Dr. Monaco’s November 6, 2025 Report to the Board of Trustees

Presentations

• At the Conversation with the Trustees on Thursday, October 23, 2025, several concerns were raised by students, one of which pertained to the renovated music practice rooms, the Bosendorfer piano room, and the availability of instruments for student use.  Ms.  Heidi Sheridan, Grunin Center Executive and Artistic Director, will join us at Thursday’s meeting with Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts Jonathan Molinaro; Mr. Brian Gilmore, Fine Arts College Lecturer; and Ms. Karen Gargone, Part-Time Teacher of Fine Arts.  Together, they will share information about the new music practice rooms and the Bosendorfer piano room, and the reasons the spaces were designed as they are.  They will also talk about the availability of musical instruments for student use.  Most importantly, they will discuss their vision and hopes for OCC music department students moving forward.
• Another concern expressed by several students at the Conversation relates to tutoring services.  At Thursday’s meeting,  Ms. Brianna Cardinale, Director of Academic and Tutoring Support Services, will present an overview of how tutoring course coverage is determined based on enrollment data, budget allocation, and alignment with the College’s strategic goals.  The report will include current support provided through the STEM Center, Writing Center, PAL, and SI, highlighting priority coverage of first-year courses with high-enrollment and high-attrition courses.
• 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.

Employee Commendations

The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) conducted its Fiscal Year 2024 financial assessment and risk monitoring as required by P.L. 2023, c. 115.  OSHE engages in fiscal monitoring to evaluate the financial responsibility of higher education institutions, serving as an accountability measure for the State.  This process enables OSHE to assess an institution’s ability to deliver the services outlined in its official publications and statements, properly administer grant programs, and fulfill all financial obligations.

As part of the assessment, OSHE examined Ocean County College across multiple key metrics to establish benchmarks and identify areas of relative financial strength and weakness.  These metrics included audit findings, debt affordability, financial reserves, cash management, debt covenant compliance, investment performance, cost control, enrollment, revenue growth, credit rating, overall financial performance, and tuition reliance.

Based on this evaluation, Ocean County College has been classified as Minimal Risk.  This is a laudable outcome, and Ms. Mary Lancaster, Controller, and the entire Accounting team deserve commendation for their efforts in achieving this result.

Student Commendations, Honors, and Awards

Three second-year students from the OCC Interpreter Training Program, Lindsey Freeman, Alexandra Vitalin, and Madison Kutschmann, recently taught a Basic American Sign Language class at the Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library. Kristen Parkes, a Librarian at the Branch, shared that the program was very well received and that attendees thoroughly enjoyed the lesson. This event is one of many examples of how the Interpreter Training Program continues to promote community engagement and raise awareness of Deaf culture and communication through outreach initiatives. 

Faculty and Staff Publications / Presentations

• Dr. Mark William Westmoreland, College Lecturer II in Philosophy, recently published reviews of Michael Patrick Lynch’s book On Truth in Politics: Why Democracy Demands It and Michael Andrews’ One (Un)Like the Other: Rethinking Ethics, Empathy, and Transcendence. 
• The Novins Planetarium received a generous grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation to help support educational programming for school audiences. 
• Executive and Artistic Director Heidi Sheridan attended the Arts and Health Convening at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJ PAC), joining leaders from across the nation to explore the powerful intersection of creativity and well-being.  Topics included Arts in Public Health, Arts Participation as a Health Behavior, and Arts Prescribing in North America.  
  
  Ms. Sheridan also shared her expertise as a panelist at the Consortium of Eastern Regional Theaters’ Fall Meeting, discussing Developing Meaningful Partnerships on Campus, alongside Grunin Center Assistant Director of Operations and Productions Laura Westmoreland and Assistant Director of Education and Community Engagement Jaclyn Wood, who also participated in the event.
• Assistant Director of Marketing and Sales Jessica Zawerczuk, Coordinator of Marketing and Sales Victoria Buczynski, and Planetarium Associate Director Cara Muscio represented the Grunin Center and Planetarium at Spektrix Hubs in New York City, where they explored new ticketing and marketing strategies and connected with industry peers.
• On October 23, 2025, the Planetarium celebrated Mr. Phil Zollner, honoring his remarkable forty-seven years of service as an on-call presenter.  The team also welcomed two new presenters, Ms. Megha Rajoria and Ms. Rebecca Arleth, to its roster.  
• Planetarium Associate Director Cara Muscio, together with Director Stan Hales and Associate Director of Outreach Nina Sassano from the Barnegat Bay Partnership attended the EduCATE kick-off meeting for education partners in the Building a Climate Ready NJ grant initiative.  
• Mr. Tom Mellott, Planetarium Office Coordinator, represented the Grunin Center at the Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, engaging in discussions on museum collaboration and innovation.

