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Student Support Services (SSS)

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!

Student Support ServicesDo 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:

  • 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:

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:

  • 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 summer semesters is currently underway
  • Advising for the 2024FA semester is anticipated to begin end of March or early April.
  • SSS Priority Registration for 2024SP 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!

TRiO Student Support Services

Calendar of Events & Activities – Spring 2024

Unless otherwise noted, Ocean County College Student Support Services (SSS) events and activities are only open to SSS participants.
All Activities noted with (*) fulfill a requirement of the Student Support Services program.

Sign-ups for all events are located in the SSS Main Office (R113) – please see Kate Moreno, kmoreno@ocean.edu

(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.

  • DATE & TIME PENDING
  • Only 1 in-person event will be held this semester.
  • We do offer a remote online option that must be completed by passing a quiz with 80% or better. Please contact SSS Office if you need the link

Supplemental Tuition Aid*By invitation only* – You will receive a text/email to attend a session. Learn how you may be eligible and can apply for approximately $800.00* in tuition aid. (*Final award will be based in YOUR federal PELL award*)

For more information, contact our office:
Direct Phone: 732-255-0539
Email: studentsupportservices@ocean.edu

* (All SSS Students must attend one Get Connected Event prior to graduation) – All are held in the SSS Community Room.

  • HOLI (Festival of Colors) – Around the World Cultural Exploration – India – Thursday, March 14, 2024 – 11 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Tulip Festival – Around the World Cultural Exploration – Holland – Tuesday, April 9, 2024–12:00 – 1:00 PM

Financial Aid Workshops: SSS Workshop Room – R127 – With SSS Staff (Helen)

23/24 FAFSA Renewal – Will need 2021 tax info for self & parent(s)

  • Thursday, March 28, 2024 – 2:30 PM

24/25 FAFSA Renewal – Will need 2022 tax info for self & parent(s)

  • Due to new format & rules – Will be held by INDIVIDUAL APPT ONLY – Appts. will be with Helen

*All NEW FAFSA applications (if you’ve never had aid before) will be done by individual appt only*

OPEN Workshop (with reps from the Financial Aid Office) – you MUST register to attend, sign up here!

  • March 6 & March 20
  • April 3 & April 17
  • May 1 & May 15 & May 29
  • June 12 & June 26

Career Workshops: SSS Workshop Room R127 – See flyer in Community Room for times

  • Let your personality traits and interests guide you in finding a career
  • Career Aptitude & Personality Assessment
    • Thursday, March 28, 2024 – Lunch and Learn
    • Monday, April 15, 2024 – Lunch and Learn

Transfer Workshops: SSS Community Room 102

  • Thursday, April 11, 2024 – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Lunch and Learn

Community Yoga – HOVN 108
Meet in SSS Community Room R102 at 3:15 PM

  • March 12 & March 26
  • April 9 & April 23
  • May 7

College Visits:

  • Kean-Ocean – Friday, May 3 at 11 AM
  • Georgian Court – Friday, April 12, 2024 – depart OCC at 9:30 AM
  • Montclair – Tuesday, March 19, 2024 – depart OCC at 11:00 AM

Social & Educational Trips/Events:
Watch text/email announcements for more trip info

Student Life Trips:
Check the bulletin board in the SSS Community Room & watch for texts & emails for more Student Life trip info

  • Washington D.C. – Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21, 2024 – depart OCC early on 4/19 for a full itinerary of stops at memorials, museums, and more! Space is limited

SSS Trips – Day Trips to pique your interests and learn something while having fun! Socialize & connect with other SSS students and build your support community!

  • The USS Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum – April 26th – depart OCC at 9:45 AM & return to OCC at approximately 6:30 PM with SSS staff Helen and Barbara
  • The River Lady – Local historical sightseeing cruise May 29th – Meet at the dock at 10:30 AM – Cruise from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM with the SSS Office Team, President, Dr. Monaco, and VP of Student Affairs, Dr. Racioppi.

Movie Mondays – SSS Community Room (R102) 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”

  • 3/4 – Pitch Perfect
  • 3/11 – Spider Man – Tobey McGuire
  • 3/18 – No School – Spring Break
  • 3/25 – Adam Sandler
  • 4/1 – Tom Hanks
  • 4/8 – Jurassic World
  • 4/15 – Air, Sea, Space
  • 4/22 – Earth Day
  • 4/29 – We’re being invaded!
  • 5/6 – Marvel Monday
  • 5/13 – Back to the Future

All Ted Talk Thursdays will be held in the Community Room (R102) at 12 – 1pm. All Ted Talks run 20 minutes or less. There will be time to re-watch the talk or have a discussion during each session.

Date

Topic

3/7/2024 Instilling the “Senses” for First-Generation College Students – https://www.ted.com/talks/lindsey_dubose_instilling_the_senses_for_first_generation_college_students Lindsey Dubose
3/21/2024 4 Pillars of College Success in Science – https://www.ted.com/talks/freeman_hrabowski_4_pillars_of_college_success_in_science?language=en Freeman Hrabowski
4/4/2024 How Can We Solve the College Student Mental Health Crisis – https://www.ted.com/talks/dr_tim_bono_how_can_we_solve_the_college_student_mental_health_crisis Dr. Tim Bono
4/18/2024 Re-imagining Student Success – https://www.ted.com/talks/johan_groenewald_re_imagining_student_success

Johan Groenewald

4/25/2024

If Needed

College, Career, and Life – https://www.ted.com/talks/nicole_furst_koonce_college_career_and_life

Nicole Furst Koonce

A Look Ahead: (Dates TBD)

  • Monthly Workshop Offerings
  • Many Cultural & Educational Social Events and Activities
  • College Visits (Dates TBD)
    • Kean-Ocean/Kean-Union
    • Stockton/Rowan/Monmouth
  • Exciting Cultural/Educational Trips
    • Day trips w/SSS & Student Life
  • Summer Orientation
  • Motivational Speakers
  • Summer Bridge to Success Programs

Important Academic Information

Supplemental Aid Applications:

  • Will be due to the SSS Office no later than 4:30 PM on Friday, April 26, 2024 – no exceptions will be made.
  • Please ensure the application is completed in full and is legible PRIOR to submission. We must be able to read you application.
  • SSS staff cannot verify information on application prior to its submission
  • It is YOUR responsibility to ensure accuracy.

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 to academic coaching/set appointments for the semester.

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 summer semesters is currently underway
  • Advising for the 2024FA semester is anticipated to begin end of March or early April.
  • SSS Priority Registration for 2024SP is scheduled to begin mid-April.
    • Watch your text messages & emails for more info. Please schedule your appointments with Briana early as her calendar will fill quickly!

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:
W. Kable Russell Building (#7) Room 113

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
  • SSS Trio Student Trip to see Harry Potter

SSS Office Staff

Russell Building

Alison Noone
Student Support Services Director
732-255-0400 ext. 2138
anoone@ocean.edu
Russell Bldg. (#7) Room 112

Helen Konz
Student Support Services Coordinator
732-255-0400 x2373
hkonz@ocean.edu
Russell Bldg. (#7)  Room 111

Kate Moreno
Student Support Services Technician
732-255-0400 x7027
kmoreno@ocean.edu
Russell Bldg. (#7)  Room 113

Briana Cerbone
Student Support Services Specialist
732-255-0400 x 2352
bferlisi@ocean.edu
Russell Bldg. (#7)  Room 115

Barbara McCormack
Student Support Services Academic Coach
732-255-0400 x2228
bmccormack@ocean.edu
Russell Bldg. (#7)  Room 116

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