Student Center

• New carpet, paint and furniture have been installed in Student Center 4th floor rooms 415, 416 and 417 conference rooms. Decorative acoustical panels are coming soon to help with sound absorption in Room 417.
• The Underground (room 160) had new egress doors, new flooring in the hallway and the adjacent hallway installed.
• Cheery new lighting and freshly painted walls are waiting to welcome you to the lower level Student Center Annex.

College of Communication and Media

The College of Communication and Media is even cooler than before. Facilities has installed two air conditioning systems in the Central Machine Room to make your learning and collaboration experiences more comfortable.

University Police Department

• The replacement of the existing dispatch console public safety radio system for our Police Department is underway as the existing system was obsolete.�� The project also includes the installation and expansion of the existing system to the Bloomfield campus.

• Exterior site improvements were completed at the University Police Headquarters, including reconstruction of the ADA accessible ramp for code compliance, reconstruction of the retaining walls, sidewalk and crosswalk upgrades at the Red Hawk Deck, repainting the building and window frames, and signage replacement.

Dickson Hall

Notice anything different in Dickson? We have renovated Dickson rooms 146-151, 155, 101-102 and 170 for the growing Student Success Center and Administrative Services with new resilient flooring, painting, ceiling, lighting, window treatments and furniture and a newly renovated Multipurpose Seminar Room. Also in Dickson rooms 261, 333, 338 and 431 are now sporting new finishes, lighting, ceiling, furniture and whiteboards.

Freeman Hall��

• New flooring has been installed throughout Freeman Hall corridors, lounges and the main lobby.
• Two classrooms in the basement were modified to accept nine individual sound proof practice booths allowing multiple instruments to be played simultaneously. That’s music to our ears!

University Hall��

• New flooring, paint and furniture welcome you to the University Hall first and third floor Dean Suites and Student Success Center.
• The heat exchanger in University Hall was replaced.

Stone Hall

The new community kitchen in��Stone Hall is almost ready for student use! This project is scheduled to be completed in the month of September.

14 Normal Avenue

The renovation to 14 Normal for Development and Alumni Engagement should be complete and ready for occupancy in November.

School of Business

Refreshed seating area outside of Saxby’s Cafe includes painting and new furniture.

Sinatra Hall

New corridor and lounge flooring, paint and furniture await you at your next collaboration or relaxation in the common areas.

The Village

• New bedroom furniture has been installed throughout the Williams Hall apartments.
• Old and worn signage was replaced with new signage installed throughout Alice Paul Hall.
• The exterior repairs to the stucco façade of Alice Paul Hall is part of a four-year program at The Village.�� The scope of work included selective demolition and reconstruction of the existing joints, building corners, molding, flashing, and sealants. The building façade was power washed and repainted with an elastomeric waterproof coating.
• A total of 776 light fixtures at Alice Paul Hall were retrofitted with new energy efficient LED fixtures, anticipated to conserve approximately 131,600kWh annually.�� The scope of work included all apartment spaces, hallways, lounges, stairwells, and mechanical spaces.

Russ Hall

Russ Hall has received a number of interior upgrades. New flooring, painting and signage was installed throughout the corridors, entry lobby, and Kops Lounge.�� New access control measures have been added at the Kops Lounge entrance in order to ensure the space is prioritized for student residents and can be enjoyed accordingly. New lounge furniture will be installed later in the semester.

Space Occupancy Study

Phase 2 sensors were decommissioned and uninstalled in classrooms, lecture halls, and other student-facing spaces throughout University Hall and Dickson Hall. A report of the findings from this study is being produced by our external partner and the University is in the process of reviewing the data that was collected.

Campus Accessibility

• We are in the process of rolling out a number of improvements for campus accessibility that will increase transparency, visibility, and access throughout the campus. This is the result of an extensive audit performed by our team to identify locations for items such as signage, directional wayfinding, and automatic door operators.
• Crosswalks throughout campus were restriped for improved pedestrian safety. In addition, accessible curb ramps and detectable warning surfaces were replaced at Chapin Drive and a new radar speed feedback sign was installed at Arena Drive.
• A new pedestrian sidewalk was constructed on the west side of Yogi Berra Drive connecting CarParc Diem to Yogi Berra Stadium.�� The scope of work also included installation of new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at the CarParc Diem crosswalks for improved pedestrian safety.
• The exterior concrete stairs connecting Lot 23 to Sam’s Place were repaired to include concrete patching, steel nosing replacement, and resetting handrails.

