Ramapo College of New Jersey and Sussex County Community College (SCCC) have agreed to partnership in the Archway to Ramapo program, effective fall 2017.

This collaborative partnership program agreement is specifically designed to create opportunities for a seamless two-year to four-year transition for students who begin their undergraduate studies at SCCC. The agreement also provides an alternate route to Ramapo College for students from Sussex county who may not initially meet admissions standards but will benefit from the A.A./A.S. degree at SCCC. The agreement also expands the work Ramapo is doing under its Educate IPASS grant, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, and will allow for a Ramapo transfer advisor to be available on-site weekly at Sussex.

“We are excited to strengthen the partnership that Ramapo has enjoyed with Sussex County Community College,” said Christopher Romano, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Ramapo College. “The ultimate goal of this partnership is to increase student success. We know that if students receive strong advisement and an outlined pathway to a four-year degree, it increases the likelihood of their success. We’re thrilled to work with Sussex Community College to deliver an integrated and streamlined experience.”

Ramapo College and SCCC will collaborate in providing students with information and academic advising, as well as academic requirements and transfer process. Qualified SCCC students must have successfully earned an A.A. or A.S. degree and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“This relationship with Ramapo College is precisely the kind of partnership that puts the needs of students first,” stated Dr. Jon Connolly, SCCC president. “Too often, Higher Education creates barriers that serve other stakeholders, but leaves students’ interests as an afterthought. This partnership will allow students to have confidence that there is a place for them at Ramapo when they have finished at SCCC.”

Sussex County Community College, founded in 1982, is a public community college located in Newton, New Jersey. SCCC offers degree and certificate programs in liberal arts, fine arts, applied health sciences, and professional training.

Enterprise Holdings Presents Check to Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey recently received a generous gift from Enterprise Holdings to benefit the College’s Student Veterans. President Peter P. Mercer accepted the check, appropriately presented in the recently opened Transfer Student & Veterans Lounge on campus.
“We take great pleasure in working with Enterprise in support of our student veterans,” said President Mercer. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.”

Enterprise is among the many area companies that have recruited students for internships, as well as part- and/or full-time positions. Ramapo College has the second most veteran students among state colleges or universities that are employed with the company in the Northern New Jersey region.

“Enterprise has a strong military heritage and it is an amazing opportunity for us to support the veteran students,” said Jennifer Santiago, Talent Acquisition Manager for Enterprise, Wayne office. “We recognize their leadership skills and work ethic and value what these men and women bring to the table.”

Ramapo College opened its Transfer Student & Veterans Lounge in fall 2016. The space is designed to be a hub of resources and a gathering place for transfer and veteran students. Ramapo College has been designated a Military Friendly School for four straight years and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Colleges.”

Ramapo College’s Master of Arts in Special Education Program Launches Partnership with The Forum School

Ramapo College’s Master of Arts in Special Education program has launched an innovative partnership with The Forum School, a private, non-profit, non-sectarian day program for developmentally atypical children from preschool through high school.

Working under the guidance of Professor Julie Norflus-Good, Director of the Master of Arts in Special Education program at Ramapo College, educators at the Waldwick, N.J.-based Forum School mapped out a pilot project designed to expand and improve transition services, and at the same time, help prepare the next generation of educators to work with students on the autism spectrum.

Joined by their teacher, Ms. Beverly Asinofsky, students from The Forum School’s E.L.I.T.E. program head to Ramapo College every week, where they spend time with 18 undergraduate students who are studying in the College’s Teacher Education program. Together, they work on collaborative projects, including touring the campus, cooking together and working on homework. At the end of every visit, the group enjoys lunch together in the College’s cafeteria.

Norflus-Good believes this cutting edge partnership will help her students, all of whom are studying general education.

“Today’s classrooms are diverse, and I believe all students need as much hands-on learning as they can get,” she said. “Not only do my students benefit, but The Forum School students have developed confidence, independence, problem-solving and new social skills. It is an amazing collaboration – a win-win for everyone.”

Brian Detlefsen, principal at The Forum School agrees. “This collaboration gives our students an excellent opportunity to experience life on a college campus, and develop friendships with similar-aged peers. They look forward to the visits and have grown so much.”