Ocean-County-College-Strategic-Plan-2025 - Flipbook - Page 7
Building Opportunity
Strengthening Community
NOW
Ocean County College today is a comprehensive,
student-centered institution that serves over 7,000
students each fall and more than 12,500 unique
credit students annually. With a main campus
in Toms River, 16 additional locations including
Manahawkin, and a strong online presence, OCC
is embedded throughout Ocean County, not only
as a place of learning, but as a vital partner in the
life of the community. The College offers 21 associate degree programs spanning liberal arts, STEM,
health sciences, and technical fields, as well as
workforce development credentials aligned to local
employer needs.
Through initiatives like dual enrollment and early
college, OCC builds opportunity for high school students seeking a head start on their college attainment. Its Kean Ocean partnership allows seamless
progression to bachelor’s and master’s degrees
on site. The College’s new and renovated facilities, including the Student Enrollment Building, H.
Hovnanian Health Sciences Building, the Library,
the Grunin Performing Arts Academy and the Grunin
Center, reflect a learning environment that is modern, inclusive, and future-ready. The beautiful,
park-like campus enhances this setting, providing
a serene and inspiring atmosphere that supports
student focus, wellness, and connection. In addition to its educational offerings, OCC strengthens
the community through its performing arts, science
education, and public events, enriching the region
culturally and civically. OCC remains known for its
affordability, innovation, and commitment to serving students of all backgrounds. Like many colleges,
it must face the changing demands of society and
students: more career programs, greater student
support services, and proof that a college education brings positive change to individuals and
communities.
FUTURE
Ocean County College’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan
was developed through extensive engagement with
a broad range of stakeholders, including faculty,
staff, students, alumni, local industries, foundation
supporters, and community members. With this
plan, we aim to present a vision that is both aspirational and attainable: one that focuses on expanding opportunities for students and strengthening
the communities we serve.
The OCC strategic plan is a high-level roadmap centered on a set of goals that are critical to fulfilling
the College’s mission: to “empower diverse learners
to achieve their goals while enriching the communities we serve.” By achieving these goals, OCC will
ensure that more students from all backgrounds
will persist, graduate, and realize their personal and
academic aspirations, supported by personalized
services, targeted outreach, and an inclusive campus environment. Looking ahead, Ocean County
College will continue to lead in student retention
and completion. Equity gaps in outcomes will narrow, affirming OCC as a college where every learner
can thrive. More students will complete high-quality credentials, participate in work-based learning
experiences, and graduate ready to contribute
meaningfully to the workforce or pursue further
education.
Through strategic program development, OCC will
expand its short-term and stackable credential
offerings, strengthen alignment with employer and
community needs, and establish clearer pathways
between non-credit and credit programs. Students
will move seamlessly from skills training to degrees,
from education to employment, building opportunity at every stage.
Internally, a more collaborative and supportive
workplace will take shape. Enhanced communication, recognition, and professional development
will drive employee satisfaction and retention. At
the same time, the College will grow its grant portfolio, improve operational efficiency, and engage
in focused outreach to increase enrollment and
extend its impact.
OCC’s connection to the broader community will
deepen through expanded partnerships, shared
initiatives, and an elevated role as a regional leader.
This future is not abstract; it is the result of deliberate, data-driven, and values-guided action. It
reflects our pride in both who we are and who we
are becoming. By implementing this Strategic Plan,
Ocean County College will remain a place where
opportunity is built, communities are strengthened,
and every learner is empowered to succeed.
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