Statement to the Community

DEAN’S MESSAGE 

Do you want to be a part of a transformational experience?

I often wonder what would draw a student to come to Rutgers University-Newark’s School of Criminal Justice.  Why would a student choose to come here and not go somewhere else? Is it the program, is it the reputation, is it the potential job opportunities that could result from the degree, or is it just because it’s close and more affordable than other options? All of that is to say, is it about what the School can give to a prospective student? We can offer all of that to you, but I want to challenge you to think differently about the “why.”

We live in a contentious time; a time of many divisions.  As a culture, the income gap continues to widen as do the gaps in opportunities. We are polarized by politics, gender, race and privilege. At this time, millions of people are under correctional supervision, many more have encounters with law enforcement, many are disenfranchised and denied their ability to participate in the political process. Gun violence is tearing families and communities apart, and ideologically based hatred and terrorism seem to be everywhere.

So, I ask you to consider not what the School of Criminal Justice can give you, but how you want to engage with this contentious world. How do you envision a better and more just world? And most importantly, what are you going to do about it?

Now it’s up to you. Will you join us in this great adventure?

Bonita M. Veysey, Ph.D.

Dean and Professor