Student Clubs and Activities

• This year’s Constitution Day Commemoration event, coordinated by Mr. Jason Ghibesi, College Lecturer II in Political Science, took place on September 17, 2025.  The event featured a film screening of The Words that Built America, which was originally presented by HBO. The film highlights the language of the United States’ founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights, as read by lawmakers and celebrities.  The film showed how diverse voices united to focus on the importance of the nation’s founding documents. This event helped students appreciate unity despite differences.
• On October 8, 2025, graduating nursing students attended a presentation sponsored by The New Jersey (NJ) Sharing Network.  Mr. Chris Lowicki, Community Services Specialist at NJ Sharing Network discussed the vital role of the registered nurse in the organ and tissue donation process. This presentation is especially pertinent as it correlates to the curriculum covered within the final semester of the Nursing program.
• On October 10, 2025, Mr. Sean Bips, College Lecturer II in Hospitality, Recreation, Tourism, and Management, along with Mr. Tim Landers, Adjunct Professor in Business, toured the Bay Head Yacht Club with seven students from OCC’s Hospitality Program.  The tour consisted of visiting the Club House where members Marc Bouchard, Executive Chef, and Holly Bilotti, General Manager, hosted the group.  During the tour and discussion, the students were taught real-life expectations about the Country Club industry.
• In partnership with the Music Club and the School of Arts and Humanities, on Friday, October 10, 2025, Ukrainian pianist Ms. Liana Paniyeva performed a program featuring the works of Franck, Brahms, and Schumann for the Afternoon Recital Series.  Following the performance, Ms. Paniyeva gave a masterclass in the Bosendorfer room sponsored by OCC’s Music Club.  Featured in the masterclass were OCC alumnus Luke Nokes, current OCC music student Seth Nikolai, and high school student Christina Dakrat.  
• Ms. Karin Gargone, Adjunct in Applied Music, took her organ students to tour the world’s largest pipe organ in Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on October 15, 2025.  Students climbed through the pipe chambers to view close-up some of the organ’s 33,000 pipes.  They also spoke with organ technicians in the maintenance workshop, learning firsthand how a pipe organ operates.  The two-hour tour of the organ was followed by a recital by 26-year-old YouTube organist sensation Paul Fey. 
• On October 14, 2025, Ms. Danielle Jones, Program Director for Career and Academic Programs and Town Council Member in Eatontown, visited College Lecturer Jason Ghibesi’s State and Local Government class to share insights into what a typical day looks like for a town council member.  As a member of the council, Ms. Jones has had to navigate difficult decisions and work collaboratively with other local officials to find practical solutions to a variety of issues impacting her community.  Students had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion, gaining a deeper understanding of the intricacies of serving in an elected position at the local level.
• On October 15, 2025, Dr. Dan Cassino, Executive Director of the Fairleigh Dickinson University Poll (FDU Poll), delivered a well-attended and insightful analysis of recent polling data ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.  Attendees gained valuable perspectives on both the political landscape and the polling process.  The session was facilitated by Mr. Jason Ghibesi, College Lecturer II in Political Science and sponsored by the Governmental Affairs Institute.
• On October 23, 2025, OCC Chemistry faculty and students celebrated Mole Day, honoring Avogadro’s number (6.022 × 10²³) and the mole concept.  Activities included a class competition with Mole Day–themed T-shirts for winners, “corn mole” challenges, a guacamole station to highlight the “mole” theme, a celebration with cupcakes, and Mole Day stickers that students and faculty wore to show their spirit.  Students enjoyed hands-on experiences that sparked scientific curiosity and teamwork across STEM disciplines.
• The Interpreter Training Program’s second-year students went on an overnight trip to Washington, D.C., October 24 to 25, 2025.  Students met with faculty from Gallaudet’s Department of Interpretation and Translation (DOIT) to learn about their Bachelor’s of Interpreting and other degrees.  Students were also treated to a campus tour led by OCC ITP alumni Bonnie Barrett, Melchior Fernandez, Seth Lopez, Abby Steichen, and Nick Forlenza and attended homecoming sessions.
• The OCC Math Club hosted the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges (AMATYC) Student Math League (SML) for Fall 2025 on November 5, 2025.

