We begin a “new normal” for the spring 2020 semester on Monday, March 23 – all classes will take place entirely remotely and online.
Online Learning
If you haven’t already done so, you must check your Bergen-issued email address and Moodle for directions from your professors. Faculty have communicated their plans for the rest of the semester, so it remains critical that you do so before classes begin again. While this unprecedented arrangement will include a bit of a learning curve – for all of us (!) – I have no doubt that you will persevere. Similarly, I know our faculty will find new and creative ways to deliver the high-quality Bergen education that we remain renowned for offering.
Remote Services/Resources
The College’s dedicated staff has worked diligently to ensure students have access to the same resources online that they would have had on campus. Please note the following:
- The Center for Student Success – all staff are working remotely; students with existing appointments will be contacted. For students interested in advising, counseling and other assistance, please visit here for details. Email [email protected] with general questions.
- The One-Stop – contact staff at [email protected]. Additionally, online registration for summer and fall 2020 classes will begin as scheduled Wednesday, April 1. Sections fill quickly – register early for the best options. Your first payment is not due until mid-July. Staff encourages students to file their FAFSA to unlock programs that can even make Bergen tuition-free.
- The Cerullo Learning Assistance Center – staff have worked hard to develop online methods for tutoring. Once tested and confirmed, the center will announce details.
- The Office of Specialized Services – contact staff at (201) 612-5269 or [email protected].
- Information Technology Help Desk – will operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Call (201) 447-7109 or email [email protected] for assistance.
- Bookstore – all operations have shifted online; visit here to purchase books and have them shipped to your home for free. Additionally, a variety of publishers have made their e-books free through Redshelf – visit here for details. For additional bookstore support, email [email protected].
- Testing – in-person testing resumes as soon as the college reopens; students can submit their SAT or ACT online using this form. For all other testing questions, email [email protected]
- New Jersey Resources – the New Jersey Council of County Colleges has compiled this document with information on unemployment, food and other types of specialized assistance.
Other Notes
- All College locations are closed until further notice. The return date to campus remains subject to the evolution of COVID-19 and revised guidance. It remains very important that you continue to monitor College communications.
- All staff are working remotely.
- All spring 2020 on-campus events are cancelled and the College has suspended scheduling any new events.
- While commencement 2020 remains scheduled as planned for Monday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. at MetLife Stadium, the College has begun to develop contingency plans in the event of its postponement or cancellation. The College remains committed to celebrating the class of 2020 however feasible and has already discussed some creative solutions toward doing so.
- “Drive-through” COVID-19 testing began at the main campus today. Federal, state and county officials are coordinating all aspects of this event.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tony Ross
Interim President
Based in Paramus, Bergen Community College (www.bergen.edu), a public two-year coeducational college, enrolls more than 13,000 students at locations in Paramus, the Philip Ciarco Jr. Learning Center in Hackensack and Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands in Lyndhurst. The College offers associate degree, certificate and continuing education programs in a variety of fields. More students graduate from Bergen than any other community college in the state.
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