLK B-Day

1/19 First Day of Class

1/25 Last Day to Add a Course

1/26 W Grade Posted

2/2 Last Day for Partial Refund

2/4 Last Day for Refund Based on Partial Withdrawal

Maha Shivaratri (Hindu)

Lincoln’s Birthday

Prophet’s Birthday

(Islamic– Sunni) Purim (Jewish)

March 2010 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2 3

7 8 9 10

14 15 16 17

21 22 23 24

28 29 30 31

Veteran’s Day

Ramanavami (Hindi)

Hola Mohalla (Sikh)

Palm Sunday

(Christian)

Prophet’s Birthday

(Islamic-Shia)

Daylight Savings Time

Begins

St. Patrick’s Day

Passover Begins

(Jewish)

Magha Puja (Buddhist)

S P R I N G

Thursday Friday Saturday Important Dates:

4 5 6

11 12 13

18 19 20

25 26 27

Projects Due:

Notes:

3/9 Last Day for a Refund Based on Complete Withdrawl

3/15-3/21

Spring Break– No Classes

3/29 Last Day to Withdraw from Course(s)

Maulid an-Nabi

(Islamic)

First Day of Spring

B R E A K

April 2010 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

4 5 6 7

11 12 13 14

18 19 20 21

25 26 27 28

Projects Due:

Baisakhi (Sikh)

Easter Sunday (Christian) Pesach (Jewish)

Yom Ha ‘Azmaut

(Jewish)

First Day of Ridvan

(Baha’i)

Thursday Friday Saturday Important Dates:

1 2 3

8 9 10

15 16 17

22 23 24

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Notes:

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4/2 Good Friday, No Classes

4/3 Saturday Classes Meet

4/4 Easter, No Classes

4/12 Registration for Fall & Sum-mer Courses Begins

Good Friday

(Christian)

NO CLASS

Holy Saturday

(Christian)

Holy Thursday

(Christian)

Earth Day

Arbor Day

May 2010 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

2 3 4 5

9 10 11 12

16 17 18 19

23 24

Projects Due:

Commencement

Cinco de Mayo

Reading Day

Finals Finals Finals

Last Day of Classes

Mother’s Day

Shavouth (Jewish)

Summer Session I

Begins

Thursday Friday Saturday Important Dates:

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6 7 8

13 14 15 Notes:

20 21 22

Projects Due:

5/4 Last Day of Classes, Classes follow a Friday schedule

5/5 Reading Day

5/6- 5/12

Final Exam Period

5/13 Spring Grades due in Registrar’s Office

5/17 Commencement

Finals Finals

Lag Ba‘Omer (Jewish)

“HIGHLANDER COUNTRY” MAP NJIT Campus, Newark, NJ

Student Parking Lot 10 Lot 16 Lot 18 Parking Deck Visitor Parking

Lot 7 Lot 18 Parking Deck

Student Services Campus Center Dean of Students Center for First Year Students Clubs & Organizations Offices Leadership Center/ Greek Life CARS Office Murray Center for Women Student Mall, Parking Deck Bursar, Financial Aid, Registrar Public Safety

Administration Fenster Hall AD Honors College Office of the President, VP, Provost Admissions Athletics Fleisher Athletic Center Athletics/PE Department Health Services

GITC SSSP Media Services Campbell Hall Counseling Center CDS EOP Cypress Hall Residence Life Kupfrian Hall CAPE