Student Support Services

• The Counseling Center has been working diligently to provide services to students and the campus community, serving 119 students in the last month.  The CARE Team has responded to 61 reports this month.  The staff continues to offer services through multiple access points in the Counseling Center, virtually, at OCC Manahawkin, and within the Veteran and Military Resources Center.
• On October 16, 2025, the Counseling Center hosted “De-Stress Fest” in the Student Center. Students, faculty, and staff engaged in various wellness practices, including yoga, meditation, creative activities, and engagement with therapy dogs.
• Under the coordination of Associate Director Michelle Connolly, Advising is currently visiting each Student Success class section this Fall, with the following objectives for the class session.   Students will learn how to:
  • Use Student Planning to track degree completion and plan registration for future semesters
  • Understand and use the Academic Plan so students know how many courses and which courses are needed to complete their programs
  • Plan the Spring 2026 course schedule in the registration systemRegister for Spring 2026
  • Start planning for Transfer and ensure that courses taken will transfer
• Ms. Laura Wills, Director of Articulation and Transfer Services, and Ms. Amy Nadybal, Transfer Coordinator, planned and executed another successful Transfer Fair.  Representatives from more than 30 institutions attended to speak with OCC students about admissions, financial aid, housing, scholarships, and transfer of credits.
  
  Ms. Wills and Ms. Nadybal are continuing to host a series of Transfer Workshops and Transfer Group Advising sessions this Fall.  OCC students can also connect with four-year institutions through campus visits, dual advising, and Instant Decision events.
• OCC hosted the Princeton University TTI (Teaching Transfer Initiative) program for a workshop on writing college application and scholarship essays.  The workshop focused on the types of questions and how to use specific life examples to demonstrate personal achievements and growth.
• The Veterans and Military Resources Center (VMRC) staff invites the Board, staff, faculty, and administration to the Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2025, and the basketball game co-hosted with Athletics on November 15, 2025, in honor of our Veterans. More information may be found in Ocean Connect. 
• On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Helping Hands celebrated World Food Day to raise awareness of food insecurity and to advance its mission of being a hunger-free campus. Students, faculty, and staff were treated to hot tomato soup, a fresh baguette, and other tasty treats while learning about how Helping Hands and other community resources can assist them.
• Student Life’s annual FallFest celebration occurred on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.  The campus community came together to celebrate Fall with craft activities, pumpkin painting, tasty treats, and live music.  Also enjoying the festivities were our friends Harry and Cha-chi from Out of Sight Alpacas.
• The Stay Late in 8 program hosted by Student Life is off to a strong start this semester. Students enjoy activities like jewelry-making, painting, karaoke, pumpkin carving, and trivia. This Tuesday night event helps students meet new people, connect on campus, do homework, or relax.
• There were 4,401 total visits to the Student Enrollment Building in September.  The bulk of the visits, 2,486, were for Enrollment Services, with another 792 for Academic Advising. The average wait time was just over 9.5 minutes.
• The Student Success Coaches made 2,030 outgoing calls in September and spent almost 150 hours on the phone, excluding incoming calls.  The HUB team made 4,261 outgoing calls in the same time period and spent nearly 250 hours on the phone.
• The Student Success team visited 41 Student Success course sections in September. These visits consisted of both presentations and resource tours, and 864 students benefited from this work.
• “Coffee on the Coaches” was hosted by the Student Success Team on September 22, 2025. This inaugural event was a casual way for students to drop in with questions or concerns for the coaches; 50 students participated.

