Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy

Meck Memorial Lecture--Not the Master’s Tools: 5,000 years of Money, Credit, and Community Banking
2024-11-13 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Bloustein School, Civic Square Building, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
Presented by
Oscar Perry Abello
Senior Economics Correspondent, Next City
While the laws, regulations, and structure of banking greatly influence land use, urban planning and housing, banking itself is poorly understood—even by many who work in banking. Looking around today, it may seem like big banks have always lorded over the economy, but in reality, it was community banks that did the bulk of the work to finance the expansion of infrastructure, homes, small businesses and industries that built the cities and rural economies that make up our country today. Even less understood is how the pattern of local ownership and local control over the banking system that helped build this country is part of a pattern that has shown up in thriving cultures and societies going back 5,000 years, to the very earliest written records of human activity we have found so far. While it is true, as Audre Lorde wrote, that the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house, banking and money and credit were never the master’s tools to begin with. It’s time for communities to take them back again.
Oscar Perry Abello is currently the senior economic justice correspondent for Next City, an independent, not-for-profit, online publication covering cities from the lens of social, racial, and environmental justice. He is also the author of The Banks We Deserve: Reclaiming Community Banking for a Just Economy, forthcoming in February 2025 from Island Press. Oscar’s writing has also appeared in Yes! Magazine, City & State New York, Impact Alpha, Shelterforce, and other outlets. Oscar is a child of immigrants descended from the former colonial subjects of the Spanish and U.S. imperial regimes in the Philippines. He was born in New York City, and raised in the inner-ring suburbs of Philadelphia. He has a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University, majoring in economics and minoring in peace and justice studies. He spent several years embedded in the international development industry before transitioning into journalism full-time in 2015. He currently lives in New York City with his domestic partner and the two most photogenic kitties in the world.
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CAREERS: Interviewing Best Practices
2024-11-13 16:30 - 17:45 | Virtual
Join Bloustein Career Management Specialists, Cheryl Egan and Andrea Garrido, for a one hour virtual workshop to sharpen your interviewing skills in preparation for upcoming internship and job interviews! We will review behavioral based interviews and the STAR approach, virtual interviews, other types of interviews to expect, as well as how to prepare for these interviews. Be sure to tell us if you have specific questions or topics you’d like for us to cover when registering.
RSVP HERE

Bloustein Research Seminar Series: Land Brokers, Land Officials, and the Difficult and Speculative Business of Land Value Capture
2024-11-14 16:00 - 17:15 | Bloustein School, Civic Square Building, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
Presented by Mi Shih, Ph.D, Bloustein School Associate Professor
This venue will enable our faculty to share research, build community, and extend our networks. Pizza will be served. Bloustein faculty, advanced PhD students, and external speakers will present research talks. The seminar series is open to the entire Bloustein community.

Virtual Information Session: Graduate Program in Public Informatics
2024-11-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
You are cordially invited to join us at this virtual informational session for the – Bloustein School’s fall 2024 virtual information sessions for our Master of Public Informatics (MPI) degree and our Graduate Certificate in Urban and Public Informatics. Learn more the curriculum for our master’s degree and graduate certificate, how to apply, career services support for students and scholarship opportunities.
The GRE is WAIVED for all 2025 applications. Work experience is not required for applications to the program. The application deadline for spring 2025 admission is November 1st. The application deadline for fall 2025 admission with academic scholarship consideration is January 15th. The MPI is a STEM-designated master’s program.
All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom.
RSVP required at https://go.rutgers.edu/ejbmpiinfo

Bildner Center: The 25th Annual Rutgers Jewish Film Festival, November 7–21, Virtual Events
2024-11-15 - 2024-11-21 | Virtual
The The 25th Annual Rutgers Jewish Film Festival will feature fourteen thought-provoking and entertaining films, dynamic discussions with filmmakers and special guests, and numerous New Jersey premieres on dance, music, the LGBTQ+ experience, American Jewish history, and Israeli society.
Twelve films will be screened at the Regal Cinema Commerce Center, North Brunswick (November 7–17), and five films will be available virtually (November 15–21).
For information or to purchase tickets, visit BildnerCenter.Rutgers.edu/film.

