Dr. Monaco’s September 4, 2025 Report to the Board of Trustees

Fall 2025 Colloquium

The Fall 2025 Colloquium was held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, when all employees enjoyed a full day of activities to welcome the new semester.  A copy of the day’s events is attached for your review.  The six sessions/workshops were well received by all who attended.

Also attached is my State-of-the-College Address delivered to the College community at 2 p.m.  It highlights many of the important activities that occurred over the summer and provides updates on projects underway.  More importantly, I shared the difficulties we are facing as a result of declining enrollment, increasing expenses, and decreasing revenue, while also noting the need to make difficult decisions in response to these challenges.

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) has awarded Ocean County College with the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Bronze rating. STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. STARS is administered by AASHE with support and ongoing engagement from a wide variety of higher education stakeholders. The framework was developed to engage and recognize the full spectrum of colleges and universities, from community colleges to research universities, and from institutions just starting sustainability initiatives to long-time campus sustainability leaders.

Congratulations to all who contributed to this college-wide effort, including, but not limited to, Mr. James Calamia, Assistant Vice President of Facilities; Mr. Lincoln Simmons, College Lecturer II, Biology; Mr. Stan Hales, Director, Barnegat Bay Partnership; Ms. Heidi Sheridan, Executive and Artistic Director, Grunin Center; Dr. Aqsa Sheikh, College Lecturer II, Biology; Ms. Melanie Parker, Director of Facilities Support Services; Dr. Angel Camilo, College Lecturer II, Biology; and Ms. Theo Ponticello, Student Life Coordinator.

Finance and Administration

Premiums in the NJ State Health Benefits plan for Educators are increasing an average of 35% effective January 1, 2026.  While there are other choices, the majority of OCC employees are in the following plans:

NJ Direct 10	Current Premium	Premium 1/1/2026
S – SINGLE	19,011	26,091
M – MEMBER & SPOUSE	38,022	52,183
F – FAMILY	54,371	74,621
NJ Educators Health Plan	Current Premium	Premium 1/1/2026
S – SINGLE	13,756	17,974
M – MEMBER & SPOUSE	27,513	35,948
F – FAMILY	39,343	51,405

The increased premiums were announced after the College’s FY26 budget had already been finalized, resulting in an anticipated shortfall of approximately $900,000 for the second half of the fiscal year.  In addition, we are facing higher than budgeted utility costs and lower-than-expected enrollment, which further impact our financial outlook. As a result, we must revise the FY26 budget to account for these increased expenses.

To help rebalance the budget, we will be implementing several cost-saving measures:

• Freezing vacant positions across departments.
• Replacing select full-time roles with part-time positions, where operationally feasible.
• Reducing expenses in other areas of operations, which may result in reduced services to the campus and to students.

Even with these reductions, we will need to utilize fund balance to fully offset the budget gap.  We understand that these adjustments may raise concerns, and all changes will be discussed with trustees prior to implementation. 

Hispanic Heritage Month

Ocean County College is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 this year to honor the history, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.  A Flag-Raising Ceremony is scheduled September 15, 2025, sponsored by the OCC Cultural Heritage Committee and Student Life.  Raising the flag symbolizes OCC’s commitment to and recognition of the many cultures in our world.  A list of the many events throughout the month is attached.  All are invited to participate.

It is respectfully requested that the Board of Trustees adopt a resolution proclaiming September 15 to October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month at Ocean County College to reaffirm the Board’s support for the advancement of Hispanic and Latino people and to encourage all members of the College community to participate in the activities scheduled to celebrate our Hispanic and Latino colleagues, students, and friends.

Faculty and Staff Presentations and Publications

• Dr. Madison Peschock, College Lecturer II in English, recently completed writing an encyclopedia article on Truman Capote and In Cold Blood through Gale Publishing. It is called “In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote,”  Children’s Literature Review. The article will be published by Farmington Hills/Gale Press in 2026. 
• Ms. Pamela Bogdan, College Lecturer II in Engineering, will be presenting on the topic of “Experiential Learning – Regain Student Mindshare” at the C2 Summit for Pedagogical Advancements in STEM on September 26, 2025. This interactive session will discuss a holistic approach to provide STEM students with experiential learning opportunities that enhance student focus, active participation, and ultimately success. Although presented in the context of Engineering and Industrial/Technical Studies, this can be implemented for any STEM discipline. Participants in this session are encouraged to share their methods that address the unique needs and challenges of community college students in STEM.