Student Outreach

• The Grunin Center brought the sounds of Fall Fest to life on October 22, 2025, showcasing Livin’ It Right on the outdoor stage. 
• The Schools ‘n Stage student matinee series launched on October 15, 2025, with a vibrant performance by Calpulli Mexican Dance Company.  Its Día de Muertos program brought cultural traditions to the forefront for 460 students from 11 Ocean County schools. The performance was made possible through the support of the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the Ocean County College Foundation.
• On October 29, 2025, the Grunin Center welcomed student leaders from across Ocean County for the Ocean County Student Leadership Conference, sponsored by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and the Jewish Federation of Ocean County.  The day featured engaging workshops and an inspiring keynote on generational trauma by Ty “Dancing Wolf” Ellis of the Lenapehoking Reestablishment Project.
• The Grunin Center hosted OCC Foundation’s Blauvelt Speaker and Treecologist, Basil Camu, on October 28, 2025, offering a separate opportunity for conversation, questions, and comments for the students.
• Pre-Nursing Information Workshops were held on September 30 and October 14, 2025.  The workshops were held in person and remotely.  These sessions are offered to students who intend to enter the Nursing Program.  Mr. John Preusse, MM, Nursing Academic Affairs Technician, collaborated with representatives from the Advising Department as well as Registration and Records to provide key information regarding the Nursing program to prospective students.  There were over 75 attendees.
• Ryan Smith, BSN, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager for Heart and Vascular Services at Ocean University Medical Center and a graduate of Ocean County College, met with students who are completing the Nursing program this semester on October 8, 2025.  Mr. Smith discussed his experiences as a male nurse and his journey in nursing from staff nurse to a position in nursing leadership at Hackensack Meridian Health.
• Donna Bonacorso, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President for Patient Care Services, presented information to graduating students on October 8, 2025, regarding the Nurse Residency Program at Community Medical Center.  Ms. Bonacorso discussed the application process as well as the schedule of events included in this year-long program.
• On October 15, 2025, 80 students from the Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) Pre-Nursing Program visited the School of Nursing.  Students were provided with an overview of the Nursing program and an introduction to the simulation labs, where they practiced various skills,  by Linda Simmons, MSN, RN,CEN, CNE, CHSE, Director of the Skills and Simulation Center; John Preusse, MM, Academic Affairs Technician; and Meg Nally, MSN, RN, CHPN.  The visit also included a video that discussed the various areas available in which Registered Nurses can practice.
• On Monday, October 20, 2025, the School of Arts and Humanities celebrated the 70^th anniversary of the publication of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic The Return of the King.  College Lecturers Stephen Downey, Jack Kelnhofer, Robert Marchie, and Mark Westmoreland, and Adjunct Professor Brian Feller conducted public lectures on the topic for students.  Additionally, the Student Success team joined by creating and presenting a “Your Path to Success” model that equates the road to college graduation with the journey the characters take in the novel.  Finally, the Bookstore team created special displays of books and games for students that match the topics addressed in lectures. 

