NJCU, Mercer CC sign dual admission transfer agreement

In a continuing effort to be the most transfer-friendly school in the state, New Jersey City University has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mercer County Community College to establish the MCCC | NJCU Transfer Program — a transfer program to enable a seamless transfer experience from MCCC to NJCU to facilitate the attainment of a bachelor’s degree.

The MOU, signed by NJCU Interim President Andres Acebo and MCCC president Deborah Preston, and each school’s provost and other academic leaders, is effective this month and valid for at least the next five years.

Under the terms of the articulation agreement, which builds off other successful agreements signed by the university this year, Mercer County Community College students in good academic standing who have earned an associate degree at MCC, will be granted joint admission into NJCU with junior academic status, in the same or similar academic program of study.

“NJCU continues to develop pathways with like-minded institutions to ensure our state’s students have an expeditious process to fulfill their academic promise without the burdensome obstacles that some students have historically and inequitably faced,” Acebo said.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence and ensures that students can pursue their educational goals with greater flexibility and support. While the MCCC | NJCU Transfer Program also strengthens the ties between our institutions, at the same time it embodies our dedication to student success and academic collaboration. By creating seamless pathways for our students, we are not only furthering the missions and reach of both institutions but also empowering individuals to achieve their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.”

Preston is equally excited.

“We are always happy for students to have seamless pathways to continue their education,” she said.

NJCU and MCCC will adopt specific program-to-program pathways under the dual admissions to facilitate the transfer of credits. Many pathways have already been developed and can be found here.

Additional pathways will be developed over time and added to that page. Both schools will also work to develop joint admission standards, provide academic advising and support programs and staff for students enrolled in the program, and collaborate to market the opportunity to current and prospective students.

Additionally, the schools will conduct regular and joint data-driven evaluations of the program to assess its effectiveness and make adjustments when necessary. All application fees for transfer students into NJCU will be waived.

The schools will also establish procedures for the sharing of campus resources and student support services and dedicate staff to administering the program.

Students transferring from MCCC to NJCU as part of the joint program will be eligible for transfer scholarships.