Professional Development

• In collaboration with the Committee for Access and Belonging (CAB), four members of the Counseling Center staff participated in a professional development opportunity on Restorative Justice. This training focused on listening circle practices, providing necessary knowledge and skills for the Counseling Center to support the Committee’s efforts in implementing such practices on campus.
• Disability Services co-presented Introduction to Creating ADA Compliant Documents with Microsoft Tools with Mr. Neil Mastroianni, Associate Director of Educational Technology, on August 21, 2025, which was held in the Library. The training provided participants with strategies to ensure Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents meet ADA compliance standards.
• Orientation for new Nursing Clinical Instructors was held on August 12, 2025. Two new Clinical Instructors join the School of Nursing this Fall. 
• Lisa Schlesinger, MSN, RN, was recently promoted to the position of Nursing College Lecturer II. Ms. Schlesinger has held various positions within the School of Nursing, including Clinical Instructor and, most recently, Nursing Skills Lab Coordinator. She received her AAS in Nursing from Ocean County College, a BSN, and an MSN from Thomas Edison State College. Ms. Schlesinger brings over 30 years of experience as an RN, in various positions within Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, including staff nurse, Assistant Director, and Administrative Director overseeing Women’s and Children’s Services, the Neuroscience Inpatient Unit, and Medical-Telemetry Units.

Student Support Services and Activities

• Registration and Records is pleased to announce that OCC’s I-17 recertification petition was approved to allow continued issuance of forms I-20 under section 101(a)(15)(f)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for nonimmigrant students seeking F1 visa status.  The following are approved programs: Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate in Science (AS), and Post-Secondary Certificates.
• The Enrollment Services team helped students during 2,179 visits in the month of July. With 1,146 transactional visits, 412 visits were for current student advising and 173 students for new student advising. During this busy time of the year, the average student waited about nine minutes for assistance.
• The Success Team made 4,179 calls during the month of July. Their focus was to re-engage with stop-out students, as well as to assist students with a GPA below 2.0. The HUB team made 4,699 calls focusing on students that applied but never registered, new applicants, and registered students who needed to make payment arrangements. The teams, combined, spent almost 600 hours on the phone working with potential and current students to assist in the on-boarding to Ocean County College.
• Three additional Summer Express Enrollment Days were held July 29, August 7, and August 21, 2025. New students were able to speak with Academic Advising, receive a tour of the campus, and register for their Fall classes all in one visit.
• Early College representatives Tracey Taylor and Elaine Schardien, as well as Ms. Haley Abruzzese, Assistant Director of Recruitment, presented at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy freshman orientation on August 20, 2025.  There will be 71 new incoming students (65 freshmen and 6 sophomores) who will have the opportunity to earn college credits while attending high school as part of the partnership between OCC and OCVTS.
• Tracey Taylor and Haley Abruzzese visited Ambassador Christian Academy (ACA), one of the college’s newest high school partners on Friday, August 22, 2025, to assist students with the registration process for Early College.
• On August 4,  2025, the Early College team welcomed 30 students to campus for the 9^th Lacey Township High School college academy cohort. The students were introduced to the campus, learned about resources, completed a tour, and received student IDs. They also were treated to a culinary demonstration by Mr. Sean Bipps, College Lecturer II in Business.
• Enrollment Services staff members have been attending all Summer orientation sessions in collaboration with Student Life, both for new students and parents. FIPSE grant staff provided hygiene bags and school supplies to new students, as needed. The Student Success Team hosted parent presentations on what to expect when their children enter college.
• The Office of Disability Services staff hosted an information table during New Student Orientation on August 6, 12, and 21, 2025, where they provided resource materials and engaged with students interested in applying for accommodations.
• On August 26, 2025, in collaboration with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), Disability Services hosted a campus wellness event, offering students access to additional community resources.At the Student Club Leader Kick-Off Meeting on August 26, 2025, the Office of Disability Services staff delivered a presentation on digital accessibility to reinforce best practices in student organization communications.
• The Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) has continued its efforts in advancing recruitment, enrollment, and student success. The staff has placed 163 recruitment calls to new OCC applicants and held 16 one-on-one meetings to assist with course registration and provide Center tours.
• VMRC staff has conducted 23 Success Calls to currently enrolled Summer students, offering proactive support and connecting them to resources. The Center received 57 in-person student visits and delivered 117 individualized services, including advising, referrals, benefit navigation, and resource connections.
• The following is a VMRC Enrollment Snapshot by Fiscal Year. Data provided by Institutional Research:
  • FY2023: 310 students
  • FY2024: 341 students (↑ 10.0% Year over Year)
  • FY2025: 349 students (↑ 2.3% Year over Year; 12.6% growth since FY2023)
• The Counseling Center welcomes Ms. Richelle Corbo to the team as the new Director.  The Center has been working diligently to provide services to students and the campus community, serving 42 unique students in the last month.
• The CARE Team responded to 29 reports in the month of August.   
• Counseling Center staff offered two opportunities for training and professional development this month. Ms. Kelly Petrolis, Prevention Education Coordinator, and Ms. Darra Stack, Counseling Specialist, facilitated Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) training to students in the WRAP Program. This training was adapted specifically for this population, addressing the needs and learning styles of four students participating in the program.
• On July 23, 2025, Ms. Anais Mompoint, College Lecturer II in Social Work and program chair, along with three students of the Social Work Club, completed the Missouri Community Action Network Poverty Simulator training through the FIPSE Basic Needs Grant. As simulator trainees, they will help facilitate the simulation as part of the campus-wide initiative to support a fully immersive experience, placing participants into the life of a real person who experienced basic needs insecurity, such as homelessness.
• With help from Student Life, the Library, Facilities Management, Mr. Edmond Hong, College Lecturer II in Computer Science, and Dr. Angel Camilo, College Lecturer II in Biology, the OCC Makerspace has been successfully relocated to OCC Library Room 101A, where it is more accessible and visible to students and faculty. The Makerspace is expected to be fully functional before the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester.
• Attached is the Ocean County College Vikings Year in Review Newsletter, from the Department of Athletics.  This issue highlights key accomplishments, milestones, and exciting moments from the past year, showcasing the dedication of our student athletes, coaches, and staff, both in competition and in the classroom, and reflects the continued growth and impact of OCC’s athletics program.

