Sussex County Community College (SCCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

The Sussex County Community College (SCCC) opened in 1982, after being authorized by the New Jersey State Board of Higher Education the year before. The school was accredited in 1993 by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Today, the school serves more than 4,000 students. The campus has dozens of classrooms for student use, in addition to science labs, art studios, and computer labs. Special buildings include the Business Learning Center, Entrepreneurial Center, Performing Arts Center, and a broadcasting studio. The entire SCCC campus is Wi-Fi enabled, letting students access the internet and the campus network from any academic building or from campus grounds.

Special buildings like the Business Learning Center, which has conference rooms, a professional lounge, and modern technology, are tailored to specific student and program needs. Other buildings, like the Performing Arts Center, give students the opportunity to develop and showcase their talent in a professional, community-oriented way. These facilities are continually improving and adapting to new programs and the changing economy in an effort to prepare students for life in the workforce.

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Information Summary

Ranks 54th in New Jersey and 3083rd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	49.9
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$8,231
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	43 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	73% / 44%
Enrollment Total (all students)	2,300

Academics

SCCC offers a variety of academic tracks with 18 associate degree programs, certificate programs, and continuing education options. It offers a wide range of courses, encompassing the sciences, humanities, mathematics, arts, languages, and technical fields.

Students can work with academic advisors and the course catalog to develop a personal college plan, whether their goals are an associate degree, a technical certificate, or just to learn something new. Many SCCC students choose to transfer to a four-year institution, with more than 70 percent of graduates continuing their education in upper colleges throughout New Jersey.

Special Courses

All students are required to take Foundation Courses, which are integrated into the two-year program at strategic points to help students better prepare for graduation and life after college. They are designed to encourage critical thinking, creativity, and community engagement.

Capstone courses give students the unique opportunity to work side by side with their professors to enhance and complete their academic study. Capstone courses are one credit each and are tied directly to each student’s chosen major.

Students can take advantage of SCCC’s flexible class schedule, which offers daytime, evening, and weekend courses. Students can also take classes during summer sessions or winter break to move more quickly towards their degree.

Facilities and Resources

The on-campus library gives students access to all the resources they need to be successful academically. With more than 30,000 bound volumes, 200 print subscriptions, and 25,000 online journals, students will always be able to find current and relevant information. Students can also get help from the facility’s professional librarians, who offer general assistance and research consultations for specific projects.

Academic and career counseling is available to all students at the Counseling and Advising Center, which is dedicated to helping students choose a career and find fulfilling jobs. The Center sponsors a number of events and programs that are designed to make the job search easier, including Career Symposiums, online resources and job listings, and a career library.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

SCCC is an open-enrollment institution. Any student with a high school diploma or GED is welcome to apply and enroll in classes. Applications are available from the Admissions Office or online at the SCCC website. There is a non-refundable $15 application fee.

Prospective students can apply at any time – applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants will need to provide proof of immunization and a high school transcript or GED certificate. Before registering, they will also need to take a College Placement Test.

Financial Aid

Students who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for financial awards from SCCC and the federal government. The first step in seeking financial aid is filling out the FAFSA, which is available for free online at www.fafsa.gov. This form determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. It is also often a required supplementary document for third-party aid programs and scholarship competitions.

SCCC participates in all available federal and state-level financial award programs. It awarded more than $100,000 to students in the 2009-2010 academic year.

Student Financial Aid Details

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Students

There are many opportunities to get involved with student life at SCCC. The campus has more than 30 student clubs and organizations, including groups like Authors Inc. and the Multicultural and World Language Club.

The Student Government Association (SGA) is responsible for organizing and managing student life at SCCC. The four officers are elected by popular vote, and every currently enrolled student is a member. The organization represents the student body in communications with the college administration, and can be a powerful tool in enacting campus change.

The College Hill is SCCC’s student newspaper, reporting on news, music and art, sports, and community information in a timely manner. Students can access The College Hill online or pick up a copy in print.

SCCC also sponsors lectures, plays, concerts, and other events that bring the student population and the local community together. To participate in these events, check the event calendar online or watch out for news about upcoming activities.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

SCCC participates in intercollegiate sports with six men’s and women’s teams, including baseball, basketball, softball, and soccer. The Skylanders are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the Garden State Athletic Conference.

Students who don’t want to participate in an intercollegiate team can join one of the intramural groups on-campus and compete with other SCCC students in sports like basketball, wiffleball, and pillo polo. The Athletic Department also sponsors events like the annual Golf Outing, which raises money for intercollegiate sports programs through a community golf tournament.

All students have free access to a full-service on-campus gymnasium.

Additional School Information

SCCC is joining the eco-friendly movement. Through community education, sustainability efforts on-campus, and sustainable new developments, it is paving the way to an environmentally friendly college experience. In 2008, SCCC partnered with the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority to collect and recycle paper and other items in buildings throughout campus. Student clubs and events support the green movement through education and campus beautification projects.

The College has brought sustainability to its construction projects. Solar panels are installed on the roofs of most buildings, and water is collected and preserved through an on-campus retention and recharging system. The new Health Science and Performing Arts Center was recently LEED certified, making SCCC the first New Jersey community college to earn this coveted sustainability recognition.

Bibliography

Sussex County Community College. College Catalog 2011-2012. Print.

Sussex County Community College | Home. Web. 01 Aug. 2011.

Sussex County Community College