Dr. Monaco’s December 11, 2025 Report to the Board of Trustees

Presentations

Dr. Jonathan Molinaro, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, will be joined by Ms. Mary Granahan, Television Production Director, to highlight the essential role of the Arts and Humanities (ARHU) in cultivating the critical thinking, creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for success in today’s rapidly evolving workforce. This presentation will emphasize how ARHU programs prepare students not only for careers but for skills in an increasingly automated world. The presentation will also showcase the collaborative process behind the creation of the new ARHU School promotional video, which was developed in partnership with the OCC TV Studio and College Relations, and illustrates the power of interdisciplinary teamwork and creative storytelling in advancing OCC’s mission and increasing the visibility of our programs.
Mr. Juan Esteban Molina Garcia, Spanish Language Interpreter in College Relations, will share his inspiring journey as an immigrant from Colombia who pursued his dream of a better future in the United States, initially seeking to improve his English, and ultimately finding a fulfilling position at Ocean County College. Mr. Garcia’s initial connection with OCC occurred during an Open House, where he sought information about the English-as-a Second Language (ESL) program. Since the program was full at the time, he inquired about volunteer roles as a photographer, utilizing his lifelong passion to establish a connection with the College. This initial connection led to a volunteer position with College Relations and later to an offer to join the College Relations’ team as a part-time photographer and videographer, demonstrating how dedication and passion can lead to unexpected opportunities for individuals and great benefit to the College.
Mr. Thomas DeSimone, Director of College Safety and Security, will share with you information on the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) Accreditation Program. Ocean County College was recently accredited by IACLEA. Mr. DeSimone will outline the purpose of the IACLEA accreditation, why it is considered the gold standard for campus public safety organizations, and how the program strengthens accountability, professionalism, and service delivery.

Mr. DeSimone will explain the process undertaken by the Department of Campus Safety to achieve accreditation. This includes the initial preparation, policy development and revisions, staff training, evidence collection, mock assessments, and the final on-site review conducted by IACLEA assessors. He will highlight the collaborative efforts across the department, the commitment of our accreditation team, and the improvements made along the way.

Finally, Mr. DeSimone will discuss the significance of successful accreditation and what it means for Ocean County College, particularly the department’s dedication to continuous improvement, national best practices, and enhanced service to the campus community.
The School of STEM has implemented a new Guided Self-Placement (GSP) for mathematics courses to ensure students are accurately placed based on both their academic preparedness and intended major. The GSP will help prevent students from enrolling in classes that are either too advanced or not aligned with their program requirements, ultimately improving student success and retention in mathematics-related pathways.

The initiative has incorporated Success with Mathematics as a free, accessible preparation resource directly on the Guided Self-Placement webpage, allowing students to refresh and strengthen foundational skills before course selection. The School has collaborated with the Student Advising Office to ensure broad promotion of the GSP tool, emphasizing its role in helping students start at the right mathematical level and progress efficiently toward their degree. A QR code link to the GSP tool will be included in student orientation sessions, advising materials, and first-year experience programs, ensuring all incoming students are aware of the resource.

Regular impact assessments will also be conducted, such as tracking placement accuracy, course pass rates, and student feedback, to measure effectiveness and make data-informed improvements.

Dr. Vandana Saini, Dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, will share additional information with you at the meeting about the Guided Self-Placement initiative.

Artificial Intelligence

Students expressed interest and concern regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom. In fact, at the last Conversation with the Trustees, several students shared personal situations that were problematic for them. To address the issues surrounding AI, from both the student and faculty perspectives, three groups have been charged to work on this topic:

The IT Governance Committee, Teaching and Learning Technology Committee (TLTC), has been tasked with exploring new technology for higher education. The members will work on vetting some of the new AI tools and sharing what they learn with the others.
College Senate Subcommittees will be investigating AI issues: Instruction Committee (pedagogy and instruction) and Academic and Student Affairs Standards and Policies Committee (policies and academic integrity). The subcommittees will focus on making recommendations about how the institution should instruct students to use AI ethically and responsibly. Teaching personnel and students in the School of Social Sciences and Business rarely have any complaints about AI. Students are taught how to use the tools since they are essential for careers tied to those concentrations. We can learn from the practices utilized in the School of Social Sciences and Business.
AI Community of Practice, comprised of principally faculty from all schools and a few administrators, began in the School of Arts and Humanities. Some students will be added to the committee, and the committee will be charged to develop separate lists of faculty and student concerns and possible solutions to address the issues.

