• Remote Campus Operations on January 27, 2026


    Due to weather conditions, the Ocean County College campus and Ocean County College Manahawkin will be closed on January 27, 2026. Services will be provided remotely. Most classes will meet remotely.  Additional Details
    How to Use Webex for Remote Learning

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Student Support Services

Our Mission

The mission of Student Support Services at Ocean County College is to assist and encourage first-generation college students, income-eligible college students, and/or college students with disabilities through the completion of a credential. We operate in a holistic, inclusive, and collaborative environment while delivering services that will immerse students in a challenging and engaging student experience. SSS emboldens students to be self-driven; to discover their own barriers, seek out solutions, and develop a positive mindset in their journey toward success.

How to Apply

Submit a Completed Prescreen Application!

Applications are available via this website, email, or in person. Spots are limited!

Apply Now!
Eligibility Requirements
Free Program Advantages
Academic Coaching
Academic Advising

Eligibility Requirements

Do you meet any of these eligibility requirements?

  • You are a first generation student*
  • You meet federal income guidelines, found on the U.S. Department of Education website
  • You are a student with a disability
  • You have an academic need (placed into developmental math and/or English, GPA less than 2.5, struggling to pass courses, recommended to SSS by a faculty or staff members, high rate of F & W grades)
  • “You are a citizen or national of the United States or meet the residency requirements for Federal student financial assistance”

* First Generation: parents/guardians did not complete a bachelor’s degree or whose primary custodial parent/guardian did not complete a bachelor’s degree.

Free Program Advantages

Free Program Advantages:

  • One-On-One Professional Tutoring
  • Academic Planning & Advising—for transfer to a 4-year institution and/or career
  • Academic Coaching—keeping you motivated to reach your goals
  • Financial Literacy Education—to help you make smart, financial decisions
  • Social Engagement & Leadership Development—attend trips and conferences to discover your purpose and build your network

Academic Coaching

Academic Coaching:

All SSS Scholars should have a preliminary meeting with the SSS Academic Coach (Barbara McCormack) to take/review LASSI and to determine their need for academic coaching/set appointments for the semester.

Academic Advising

Academic Advising:

  • All SSS Scholars MUST meet with their SSS Academic Advisor (Briana Cerbone) before registering for classes.
    • You must also contact Briana BEFORE making any changes to your class schedule (drop/add/withdrawal)
  • Advising for the 2025FA semester is anticipated to begin end of March or early April.
  • SSS Priority Registration for 2025SP is scheduled to begin mid-April.
    • Watch your text messages & emails for more info. Please schedule your appts with Briana early as her calendar will fill quickly!
sss word cloud

TRIO Events – Spring 2026

Be sure to check back soon for all of the exciting upcoming TRIO events. New workshops, information sessions, and opportunities to connect will be added for the spring 2026 semester, and we don’t want you to miss what’s coming next!

All Activities noted with (*) fulfill a requirement of the Student Support Services program.

  • Sign-ups for all events are located in SSS Main Office – please see Kate Moreno
    Location: ADMN Building (#1) Room 112
  • SSS Email: studentsupportservices@ocean.edu
  • SSS Phone: 732-255-0539
  • SSS Text: 833-501-3100 – You must opt in to send and receive text messages
  • Trip, Workshops, and Event flyers are posted on the bulletin board in the SSS Community Space

TRIO Activities & Workshops – Spring 2026-Coming Soon

We’re excited to kick off Spring 2026 with a new lineup of TRIO activities and workshops designed to support your success, build community, and make the most of the semester ahead.

Campus Calendar Events
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Financial Literacy Event*

(All SSS Students must attend one Financial Literacy event prior to graduation) *

Game of Life – An interactive “game” to help you learn the importance of making smart financial decisions.

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TRIO Grant Aid – By invitation only

Students must be eligible for AND receive a federal PELL grant to be eligible. You will receive a text/email inviting you to attend a session. Learn how you may be eligible and can apply for this grant award. (*Final award will be based in YOUR federal PELL award*) Other dates may be added at Director discretion

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      Get Connected

      All SSS Students must attend one Get Connected Event prior to graduation!

      • LOCATION: All are held in the TRIO Workshop & Community Space unless specifically noted with the event.
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      Financial Aid (FAFSA)
      25/26 FAFSA – INDIVIDUAL APPT ONLY-w/HelenWill need 2023 tax info for self & parent(s), if filed
      26/27 FAFSA – Anticipated to open Will need 2024 tax info for self & parent(s), if filed
      OPEN FAFSA Workshops (with reps from the Financial Aid Office) Call for assistance.

      		Registration is preferred!
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      Career Workshops

      Get the basics on how to write a resume so you stand out & learn about common interview questions, what your body language says about you & dress for success!
      Location: TRIO Scholars Workshop & Community Space

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      Transfer Workshop Information

      Transfer Workshop

      Be sure to understand the importance of the associate’s degree when transferring to complete your bachelor’s. Reach out to Briana Cerbone to discuss transfer options.