MOSH N' MINGLE: Exploring Third Spaces Through the New Brunswick DIY Basement Show Scene
2024-11-15 19:00 - 22:00 | Busch Student Center Multipurpose Room, 604 Bartholomew Rd, Piscataway, 08854, United States
The vibrant and gritty New Brunswick DIY scene offers the opportunity to get involved with the local music community, serving as an integral counterculture third space for young adults—especially among women, queer, and people of color communities looking for an inclusive, engaging, and creative outlet.
By applying an urban planning lens, we examine the intersections between third spaces and the basement show scene as community hubs for social interaction, fostering a sense of belonging, self-expression, and connection.
Whether you’re an avid show-goer, urban planning nerd, or just someone curious to learn more, this three-part symposium is the perfect chance to connect with others who share a passion for community-building.

Bloustein DEIB Committee Holiday Toy Drive
2024-11-18 - 2024-12-20 | Bloustein School, Civic Square Building, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
The Bloustein School Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee invites you to participate in a Holiday Toy Drive benefitting the Harmony Family Success Center.
Donate new, unwrapped toys for kids aged 0-12. In addition to toys, we are collecting wrapping paper, ribbons, and tape to help wrap the gifts for distribution.
DROP OFF LOCATION: Boxes will be placed inside the Civic Square Building, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick with the flyer attached.
DONATION PERIOD: Beginning Monday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Dec. 20
Questions? Contact Bloustein School DEIB Graduate Fellow Siclali Flores at diversity@ejb.rutgers.edu.

Virtual Career Drop-ins
2024-11-18 11:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-25 11:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-02 11:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-09 11:00 - 13:00, 2024-12-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Stop by virtually on Mondays (except for holidays) beginning September 9th through December 16th between 11 am and 1 pm to ask a quick (15 min) career-related question of Bloustein Career Development Specialists Cheryl Egan and Andrea Garrido.
URL: https://go.rutgers.edu/EJBcareerdropin

Bloustein School Dean's Listening Session for Graduate Students
2024-11-19 16:15 - 17:15 | Bloustein School, Civic Square Building, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
All master’s candidate students are invited to attend this discussion with Dean Stuart Shapiro.
RSVP HERE

Sponsored by: The Office of Student and Academic Services and Bloustein Graduate Student Association

Walking Tour of The Park, Berkeley Heights, NJ
2024-11-20 16:00 - 18:00 | The Park, 200 Connell Drive, Berkeley Heights, 07922, United States
Join us for a tour of Round Table Studios and the first ever Work Resort in the United States. Situated on a 185-acre campus in Berkeley Heights, NJ, the Connell Family has invested over $500 million in the first-of-its-kind, innovative resort environment in the United States for working, living, relaxing, and dining. Round Table Studios and its Social By Nature theme successfully bring together work, hospitality, design, leisure, wellness, Outdoor activities, social clubs, living, and culinary experiences in one location.
The tour will begin at Round Table Studios. Situated on a walkable, 185-acre campus, the tour will cover all of the design, style and amenities designed to create a resort environment on the most modern work/live/play campus in the US.
SPACE IS LIMITED. Registration required by emailing RobertAshmun@gmail.com.
Participants should plan to wear comfortable attire/shoes and are responsible for their own transportation to/from the tour site. 2.0 AICP CM credits.

CAREERS: Evaluating Job Offers and Salary Negotiation
2024-11-20 16:30 - 17:45 | Virtual
Join Bloustein Career Management Specialists, Cheryl Egan and Andrea Garrido, for a workshop to learn tips and strategies about salary negotiation skills (which doesn’t only include negotiating for a salary) as well as how to evaluate job offers. Hear from recent graduates who were successful in negotiating their salaries!
RSVP HERE

