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!
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:
- 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 Activities
TRiO ActivitiesUnless 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@bjzhtst.com
- SSS Email: studentsupportservices@bjzhtst.com
- SSS Phone: 732-255-0539
- SSS Text: 833-501-3100 – You must opt-in to send and receive text messages
- Trip, Workshops, and Events are posted on the bulletin boards in the SSS Community Room, SSS Tutoring Room & SSS Main Office
Fall 2024 Events
(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.
- Tuesday, October 29th, 2024 – TECH 107 (Bldg. #25 – 1st Floor) – This will be the only date held for the fall semester
- Session 1 – 10:00-11:30am
- Session 2 – 1:00-2:30pm
- 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*
Students must be eligible for AND receiving a federal PELL grant to be eligible for the SSS grant. You will receive a text/email inviting you 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*) – Other dates may be added at Director discretion
In-Person: SSS Community Room – R102
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Remote: http://ocean.webex.com/meet/anoone –
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SSS STAFF: Alison
For more information, contact our office:
Direct Phone: 732-255-0539
Email: studentsupportservices@bjzhtst.com
* (All SSS Students must attend one Get Connected Event prior to graduation) – All are held in the SSS Community Room.
- Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Chuseok – Around the World Cultural Exploration – Korea (with Helen)
- October date – TBD
- Wednesday, November 20, 2024 – 10:00 – 12:00 PM – Harvest Paint Party – (with Alison)
SSS STAFF: Helen & Alison
Financial Aid Workshops: SSS Workshop Room – R127 – With SSS Staff (Helen)
Create an FSA ID – This is login information for self and parents to complete/contribute to the FAFSA
- Wednesday, October 23, 2024 – 1:00 – 2:00 PM
- Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – 5:30-6:30 PM – parents welcome to attend this session
| 24/25 FAFSA – Will need 2022 tax info for self & parent(s) | Will be held by INDIVIDUAL APPT ONLY – Appts. will be with Helen |
| 25/26 FAFSA – Will need 2023 tax info for self & parent(s) | Possible open in October 2024 (probable delayed opening until December 2024) Will be held by INDIVIDUAL APPT ONLY – Appts. will be with Helen |
OPEN Workshop (with reps from the Financial Aid Office) – you MUST register to attend – Register today!
5:00-7:00 PM in Building 10, Room 109 (Subject to cancellation pending opening of 25/26 FAFSA)
- October – 2, 8, 16, 24, 30
- November – 13, 19
- December – 4, 18
Career Workshops: SSS Community Room R102 – Food will be provided
Let your personality traits and interests guide you in finding a career & get the basics on how to write a resume so you stand out!
- Career Aptitude & Personality Assessment – Tuesday, November 12, 2024 – 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Resume Writing – Wednesday, December 4, 2024 – 1:00 – 2:30 PM
SSS STAFF: Helen
Transfer Workshops: SSS Community Room #102 – Food will be provided
- Tuesday, October 8, 2024 – 10:00 – 11:00 AM
- Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – 2:00-3:00 PM
SSS Staff: Briana
Community Yoga – HOVN 108 – Meet in SSS Community Room R102 at 3:15 PM
- September 24th
- October 8th & 22nd
- November 12th
- December 10th
SSS STAFF: Barbara
College Visits:
- Stockton University – Friday, October 18, 2024 – 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (10:30 Arrival)
- Monmouth University – Friday, November 8, 2024 – 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (10:30 Arrival)
- Kean-Ocean – Friday, December 6, 2024 – 11:30 AM Arrival
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
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! Be sure to check bulletin board in SSS Community Room & watch for texts & emails for more trip info.
