College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Montclair State University

From one major to THREE in four years 👏👏👏

In a German language program for local children and on an archive translation project, Isabella Zarate Gonzalez shows how Montclair’s mix of STEM, world languages and community engagement helped her connect her interests into a single path

See how she made it happen: ➡ https://www.montclair.edu/chss/2026/03/24/from-one-major-to-three-in-four-years-connecting-data-science-german-and-linguistics-at-montclair/

Montclair State University has taken another bold step in its ongoing commitment to Native communities with the official launch of the New Jersey Center for Indigenous Justice (NJCIJ) — a new hub for advancing Indigenous awareness, education, and justice.

On October 8, the University will host a Welcoming Ceremony to celebrate the new Center, featuring a traditional prayer, reflections from tribal leaders, and a performance by the Red Blanket Singers, a drum and dance group from the Nanticoke Tribe. The celebration will bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners who helped bring the NJCIJ to life.

Join Us! ➡

Montclair State University Launches the New Jersey Center for Indigenous Justice Montclair State University has taken another bold step in its ongoing commitment to Native communities with the official launch of the New Jersey Center for Indigenous Justice (NJCIJ) — a new hub for advancing Indigenous awareness, education, and justice. On October 8, the University will host a W...

You're invited! CHSS, in partnership with College for Education and Engaged Learning at Montclair State University, invites you to the inaugural lecture of the AI Distinguished Speaker Series - exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming human systems, knowledge, and society, and the vital role of the humanities and social sciences in shaping its questions and guiding its regulation. All are welcome!

🎤Speaker: Sri Yeswanth (Yash) Tadimalla, PhD
💡Topic: An Imperative for AI Literacy for All
📆Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
⏰Time: 10:00AM - 11:30AM (Check-in for students will begin at 9:45AM)
📍Location: Presentation Hall, School of Communication and Media

Register & More Info ➡ https://www.montclair.edu/chss/2025/09/22/chss-to-launch-ai-distinguished-speaker-series/

Dr. Pascale LaFountain, Associate Professor of German and French at Montclair since 2011, has been named as the 2025 Post-Secondary Outstanding German Educator by the American Association of Teachers of German.

This national award, AATG’s highest honor, recognizes innovation in teaching, extraordinary talent, and exceptional leadership in German language education. Dr. LaFountain’s nominators—from Harvard University, Georgetown University, local high schools, and the Goethe-Institut—praised her dedication to the SPARK for German community-engaged teaching program, her advocacy for language learning through pedagogy publications, and her creative, student-centered methods.

Congratulations, Pascale!

Pascale LaFountain Named 2025 Outstanding Post-Secondary German Educator of the Year Dr. Pascale LaFountain, Associate Professor of German and French at Montclair since 2011, has been named as the 2025 Post-Secondary Outstanding German Educator by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG). This national award, AATG’s highest honor, recognizes innovation in teaching, ex...

Montclair State University announced today the launch of the Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation, which will be housed in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and connect all disciplines across the University.

The School will place students at the heart of solving society’s biggest challenges through interdisciplinary educational programs, collaborative research and scholarship and partnership with the community.

“The new school will further stimulate existing interdisciplinary programs and initiatives and inspire new ones across the university,” states Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Fatma Mili.

Learn More:

Montclair Launches Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation The School will place students at the heart of solving society’s biggest challenges

As part of our Spring Commencement coverage, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences is proud to spotlight a small selection of outstanding graduates whose journeys reflect the depth, diversity, and excellence of a CHSS education. From campus leadership and community service to academic research and creative expression, these students exemplify what it means to turn learning into action and purpose. Their stories highlight the transformative power of mentorship, resilience, and the humanities and social sciences—and we invite you to read and share in their accomplishments.

Read their stories here:

Putting Care Into Practice Graduate Spotlight: Guided by a passion for mental health equity and strengthened by hands-on experience at Montclair, Romal Bhullar is ready to make a lasting impact as a future psychologist.

Step into a world of words, movement, and powerful voices on Saturday, April 26, at Express Yourself!, a vibrant day of literary and cultural events in partnership with the Succeed2gether's Montclair Literary Festival. Open to students, faculty, staff and the wider community, this celebration invites everyone to engage and explore the richness of storytelling in all its forms.

From the raw and personal narratives of a student story slam to the powerful oral histories shared through The Human Library, Express Yourself! is a day where diverse perspectives come to life. Connect with published Latinx and Hispanic authors in an engaging book discussion, celebrate the creativity of alumni writers across genres, and dive into the process of adapting literature for the screen. Student choreographers will take the stage, using movement as a form of storytelling, adding another dynamic layer to the day’s festivities.

Check out the full day of events➡️

Express Yourself! A Day of Stories, Creativity, and Culture Join us on Saturday, April 26 for vibrant day of literary and cultural events in partnership with the Montclair Literary Festival

📣🎓Graduate Spotlight!🎓📣

English major Paloma Lupino was selected as the senior class speaker and delivered her remarks at the Commencement Ceremony held on Monday, January 13. 🎓

Paloma’s story is one of resilience, growth, and passion for her field. From navigating academic challenges to speaking at commencement, her journey is an inspiring testament to determination and the transformative power of education.

🥳Congratulations to ALL of our CHSS graduates!!

Read more about Paloma's academic journey and watch her Commencement address: https://www.montclair.edu/chss/2025/01/16/chss-student-selected-as-senior-class-speaker/

From Colonel Sanders to Frank Lloyd Wright, English Professor Jonathan Greenberg and CBS’s Mo Rocca recount stories of “Roctogenarians” who keep going – or just get started – when most of us are slowing down.

Roctogenarians: University Professor Looks at Late-in-Life Achievers in New Book From Colonel Sanders to Frank Lloyd Wright, English Professor Jonathan Greenberg and CBS’s Mo Rocca recount stories of “Roctogenarians” who keep going – or just get started – when most of us are slowing down

Curious about Montclair’s Online Bachelor's in Psychology? Join the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Montclair State University for a virtual information session on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 6:30 PM! 🧠

This session will include:
📚 Psychology major courses
💻 The online student experience
💼 Career and job opportunities
📄 Admission requirements

Don’t miss out and click the 🔗 below to register!

https://apply.montclair.edu/register/?id=971f072b-9a76-40b9-8195-196db188227a

Ahead of the August and September LSAT dates, the Pre-Law Program partnered with Rise LSAT and LSAT Lab to launch the University’s first LSAT prep program.

According to LSAC data on LSAT scores, students from underrepresented groups statistically score lower than the national average. With more than 50% of Montclair’s students identifying as underrepresented minorities, Pre-Law Program Director Isabelle Ramos saw a great opportunity to provide test preparation and help Montclair students maximize their potential.
Read More ➡️

Montclair Pre-Law Program Delivers an Impactful LSAT Prep Experience Ahead of the August and September LSAT dates, the Pre-Law Program partnered with Rise LSAT and LSAT Lab to launch the University’s first LSAT prep program. According to LSAC data on LSAT scores, students from underrepresented groups statistically score lower than the national average. With more th...

Lauren Breiter '24 worked with Musée Clemenceau for her French MA Translation capstone project, translating an exhibit with a focus on sports to coincide with the Olympics! ⤵️

Montclair Student Translates Museum Exhibit in Paris Exhibit focuses on former Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau's connection to sports, just in time for the Olympics!