The Signal

15/05/2025

Opinions expressed by the author are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Signal or its staff.

The College is in a financial crisis. At least, that’s what many people on campus are calling it. Some administration officials may be hesitant to say it publicly, but the bottom line is that we’re struggling.

The College was sitting on just over $360 million in debt as of the end of the fiscal year that ended in June 2023, according to S&P Global Ratings, a leading global credit rating agency.

Students, faculty and staff are feeling the constraints of such a grim budget outlook. Class offerings are being reduced while class sizes increase. Some building maintenance is being deferred until it’s absolutely necessary. Academic departments are being restructured to prevent academic funding cuts, and department budgets are being downsized — all to save every dollar possible.

🖋️Tristan Weisenbach, Former Editor-in-Chief
📸 Courtesy of Marceline Hale

12/05/2025

President Michael Bernstein announced that the LIONS Plan, developed to address budget shortfalls, is nearly complete and has successfully balanced the College’s budget. The plan created Coordinated Action Teams (CATs) to focus on the College dashboard, library renovations, and student housing.

The dashboard team developed internal and external dashboards to share data with staff and the public. The library team created a renovation plan that includes new study spaces, updated technology, and a future spirit shop, with phased construction expected during the academic year. The housing team created a five-year improvement plan, starting with electrical upgrades in Decker and Cromwell Halls to support air conditioning, along with general dorm maintenance.

The College will also review real estate this summer to identify properties for student and employee housing, or for sale to fund future improvements. Bernstein is optimistic and plans to share more details by the start of the academic year.

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✒️ Tristan Weisenbach, Editor-in-Chief
📸 / Video Editor

12/05/2025

On Friday, CUB held their annual “Funival,” an end-of-year carnival that celebrates the last day of classes and marks the end of the academic year.

The event featured amusement park rides and attractions, food trucks, student performers, silent disco, and a live performance from headliner “Almost Monday.”

📸: Courtesy of Rachel Patek, Sky Stewart, Van Boyce, and Vivian Drew-Perna

10/05/2025

In his farewell editorial, Tristan Weisenbach reflects on his journey from a freshman commuter during Hurricane Ida in fall 2021 to becoming editor-in-chief of The Signal. Early on, he noticed gaps in TCNJ’s emergency communications and later pursued in-depth reporting on campus safety, especially following the 2023 Michigan State University shooting. His investigative work, alongside fellow editors, led to a series of impactful articles that highlighted flaws in the College’s safety protocols and contributed to TCNJ implementing its first mandatory safety training for students in 2024.

Weisenbach shares his belief in the power of student journalism to drive change, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and reporting beyond the surface. He encourages future student journalists to seek meaningful stories, trust in their ability to make a difference, and continue using journalism as a tool for positive impact.

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✒️ Tristan Weisenbach, Editor-in-Chief
🎨 Sky Stewart / Editorial Cartoonist

10/05/2025

At a May 1 tuition hearing, President Michael Bernstein and Interim CFO Richard Schweigert proposed a 4% increase in tuition and fees, and a 2.69% rise in room and board at the College, citing stagnant state funding and rising operational costs. If approved, in-state tuition would rise to $15,906, out-of-state tuition to $30,296, fees to $4,520, and room & board to $14,709. The Board of Trustees must still approve the increases. Future years would see smaller hikes: 3% for tuition, 4% for fees, and 2.42% for room & board. Bernstein emphasized the need for the increases to maintain a balanced budget, noting they remain lower than some other NJ institutions. Housing cost increases will fund a $10 million, five-year improvement plan. The College also faces a potential $2 million cut in state aid under Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed budget, which lawmakers must finalize by June 30.

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✒️ Matthew Kaufman, Former Editor-in-Chief
📸 / Video Editor

08/05/2025

The College’s women’s track and field team won their fifth straight NJAC outdoor championship by just 3.5 points over Rowan, scoring in all 21 events. Key performances included Cassidy Quinn’s gold in the 10,000-meter, a dominant heptathlon win by Sarah Scepkowski, and a crucial 4x100-meter relay victory after Rowan was disqualified. The men’s team placed second for the fifth year in a row but earned six golds on day two, highlighted by freshman Maxin Rychkov’s record-breaking wins in the 100- and 200-meter dashes. Both teams now prepare for regional and NCAA championships later this month.

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✒️ Eddie Young, Sports Editor
📸 Courtesy of Arion Owes

05/05/2025

The College saw steady application numbers this year with 12,781 applicants, slightly more than last year, while admitting fewer students, resulting in a lower acceptance rate of 57%. Despite this, more students have committed to attend, with 75 additional deposits submitted compared to last year, keeping the expected freshman class size at around 1,600. Vice President Lisa Angeloni credits the College’s strong academic reputation, recent No. 1 regional ranking, and steady interest in programs like business for the positive yield. Incoming students cited academics, location, and campus size as key reasons for choosing the College.

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✒️ Matthew Kaufman and Isabella Darcy, Former Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor
📸 / Staff Photographer

03/05/2025

30/04/2025

Mercer County hot dog lovers were struck with bad news on Dec. 28, 2024, when it was announced that Captain Paul’s Firehouse Dogs was being put up for sale by owners Paul and Janice Tweedley. The first-responder-themed hot dog joint wasn’t empty for long as mother and son duo Deborah and Patrick Jones purchased the shop.

The grand re-opening of Captain Paul’s came on Monday, April 21, and the Jones’ have no plans of changing what the Tweedley’s built in 2009.

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✒️ Aidan Mastandrea, News Editor
📸 Courtesy of Patrick Jones

30/04/2025

In response to recent federal actions, including student visa revocations and threats to free speech, The Signal Editorial Board highlights the critical role of college newspapers in informing and protecting their campus communities. National student media organizations have urged college newsrooms to reconsider policies on anonymous sources and article takedown requests, as students may face harm from government retaliation. The Signal affirms its commitment to ethical, fact-based journalism while acknowledging the need to reevaluate its editorial practices to safeguard its community in a shifting political climate.

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✒️ Isabella Darcy, Managing Editor
📸 / Video Editor

24/04/2025

Yesterday, The Signal hosted our first “Hot Off the Press Fest.” Thank you to the TCNJ and Signal faculty, staff, advisors, alumni, and students for attending!

📸: / Video Editor

22/04/2025

President Michael Bernstein joined over 150 college leaders in signing a letter titled A Call for Constructive Engagement denouncing the Trump Administration’s political interference in higher education. The letter, released by the American Association of Colleges & Universities, defends academic freedom and opposes undue government intrusion. Bernstein expressed pride in supporting academic integrity and open inquiry.

A White House spokesperson dismissed the letter, and tensions have escalated as the administration targeted schools by freezing grants and revoking visas. The letter follows protests by college faculty against government overreach.

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✒️ Matthew Kaufman, Former Editor-in-Chief