�ֲ���ý

TOMS RIVER, NJ - The presidents of �ֲ���ý University in Galloway Township and Ocean County College in Toms River today announced a new dual admission and transfer partnership that will help students make a smooth transition from the two-year college to �ֲ���ý’s bachelor’s degree programs. 

The five-year Transfer Pathways agreement strengthens the relationship between �ֲ���ý and Ocean County College by offering multiple opportunities for students to seamlessly pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees at the two institutions of higher education. 

Dr. Jon Larson, President of Ocean County College, is pleased to offer this pathway to success for Ocean County residents who wish to attend �ֲ���ý University.  Dr. Larson said: “Ocean County College transfer students have a long record of academic success at �ֲ���ý University.  This partnership is an important step to ensure a smooth transition for our students attending both institutions as they work to earn two degrees.” 

�ֲ���ý President Dr. Harvey Kesselman said he is excited to extend to Ocean County College students a new opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and take advantage of �ֲ���ý resources while at the community college. He noted that �ֲ���ý’s Manahawkin instructional site already provides convenient access for students living in Ocean County.

“The number of transfer students coming to �ֲ���ý from Ocean County continues to grow, with more than 250 enrolled in the Fall 2018 semester,” Kesselman said. "This agreement will provide increased support to students while they are at Ocean County College as well as provide assurance that they can have a smooth pathway to a bachelor’s degree at �ֲ���ý.”

The terms of the agreement include:

• Students who are denied direct admission to �ֲ���ý as a freshman applicant can receive conditional dual admission in partnership with Ocean County College. Students will attend classes at OCC but have access to campus activities and student groups at �ֲ���ý and receive a special �ֲ���ý Identification card through �ֲ���ý’s Transfer Pathways program.
• Students already enrolled at OCC can apply for conditional acceptance to �ֲ���ý while continuing to work towards their associate’s degree, and be assured of acceptance prior to the term in which they are ready to transfer.
• Students who successfully complete their associate degree at Ocean County College can automatically transfer to �ֲ���ý with junior standing to complete their bachelor’s degree. Application fees to �ֲ���ý will be waived for eligible students.
• Students who complete at least 36 credits at OCC, and a total of 64 credits between the county college and the four-year institution, are eligible to receive a retroactive associate degree from OCC. �ֲ���ý and OCC will co-host “reverse transfer” information sessions for students.
• �ֲ���ý and OCC will develop specific program-to-program articulation agreements for high-demand majors to facilitate the quality and ease of transfer.
• Students will receive joint advising from �ֲ���ý and OCC and a �ֲ���ý advisor will have office space and a regular schedule at OCC.
• Students will be eligible for financial aid from whichever institution they are attending. �ֲ���ý will provide five one-year scholarships of $2,000 per year to OCC graduates whose admission to �ֲ���ý is covered by the agreement.
• �ֲ���ý and OCC will establish an advisory committee to ensure best practices in recruitment, enrollment management, academic and student services, information technology, marketing and facilities use.

�ֲ���ý already has similar agreements with Atlantic Cape Community College, Brookdale Community College, Cumberland County College and Camden County College and is pursuing additional partnerships with other community colleges in the state.

                                                                         #            #            #

Contact:
Diane D’Amico, Director of News and Media Relations
�ֲ���ý University,  Galloway, N.J. 08205
Diane.DAmico@stockton.edu
609-652-4593
609-412-8069
stockton.edu/media