OCC Sets New Record with Annual Coat Drive

Ocean County College is proud to announce that the record for donated coats this year has exceeded all past years. Thank you to all students, faculty, and staff who contributed; 105 coats were donated, an increase of almost 27 percent over last year, to our local community. OCC worked directly with the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to collect children’s winter coats for the 2025 Warmest Wishes Coat Drive, which supports local pre-school, elementary, and middle school students in need. As more families experience financial hardship, the need for basic essentials is greater than ever. OCC is committed to supporting its community, and this year’s outstanding participation reflects the compassion and dedication of our campus community.

OCC Partnership

Ocean County College has entered into a strategic partnership with the Motor Vehicle Network to enhance the visibility of the College’s programs and services among a highly targeted local audience. This initiative places OCC messaging on digital display panels located in the Department of Motor Vehicle offices in Toms River, Manahawkin, and Lakewood. These DMV-based flat-panel screens provide the College with recurring opportunities to broadcast a thirty-second full-motion video highlighting key institutional services. Our initial campaign features information on OCC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) offerings. Future messaging will be updated quarterly to align with the College’s strategic priorities and enrollment goals. This partnership enables OCC to maintain a consistent and dynamic marketing presence within high-traffic community spaces, supporting our ongoing efforts to engage prospective students and strengthen community outreach.

Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

On November 8, 2025, Director of Procurement Dina Sherman and Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration Sara Winchester, with support from Ms. Madeline Caterinicchio, Director of Purchasing at Middlesex College, delivered a presentation on the Joint Purchasing Consortium (JPC) to the Presidents during the virtual meeting of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. They shared an overview of the JPC’s history, legislative framework, and the significant savings the Consortium has generated across the sector. The presentation also quantified the savings for each active contract, underscoring that these savings are substantial and available to all 17 community colleges.

Currently, the JPC maintains 17 active contracts, with OCC serving as the lead agency for 16 of them. A central message to the Presidents was the need to expand college participation and encourage more institutions to take leadership roles in managing bids and RFPs. One of the primary goals of the presentation was to request greater involvement from other colleges, both to distribute the workload more evenly and to increase the number of contracts managed through the JPC, thereby maximizing savings for all participants.
Ms. Sarah Dowdy and Ms. Megan Thompson, Student Success Coaches, presented at the National Organization for Student Success, New Jersey Chapter (NOSS-NJ) regional conference on October 17, 2025. The title of their presentation was “Equity and Access: The Myth of the Traditional Student,” and 22 colleagues attended.
On November 19, 2025, Dr. Tao Dumas, Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Pre-Law Program at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), delivered a lecture titled “When Is Speech Free? The First Amendment in the Age of the Algorithm.” The event was sponsored by OCC’s Governmental Affairs Institute and coordinated by Mr. Jason Ghibesi, College Lecturer II Political Science and History, and Coordinator for the Governmental Affairs Institute. The event drew approximately 175 students, as well as faculty and staff. A Q&A session addressed common misconceptions regarding free speech in digital environments.
Dr. Mark Westmoreland and Dr. Christopher Ruth, College Lecturers in Philosophy and Co-Directors of The Free School, led a four-week lecture series titled “The Faces of Faiths: A Journey through World Religions.” Supported by the OCC Foundation, the program engaged more than 70 college community members in an exploration of global religious traditions.