Rutgers Health Management Perspectives: AMA Advocacy and Reducing the Burden on Physicians
2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
All are invited to the inaugural event of the Rutgers Health Management Perspectives Lecture Series at the Bloustein School, created to bring leading voices in health management and policy to engage with our Rutgers community. This event will be presented by Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH
Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, was inaugurated as the 178th president of the American Medical Association in June 2023. He is a senior associate dean, tenured professor of anesthesiology and director of the “Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment” at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He was first elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees in 2014. Dr. Ehrenfeld divides his time among clinical practice, teaching, research and directing a $560-million statewide health philanthropy. Dr. Ehrenfeld’s research focuses on understanding how information technology can improve surgical safety and patient outcomes.
Register at https://go.rutgers.edu/rutgershmplecture

Fall Health Administration Virtual Networking Event
2024-11-21 16:30 - 18:30 | Virtual
Interested in learning more about careers in various healthcare sectors? Attend this virtual networking event to meet with, ask questions, and gain invaluable advice from Bloustein Alumni who graduated from the MHA, undergraduate Health Administration and Public Health programs and are working in various healthcare industries. Topics include career development, jobs, internships, fellowships, case competitions, finance, negotiation, networking, mentoring, getting Involved in professional associations, scheduling classes, managing and transitioning to the MHA program
RSVP HERE

Ph.D. Colloquium: Engaging the Media
2024-12-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Bloustein School, Civic Square Building, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
Presented by Professor Mark Paul

Bloustein Research Seminar Series: Good Science, Bad Graphs: What to do?
2024-12-04 16:00 - 17:15 | Bloustein School, Civic Square Building, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States

2024 Rutgers Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update Virtual Conference
2024-12-05 08:15 - 16:30 | Virtual
The Rutgers Business School, in collaboration with the Bloustein Local Government Research Center, will hold its Annual Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update Conference virtually this year on Thursday, December 5.
This conference aims to bring leaders in public financial management together to address the most pressing financial and public policy issues and provide an update on current regulations, accounting pronouncements, auditing issues, and other subjects of interest. Participants will learn about current state fiscal matters from senior government financial leaders and get an update on auditing, accounting, and financial management issues. The conference will also address the latest GASB pronouncements and governmental auditing issues.
Guest speakers include officials from the NJ State Treasurer’s Office, NJ Division of Local Government Services, NJ Dept. of Education, Governmental Accounting Standards Board, Rutgers faculty, and notable professionals from governmental accounting, auditing, and other financial management areas.
To register for the conference, please visit: https://go.rutgers.edu/pkp6nbgx

Dissertation Proposal: Planning for Platform-to-Plate: The On-theGround Effects of Online Food Delivery in NYC & Kolkata
2024-12-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
presented by Triparnee Kushari

Ph.D. Colloquium: End of Semester Listening Session
2024-12-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Bloustein School, Civic Square Building, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States

Rutgers Then and Now! Book Launch
2024-12-12 14:00 - 16:30 | Richard Weeks Hall of Engineering, 500 Bartholomew Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854
Join us as we celebrate the launch of “Rutgers Then and Now,” a compelling new book by Jim Hughes, Richard Edwards, and David Listoken which chronicles Rutgers University’s remarkable journey from a small colonial college to a leading public research institution. Through engaging narratives and vivid illustrations, the authors trace the university’s transformation over the centuries, highlighting key events, milestones, and individuals that have shaped its growth. The book provides a unique perspective by juxtaposing historical moments with current developments, offering an insightful view of how Rutgers has evolved while staying true to its core values. Authors Jim Hughes, Dick Edwards, and David Listoken will be present at the event, alongside faculty, staff, board members, university leadership, and retired faculty.

There will be a presentation and discussion with the authors, followed by a reception and book signing event.

RSVP HERE

Intelligent Informatics @ Bloustein: Emerging AI Ascendancy and Shifts in Health Informatics Careers
2024-12-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual
Rutgers Informatics Forum on Healthcare & Artificial Intelligence
This panel, with eminent experts from industry and academia, will address the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on healthcare and health informatics careers. These experts will present their views on topics of growing importance of AI in healthcare. They will also provide insights into the advanced data science, analytics and AI education and preparation needed for health informatics jobs and careers.

