The basics:

• NJCU transfer enrollment up 34.4% year over year
• New General Education Program supports seamless transfer credits
• Renovated Nursing Education Center opens with advanced technology

New Jersey City University has undergone a remarkable transfer turnaround, experiencing double-digit growth in new transfer enrollment over three-straight semesters.

It marks the first sustained growth period since 2016 — and reverses years of decline between fall 2016 and fall 2023. That trend changed with the launch of a redesigned General Education Program in fall 2024. The initiative offers a new approach to higher education accessibility.

Key things to know:

• GE curriculum aligns with the General Education Foundation for New Jersey’s Community Colleges
• NJCU accepts every GE course approved in the community college system for full credit
• Has enabled major partnerships with Hudson County Community College (CONNECT), Essex Community College and Mercer County Community College; with more partnerships in development
• Collaborations built on sharing curriculum standards as well as allowing students to transfer seamlessly without losing credits or repeating coursework
• Supports adult learners by allowing Prior Learning Credits, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams and professional certifications to transfer seamlessly into GE requirements
• NJCU is rapidly expanding dual enrollment offerings at local high schools
• Transfer enrollment rose 34.4% in spring 2024 versus spring 2023

“Under President (Andres) Acebo’s relentless focus on place and mission, the faculty rallied to build a curriculum designed for actual students from day one,” said Scott O’Connor, assistant provost.

O’Connor has spearheaded the General Education curriculum reform efforts. “I’m proud that our faculty now look first to partners like HCCC and JCBOE [Jersey City Board of Education] to learn how best to serve our shared students.

“Transfer is no longer something we just accommodate,” he said. “At NJCU, it’s the foundation of how we serve, how we grow, and how we lead.”

Access to education

“The revised General Education Curriculum, and the work it has allowed NJCU to do with its partners, are clear indicators of the strategic commitments outlined in the New Jersey City University’s Academic Master Plan and Strategic Enrollment Plan – documents developed by the hundreds of university stakeholders committed to serving NJCU’s students,” said Donna Breault, interim provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at NJCU.

“We believe in access and excellence for northern New Jersey’s most marginalized community members. This curriculum, along with other innovative curricular changes, have provided opportunities not found at other New Jersey institutions.”

“The new General Education program makes it easy for high school students to take real college courses that actually count,” said Michael Arbitblit, assistant registrar for transfers. “Because our GE courses are standard and widely accepted, students know their work will transfer – whether they stay at NJCU or go elsewhere.”

Revamped nursing center

The Jersey City higher education institution also announced last week the revamping of its Nursing Education Center. A newly renovated, state-of-the-art facility in Rossey Hall houses the NEC on the university’s main campus in Jersey City.

Reopened June 12, the center aims to prepare students to meet the critical health care needs of New Jersey and beyond – especially given the nursing shortage facing both the state and the country. By 2030, New Jersey is slated to be short 10,000 nurses. Currently the state has the third most severe nursing shortage nationwide. The renovated NEC features the latest technology, simulation equipment and cutting-edge components to enhance student learning as well as clinical preparedness.

“The Nursing Department’s entire faculty and staff – Drs. Nelda Ephraim, Joyce Wright, Denise Branchizio, Shandra Johnson, Professor Maria Montane, and professional staff members Samantha Younker, and Sakshi Chahaun – truly stepped up to meet and exceed the needs of our students,” said Esther Nir, interim dean of the College of Professional Studies.

“As New Jersey faces a critical nursing shortage, NJCU is positioned to be a leader in experiential learning strategies to address this challenge head-on. These state-of-the-art facilities and technologies will not only ensure our graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern health care, but will also help us attract and retain more students in our nursing programs.”

Looking up

These latest positive developments come on the heels of NJCU and Kean University signing a nonbinding Letter of Intent May 15 to pursue a historic merger, which NJBIZ has extensively reported on.

Also in May, NJCU’s financial turnaround continued. Moody’s upgraded the Jersey City institution’s financial outlook from stable to positive, while affirming its Ba2 issuer and revenue bond ratings. It marks the first time Moody’s has assigned a positive outlook to NJCU. It was also the first consecutive, annual outlook upgrades for the school since at least 2003.