Reid Hall

Relocation of Dr. Elena Petroff’s Lab to the second floor 207/209 room. Also relocated are the low temperature freezers and microscope.

Margaree Coleman-Carter Hall

The demolition of the building, previously known as Webster Hall, took place early this summer to prepare for the new Interdisciplinary Science Building. Check out the demolition time lapse !

Center for Environmental and Life Sciences

We are installing an electric reheat coil and controls to address the coil freezing issues in the penthouse air handling units.

Ice Arena

In preparation for the new refrigeration system to be installed next summer, we extended the campus electrical power grid to the Ice Arena and will realize substantial cost savings due to the reduced cost of electricity.

Hawk Crossing

• We upgraded the fire alarm system at the 200 building of Hawks Crossing.
• The exterior doorways at Hawk Crossings have been painted and the door surrounds will be painted during fall break.

Sprague Library

We have replaced the lighting and controls in the basement and first floor of Sprague Library for substantial energy savings and viewer comfort.

Bloomfield College

Fire protection was added to College Hall at Bloomfield College this summer by adding a sprinkler system to the basement.

Richardson Hall

Two classrooms in Richardson Hall (249 & 250) were combined to create a larger physics teaching area. This was accomplished by removing the common wall and modifying the electric and lighting systems.

Calcia Hall

• Three classrooms in Calcia Hall (108, 209 and 224A) received new furniture that is mobile and provides ADA compliant seating.
• New signage has been installed throughout Calcia Hall.

Bohn Hall

New signage has been installed throughout Bohn Hall.

Up on the Roof…

• Roof conditions are monitored closely by University Facilities and the Student Center was in need of a new lid! We have removed and replaced the existing roof on the 4th floor of the Student Center.
• The lower roof at University Hall was replaced this summer. The roof had been plagued by various leaks recently.
• The entire upper roof at Blanton Hall was also replaced.

Athletics and Recreation

• The existing synthetic turf at the Softball Stadium was removed and replaced with new turf, including updated branding. Go Red Hawks!
• The existing field lighting at Pittser and Sprague Fields were retrofitted with new energy efficient LED fixtures.�� A total of 191 fixtures were replaced, expecting to conserve approximately 180,000kWh annually while providing increased and more evenly distributed lighting.
• The LED lighting panels and controller which illuminate the feature glass wall at the Rec Center was replaced with new lights restoring the luster which has dulled since its original installation back in 2008.
• Air Handling Unit #3 that services the Panzer Swimming Pool area was replaced.
• Panzer Auxiliary Gym is looking fresher these days. We have installed new maple wood plank flooring and we painted, thanks in part to a substantial influx of donor related funding.

Project Photos

As part of the event, Fire Safety Coordinator Michael Weisberg, in coordination with Student Center Building Director, Julie Fleming, organized a surprise fire drill for the entire building. Only select employees were aware of the drill, ensuring a realistic evacuation scenario. Student Fire Safety workers Ethan Angst, Alex Padula, Justin Weisberg, and Mike Coyle were stationed throughout the building and outside to observe and assist.

The Town Hall began at 2 p.m., with John Keane playing the famous fire drill scene from The Office, setting the stage for an engaging discussion on fire safety. At 2:04 p.m., the fire alarm sounded, initiating the evacuation. In an impressive 7 minutes and 21 seconds, the entire building was successfully cleared.

Following the drill, attendees reconvened for a Q&A session with SGA and Fire Safety personnel. One student inquired about the absence of smoke detectors in Student Center restrooms, to which the team explained that the Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Construction Code do not require them in buildings constructed before certain regulations—such as the Student Center, built in 1971.

Students shared their reflections on the experience, emphasizing the importance of fire preparedness. Nicole Russo remarked, “I was caught off guard when the fire alarm went off during the video. It made me realize that I didn’t fully understand why we meet in staging areas, but now I do.” Similarly, Matt Faris praised the initiative, stating, “I think this was a great idea because it made people recognize the importance of fire safety.”

The success of this event highlights the ongoing efforts of the Fire Safety office and the SGA to educate students and improve campus safety. Organizers hope to build on this initiative with more interactive events in the future.

This apprenticeship initiative reflects �鶹��ý����’s broader mission to support both academic and professional development by offering diverse pathways for learning and career advancement, setting a precedent for facilities workforce training across the state.

