Student Social Services

Support is here, and you don’t have to navigate challenges alone.

The Office of the Dean of Students connects you with resources, guidance and personalized support to help you succeed academically, personally and beyond Montclair. Whether you’re facing housing insecurity, financial challenges, or need help finding your next step, this is a place to start.

How We Support You

  • Personalized Support: We provide 1-on-1 mentoring and coaching as well a guidance through your personal, academic and life challenges. We also have a full-time social worker available to help!
  • Basic Needs & Stability: We can assist you with your housing concerns, access to food, financial and emergency resources including governmental programs and services.

Campus Connections

Need a referral? No problem. Let us help get you in contact with offices across campus to help meet your needs.

Community Programming

Throughout the semester we will host a few special programs just for you including:

  • Workshops on budgeting, housing financial aid and life skills
  • Social programs and events to build connection and belonging
  • Community meals and celebrations

Red Hawk Fellows Program

The Red Hawk Fellows program supports students who may not have consistent access to housing, food, or family support. This includes students who:

  • Have experience in foster care or resource care
  • Are experiencing housing or food insecurity
  • Identify as independent students without immediate family support

As a Red Hawk Fellow, you’ll receive personalized, consistent support to help you stay on track and build a strong future. You'll gain individualized academic and personal support, career development planning, access to dedicated staff and a supportive community who understands your experience.

Our Approach

Support is holistic, personalized, and designed to remove barriers.

This includes:

  • Connecting you to campus and community resources
  • Providing consistent mentorship and coaching
  • Offering programs that build confidence, independence, and life skills
  • Creating a sense of belonging through shared experiences and community

Eligibility

To join the Red Hawk Fellows program, students must:

  • Be an undergraduate student (ages 18–24)
  • Be identified as an independent student through financial aid
  • Have limited or no parental support
  • Be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credits)

Interesting in Joining or Learning More?