The Tower Newspaper

By: Anne Nelson, Enrique Medel, and Joshua Rodriguez | Publish Date: September 22, 2026 Along Cougar Walk at Kean University, Union, tables are lined up with free items: Cards of K-pop idols, lunchboxes, USB-C chargers, sweet treats, Pokémon cards, backpacks, and more. These are all given away by various clubs, programs, and departments trying to catch the interest of students searching for their space during Kean Day 2026 on September 11.

By: Kevin Modeszto and Denny Quinteros | Publish Date: September 21, 2026 Kean University has enacted the Cougar Complete Textbook Program for all students. Starting in Fall 2026, an extra $250 per semester for full-time students and $20 per credit for part-time students would be added to the fees going forward. In exchange, students would receive all required textbooks and other eligible course materials at a reduced cost.

By: Briana Polanco | Publish Date: September 18, 2026 In July, Kean University wrapped up its final session for its CREATE Summer Program– a two-session pre-college program at Liberty Hall for students from twelve to eighteen years old pursuing art at such a pivotal point in their careers.

By: Susan Berube-Leiva | Publish Date: September 16, 2026 My name is Susan. Some of you may know me as the Alternate Student Trustee, others may know me as a General Education Mentor (GEM), and many of you just know me as a fellow student. What most people are not aware of are the things I struggle with and have struggled with for a very long time. In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, and my twenty-first birthday, I’d finally like to share my truth.

By: Rashan Addison | Publish Date: September 14, 2026 Four months after graduation, many graduates wind up in two different realities. While one seamlessly transitions into work, the other faces challenges of landing a job—even outside of their career field. Yet, both wore the same cap and gown, and sat in the same ceremony.

By: Cimmiaron Alvarez, PhD While professionalism is the standard in a college setting, it is not possible to be perfect in all situations, sometimes there are going to be moments where you are less than professional. These moments are face-threatening, or they are acts that challenge a person’s face performance that might lead to embarrassment. To read more about face and tips to be professionalism, reference our previous article on the topic.

By: Cimmiaron Alvarez, PhD In college, professors, group project members, and collegiate staff expect students to communicate with them in a professional manner. In this article, I am going to explain how you might use face and facework to create a performance of professionalism. Of note, although this is written by a professor, each instructor has their own interpretations of professionalism. I offer these recommendations based on my own views on professionalism.

By: Cimmiaron Alvarez, PhD Roommates conflicting over cleanliness | Photo Credit: The Scholarship System During the transition to college, students experience conflict with their friends, family members, romantic partners, and especially roommates. Conflict is an expressed struggle between at least two individuals who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from the other in achieving their goal.

By: Myles Robinson | Publish Date: June 22nd, 2026 Here comes a brand new “hot” new food spot to the Vermella Food Plaza lot in Union, New Jersey. Located at 1105 Morris Avenue, the restaurant food chain Namkeen is the 8th establishment to open under the franchise name and the 4th location in New Jersey. Namkeen is known for its signature blend of “Nashville-style” hot chicken mixed with Pakistani flavors and spices.

By: Michael Mayhew | Publish Date: June 18th, 2026 With classes out of session, summer gives students an opportunity to relax, explore new places, and prepare for the future. Whether you’re looking to travel, spend time with loved ones, gain professional experience, or set new goals, here are four ways to make the most of your summer break.