current college catalog. - Ocean County College

HISTORY
The interest in establishing a facility for higher education in
Ocean County dates back to 1957 when the Ocean County
Board of Chosen Freeholders went on record favoring a study
of the need for such a facility within the county.
In accordance with the provisions of the New Jersey State
Law of 1962, which enabled counties to establish and operate
colleges; the Board of Chosen Freeholders authorized an
in-depth feasibility study. The research indicated a need and
recommended that a two-year college for 900 students be
established. Subsequently, a study by the State Department
of Education supported these findings. Thereafter, the State
Board of Education officially approved Ocean County’s request
to establish a two-year college and substantiated the ability of
the county to support it financially.
On November 5, 1963, the citizens of the county approved
the establishment of a college in Ocean County by public
referendum. Immediately thereafter on January 15, 1964,
the Board of Chosen Freeholders adopted a resolution that
established in Ocean County the first county college in the
State of New Jersey. On March 4, 1964, the nine members of
the Board of Trustees were appointed.
The selection of the college president, the architect and the
campus site in fall of 1964 enabled the Board of Trustees and
the Administration to plan for the educational programs and
facilities to accommodate 900 full-time students. Key members
of the administrative staff were appointed in September of 1965
to engage in the detailed planning necessary for the opening of
the college in the fall of 1966.
Ocean County College has been accredited by the Middle States
Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools since May 1969.
In fall 2011, the college had an enrollment of more than 10,300
full- and part-time students. Many take advantage of courses
offered in the evenings, on weekends, and at off-campus sites
throughout the county.
In the face of continuing expansion of the student body and
increasing instructional and service activities, the college
continues to expend every effort to maintain the high quality
programs that resulted in early accreditation
Cultural Statements
"An Exceptional
Education
at a Premier Public College"
Vision Statement
Ocean County College aspires to be an institution of distinction
where faculty and staff serve to awaken students to a love of
learning. We foster educational innovation through effective
teaching/learning strategies designed to develop and nurture
intentional learners who are informed and empowered.
We employ technology and learning outcomes assessment
to enhance student success. We offer quality life-enhancing
cultural and athletic activities and take full advantage of our
seacoast and Pineland environment to enhance the curriculum.
Our nationally recognized planning and resource management
model, our institutional effectiveness design, and our continuing
creation of strategic partnerships signify our intention of
reinventing the collegiate structure and taking a leadership
position in the academic community.
Our ultimate vision is to ensure that our students have what they
need to transfer well, to find meaningful career opportunities,
and to thrive in an increasingly diverse and complex world. Our
vision is, very simply, to be the best.
8 Introduction
Ocean County College 2013-2014