New Jersey City University’s aim to become the most transfer-friendly university is becoming a reality as the school continues to achieve a dramatic turnaround in transfer student enrollment.
Since initiating a comprehensive reform of its general education curriculum designed to create the most transfer-friendly programs in the state, the university has experienced double-digit growth in new transfer enrollment for three consecutive semesters, marking the first sustained growth period since 2016. The increase follows a successful Spring 2024 semester in which new undergraduate transfer enrollment rose 34.4% (compared to Spring of 2023), reversing years of transfer enrollment declines (63.1% between Fall 2016 and Fall 2023).
The new curriculum’s immediate impact demonstrates NJCU’s commitment to serving transfer students, first-generation learners and working adults, school officials said.
“Transfer is no longer something we just accommodate,” Associate Provost Scott O’Connor said.. “At NJCU, it’s the foundation of how we serve, how we grow, and how we lead.”
O’Connor, who led the revision of the program as general education director, said the school is eager to move forward.
“Under President Acebo’s relentless focus on place and mission, the faculty rallied to build a curriculum designed for our actual students from Day One,” he said. “I’m proud that our faculty now look first to partners like HCCC and the JCBOE to learn how best to serve our shared students. The curriculum redesign has enabled NJCU to forge unprecedented partnerships with Hudson County Community College (CONNECT), Essex Community College, and Mercer County Community College, with additional partnerships in development. These collaborations are built on shared curriculum standards, allowing students to transfer seamlessly without losing credits or repeating coursework. Donna Breault, interim provost and SVP of academic affairs, notes the significance of this change.
“The revised General Education Curriculum, and the work it has allowed NJCU to do with its partners, are clear indicators of the strategic commitments outlined in New Jersey City University’s Academic Master Plan and Strategic Enrollment Plan – documents developed by the hundreds of university stakeholders committed to serving NJCU’s students,” she said. “We believe in access and excellence for Northern New Jersey’s most marginalized community members. This curriculum, along with other innovative curricular changes, have provided opportunities not found at other New Jersey Institutions.”