�鶹��ý����’s first apprentices:

• Daniel Miller, Plumber track
• Jhoan Nogueira, HVAC track
• David Lobafaro, HVAC track
• Kevin Rizzo, Electrician track

The apprentices come from diverse backgrounds within the University’s Facilities Department, including groundskeeping, building maintenance and mechanical work. Each expressed a strong desire to gain the skills needed to transition into the trades, says Training and Development Manager Shakira Jackson.

Exemplifying their goals, Miller has been with �鶹��ý���� for nearly 20 years. Starting his journey as a moving service worker, Miller has always been passionate about becoming a plumber. Miller is the recipient of the John W. Dennis Award, which honors an employee who has demonstrated exceptional abilities to lead, serve, inspire and collaborate with broad impact.

The apprentices each shared that they appreciated the opportunity to advance and learn new skills. “I find joy in repairing, troubleshooting and completing tasks,” said Rizzo. Nogueira, a senior repairer in HVAC operations, began studying on his own and looks forward to earning his HVAC license through the program.

At �鶹��ý����, we’re constantly innovating to create distinct pathways for the learners of tomorrow. We take our commitment to education, and credentialing, very seriously. And it extends to every part of the University. I’m really excited to see this great learning program embedded within our Facilities operations as it exemplifies this mindset,” says President Jonathan Koppell.

The apprentices will attend evening technical classes at Passaic County Technical Institute while working on campus during the day. They will be mentored by:

• Patrick Hickey, Assistant Supervisor Building Repairs, Plumbing Services
• Kevin Johnson, Supervisor Building Repairs II, Mechanical Maintenance
• Keith Benjamin, Mechanical Equipment Specialist, HVAC Operations
• Kevin Lepore, Building Management Services Specialist 3, Electrical Services Supervisor

After completing the four-year program, the apprentices will be eligible to earn Journeyman status, a nationally recognized certification in their respective trades.

Vice President for University Facilities Shawn Connolly says �鶹��ý���� was eager to launch the program to ensure a steady supply of skilled workers as veteran employees retire. “This program aligns with the University’s mission to support both academic and professional growth,” Connolly says.

The apprentices are affiliated with the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers bargaining unit. �鶹��ý����’s program is registered through the U.S. Department of Labor.

Learn more about the �鶹��ý���� Facilities Apprenticeship Program.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Utilization Sensors

As part of a space study taking place this fall and spring, sensors will be deployed for short periods to better understand trends in how we use space today and ultimately help us maximize the impact our real estate assets have on faculty, staff and students in the future. The use of sensors, however, naturally raises questions. To be transparent, we are sharing answers collectively through FAQs below. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What data is being collected by the sensors?

A: Only occupancy data is being collected. For small spaces like workstations and offices, occupancy is simply whether one or more people are present at set intervals. For larger communal spaces like classrooms and meeting rooms, the number of people present is also collected.

Q: What data will not be collected by the sensors?

A: No personally identifiable data is being collected. In addition, data such as keycard swipes to enter/exit a space and network usage will not be collected.

Q: How can we guarantee that our privacy is not being compromised?

A: The sensors are only capable of detecting whether people are present or not, and are only capable of recording and transmitting numerical occupancy data. They have no ability to record images, audio, or any other information about activities in a space. The company providing the sensors – – meets stringent global data privacy and security standards, including Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation and the ISO 27001 standard.

Q: What types of sensors are being used and how do they work?

A: All sensors being deployed use passive infrared technology, similar to sensors used in some light switches to automatically turn on lights on and off. The sensors do not scan spaces but rather detect heat signatures coming from people. In offices and workstations, simple infrared sensors will be used that can only tell when a person is close to the sensor. They are primarily placed under desks to be out of the way but still close enough to be triggered when someone is at the desk. Being under the desk also helps to eliminate incidental activity, as when custodial staff may be passing through to empty trash. In conference rooms, more sophisticated infrared sensors are used that can tell how many people are present based on multiple heat signatures. In larger classrooms and labs, infrared sensors are used at egress points to track how many enter and exit the space over time.

Q: Why was my space selected?

A: Since looking at every space in every existing facility on our campuses was impossible, we chose to look at the four most-populated academic and administrative buildings on campus. In the fall we are focusing on office space and in the spring on learning, research and study spaces.

Q: How will the data be used?