Community Outreach

• The OCC Repertory Theatre Company, under the direction of Mr. Paul Chalakani, College Lecturer II and Performing Arts Program Chair, had another successful sold-out run with its production of Dracula.  The fan favorite had a stellar run of eight performances in the Black Box Theatre.  The show was produced and directed by Mr. Chalakani, and the scenic design and special effects were created by Mr. George Allison,  Professor in Theatre.  The cast included students and community members.   Next up for the Theatre Company is Broadway for the Holidays 5. 
• The Grunin Center’s Spring season performance tickets go on sale to the public on November 20, 2025.  Don’t miss your chance to grab seats for a fantastic lineup of events.
• The Fall season at the Grunin Center continued with performances in October by the new wave band, The Ocean Blue (October 11); Calpulli Mexican Dance Company (October 15); Cécilia from Quebec (October 18); and Jazz from the April May Web Trio (October 19).  Magic Rocks Illusionist Leon Etienne is performing Thursday, November 6, 2025.
• On October 26, 2025, the Grunin Center hosted a performance by Chris Ruggiero and Clint Holmes,  two singers who performed together for the first time, arranged through rental presenter Lightning Entertainment.
• Meanwhile, the Novins Planetarium will open its doors for daytime shows during the teacher’s conference days on November 6 and 7, 2025.  Featured programs include The One Sky Project, which celebrates indigenous astronomy and cultural perspectives from around the world.
• The Counseling Center recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month with an event in collaboration with the OCC Social Work Club, St. Francis Counseling Center, and Providence House Domestic Violence Services.  The event began with a panel discussion providing essential information about domestic violence and available community resources, followed by an interactive workshop led by presenter Ms. Rachel Piazza titled “Empowerment Self-Defense.”  This workshop provided participants with education on healthy relationships as well as both verbal and physical safety techniques for use in difficult or potentially dangerous situations.
• Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst:  The VMRC was featured on September 30, 2025, as part of the Joint Base’s “Hope and Purpose” event to wrap up Suicide Prevention Month. This partnership has led the Army Reserve Command to expand its relationship with OCC, including invitations to future transition and family-focused events.
• The VMRC partnered with the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Services to host two career-focused workshops tailored to veterans’ experiences.  These back-to-back Off-Base Transition Workshops were well attended and have led to planning a second event for November 12, 2025.
• The Early College team worked to create two additional Early College Memoranda of Understanding, which were signed with Monmouth County high schools, Raritan High School, and Ocean Township High School.  In total, six courses have been articulated for the two new partner schools.
• Early College registration is up to date for the academic year.  Inclusive of Fall and early college terms, there are an additional 141 students year over year.  These students are taking 15,299 credits, which is over 1,100 more than Early College students were taking at the same time last year.
• The annual Guidance Counselor breakfast was held on Friday, October 24, 2025. Approximately 40 counselors from three counties participated (Ocean, Monmouth, and Mercer).  Attendees learned about OCC, gained insight into the many college resources available, and enjoyed complimentary breakfast and lunch.
• The Fall Open House was held on October 8, 2025.  Almost 100 incoming students and their families attended, met with faculty and staff, participated in a FAFSA Workshop, and took a campus tour.
• Enrollment Services collaborated with EOF and participated in the Ocean County School Counselors Association college fair on October 7, 2025.  Over 70 students stopped by the OCC table to learn more about post-high school opportunities and Early College classes.
• Enrollment Services recruiters, under the leadership of Assistant Director of Recruitment Haley Abruzzese, were out and about in the community in October.  Events included Pathways presentations at high schools (Barnegat, Pinelands, Toms River East, Lacey, Jackson, Toms River North, Manchester, Central Regional, and Lakewood), tabling events, and a virtual college 101 seminar.
• The second annual Trunk or Treat event was held on October 21, 2025, in Parking Lot 3 at Ocean County College.  Student organizations included Community Ambassadors, the Art Club, the Chess Club, the Education Club, the Literature Club, the Engineering Club, the Social Work Club, and Student Government Associations for both Kean and Ocean. The participating college departments included the VMRC, Accounting, the Library, Academic Affairs, the Success Team, the Counseling Center, Security, OCAC, Study Abroad, and the Science Department.  Approximately 300 trick-or-treaters enjoyed the fabulous displays, candy, and treats.

Professional Development

• The C2M STEM Pedagogy conference at Raritan Valley Community College on Friday, September 29, 2025, was attended by Dr. Aqsa Sheikh, College Lecturer II in Biology; Ms. Mary Ellen Rada, College Lecturer II in Science; and Ms. Pamela Bodgan, College Lecturer II in Engineering.  The conference was packed with enlightening sessions aimed at enriching STEM teaching methods across various subjects, such as Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and Physics.  A key highlight was the keynote speaker’s exploration of student interactions with AI in STEM courses, offering valuable strategies for maintaining academic integrity.
• Dr. Vandana Saini, Dean of the School of STEM, attended and represented OCC at the 2025 Strong Start to Finish Policy Academy Conference in Denver, Colorado, from October 6 to 8, 2025. The conference brought together state teams from New Jersey, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Kansas. The teams, comprised of faculty and administrators, worked on a plan to adopt or refine policy and practice in the areas of placement, learning support, and/or math requirements.  These transformation strategies are typically considered to be under the broad umbrella of developmental education reforms.
• Adjunct of Applied Music Karin Gargone attended the Virtual Organ Pedagogy Conference from October 9 to 11, 2025, which was sponsored by the American Guild of Organists.  The conference explored “Dynamic Pedagogies and Approaches to Practice in Organ Education.”  It also offered the opportunity to network with organ educators from major schools of music across the nation.    
• Dr. Mark William Westmoreland, College Lecturer II in Philosophy, was recently appointed to a two-year position on the Virtual Programming Committee for the American Philosophical Association, which is the preeminent philosophical learned society in North America.  His other position on the Committee for Philosophy at Two-Year Colleges runs through 2026.  
• Advising and Transfer Services is hosting the following training this Fall for all campus advisors and anyone interested in learning more about advising at OCC:
  • Advising Using Student Planning, hosted by Victoria Rod
  • Advising for Pre-Nursing Students, hosted by Michele Connolly
  • From Guidance to Growth: A discussion about how Academic Advising and Academic Coaching work together to benefit students, hosted by Breanna St. Clair, Academic Advisor, and Megan Thompson, Success Coach.