Student Clubs and Activities

In collaboration with the Music Club and the School of Arts and Humanities, the third Afternoon Recital of the Fall semester took place Friday, November 21, 2025, featuring violinist Robert Tadliff and pianist Sharon Neissen.
The Planetarium hosted the Work Readiness Assistance Program (WRAP) students for a film and discussion highlighting a variety of careers that intersect with STEM fields.
The Ocean County College Concert Band presented its holiday performance, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, on December 6, 2025.
The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company will present its ever-popular Broadway for the Holidays 5 from December 12 to 21, 2025.
The Grunin Center also hosted the Grunin Performing Arts Academy’s Fall play, A Monster Calls, from November 9 to15, 2025; the OCC ASL Club’s Rock and Roll Show on November 21, 2025; OCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony on December 4, 2025; and a performance of The Nutcracker by Dancers Pointe dance studio on December 7, 2025.
The Photography Club and Marketing Club partnered with Career Services to host their semester Headshot Day on October 2, 2025, offering free professional headshots during morning and evening sessions; 70 photographs were produced. This semester also introduced a Career Closet to assist students with professional attire, supported by guidance from Success Coach Alexandra Payor. The services relocated to the Gateway Building in the evening to enhance access. The Marketing Club edited headshots using Adobe Lightroom, with final images distributed in November.
On October 9, 2025, Ms. Anais Mompoint, College Lecturer II and Social Work Program Chair, collaborated with the Social Work Club and the OCC Counseling Center to host a panel recognizing National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Four mental health professionals and two student moderators led discussions with over 20 student attendees from multiple academic programs – Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Psychology. Experts from St. Francis Counseling Service, Providence House Domestic Violence Services, and Feminist Self-Defense addressed prevention and intervention strategies related to family, domestic, and intimate partner violence.
On October 22, 2025, Ms. Anais Mompoint and the Social Work Club, in recognition of National Mental Wellness Awareness Month, hosted the second annual “See Me, Mental Health Awareness Walk” during Fall Fest. More than 50 students, faculty, and staff participated, supporting awareness of mental wellness and the intersectionality of participants engaged in the event.
Throughout November, the Social Work Club conducted a donation drive that collected 20 bags of clothing, bedding, and toys for Providence House, along with 32 “Birthday Kits” for children affected by domestic violence. Providence House provides services, such as separation assistance, housing support, legal counseling, boundary-setting education, and referrals to community resources.
On November 5 and 6, 2025, the Hospitality Club, Fashion Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Engineering Club jointly hosted the Entrepreneurship Craft Fest and Workshops. The event showcased student and local entrepreneurship, provided educational workshops, and aligned with the College’s mission to promote creativity, innovation, and community engagement.

Leadership for the clubs is provided by:
- Hospitality Club – Mr. Sean Bips, College Lecturer II in Business
- Fashion Club – Ms. Stephanie Frattini, College Lecturer II in Business
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) – Ms. Laura Paolillo, College Lecturer II in Business
- Engineering Club – Ms. Pamela Bogdan, College Lecturer II in Engineering
Ms. Stephanie Frattini, College Lecturer II in Business, organized a food drive on November 19 and 20, 2025, with her Student Success classes to support the Helping Hands Food Pantry. Students donated a substantial quantity of non-perishable food items for Thanksgiving meal kits. This initiative promoted civic responsibility and community outreach, while supporting OCC’s mission to serve students and the broader community.
Dr. Henry Jackson, College Lecturer II in Student Success, and Mr. Steve Baglivio, Student Success Adjunct Associate Professor, partnered with Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) to launch a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project, coordinated by Ms. Laura Paolillo. More than 150 OCC and AUAS students collaborated in mixed international groups, engaging asynchronously and synchronously across time zones to develop cross-cultural communication and project-management skills. The participants experienced navigating both cultural and workplace differences between the U.S. and the Netherlands.

