�鶹��ý��վ News - July 3, 2025 - University Relations & Marketing

�鶹��ý��վ News - July 3, 2025

WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT

New Public Policy Certificate to Launch in Fall 2025

�鶹��ý��վ prides itself on the interdisciplinary nature of its educational programs.

A new Public Policy Certificate offered by the School of Behavioral Sciences starting this fall will capitalize on that by offering undergraduate students an opportunity to become better advocates for societal change.

“Public policy is spread all across the university in smaller pockets already,” said Tina Zappile, associate professor of Political Science and the faculty director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy. “We have students majoring in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Economics and Political Science doing concentrations in Public Policy. This is about bringing all that together to offer a standalone, interdisciplinary certificate that any undergraduate student can add.”

Zappile defines public policy as the study of rules, regulations and laws established by government. However, that can also include regulatory agencies creating standards that protect the environment, defining educational guidelines or designing infrastructure plans for society as a whole.

�鶹��ý��վ Poll: New Jerseyans Want Renewable Energy Development Prioritized

With utility bills dramatically rising, a new �鶹��ý��վ poll finds that solar power has the highest support when New Jerseyans were asked what energy sources they would develop more to increase supply.

Though a plurality of New Jerseyans said affordability should be the top priority when it comes to state energy policy, most residents want to move toward a clean energy future, according to the poll by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy. Majorities said it is important that the state take steps to become carbon neutral and want to prioritize renewable energy over fossil fuels.

The poll was conducted before Senate Republicans narrowly passed the Trump administration’s domestic policy bill, which includes provisions to end federal tax credits and phase in a new tax for solar and wind industries. The bill also includes a tax incentive for the development of a type of coal used in steelmaking.

SPOTLIGHT ON: JOSEPH PODLESNIK

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. And in this case, for Adjunct Instructor of Art Joseph Podlesnik, his photo, “Confluence,” was worth even more – a Juror's Recognition Award in the Arizona Photography Alliance 2025 Members' Exhibition.

Podlesnik has been a part of �鶹��ý��վ's Visual Arts Program since 1993. He moved to Arizona in 2010, so he now teaches remotely, but previously taught painting, drawing and 2D design.

Here, he discusses his inspiration behind the award-winning photo, icons that have influenced his work and style, and upcoming projects on the horizon.

WHAT'S TRENDING @ #STOCKTONU

: Whether you’re taking classes or just soaking it all in, this is your summer at �鶹��ý��վ 🌱☀️

: In June, we welcomed new Ospreys to the nest during orientation, hosted the Flamengo soccer team’s FIFA Club World Cup training, celebrated Juneteenth and enjoyed the summer nature scenes.

: Your journey starts now, and the best part is that YOU get to direct your own story.

FROM THE SIDELINES

�鶹��ý��վ Qualifies for USILA Team Academic Award

The men’s lacrosse team a USILA Team Academic Award from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association by compiling a team grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. The Ospreys were one of 54 NCAA Division III squads to qualify.

�鶹��ý��վ received the USILA academic recognition for the second straight year and the third time in the last four seasons. In addition to their success in the classroom, the Ospreys won nine games and reached the semifinals of the Coastal Lacrosse Conference Tournament in 2025. Five of the team’s losses came against opponents ranked No. 14 or higher in the nation.

STOCKTON SITES & CENTERS

Kramer Hall Co-Hosts Pride Month Panel ‘Under the Spotlight: Trans Identity, Drag Artistry, & the Politics of Now’

On June 12, �鶹��ý��վ’s Kramer Hall proudly partnered with the Noyes Museum of Art of �鶹��ý��վ and Hammonton Pride to present "Under the Spotlight: Trans Identity, Drag Artistry, and the Politics of Now," a panel discussion held in honor of Pride Month.

The event brought together a diverse group of voices to explore the distinctions and intersections between trans identity and drag artistry, offering attendees a chance to deepen their understanding of these often-misunderstood communities. The conversation also addressed the current political challenges facing both groups, emphasizing the importance of education, allyship and advocacy.

The panel featured Venus Mystique, Miss Paradise 2025; Woodbury Councilperson Jo Miller; Nathan Rodriguez, executive director of the Trans Equity Coalition; and Roxanne Laza, Dios Latina New Jersey 2025. Moderated by Max Rodio, president of Hammonton Pride, the panelists shared their personal stories and perspectives, unpacking the nuances of gender identity, artistic expression and community resilience.

Kramer Hall’s support of this event reflects �鶹��ý��վ’s commitment to inclusive education, civic engagement and the celebration of diverse voices. By creating space for honest dialogue and community connection, Under the Spotlight served as both a celebration of authenticity and a call to action to stand with those on the frontlines of equity and expression.

Read the SCOSA July Newsletter

Read the �鶹��ý��վ Center on Successful Aging (SCOSA)'s July for interesting upcoming events and newly added programming.

OSPREY NOTES

Students Reflect on Attending National Accounting Convention

Twenty �鶹��ý��վ students got the chance to look at “Accounting for the Future” by attending the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA) Convention and Expo on June 4 in Atlantic City.

The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa hosted the convention, which was attended by students from 11 different institutions of higher education in New Jersey.

In addition to networking, attendees had the opportunity to listen to five different keynotes and attend industry breakout sessions.

According to Associate Professor of Business Studies Barry Palatnik, �鶹��ý��վ’s Accounting and Finance Society student club has represented the university at the convention since 2017.

Confirm Your Ospreys in Summer Session III

Happy Summer, faculty! As Summer Session III has begun, it's almost time to Confirm your Ospreys!

Faculty are reminded to complete the Academic Engagement (formerly Roster Verification) process by confirming student attendance/academic activity. The Academic Engagement process for Summer Session III is to be completed by Thursday, July 3. The Office of Financial Aid will use this information to make adjustments to student financial aid disbursements based on each student's confirmed number of credits.

Each instructor will be responsible for confirming student attendance or participation in an academic activity. For online courses, faculty are reminded to include an assignment or discussion activity during the add/drop period so that the student's attendance can be confirmed.

The link to complete the Academic Engagement process can be found under the faculty tab within the go�鶹��ý��վ portal.

For more information and a list of frequently asked questions, visit stockton.edu/academicengagement.

🗓️ On This Day – July 3: 🎶 In 1985, Back to the Future zoomed into theaters and into our hearts! Doc, Marty and the DeLorean took us on a time-traveling adventure that became an instant classic — and made 88 mph a legendary number.