Grants

• On October 1, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the Barnegat Bay Partnership (BBP) a $1.819 million cooperative agreement titled IIJA FY2024–2026 Barnegat Bay Partnership Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) Implementation.
  
  This five-year agreement, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030, supports staffing and multiple environmental projects aligned with the Partnership’s 2021 CCMP priorities:  Water Quality, Water Supply, Living Resources, and Land Use.
  
  Funded initiatives will strengthen stormwater management, promote soil health through the Jersey-Friendly Yards program, enhance habitat connectivity, and expand monitoring of bay conditions.
  
  Projects will also build ecosystem and community resilience by addressing data gaps on submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and identifying opportunities to restore flood-prone aquatic habitats, while leveraging partner resources and match funding.
• Twenty-three new students have joined the Basic Needs Grant program in the first six weeks of Fall 2025.  The total number of program participants is currently 241, surpassing the overall program goals.
• In the last thirty days, three students have received emergency housing assistance through the FIPSE Basic Needs Grant, totaling over $6,000.
• The Missouri CAN Poverty Simulation was held at the Guidance Counselor breakfast on October 24, 2025.  Counselors participated and experienced the physical and emotional barriers faced by those in poverty.

Workforce Education

• Microsoft Excel training for embedded marketing students from both Ocean County College and Kean University has been completed. Offered through the Workplace Literacy and Basic Skills Training Program, the course provided ten students with eight hours of hands-on instruction to strengthen their digital and data literacy skills.
• The 2025 Fiscal Year Grant Writing Workshop funded by the Ocean County Department of Human Services was also completed. This three-day program provided nonprofit organizations serving Ocean County with hands-on instruction in effective grant writing. A total of 47 participants took part in the free training, strengthening local agencies’ capacity to secure funding and expand community impact. We are pleased to share that the contract has been renewed for the 2026 fiscal year, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Ocean County Department of Human Services.

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

• September focused on conducting assessments and intakes for prospective ESL and GED participants preparing to begin classes in October.  A total of 150 participants registered for Fall ESL classes, while 39 registered for diploma preparation courses.
• Twenty ESL transition students began the Great Gatsby Book Club, fostering language development and engagement.  Summer high school diploma preparation classes concluded with nine participants demonstrating measurable gains.  In addition, 5 participants proudly earned their high school diplomas in September.

Connect and Learn: WorkFirst New Jersey Digital Literacy

• In October, staff attended the NJ ReEntry Job Fair at the Ocean County Library, strengthening partnerships with employers and community organizations that support workforce reintegration.
• The team is collaborating with the Ocean County Career Center to establish a system for enrolling WorkFirst New Jersey participants into the program.

Work Readiness Assistance Program (WRAP)

• Four participants completed the Exploration of Career Pathways and Entrepreneurship course, engaging in classwork, field trips, and discussions with industry professionals to explore diverse career options.  These participants will transition into the Title II program to pursue their high school diplomas.

Career Services

• Student-employer engagement was expanded through six on-campus Employer Tables and six Handshake events, creating more virtual and in-person connection opportunities.
• Thirty-three local job and internship announcements were shared through the OCC Career Services App, and three new positions, one internship and two full-time, were added to the Career Services Canvas Shell for student access.
• The team conducted eight individual appointments for career counseling and résumé reviews, facilitated seven student walk-ins for one-on-one guidance, and delivered four Resume Mini Workshops to strengthen job readiness.
• Campus outreach continued, including participation at tabling events at the Larson Student Center and Manahawkin Campus, as well as Student Success tours, engaging with 402 students regarding Career Services resources and opportunities.

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 October 4 to October 31, 2025.