Student Honors and Awards

Recent Interpreter Training Program graduate, Nicholas Forlenza, has been accepted into Gallaudet University’s Bachelor of Interpreting program.  This is an exceptional honor, as Gallaudet admits only about 5% of hearing students into its student body. In addition to this achievement, Nicholas recently had the unique opportunity to interpret for the Ghostbusters Tour in New York City, where he rode in the Ecto-1 replica and visited several iconic filming locations. He also reached another professional milestone by interpreting his first theatre performance. 

Outreach to Students

Orientation for 99 new Nursing students was held on campus on August 13, 2025. During the session, students were introduced to the faculty, policies, and procedures of the program, electronic textbooks, as well as strategies to enhance learning.

Community Outreach

• The VMRC hosted an outreach table at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Military Appreciation Night on July 24, 2025, connecting with community members and prospective students.
• The VMRC participated in Toms River PRIDE on August 16, 2025, raising awareness of OCC’s veteran and military student resources.
• Ms. Kelly Petrolis coordinated an on-campus training and networking session for Counseling Center staff and members of the CARE Team on July 23, 2025, with two community partners: St. Francis Counseling Services and Providence House Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities. These two organizations provide valuable resources in our community, and this informational session served to increase staff knowledge to further support OCC students.
• Enrollment on Wheels, OCC’s newest Recruitment campaign, was seen throughout the county in the month of August. The Recruitment Team took the branded OCC van out to various high-traffic locations, including the Ocean County Mall parking lot, Windward Beach in Brick, and the Ocean County Library in Lakewood. Potential students were able to apply and register on the spot and meet with college representatives. Over 70 leads were generated through this new and innovative strategy.
• Enrollment Services Advisor Lauren Simon and Multilingual Language Navigator Carolina Newman tabled at the Windward Beach Kids Night Out event on August 5, 2025. The team met with children and teenagers of all ages and were able to make an early impression on future Vikings and their families.
• Enrollment Services Advisor for Partnerships and Outreach Calleigh Kearns attended A Night Out Against Crime, an event held on August 12, 2025, sponsored by the Lakewood Police Department.
  Ms. Kearns met various potential students within the community to provide information about upcoming classes and opportunities.
• Planetarium staff tabled at the Blue Claws Space Day game on July 26, 2025.
• The Planetarium hosted 26 camp groups for 26 shows in August.
• Moment to Moment Creative Collaborative, a local acting studio, rented the OCC Black Box on Monday, August 11, 2025, to present its Summer Intensive Final Showcase.
• The Grunin Center has been selected by Mid Atlantic Arts to take part in the Arts and Culture Accessibility Self-Assessment, a project of Open Door Arts. The team is currently working on this survey, which evaluates accessibility across spaces, services, communications, and programming. The results will guide the creation of a customized plan to ensure that individuals with disabilities can enjoy authentic, equitable, and meaningful experiences at OCC’s theater.
• On August 7, 2025, DJ Willy Wow performed as part of the CAMP (Community Arts and Music Programs) series, funded by the Wintrode Family Foundation. Over 350 members of the community attended, including campers from the Ocean County YMCA, Lacey Township Extended School Year program, as well as the Brick PAL, Prime Time Center, Community Options, and local families. Attendees enjoyed two fun and high-energy musical performances.

