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.
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 or Kate) 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!
Financial Literacy Series
Join TRIO this spring for a series of Financial Literacy workshops! All workshops are designed to provide practical tools to strengthen money skills and manage finances with confidence. All sessions will take place at 11:30 a.m. in Gateway (Building 101, Room 104).
Upcoming Events:
- April 22: “Adulting” – What does my financial life look like after OCC?
Questions? Please email Alison Noone at anoone@ocean.edu.
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
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.
(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.
LOCATION: GATE 104 (Gateway Building Lecture Hall) TIME: Begins at 11:30 AM
April 22, 2026 – “Adulting” – What does my financial life look like after OCC?
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
- Grant Aid Applications Due on Friday, April 24, 2026 by 4:00 PM – No late applications will be accepted except in extreme cases approved solely at the discretion of TRIO Director
- Remote: https://ocean.webex.com/meet/anoone
Questions: contact: anoone@ocean.edu
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.
- Earth Day Celebration – Planting with Barb – Thursday, April 23, 2026- 10:00-12:30
| 25/26 FAFSA – INDIVIDUAL APPT ONLY-w/Helen | Will need 2023 tax info for self & parent(s), (If filed) |
| 26/27 FAFSA – INDIVIDUAL APPT ONLY- w/Helen | Will need 2024 tax info for self & parent(s), (If filed) |
| OPEN FAFSA Workshops With reps from the Financial Aid Office: Dates: April: 15, 23, 29 May: 5, 13, 19, 27 June: 4, 10, 16, 24 | Time: 5:00-7:00 PM in Building #10 LAST ENTRY IS 6:30 PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-pathways-to-education-now-open-tickets-837485771487 (Space is limited – You MUST register) |
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
Check back for upcoming dates: Questions, contact:
SSS Email: studentsupportservices@ocean.edu
SSS Phone: 732-255-0539
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
TED Talk Tuesdays: 12:00 pm – 12:30pm
LOCATION: TRIO Scholars Workshop & Community Space
| Date | Topic |
| 4/21/2026 | Six Behaviors to Increase Your Confidence – Emily Jaenson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IitIl2C3Iy8 |
Theatrical Thursdays – 8:30AM – 4:30PM – Stop in for a bit or stay for a movie!
Don’t forget to sign in on the attendance sheet hanging on the cabinet!
LOCATION: TRIO Workshop & Community Space
4/16 – It’s Just a Dinosaur
4/23 – It’s Earth Day Baby
4/30 – You Can’t Handle the Truth
Will return Fall 2026!
Learn how and where to look for scholarships and then learn the steps to write a good essay!
- Check out OCC’s Scholarship Foundation page for information about available scholarships.
Meditation and breathing exercises to calm your body and mind – check back for the spring dates!
- Check back for upcoming dates – Questions: call 732-255-0539
Trips & College Visits
Student Life Trips: Student Life Trip Offerings – Browse upcoming events!
- 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
- Other exciting opportunities pop up from time to time – watch text and email messages too!
Watch the bulletin board for updated trip info!
- Kean-Ocean – Friday, AWAITING DATE – 11:00 AM arrival
- Stockton University – Friday, April 10, 2026 – 10:30 arrival
- Georgian Court University – Friday, May 1, 2026 – 10:30 arrival
- Monthly Workshop Offerings
- Cultural, Educational, & Social Events and Activities
- College Visits – (Dates and campus TBD)
- Exciting Cultural/Educational Trips
Watch the bulletin board for updated trip info!
Important Information
TRIO-GRANT AID
TRIO – GRANT AID Applications:
- Will be due to the SSS Office no later than 4:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026 – 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 4/24/2026
- 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.
- All requirements must be satisfied to be eligible
- 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 or Kate) to take/review LASSI and to determine their need for academic coaching/set appointments for the semester.
Academic Advising:
- All TRIO Scholars MUST meet with their TRIO Academic Advisor (Helen Konz or Alison Noone [while Briana is out on maternity leave]) BEFORE registering for classes.
- You MUST also contact & meet with Alison or Helen BEFORE making any changes to your class schedule (drop/add/withdrawal)
- Advising for the 2026FA semester will begin on April 1, 2026 – don’t wait to schedule your advising appointment! Helen’s and Alison’s calendars will fill quickly!
- TRIO Priority Registration for 2026FA is anticipated to begin on April 1, 2026.
- Watch your text messages & emails for specific information. Please schedule your appointments with Alison or Helen early to secure your classes!!
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
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