A: Patterns of occupancy for classrooms, conference rooms, lounges, labs, offices and workstations will be analyzed at the building level to determine trends related to space use. Findings, combined with input from faculty and staff via a workplace survey, will be used to explore how we can most effectively support our growing needs.

Q: Who has access��to the data?

A: Only and , the teams managing the study, will have direct access to raw data. In addition to meeting global data security and privacy standards, both have contractual obligations to follow our data policies and maintain confidentiality. Processed data will be shared with the real estate planning team in Facilities to understand findings and their implications, which will be shared with the �鶹��ý���� community through the various shared governance groups.

Q: What happens to collected data once the study��is done?

A: Raw data will be stored by and for a limited time following the completion of the study to allow for additional analysis and validation if necessary. After that point, raw data will be deleted.

Q: What is the timing?

A: Data collection in office, workstations and conferences will end after a four-week period in October. New sensors will be installed in classrooms, labs and lounges in the same buildings over winter break, and those sensors will collect data for four weeks ending in February.

��Q: Can space reallocation decisions be made prior to the completion of the space assessment study?

A: In general, no space relocation decisions will be made prior to the completion of the space assessment study. This is to ensure that all space reallocation decisions are data-driven, objective, and reflect our short and long-term space utilization strategy.

Sensor Specifications

Starbucks

Complete renovation of Cafe Diem to Starbucks Cafe. Need we say more? We have a Starbucks on campus!

Starbucks Seating

Starbucks Seating

Starbucks Service Area

Sprague Library

New study furniture has been installed throughout the library. Check it out!

Sprague Library

Sprague Library

Schmitt Hall

• Room 327 – New lounge furniture for your lounging pleasure.

Schmitt Hall Room 327

• Room 329 – CSAM Innovation & Design Lab – Refresh of the existing space includes new paint, lighting, furniture & 3D printing equipment.

Schmitt Hall Room 329

1515 Broad Street

Two new Neuroscience Labs have been installed as well as new shared office support space.

1515 Broad Street Lab

University Police Department Headquarters��

Structural repairs and interior renovation of the University Police Headquarters including both locker rooms, new shower room, new ADA unisex bathroom, new larger and fresher breakroom, and a new armory.

University Police Department Breakroom

University Police Department Locker Rooms

CarParc Diem��

Waterproofing and concrete repairs have been made to the roof level of CarParc Diem as well as the power washing of the exterior facade.

Lot 17 Sidewalk

New temporary walkway at Lot 17 will accommodate the upcoming Webster Hall demolition (projected for Summer 2025).

Lot 17 Sidewalk

Yogi Berra Stadium��

Renovation of Yogi Berra Stadium includes new synthetic turf and locker room improvements.

Yogi Berra Field

Yogi Berra Stadium Locker Room

Panzer Gym��

• New LED lighting was installed in the fitness center as well as the main lobby.
• Replacement of the old scoreboard with new LED scoreboard, shot clocks and scorer’s table!
  

  Panzer Gym Scoreboard

  

  Panzer Gym Scorer’s Table

Webster Hall��

Environmental abatement completed in preparation for building demolition in Summer 2025.

Sinatra Hall

Replacement of the original lobby reception desk with a beautiful new custom millwork desk to comfortably seat two staff members along with new carpet.

Sinatra Hall Reception Desk

Cole Hall��

The AV system in Cole 340 was upgraded to include a projector and screen, better positioned monitors, ceiling microphones, and two cameras with Sound Control Technologies.

Bohn Hall��

Replaced Section C roof on the 11th floor of Bohn Hall.

Bohn Hall Roof Repair

Red Hawk Deck��

A substantial fire in the Red Hawk Deck left parts of the deck in disrepair. These areas were blocked off for safety and security. All repairs were completed, certified, and inspected, and the area was put back in service on June 28, 2024.

Campus Accessibility Map

Significantly-revamped information is now on the accessibility map. This map is for campus community members and visitors highlighting accessible parking, routes, building entrances, automatic door openers, and transit options.

Campus Accessibility Map

Cole Hall – Provost Suite Renovation

Renovated the Provost Suite to include additional private office space for staff.

An Office in the Provost’s Office Suite

Count Basie Facade Repair

Exterior facade repairs and recoating were completed.

Count Basie Facade Repair

Richardson Hall

Room 374 was converted from a storage room into a new chemistry lab including lab casework and fume hood with dedicated exhaust fans on the roof.

