Research – Office for Faculty Excellence

Research and Writing Groups for Spring 2026

keohanec — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 16:00:27 +0000

We offer two research and writing groups for faculty and instructors of all ranks who wish to work on a research or writing project, new or already in-progress, and would like the accountability of a writing group.

Both research and writing groups will meet weekly. Each session will be two hours: we will meet on the hour to say hello and set goals, and then write quietly together via Zoom with a break midway through and time to check in to celebrate work done at the end. Breakout rooms will be available to brainstorm ideas.

Registration:

Morning Writing Group

Afternoon Writing Group

All faculty are welcome to sign up for one group or for both, and to attend as many or as few sessions as their individual schedules and availability permit. Those who can only attend part of a session are also welcome!

AI for Research: A Hands-On Playground of AI Tools for Literature Reviews

seninav — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 22:48:28 +0000

Join the Office for Faculty Excellence and University Libraries for a hands-on session focused on AI tools that are relevant to the literature review and discovery process (e.g., Research Rabbit, Elicit). In this workshop, you will be paired up with a colleague in a different discipline to test out several tools. You will have the opportunity to evaluate the tools’ usefulness and functionality, and critically discuss using AI tools in the literature review process for yourself, as well as for your students. Participants should bring a laptop or a tablet.

Research and Writing Jumpstart

seninav — Sun, 05 May 2024 22:00:43 +0000

Brief breaks to share highlights will increase focus and help us all benefit from the sense of being together in the challenge of research and writing. Our program culminates in a hybrid gathering at the week’s end, with lunch provided for in-person participants, providing a valuable chance for participants to share their progress and insights.

As part of the program, we will invite registrants to complete a brief intention-setting worksheet that we will review; in addition, we will offer short 1-1 coaching sessions. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your research in a supportive, collaborative environment. Coffee and tea will be available throughout the day in the OFE Office.

Daily schedule: 10-12: Morning writing session

12-1: Lunch break

1-3: Afternoon writing session

Can’t make all 4 days? You are still welcome! Can’t stay all day? You are still welcome!

News Media 301: Using Social Media to Showcase Your Expertise

seninav — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:02:38 +0000

Wondering how you can get your research and expertise in front of a massive audience? Social media is not just for influencers and content creators – it’s where nearly half of all U.S. adults say they get their news. In this workshop, the Media Relations team will offer tips and best practices on: how to use each top platform to promote your work; how to engage and share links to your media interviews; and showcase how to build a profile and post to different social platforms.

Presenters

Andrew Mees, Media Relations Director, Media Relations
Elyse Fernandez, Media Relations Coordinator, Media Relations

News Media 201: How to Write Opinion Pieces

seninav — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 21:26:18 +0000

Want your thoughts on the news of the day – in your own words – to reach millions of readers? In this workshop, the Media Relations team will provide a template for writing effective opinion pieces for the news media. Participants will learn the process, step by step, and review examples from Montclair State faculty who have seen their work published in the media. Opinion pieces have a format that is widely accepted, and not particularly difficult to learn. Writing guidelines and submission schedules for outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post will also be provided.

Presenters

Andrew Mees, Media Relations Director, Media Relations
Elyse Fernandez, Media Relations Coordinator, Media Relations

News Media 101: Sharing Your Expertise with the Public

seninav — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 17:06:28 +0000

Faculty members have a great deal of expertise on subjects that matter to the public, and reporters want to help share that knowledge with their readers, listeners, or viewers. Working with the news media is an exciting opportunity to help educate the public while building the visibility of your program and the University. This workshop will provide simple, actionable tips for working with the news media: beginning with an overview, the workshop will also include some hands-on work to enable faculty to begin to see the path to becoming a faculty expert. Topics include: understanding the media’s needs, delivering your message effectively in a news media interview, and partnering with the Office of University Communications & Marketing.