David Artz, MD, MBA Keynote Presenter
Health Administration Fellow, Bloustein School, Rutgers University; Weill Cornell Medicine, and Atlantic Health System
Cory Yemen, PhD ‘23
Director, Data Science & Infrastructure, Growth Market Insights, Labcorp
Soumitra Bhuyan, PhD, MPH
Executive Director, Health Administration Program and Associate Professor, Bloustein School, Rutgers University
Jim Samuel, PhD
Executive Director, Master of Public Informatics and Associate Professor of Practice, Bloustein School, Rutgers University

Hosted by the Public Informatics Student Group and the Master of Public Informatics (MPI) program at Rutgers University
REGISTER AT go.rutgers.edu/informaticsF24
Questions? Email informatics@ejb.rutgers.edu. Join the Intelligent Informatics forum on LinkedIn https://go.rutgers.edu/rutgersinfx

Rutgers Health Management Perspectives: The Human Margin: Building the Foundations of Trust
2024-12-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Please join us for the Rutgers Health Management Perspectives Lecture Series at the Bloustein School, created to bring leading voices in health management and policy to engage with our Rutgers community. This event will be presented by Quint Studer, BSE, MSE, Co-Founder of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group and former Healthcare Executive, Author, and Leadership Consultant
Mr. Studer will be discussing his new book, “The Human Margin: Building the Foundations of Trust,” a science-backed leadership book that integrates the latest workplace research with tactics to create high-performance environments where people can flourish.

Quint Studer is a lifelong student of leadership. He has a gift for translating complex strategies into doable behaviors that allow organizations to achieve long-term success. Quint is the author of 15 books, beginning with his first title, BusinessWeek bestseller “Hardwiring Excellence.” While most of his books are geared to those working in healthcare, two of his general business books—”Results That Last” and “The Busy Leader’s Handbook”—became Wall Street Journal bestsellers. In his most recent venture to serve healthcare, he founded Healthcare Plus Solutions Group (HPSG), whose mission is to have a positive impact on those who receive care and those who provide care. HPSG specializes in helping healthcare organizations to diagnose and treat their most urgent pain points in order to achieve and sustain results.
Register at https://go.rutgers.edu/rutgershmplecture

Dissertation Proposal: Municipal Orientations to Large-Scale Warehouse Development
2024-12-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
presented by Lauren Nolan

Dissertation Proposal: Values, Care and Environment: The Case of Fiber Production in Central NY and the Finger Lakes Region
2024-12-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
presented by Kristi Wiedemann

Basic Quantitative Methods Placement Exam
2025-01-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Bloustein School, Civic Square Building, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
The placement exam is only for those who wish to waive the BQM requirement because they have a strong statistics background. If you plan to take the BQM course, you do not need to take the placement exam.
To register: Email Shiyu Ma at sm2758 [at] scarletmail.rutgers.edu by 5pm on January 15, 2025.
This closed-book exam is similar to the final exam for the Basic Quantitative Methods course. The exam will cover all chapters of the book listed below. You will need a non-graphing calculator and pen or pencil.
To prepare: Joseph F. Healey. Statistics: A Tool for Social Research. Wadsworth Cengage Learning 10th edition (or subsequent editions) . Please be advised that you need an active Rutgers Box Account to view the above link.
Exam format:

multiple choice and short answer questions that test your understanding of concepts, and
computational problems and interpretation of statistical output from STATA. Familiarity with any statistical software package should be sufficient to interpret the output.

At exam time, you will receive statistical tables (appendices A, B, C, and D from the 10th edition of the textbook) as well as a formula sheet with the formulas from the inside front cover of the textbook.

February Mock Interviewing Clinic - signups through Jan. 30
2025-01-22, 2025-01-23 | Virtual
Sharpen your interviewing skills by practicing one-on-one with one of our alumni, employer partner in the planning/policy/informatics/health administration realm, or Human Resources professional.
After completing the RSVP form, you will receive an email introducing you to the professional you will be paired with for the mock interview. You will be asked to contact the mock interviewer directly to schedule a mutually convenient day/time. Mock interviews should occur during the month of February and last up to 30-minutes where you will be able to practice and get immediate feedback on your interviewing skills.
Sign up no later than Thursday, January 30th to get a mock interview by a Bloustein Alumnus or Employer Partner!
Space is limited. Once maximum capacity is reached, students will be added to a wait list.
RSVP HERE