Student Support Services

Athletics recently wrapped up a great Fall season. The men’s and women’s soccer teams, as well as the women’s volleyball team, performed well, with all three finishing as runners-up in Region 19. OCC’s cross-country program competed in the Region 19 championship as well, with women’s sophomore Batool Abdelmalak finishing sixth overall and earning placement on the NJCAA All-Region 19 team for the second consecutive season.
The Multilingual Language Navigator Carolina Newman, within the Recruitment Team, held three registration days for the Spring semester, specifically ESOL courses. Ms. Newman visited the Fall course students and assisted them in registering for Spring. To date, 18 students are registered for the Spring 2026 term.
Through the generosity of the Ocean County College Foundation, 253 Early College grants were awarded to high school students taking college credit classes. The Foundation’s continued assistance to Early College students has supported countywide efforts to ensure high school students have access to the college experience.
The Counseling Center has been working diligently to provide services to students and the campus community, serving 125 students in the last month. The CARE Team has responded to 63 reports this month. The staff continues to offer services through multiple access points in the Counseling Center, virtually, at OCC Manahawkin, and within the Veterans and Military Resources Center (VMRC).
Advising successfully concluded its Student Success classroom visits for the Fall semester, providing students with key information to support their academic progress and future planning. During each session, advisors reviewed how to use Student Planning to track degree progress, interpret and use the Academic Plan, prepare a course schedule, and complete the Spring 2026 registration process. Students also received guidance on beginning their transfer planning.
The Fall 2025 Advising In-Service was held on Friday, November 21, 2025, and focused on several key areas to support effective academic advising. Sessions included guidance on updating and documenting academic plans, along with a discussion on how the forthcoming Areas of Study framework will impact advising processes, such as:
Transfer-related updates, including the role of calculus in the transfer process
- Advising considerations for science majors
- Kean Ocean guides and upcoming transfer events
- An open Advising Forum with a Q&A segment based on topics submitted by staff before the In-Service event

Additionally, advisors participated in Operation Thrive training, presented by Ms. Christina Hernandez, Assistant Director, and Ms. Jessica Richardson, Coordinator, from the VMRC.

Princeton University joined PTK to offer a special course on transfer. Each section allows students to earn badges as they gain an understanding of the many aspects of admission to a four-year college or university. Throughout the course, students can submit work to receive feedback on their planning and on their essays for applications.
TRiO Student Support Services reported 352 in-person visits to the VMRC and delivered 463 individualized services, including resource connections, benefits information, and study support.
The second annual Mystery in the Library event occurred on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This year’s theme was the Roaring 20’s and featured puzzles designed to teach students about study skills, library and campus resources, slang from the 1920s, and tips to help them succeed at OCC. This interactive event, inspired by the game Clue, also featured a campus-friendly speakeasy with tasty treats and delicious mocktails. Sincere appreciation is extended to the Library staff, Student Success Coaches, and the Student Life Team for creating and hosting this fun event.
The Student Government Association participated in the New Jersey Ballot Bowl 2025 by hosting a civic engagement table in the Student Center lobby. The New Jersey Ballot Bowl is a joint project of the New Jersey Department of State and the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. In tandem with our voter registration efforts in September and October with community partner, the League of Women Voters, our students’ participation in the statewide Ballot Bowl helped encourage over 230 OCC students to take the pledge to vote in the general election this past November.
Student Government and the Community Ambassadors Club partnered with 12 other student organizations to host a fundraiser on Wednesday, November 19, 2025,^, for fellow OCC student Ray Coccovizzo and his beloved service dog, Jinx, who was recently diagnosed with kidney disease, which requires a strict, costly, specialized diet. All proceeds from the fundraiser are going towards Jinx’s medical care, including her specialized diet. The students set a fundraising goal of $1,800 and, through their efforts that day, they surpassed their goal. Ray shared, “Your kindness has made a profound difference in our lives, and I am forever grateful.”
The Helping Hands food pantry staff and volunteers assembled 70 Meal Kits for students in need this Thanksgiving, thanks to very generous donations from faculty, staff, students, and community members. The kits included everything families needed for a complete Thanksgiving meal, including stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, gravy, cranberry sauce, cornbread, and, of course, a turkey. Many thanks to everyone who helped keep our campus community hunger-free this holiday season.
On November 13, 2025, 26 additional members of our campus community were trained in QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer). This evidence-based gatekeeper training teaches participants to recognize warning signs of a mental health crisis and to intervene to connect the person with appropriate supports.