- Allaire State Park – Friday, September 27, 2024 – 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Lunch Provided (with Barbara)
- Liberty State Park, Statue of Liberty, & Ellis Island – 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM – Lunch Provided (with Kate & Helen)
SSS Staff: Various
All Ted Talk Tuesdays will be held in the Community Room (R102)
First and Third Tuesdays of each month @12 PM – Usually less than 30 minutes – See TED Talk page for links
| DATE | TOPIC |
| October 1 | “How to Get Your Brain to Focus” Chris Bailey |
| October 15 | “The First 20 Hours – How to Learn Anything?” Josh Kaufman |
| November 5 | “The Art of Asking” Amanda Palmer |
| November 19 | “The Secrets of People Who Love Their Jobs” Shane Lopez |
| December 3 | “The Puzzle of Motivation” Dan Pink |
| December 17 | “Do it for the ‘Gram: The Age of Attention” Azeez Lakhani |
Theatrical Thursdays – 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”
Date / Movie
- 9/12 – Back to the Future – Back to the Future 1, 2, & 3
- 9/19 – Welcome Back Football!
- 9/26 – Banned Books (into movies)
- 10/3 – It’s a Heist!
- 10/10 – Movies from Video Games
- 10/17 – Toy Story (not that one)
- 10/24 – It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! No, It’s…
- 11/31 – This is Halloween!
- 11/7 – STEM
- 11/14 – Kindness Transforms
- 11/21 – Let’s Go Shopping!
- 11/28 – CAMPUS CLOSED – HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
- 12/5 – The Ride Came First
- 12/12 – History Comes to Life
- 12/19 – Home (Alone) for the Holidays
SSS Staff: Helen
SSS Community Room R102 – w/Helen and Payton
Learn how and where to look for scholarships and then learn the steps to write a good essay!
- Wednesday, November 6, 2024 – 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Couponing Workshop: SSS Community Room R102 – w/Helen
How to use a sales circular to guide your shopping, build a menu based on sales and match coupons to make your $$ stretch!
- Thursday, November 7, 2024 – 10:00 – 11:30 AM
A Look Ahead: (Dates TBD)
- Monthly Workshop Offerings
- Many Cultural & Educational Social Events and Activities
- College Visits (Dates TBD)
- Kean-Ocean, Kean-Union, Montclair, & Rowan
- Exciting Cultural/Educational Trips
- Day trips w/SSS & Student Life
- Summer Orientation
- Motivational Speakers
- Summer Bridge to Success Programs – English & Math
Important Academic Information
Supplemental Aid Applications: will be due to the SSS Office no later than 4:30 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025 – no exceptions will be made.
- Students anticipated to graduate at the end of the 2024 Fall semester, applications will be due to the SSS Office no later than 4:30 PM on Friday, December 6, 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.
- All requirements must be satisfied to be eligible
- Regular Academic Advising/Grad Review appointments 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.
- SSS 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 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 the 2025SP semester is anticipated to begin on October 24, 2024 – don’t wait to schedule your advising appointment
- SSS Priority Registration for 2025SP is anticipated to begin on October 24, 2024
- Summer class availability is anticipated to be posted in December 2024
- Watch your text messages & emails for specific information. Please schedule your appointments with Briana early!!
Student Support Services Club
The Student Support Service Club, open to all 365球赛平台 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@bjzhtst.com
SSS Office Staff
Alison Noone
Student Support Services Director
732-255-0400 ext. 2138
anoone@bjzhtst.com
Russell Bldg. (#7) Room 112
Helen Konz
Student Support Services Coordinator
732-255-0400 x2373
hkonz@bjzhtst.com
Russell Bldg. (#7) Room 111
Kate Moreno
Student Support Services Technician
732-255-0400 x7027
kmoreno@bjzhtst.com
Russell Bldg. (#7) Room 113
Briana Cerbone
Student Support Services Specialist
732-255-0400 x 2352
bferlisi@bjzhtst.com
Russell Bldg. (#7) Room 115
Barbara McCormack
Student Support Services Academic Coach
732-255-0400 x2228
bmccormack@bjzhtst.com
Russell Bldg. (#7) Room 116