Richardson Hall Lab

Student Center South Entry Stair Repair

The former stairs of the Student Center were removed, cleaned and restored with granite stair treads and new steel pipe railings were installed.

Student Center Stair Repair

Student Center Pub

The transformation of the Rathskeller into the 1908 Pub is underway. The new entertainment space will include a bar, Top Golf suites, video games, pool table and lounge seating.

Student Center Pub Under Construction

Richardson Hall��

Refresh to the existing Room 120 lecture hall – new carpet, paint, acoustical panels, seating, AV & whiteboards have been installed to enhance your learning experience.

Richardson Hall 120 Lecture Hall

Bohn Community Kitchen

A New Kitchen in Bohn Hall for students who live in Bohn Hall to cook, socialize, relax, and study.

Bohn Hall Community Kitchen

Bohn Hall Community Kitchen

Irvin D. Reid Hall

Replacement of eight roofs on different levels of Irvin D. Reid Hall was completed.

Irvin D. Reid Hall Roof Repair

Bloomfield Sprinkler Installations at College and Westminster Halls

Installation of basement sprinkler protection in both Westminster Hall and College Hall.

Hawk Crossings Fire Alarm Replacement

Upgrades to the fire alarm system at Hawk Crossing (Building 100).

University Hall��

Updated electrical power, paving improvements and new furniture in the existing Waichungo Family Courtyard has transformed this Zen space.

Waichungo Family Courtyard

Waichungo Family Courtyard

Waichungo Family Courtyard

Campus Signage��

Many signs around campus have been updated to make finding your way around campus even easier. Some of these improvements are:

• Street Signs: Carlisle Avenue / College Avenue
• University Police Department: room ID signs��
• Sprague Library: main floor and 2nd floor signage
• Freeman Hall stair signs��
• Red Hawk Deck: Directory signage

Campus Map in Red Hawk Deck

Red Hawk Trail

Development and trail blazing the first phase of a new multimodal walking and hiking trail in the wooded area between Skyline Walk and Valley Road is underway.

Red Hawk Trail

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Conducted over Summer 2024 by University Facilities staff members in consultation with the University’s Disability Resource Center, the extensive update aims to reflect the most accurate information and account for recent and future major campus construction projects.

The map includes an overview of inter-campus shuttle routes and stops, accessible parking locations across all campus lots, barrier-free pedestrian routes, and accessible building entrances. Also included for the first time are locations of all accessible building entrances with an automatic door operator.

The Campus Accessibility Map can be viewed and downloaded

For more information, visit our Information for Persons with Disabilities page.

Lithium-ion batteries present a heightened fire safety hazard.�� They store a lot of energy in a small amount of space. When that energy is released in an uncontrolled manner, it generates heat, which can turn certain internal battery components into flammable and toxic gases. Lithium-ion battery fires happen for a variety of reasons, such as physical damage (e.g., the battery is penetrated, crushed or exposed to water) or electrical damage (e.g., overcharging or using charging equipment not designed for the battery). Some of the dangers associated with lithium-ion battery fires include heat, smoke, the release of toxic gases, and the potential for explosions.

The Fire Safety presenters gave advice to the capacity audience and offered tips about buying products with lithium-ion batteries, such as purchasing products that are only listed by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory (and labeled accordingly), stopping the charge once it is full, and only using the charging equipment that is supplied with the device. Students were also advised to stop using their devices if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odor, excessive heat, popping sounds, swelling, or change in color; and to have all repairs performed by a qualified professional.

This presentation also covered in detail the adopted by the University on March 21, 2023, which state the limitations and permitted areas where an EV can be utilized on campus. Storage of EVs within academic buildings and residence halls on campus is strictly prohibited due to their increased fire hazard.

The New Jersey Transit (NJT) Bus Operations Shelter Unit considered our request to replace the two existing shelters and install two additional structures.�� They sent a team to scout the location, and provided the University with a site plan and maintenance agreement for the four new shelters, two of which are wheelchair accessible. The site plan was approved by Vice President Shawn Connolly and Building Sub Code Official Thomas Simpson.

NJT agreed to let the University take possession of the original shelters, which are still serviceable. Those structures were relocated to supplement the existing campus shuttle stops at University Hall and Lot 60.

Big thanks to NJ Transit and all of our staff that assisted in completing this project!

The full news release may be found on the .