Hudson County institutions Saint Peter’s University and Hudson County Community College (HCCC) last week announced a milestone agreement to simply their transfer process.

The agreement makes it easier for HCCC students to transfer to the nearby Jersey City institution. It allows students to pursue their bachelor’s degree upon graduation from HCCC. The program facilitates the seamless transfer of credits, forges clear transfer pathways and additionally ensures students do not accumulate unnecessary excess credits at either institution.

The schools say this collaboration breaks down barriers normally associated with transferring from a community college to a four-year university. The partners also point to the availability of additional resources for transfer students, such as a transfer counselor, to ensure they are supported throughout the process.

Other particulars of the agreement include:

• Both schools will develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date course equivalency listings for HCCC’s associate degree programs as well as Saint Peter’s B.A., B.S. and B.P.S. degree programs.
• Each institution will assign liaisons to facilitate ongoing communication. Saint Peter’s will engage an employee to administer day-to-day operations of the agreement on HCCC’s campus. Meanwhile, HCCC will provide shared space and other services for Saint Peter’s employees.

“This collaboration signifies our joint commitment to empowering students with the tools and resources to excel academically and thrive in their chosen fields,” said Saint Peter’s University President Eugene Cornacchia.

The agreement marks an exciting development for HCCC students. It allows them to transfer their credits and capitalize on opportunities provided by Saint Peter’s. It also builds on efforts to establish enhanced transfer agreements with four-year New Jersey universities to facilitate such pathways for all students.

“We are proud to solidify this connection with Saint Peter’s University, which is fitting as we are neighboring institutions standing together in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty,” said HCCC President Christopher Reber. “We look forward to seeing the partnership generate opportunities for our students as they take the next step toward earning their bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Many HCCC graduates continue their journeys at nearby Saint Peter’s each year – and this agreement will be transformational for them.”

Reber credited Cornacchia for his steadfast leadership and community contributions over the past 43 years. The leader is set to retire next month.

“As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember that this is just the beginning,” said Cornacchia. “Together, we have the power to inspire, educate, and transform lives. Here’s to a future brimming with endless possibilities.”