Student Outreach

On November 4, 2025, the Student Nurse Organization hosted a Career Day with representatives from 18 healthcare agencies. Seventy-five students attended to obtain information on employment opportunities, continuing education, and nursing assistant positions during their studies.
On November 19 and 20, 2025, the Grunin Center welcomed Native American artists Delwin Fiddler, Jr., Derek Fiddler, and Samara Smith for two days of educational programming. Funded in part by Mid-Atlantic Arts, the visit included a dance workshop with Grunin Performing Arts Academy students, a screening of the PBS documentary Without Arrows, followed by a Q&A with Delwin and Derek Fiddler, and two student performances of The PAZA Experience, showcasing Native American music and dance. More than 600 Ocean County students attended the performances.
On November 5, 2025, Ms. Laura Wills, Director of Transfer and Articulation, conducted a transfer workshop during the Human Behavior and the Social Environment class. Coordinated by Ms. Anais Mompoint, Social Work College Lecturer II, the session engaged 15 students, including 12 preparing for Spring 2026 graduation.
The School of Nursing Advisory Committee met on November 19, 2025, with 22 representatives from clinical agencies, community partners, students, faculty, and staff. The meeting reviewed program outcomes, including licensure pass rates, completion rates, job placement data, and student learning outcome and clinical agency satisfaction surveys. Clinical partners commended OCC Nursing graduates and reported active hiring, including for one-year residency programs.
On November 20, 2025, Assemblywoman Victoria A. Flynn, Deputy Minority Conference Leader for New Jersey District 13, visited Political Science and History College Lecturer Jason Ghibesi’s State and Local Government class. She discussed her legislative role, current policy issues, and the complexities of public service, providing students with applied insights into state government operations.
The Success Team hosted a “Game of Life” financial literacy workshop for 20 students. Adjunct Marianne Critchley brought one of her Student Success class sections to the event, and several EOF students also participated. The workshop covered general financial literacy topics and a hands-on activity that allowed students to work through a real-life budgeting scenario.
On November 21, 2025, Ms. Kelly Petrolis, Prevention Education Coordinator, and Ms. Darra Stack, Counseling Specialist, taught Mental Health First Aid to 21 participants, which provides evidence-based training to offer a deeper understanding of the mental health conditions that may precede a crisis event. Participants learn to intervene in response to early warning signs to help prevent a crisis, as well as crisis intervention strategies to address escalated situations.
The VMRC hosted its annual Veterans Day Breakfast for student veterans. Kean Ocean Chancellor Joseph Youngblood joined me to meet and talk with the veterans. More than 40 students, staff, and family members from OCC and Kean Ocean attended the breakfast, sharing stories from their military service and reflecting on their transition to civilian life.
The VMRC partnered with the Athletics Department for the second annual Veterans Appreciation Day on November 15, 2025, during which both the women’s and men’s basketball games were dedicated to honoring veterans. The event featured student veterans Lily Feliz and Chris Catney as guest speakers and OCC alumni Carmelo Hernandez and Michael Barbosa as honorary captains.

