August 19, 2025

Jesse Goldberg is the Director of Student Engagement at MSM, who works with MSM Dean of Students Monica Christensen. Jesse gives us an advanced look at what social events and activities Student Affairs is organizing for students this fall at MSM!

Can you tell us about any key Student Engagement initiatives this year?

Jesse: We have a few new initiatives this year, but I’m excited to highlight two in particular: Division picnics, and Grad Student Outings! This September, Student Engagement is working with MSM’s Division Deans to throw picnics for each division! New and returning students will have a chance to meet, see their Dean, and some faculty will mix and mingle as well! We are so lucky at MSM to have access to a few outdoor spaces including our Ades Terrace, which provides a lovely cityscape backdrop away from the public.

Also new this year, our Grad students will have opportunities to explore our Morningside Heights neighborhood together through Grad Student Outings organized by our office! The first outing will be to Hex & Co this October, which is a local cafe/bar with a huge library of board games for guests to use, with great food and drinks!

What are you most looking forward to for this academic year?

Jesse: There is so much to look forward to this 2025–26 academic year that it is hard to choose what I am most looking forward to! One of my personal favorite times of the year is our Fall Finals Study Breaks,  as it is a chance for us to see hundreds of students and provide opportunities for them to relax at a busy time of year. Last year’s study breaks included insomnia cookies, puzzles, and slime-making, and we are planning some special new treats for this year!

I also love our Craft n’ Calm event series, as it is such a treat to see students get to flex their creative muscles in a non-musical way. We’ve seen students crochet, color, make cards, have a read-in, and more hands-on activities. It is nice to see students take a small moment in their day to relax away from their instrument, and recharge!

The Student Affairs hosted event “Craft n’ Calm” is a fun way for students to express their creativity outside of music.

What can new students do who’d like to be involved in student life at MSM?

Jesse: The easiest way to get involved quickly at MSM is to visit the Student Engagement office and learn more about the Student Organizations you can join! We have 17 active student organizations representing a variety of interests and identities, and they are always excited to have new members joining their ranks! The network of Student Org meetings and events, including MSM’s Student Government, is a great way to get involved at the School and be connected with your peers, activities, and ways to contribute to your community!

We have been able to provide additional funding for themed events initiated by some of more active student organizations, and are excited to see what our students program for the 2025–26 academic year.

You have been in the position for a full year now.  What have you found most satisfying?

Jesse: It has been a whirlwind year, and I’ve enjoyed so many facets of my role as Director of Student Engagement! I think one of the most satisfying elements is the privilege of seeing so many of our students walk through our doors and participate in our events.

I really believe that Student Engagement Coordinator Ha Young Synn and I have created a welcoming and varied slate of programming, and there is something for everyone!

Whether our students would identify as introverted or extroverted, foodies or movement-lovers, together with our incredible Student Organizations we have been able to schedule over 100 events for the 2025–26 Academic Year. If you’re reading this as an MSM Student, we hope to see you with us this year!

Questions?

917-493-4525 | studentengagement@msmnyc.edu