May 1, 2024
May 1, 2024, Jersey City, NJ – The signing of a new transfer agreement between Hudson County Community College
(HCCC) and Saint Peter’s University will make it easier for HCCC students to transfer
to the nearby Jersey City institution to pursue their bachelor’s degrees upon their
graduation from HCCC.
On April 30, HCCC President Dr. Christopher M. Reber and Saint Peter’s University President Dr. Eugene J. Cornacchia met to sign the milestone agreement. The agreement facilitates the seamless transfer of credits from HCCC to St. Peter’s, forging clear transfer pathways and ensuring students do not accumulate unnecessary excess credits at either institution.
When community college students enroll at four-year universities, they must often navigate a complex and opaque process and find that some of their credits will not be accepted at their new school. This historic agreement breaks down this barrier and provides transfer students with additional resources, including a transfer counselor, to ensure they have the support they need to successfully transition to St. Peter’s.
HCCC President Dr. Christopher M. Reber met with St. Peter’s University President Dr. Eugene J. Cornacchia to sign the transfer agreement between the two institutions. Pictured, from left: Saint Peter’s University President Dr. Eugene J. Cornacchia, St. Peter’s University Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Frederick Bonato, HCCC President Dr. Christopher M. Reber, and HCCC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Darryl Jones.
Dr. Cornacchia stated, “This collaboration signifies our joint commitment to empowering
students with the tools and resources to excel academically and thrive in their chosen
fields.”
HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber remarked, “We are proud to solidify this connection with Saint Peter’s University, which is fitting as we are neighboring institutions standing together in the shadow of the statue of Liberty. We look forward to seeing the partnership generate opportunities for our students as they take the next step toward earning their bachelor’s and graduate degrees. Many HCCC graduates continue their journeys at nearby St. Peter’s each year, and this agreement will be transformational for them. As he approaches his retirement in June, I’d also like to commend President Eugene Cornacchia for his steadfast leadership of St. Peter’s, and thank him for his contributions to this community over the past 43 years.”
HCCC Director of Transfer Pathways Jennifer Valcarcel stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Saint Peter’s University for this transfer articulation agreement, making it easier for HCCC graduates to continue their education at this nearby prestigious institution. Transferring to a four-year school can be a complicated endeavor, but this agreement will make it a more seamless process for students, which is the goal.”
In accordance with the agreement, HCCC and Saint Peter’s will develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date course equivalency listings for HCCC’s Associate Degree programs and the B.A., B.S., B.P.S. Degree programs at Saint Peter’s, which will be posted on the Saint Peter’s website. These listings will be reviewed annually each June. These connected degree programs may be expanded periodically as agreed upon by both institutions.
Each institution will assign liaisons to facilitate their ongoing communication. Saint Peter’s will engage one of its employees to administer the day-to-day operations of this agreement on HCCC’s campus, and HCCC will provide shared space and other services for Saint Peter’s employees.
The partnership is an exciting development for HCCC students, as they will be empowered to fully transfer their credits to Saint Peter’s and utilize the opportunities Saint Peter’s can provide while still at HCCC.
HCCC is establishing enhanced transfer agreements with other four-year New Jersey universities to facilitate transfer pathways for all HCCC students.
Dr. Cornacchia closed by telling the audience, “As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember that this is just the beginning. Together, we have the power to inspire, educate, and transform lives. Here’s to a future brimming with endless possibilities.”