Community Outreach

The Recruitment team within the Enrollment Services Department assisted the Financial Aid Department with their FAFSA Workshops at Jackson Township and Lakewood Township High Schools on November 20, 2025, and Toms River South High School on November 12, 2025.
The Recruitment team within the Enrollment Services Department held two College Knowledge virtual webinar sessions, during which they spoke to the community about the college application process, financial aid, enrollment steps, transfer opportunities, and career exploration. One session was in Spanish on November 6, 2026; the other was in English on November 20, 2025.
College Pathways Advisor Lauren Simon, with EOF, Workforce Development, and the American Sign Language representatives, attended the Barnegat High School Career Day on November 17, 2025, to represent the many opportunities offered by the College.
Multilingual Language Navigator Carolina Newman, within the Recruitment Team, attended the Hispanic Heritage Family Dinner with Toms River Schools on November 20, 2025. This event provided the opportunity to connect with families in the Toms River School District.
College Pathways Advisor Lauren Simon, within the Recruitment team, alongside NJ STARS Coordinator Jennifer Kipp, held an NJ STARS Information Session on November 18, 2025. During the session, students heard representatives from Kean Ocean, the Financial Aid Department, and the Athletics Department. There were 40 attendees.
On October 29, 2025, the Counseling Center hosted “Agency Day,” an opportunity for various community organizations to share resources that are available to students, faculty, and staff. The event presented 25 different vendors, ranging from mental health treatment to social services and healthcare.
Tickets for Spring 2026 Grunin Center events are now on sale. The Spring brochure describing the wonderful array of presentations can be read at www.grunincenter.org. Tickets may also be purchased on the website.
On November 18, 2025, representatives from First Energy and Jersey Central Power & Light presented a $5,000 check to the Novins Planetarium for K-12 educational programming. We are grateful for their generosity.
On November 21, 2025, Grunin Center Executive and Artistic Director Heidi Sheridan, Associate Director Cara Muscio, and Assistant Director Jaclyn Wood helped facilitate Encuentro, a gathering of Hispanic serving organizations.
The Grunin Center hosted a number of performances this season, including Robert Neary’s So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience on November 8, 2025; the Glen Miller Orchestra on November 22, 2025; Chris Botti on December 3, 2025; and A Christmas Carol on December 6, 2025.
Planetarium Associate Director Cara Muscio delivered the Sky Talk portion of Starmix, a public musical event that blends astronomy with a live DJ and VJ performance, synchronizing sound and visual effects across the dome.
We invite the community to join us for a festive lineup of holiday performances throughout December, including the Ballet for Young Audience’s The Nutcracker on December 13, 2025; Cherish the Ladies on December 14, 2025; and Darrah Carr Dance’s Celtic Christmas on December 20, 2025.
On October 21, 2025, the Student Nurse Organization partnered with Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health to host a blood drive. The event resulted in the donation of 32 units of blood. The organization is advised by Linda Simons, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing Skills and Simulation Labs; Mary Susan Gill, MSN, RN, Nursing College Lecturer II; and Tamila Purpuro, PhD, MSN, RN, Nursing College Lecturer II.
OCC’s Interpreter Training Program announced significant representation of the Ocean County College community within the newly installed Board of Directors of the New Jersey Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (NJRID), the state chapter of the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Five of the six Board positions are now held by Ocean County College faculty, alumni, and students. NJRID supports interpreters across New Jersey by promoting high standards of practice and advocating for the communication needs of the Deaf community. Recent graduates of OCC are also assuming leadership roles, chairing three major NJRID committees: Professional Development, Fundraising, and Newsletter. Their involvement ensures that OCC’s graduates will be driving the strategic direction of professional standards, community outreach, and communication for the state’s interpreters.

Professional Development

Dr. Ali Botein-Furrevig, Director of the Center for Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Education, recently attended We Will Dance Again and Uprooting Antisemitism programs at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City.

Grants

In the first 16 days of the Fall term, 26 individual FIPSE grant applications were submitted. To date, transportation and housing were the most frequent requests from students.
There are 97 enrolled students in the FIPSE program for Fall 2025, bringing the total to 227 students to date, surpassing the project’s goal of 150 students assisted.
On September 15, 2025, Dr. Jim Campbell, Director of Student Success and Retention, was hosted at the JFK Medical Center in Edison to present the Missouri Community Action Network Poverty Simulation for Hackensack Meridian Health’s (HMH) Youth Professionals Program. More than 50 members of the HMH community participated, including Dr. Amy Friedman, HMH’s Chief Wellness Officer and President of the Physicians’ Alliance.

Center for Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Education

Dr. Ali Botein-Furrevig, Director of the Center for Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Education, presented lectures including Stars, Stripes, and Spies: Double Lives of Hollywood Legends During the Holocaust (October 16, 2025), Remembering Kristallnacht: The Night of Broken Glass (November 10, 2025), and Last Waltz on the Danube: The Ethnic German Genocide in History and Memory 1944–1948 (December 8, 2025).
Six programs and a film are being developed by Dr. Botein-Furrevig for Spring 2026, including Holocaust Remembrance Week.
A Kristallnacht presentation was offered to the Ocean County Achievement Center’s GED Evening Class on November 12, 2025.

Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant

The Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT) met on October 21, 2025, bringing together healthcare employers, Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant (SCC5) consortium partners (Middlesex College and Atlantic Cape Community College), workforce, nonprofit, and community-based organizations to provide an overview of the $5.7 million SCC5 grant as well as facilitate strategic discussions on workforce needs, training gaps, and collaborative solutions to strengthen the regional healthcare workforce.
Ms. Noelle Staufenberger was welcomed to the SCC5 team in her role as Healthcare Career Coordinator. Since arriving at OCC, Ms. Staufenberger has developed and implemented key student-facing tools, including the SCC5 application form, eligibility questionnaire, and student interest form, strengthening program access and intake processes.
An SCC5 information session was hosted on November 12, 2025, to engage prospective students and provide guidance on available grant-funded workforce training pathways.
An information session was delivered on November 3, 2025, in the Ocean County Achievement Center to 40 OCC students who transitioned from ESL and GED programs on November 3, 2025. The session assisted in expanding outreach to priority populations and strengthening educational and career pathway alignment.

