HIGHER EDUCATION
College Campus-Life Reimagined by Pandemic Lessons
In the three years since the COVID-19 pandemic struck and forced us to retreat behind doors , all of us adapted the ways in which we live , work and go to school . Slowly as health protocols , vaccines , boosters and medical therapies were developed , we emerged from the seclusion of our homes to resume our “ normal ” existence .
No part of society was untouched by the pandemic . COMMERCE Magazine chronicled many of the lessons learned , especially on the workforce and its lasting effects . This month COMMERCE spoke with leaders of the state ’ s higher education institutions to discuss how the pandemic altered on-campus life .
The college and university presidents shared the strategies they used during the pandemic and its afterlife to ensure their student receive excellent educations .
Bergen Community College Dr . Eric M . Friedman President
At Bergen Community College , our work is all about creating a culture of belongingness . Students – regardless of their race , gender , ethnicity , sexual orientation , physical and intellectual ability , or economic status – need to feel that they truly belong at the College . Feelings of well-being , of connectedness , of knowing that they fit in – this is what matters and makes the difference between completing a program or drifting off and becoming a statistic .
Bergen ’ s Student Affairs division plays a major role in on-campus belongingness and by providing programs and services that support students ’ overall well-being . This includes on-ground advising , counseling , health services , career development , athletics , student life and development , and more . These all help to create a positive and supportive campus environment which leads to increased engagement among students , and ultimately , higher rates of goal achievement . Additionally , the division works closely with academic departments to provide much-needed academic support and resources , such as tutoring and supplemental instruction . Each of these can be done with excellence online as well .
Coming soon will be the “ Bergen Student Engagement App .” The app will improve communication , support academic engagement , and centralize the student experience with the goal of driving student success . Technology , however , is only as effective as the support offered behind it . The Bergen Community College Personal Counseling staff provide live and online guidance and emotional support to students . Programs such as the Bergen Childcare Center , the Bergen Cares Food Pantry , the Office of Health Services and Threads ( a clothing closet to support students who wish to dress for success ), all holistically support students as they journey through their college experience . Understanding students ’ needs and addressing them through the lens of equity is paramount .
Berkeley College Dr . Diane Recinos President
While it has been encouraging to see so many students returning to campus , it is also important to acknowledge that student needs have changed since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic .
Many Berkeley College students – the majority of whom are nontraditional and may be
“ COVID was tough , there ’ s no denying that ... but we came up with a strategic plan … and had some positive years of enrollment growth .”
working full-time or taking care of their families – continue to choose the flexibility of online learning and virtual campus activities . Berkeley College offers vibrant programming such as guest speakers , alumni panels , volunteerism , and professional development opportunities like resume building and interview preparation , both online and on-site .
“ Remote ” programming no longer isolates its participants . Strengthened by 25 years of online teaching and learning excellence , Berkeley College ’ s virtual space is an inclusive and effective option that allows all students to have meaningful interactions with their classmates and professors and fully participate in the college experience .
It is vital that we listen to our students and have a greater understanding of what they need to be successful . By offering the flexibility of both on-site and online programming that fits their schedules , Berkeley College students can have the best of both worlds without sacrificing the quality of a well-rounded education .
Centenary University Dr . Bruce Murphy President
Centenary University in Hackettstown , NJ , has emerged from the Covid‐19 pandemic in a position of strength . The school of 1,200 students has seen attendance tick higher , and has added new degree programs as it looks to attract more nontraditional enrollees . The Centenary Choice initiative enabled students to customize their education and extracurricular activities with in-person and virtual options to transition back to on-campus instruction .
“ COVID was tough , there ’ s no denying that ,” Dr . Bruce Murphy , outgoing president of Centenary , said . “ But we came up with a strategic plan … and had some positive years of enrollment growth .” The retired U . S . Army lieutenant colonel assumed the presidency just weeks before the pandemic halted in-person instruction and provided steady leadership throughout the global health crisis .
New academic degrees and concentrations include certified financial planning , data analytics and computer science . Healthcare offerings have been prioritized , with new programs in medical laboratory science , health science , public health , exercise science , and a bachelor of science in nursing degree . The school also added a novel master ’ s degree in happiness studies . “ We ’ re the first and only school in the world with that and we have 97 students actively engaged ,” Murphy said .
County College of Morris Dr . Anthony Iacono President
County College of Morris ( CCM ) strategies reflect the needs of today ’ s students . This means schedules that complement their busy lives and new programs that reflect their interests and career goals . Under construction is a healthcare simulation center , designed to provide contextual learning and an integrated approach reflective of today ’ s hospitals . Strengthening existing partnerships , such as with the Morris County Vocational School District ( MCVSD ), a new building will be added to the campus designed to serve an additional 500 to 600 high school students through CCM ’ s dual enrollment program with MCVSD focusing on career readiness . Another unique
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