      • Email:  bcerbone@ocean.edu             Phone : 732-255-0400 x 2352
        Office: ADMN Bldg. (#1)  Room 117
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      Ted Talks Tuesdays

      TED Talk Tuesdays: 12:00 pm – 12:30pm
      LOCATION: TRIO Scholars Workshop & Community Space         

      DateTopic
      New Topics coming soon
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      Theatrical Thursdays

      Theatrical Thursdays –  8:30AM – 4:30PM – Stop in for a bit or stay for a movie! 
      Don’t forget to sign in on the board under “Now Showing”
      LOCATION: TRIO Workshop & Community Space

      Date / Movie

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      Scholarship Information

      Check out OCC’s Scholarship Foundation page for information about available scholarships.

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      Thoughtful Thursdays – De-stress with TRIO SSS

      Meditation and breathing exercises to calm your body and mind – check back for the spring dates!

        LOCATION: TBD

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          Trips & College Visits

          Cultural / Educational Trips

          Watch the bulletin board for updated trip info!

          Other exciting opportunities pop up from time to time – watch text and email messages too!

          Student Life Trips: Student Life Trip Offerings (watch texts and emails for future announcements!)

          • TRIO Scholars and guests can go
          • TRIO will pay for the scholar – guests must register with Student Life and cover the costs of their ticket
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            College Visits

            Watch the bulletin board for updated trip info!

            • Stockton University – Date and Time TBA – pending confirmation
            • Potential 3rd visit – more info TBD – pending confirmation
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            A Look Ahead – Spring Semester 2026
            • Monthly Workshop Offerings
            • Cultural, Educational, & Social Events and Activities
            • College Visits – (Dates TBD)
            • Kean-Ocean – Date and Time TBA – pending confirmation
            • Rowan University – Date and Time TBA – pending confirmation
            • Exciting Cultural / Educational Trips – Including an Overnight trip!! More Info to come.
            • TRIO Networking Luncheon – Graduation TRIO Scholars

            Watch the bulletin board for updated trip info!

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            Important Information

            TRIO-GRANT AID

            TRIO-GRANT AID Applications: Will be due to the SSS Office no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, December 12, 2025 – No exceptions will be made!

            You may email a scanned application or legible pictures of each page to studentsupportservices@ocean.edu – it MUST be timestamped no later than 4:00 PM on 12/12/2025

            Please ensure the application is completed in full and is legible PRIOR to submission. We must be able to read you application.

            All requirements must be satisfied to be eligible:

            • Regular Academic Advising/Grad Review appts DO NOT count towards your 5 required activities
            • Please speak with Alison if there is a documented extenuating circumstance that would prevent you from completing a required activity. We CANNOT offer any potential accommodations unless you communicate PRIOR to application submission
            • TRIO staff will not verify information on application prior to its submission
            • It is YOUR responsibility to ensure accuracy and thoroughness. Make sure you get staff signatures/initials if they are needed to verify your attendance at an event.
            • If you are unsure if an event can be used to satisfy a requirement, just ask!! Attendance verification will need to be attached.

            Academic Coaching:

            • All TRIO Scholars should have a preliminary meeting with the SSS Academic Coach (Barbara McCormack) to take/review LASSI and to determine their need to academic coaching/set appointments for the semester.
            • You will need to take the LASSI assessment online or with Barbara if you did not at your TRIO orientation session

            Academic Advising:

            • All TRIO Scholars MUST meet with their TRIO Academic Advisor (Briana Cerbone) BEFORE registering for classes.
            • You MUST also contact & meet with Briana BEFORE making any changes to your class schedule (drop/add/withdrawal)
            • Advising for the 2026SP semester will begin October 23, 2025 – don’t wait to schedule your advising appointment! Briana’s calendar will fill quickly!!
            • TRIO Priority Registration for 2026SP will begin on October 23, 2025.
            • Watch your text messages & emails for specific information. Please schedule your appointments with Briana early!!

            Student Support Services Club

            The Student Support Service Club, open to all OCC students, is tailored specifically for participants in the SSS Program. The purpose of the club is to emphasize the attainment of leadership skills, attain a sense of community and connectedness, as well as provide opportunities for community involvement and outreach.

            For more information:

            The Student Support Services office is located in:
            The Administration Building #1

            Our office hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
            Evening & late hours by appointment only.

            Program staff can be reached by:
            Direct Phone: 732-255-0539
            Email: studentsupportservices@ocean.edu

            Students standing in front of brown fence at the Zoo
            SSS Trio trip to DC
            SSS Trio Student trip to NY to see Aladdin
            group of students

            SSS Office Staff

            Alison Noone
            Student Support Services Director
            732-255-0400 ext. 2138
            anoone@ocean.edu
            ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 116

            Helen Konz
            Student Support Services Coordinator
            732-255-0400 x2373
            hkonz@ocean.edu
            ADMN Bldg. (#1)  Room 118

            Kate Moreno
            Student Support Services Technician
            732-255-0400 x7027
            kmoreno@ocean.edu
            ADMN Bldg. (#1)  Room 112

            Briana Cerbone
            Student Support Services Specialist
            732-255-0400 x 2352
            bcerbone@ocean.edu
            ADMN Bldg. (#1)  Room 117

            Barbara McCormack
            Student Support Services Academic Coach
            732-255-0400 x2228
            bmccormack@ocean.edu
            ADMN Bldg. (#1)  Room 121