RSDM Held First Staff Retreat
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) convened its inaugural staff retreat, a half-day event designed to bolster community and collaboration among its employees.
“This retreat was a vital step in strengthening our internal bonds, generating input to our accreditation and planning processes, and creating opportunities for personal and professional development,” said Chief Operating Officer Andrea West.
Following welcome remarks, the program kicked off with a presentation by Nicolette Glassman from the university’s Employee Assistance focusing on effective communication and engagement. A fun team-building exercise known as the marshmallow challenge followed the talk. The teams were challenged to construct the tallest freestanding structure using only 20 pieces of spaghetti, a yard of string and masking tape, and a single marshmallow to crown their creation. After 15 minutes of collaborative problem-solving and creative engineering, two teams tied, and both successfully built 18-inch towers.
The retreat also served as a platform for strategic discussions. Janine Fredericks-Younger, associate dean for student affairs and associate dean for graduate programs, and Emily Sabato, associate dean for academic affairs, led sessions on the upcoming accreditation process and the review of the school’s strategic plan. Their presentations included interactive segments where staff provided valuable feedback on RSDM's goals and vision for the future.
“The retreat provided a platform for open dialogue and meaningful feedback to help strengthen the RSDM community,” said Fredericks-Younger. “We truly appreciated the staff’s honesty and engagement.”
Dean Cecile A. Feldman concluded the retreat with an update on significant developments within Rutgers Health and on the current state of RSDM’s new preclinic. Slated to open in 2027, the state-of-the-art facility will significantly increase simulation stations and expand capabilities in digital dentistry, marking a major leap forward for the school's educational and technological infrastructure. Feldman’s remarks underscored the institution's commitment to growth and innovation, reinforcing the collective effort needed to achieve these ambitious goals.