Workforce Education

Ocean County College was represented at the Garden State Employment and Training Association Conference (October 22 and 23, 2025) in Atlantic City, engaging with workforce leaders from New Jersey community colleges, local workforce development boards, and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOLWD). As a result, OCC has initiated conversations with NJDOLWD’s Industry Partnerships team to explore convening a Central New Jersey healthcare industry collaboration spanning Ocean, Middlesex, Mercer, and Monmouth counties.

Ocean County Achievement Center

Staff participated in numerous community outreach events throughout October and November, including tabling at the BEAT Center at JBJ Soul Kitchen (October 3, 2025), the Disability Employment Awareness Job and Resource Fair at OCC (October 7, 2025), the Multilingual Families Community Fair at Toms River High School North (October 16, 2025), the Fall Harvest at Pinelands Regional High School (October 18, 2025), and the Mental Health Awareness “Scare Away Stigma” Trunk or Treat event (October 23, 2025).

Additional engagements included attending OCC’s Agency Day (October 29, 2025), Ocean County College Open House, the New Jersey Reentry Job and Resource Fair at the Toms River Library (October 10, 2025), and the School Guidance Counselor Breakfast at OCC (October 24, 2025). In November, staff tabled at the Ocean County Mall (November 14, 2025) and attended the Lakewood Community Coalition Meeting (November 18, 2025).

Center for Adult Transition

Ocean County College was awarded the County College-Based Centers for Adult Transition grant in the amount of $105,882 through the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education.
Training sessions and workshops will begin in January, with the program shifting to daytime hours to increase participant access to OCC events and campus activities.

Adult Education, Civics, and Workforce Preparation Program (Title II)

Thirty-nine participants registered for Fall diploma preparation classes, with an additional 16 students returning from the summer to resume classes on October 13, 2025. Summer diploma preparation classes concluded, with nine participants making measurable gains, and five individuals earning their high school diplomas in September.
On November 3, 2025, diploma preparation and Adult Basic Education/ESL Transition students attended an SCC5 grant presentation introducing non-degree healthcare programs available after program completion.

Connect and Learn: WorkFirst New Jersey Digital Literacy

OCC representatives attended the Middlesex WorkFirst New Jersey Orientation to promote the program to eligible participants.

Work Readiness Assistance Program (WRAP)

On October 13, 2025, seven participants completed the Leadership Academy and Service Learning Training by volunteering at JBJ Soul Kitchen to learn about its operations and community impact.
On October 20, 2025, nine participants enrolled in the nine-week Exploration of Career Pathways and Entrepreneurship (ECPE) training, which included career exploration visits to the OCC TV Studio, OCC Planetarium, Ocean County Library, and the Ocean County Courthouse.
Participants earned certifications in CPR and Bloodborne Pathogens and attended the Salute to Veterans event on November 11, 2025.

Career Services

The Career Fair and Expo was held on October 2, 2025, with 322 student check-ins and 38 employers representing fields such as Criminal Justice, Healthcare, Non-Profit, Finance, and TV Production.
Seven employer tables were hosted on campus and eight Handshake events were promoted to increase student access to hiring organizations.
Representatives attended the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Networking Event on October 28, 2025.
Eight local job and internship flyers were shared through the OCC Career Services app and 12 employment, scholarship, and informational announcements were posted on Canvas.
Twelve individual student appointments were provided for career counseling and resume reviews, along with nine walk-ins for brief guidance.
Multiple campus outreach activities were attended: Open House tabling on October 8, 2025; Viking Video Club presentation on October 8, 2025; Pre-Nursing Information Sessions on October 14 and 28, 2025; and an Adult Education evening Focus2 presentation on October 15, 2025.

Security

In accordance with New Jersey Public Law 2015, Chapter 220, and College Policy #2332, Reporting of On-Campus and Fire Events, attached is the monthly statistics report of crimes, fires, and other emergencies on campus for the reporting period of November 1, 2025, through December 5, 2025.