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Montclair State University and Bergen Community College Sign Joint Academic Agreement

Students with associate degrees will be able to seamlessly transfer into various bachelor's degree programs

Montclair, NJ (10/24/2023) — A new academic agreement between Montclair State University and Bergen Community College (Bergen) will allow students who earn their associate degrees to plan their total baccalaureate experience at the beginning of their college career and seamlessly transfer into corresponding bachelor's degree programs at Montclair.

The agreement, which is effective for the fall 2023 semester, is in compliance with the Comprehensive Statewide Transfer Agreement commonly referred to as the Lampitt Law by guaranteeing admission to those who meet designated criteria and offering Bergen graduates a clear path to continuing their journey in higher education.

Montclair President Jonathan Koppell and Bergen Community College President Eric M. Friedman signed the agreement Oct. 23 at Bergen's main campus in Paramus; the official signing ceremony was followed by a Montclair State University fair for Bergen students, highlighting various schools and programs and featuring instant admissions decisions.

Bergen Community College is the largest community college in New Jersey and ranks No. 1 in the state for associate degree graduates. Serving a diverse population of students, Bergen shares a Hispanic-Serving Institution designation with Montclair.

Bergen students transferring to Montclair must be in good academic standing and have the minimum GPA required for Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Fine Arts programs of study. The students must also go through Montclair's transfer process and meet all requirements and deadlines pertaining to the application for admission.

Students who meet specific income and eligibility criteria have the opportunity to receive financial assistance. They can initially access support through the Community College Opportunity Grant, which helps cover the costs of their education during their first two years. Subsequently, for their third and fourth years at Montclair State University, eligible students can utilize the Garden State Guarantee to continue their financial support.

Bergen Community College and Montclair State University have maintained a longstanding and fruitful partnership. This new agreement will simplify the transfer process for students and enhance the strength of this enduring educational collaboration.

"Our partnership with Bergen Community College is one step further in the University's mission to facilitate a seamless transfer process that removes barriers many students encounter on their journey to earn a bachelor's degree," says Koppell. "We look forward to welcoming even more Bergen students into the Red Hawk family and position them for success at Montclair and beyond."

"As a community college with a significant number of students who plan to continue their education, Bergen has always sought to maintain robust transfer agreements with four-year partners such as Montclair State University," says Friedman. "It remains incredibly important to periodically review these agreements and enhance them for the benefit of our students. Providing a streamlined transfer process helps all sides - Bergen, Montclair and, most importantly, the Bergen graduate."

For more information on Montclair State University Admissions, visit montclair.edu/admissions.

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Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, Montclair State University has evolved from an institution that was a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution ranked as one of the 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master's and baccalaureate programs provided by 13 colleges and schools.

Situated on a beautiful 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university while retaining the supportive and personalized academic environment that provides a feeling of community more typical of smaller institutions.

Media Attachments

Bergen Community College President Eric M. Friedman (Left) and Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell at the transfer agreement signing ceremony on October 23, 2023 in Paramus. Photo credit: Mike Peters for Montclair State University

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