Grants

• Through an additional grant from the NJCCC under the Community College Opportunity Grant, 18 Nursing I students were awarded funding to assist and support with non-tuition financial needs. Students were given uniform credit, books, stethoscopes, clinical supplies, and money for gas for off-campus clinical training.
• The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection awarded a three-year Trees for Schools grant to enhance tree equity by planting shade trees, creating inviting outdoor spaces near academic buildings for student recreation and study. The new trees will improve air quality by filtering pollution and increasing stormwater capture thanks to their deeper root systems. Native species will also support local biodiversity by providing habitat and food for insects and migratory birds.
• Student Support Services (SSS), a TRIO program designed to help eligible students earn their associate degrees, has been re-funded over $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Education for another five-year grant cycle.  SSS supports students with disabilities in addition to first generation and low-income students to improve student success.
• Ocean County College, in partnership with OceanFirst, is launching the Helping Hands WaveMaker Project to support food-insecure students through OCC’s Helping Hands Food Pantry and expand volunteer engagement across campus. Taking place on September 25, 2025, the event will bring together approximately 100 volunteers from OceanFirst and OCC staff in a powerful day of service and student impact.

Volunteers will use the project’s awarded funding of $2,500 entirely to shop at a local market for groceries that will be unpacked and organized in the pantry, directly benefiting students as they begin the Fall semester.  The need is urgent:  in 2024, 63% of surveyed OCC students reported eating less due to lack of money for food, and 61% feared running out of food entirely. With over 2,000 student visits annually, the pantry is a vital support system for OCC students.

In addition to supporting the pantry, volunteers will participate in a wide range of service and student-support activities, including:

• Athletic Support – Assist OCC’s men’s soccer team at its home game against Cumberland County College.
• Creative Kindness – Design and decorate cards of encouragement for local seniors and veterans.
• Student Empowerment – Take part in Operation THRIVE, OCC’s trauma-informed training program, and engage directly with students to foster empathy and understanding.
• Career Readiness – Conduct mock interviews with OCC students as part of a “Career Week” initiative, providing real-world professional development and confidence-building experiences.

Workforce Education

• As part of the Workplace Literacy and Basic Skills Training Program, Workforce Education recently partnered with The ARC of Ocean County to deliver a customized Coaching and Mentoring Supervisor Training program. Over 30 participants took part across four sections, supporting the professional growth of its supervisory team.
• Workforce Education has recently launched the Workplace Literacy and Basic Skills Training Program for FY26, a collaboration between the New Jersey Consortium of Community Colleges and the New Jersey Business and Industry Association to upskill incumbent workers. Since July 1, 2025. over 350 new participants have enrolled in courses that integrate English language learning with financial literacy, computer literacy, professionalism, and other workforce-focused topics. This free program is fully subsidized through the unemployment insurance tax, ensuring broad access and impact to eligible participants.

Adult Transition Center (ACT)

The ACT Program was granted an extension through August 15, 2025.  The additional time allowed the participant to work with instructors to develop work readiness skills and given exposure to career opportunities that match her skill set for the workforce.  The participant also worked on an OCC application and essay about her goals to attend college, with assistance from the Library and Writing Center staff.

Work Readiness Assistance Program (WRAP)

• Seven participants completed the Leadership Academy with a community service project where they created “kindness rocks” with words or phrases to brighten up someone’s day.  They also earned their Teen Mental Health First Aid Certification.
• Five participants started Exploration of Career Pathways and Entrepreneurship (ECPE).
• Early Childhood Professional Education (ECPE) fieldtrips participants attended:
  • Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, where they toured America’s most decorated Navy battleship, which holds exhibits of artifacts from World War II to Korea and Vietnam, and remained in active duty during the 1980s.
  • Prior to a visit to the Six Flags Great Adventure theme park, Ms. Pamela Bogdan delivered a pre-trip lesson on rollercoasters and physics, with support from the Engineering Club. During the Great Adventure visit, participants used an app to measure speed and acceleration while riding the rollercoasters.

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 July 19, 2025, to August 28, 2025.