Standard IV: Support of the Student Experience
StandardIVCriteria / Narrative of compliance with references to Document Roadmap1.Clearlystated,ethicalpoliciesandprocessestoadmit,retain,andfacilitatethesuccessofstudentswhoseinterests,abilities,experiences,andgoalsprovideareasonableexpectationforsuccessandarecompatiblewithinstitutionalmission,including:
- accurateandcomprehensiveinformationregardingexpenses,financialaid,scholarships,grants,loans,repayment, and refunds;
4.1000 (Tuition and Fees)
The purpose of this Board Policy is to authorize a tuition and fee structure in compliance with New Jersey Statutes 18A Chapter 3B (new) Higher Education Governance. The policy requires the President to propose a separate rates for in-county, out-of-county, out-of-state, and authorized other programs as part of the annual budget process, and to inform students and the general public in a timely fashion of this schedule.
Requirements for refund of tuition and/or fees shall be provided by College regulations. Such regulations shall ensure that the College retains funds adequate to cover its direct and indirect costs for services rendered. Finally, the policy sets forth guiding principles for tuition differentiation.
4.1002 (Chargeback Eligibility)
This Board policy authorizes the College to offer chargeback to students whose local community or county-assisted college does not offer a particular program of study in order to complete the course work necessary to satisfy the requirements of the program of study even if any portion of the program is offered at the local college. Students who qualify for services through the Comprehensive Support Centers for Learning Disabled Students, New Jersey Centers for Collegiate Deaf Education, and College Resource Centers for Visually Impaired Students are also considered eligible for chargeback. Out-of-county students eligible for chargeback are charged the differential chargeback rates as recommended by the Council of County Colleges and determined by the State Treasurer. The policy also defines the documentation that Brookdale Community College will provide to the sending county college to certify the chargeback.
4.1004 (Grants and Loans for Student Aid)
In compliance with federal, state and local law and related regulations and guidelines, this policy authorizes the College to pursue and administer grants and loans for eligible students. Private grants are processed through the Brookdale Community College Foundation and, to the extent feasible, in compliance with the grantor's terms and conditions. Awards are required to be applied to student accounts in a timely manner. Grants and loans are required to be audited by the College auditor, with copies of such audits provided to the Board of Trustees on an annual basis.
6.2000 (Financial Aid)
This policy authorizes the President to seek financial assistance funds from available sources, secure such funds, and implement a financial aid program which will maximize the opportunity for students to achieve their educational goals regardless of financial resources. Such sources of financial assistance may include grants, scholarships, loans, part-time employment both on and off the campus, and/or tuition waivers within budget limitations. With the exception of funds specifically earmarked or part-time students, priority consideration in the distribution of funds shall be given to full-time students. However, conviction for any criminal offense involving drugs results in loss of the student's eligibility for any financial aid. The President is directed to report to the Board of Trustees on the financial aid program once each summer.
Regulations
4.1002R (Refunds to Students through Veteran’s Administration)
The purpose of this regulation is to comply with Federal law (Veterans’ Administration Regulations, Section 1776, C. 13, Chapter 36, Title 38, U.S. Code) which requires that the College maintain a separate refund regulation for veterans, eligible children, and wives and/or widows of deceased or disabled veterans. The regulation provides for the refund of the unused pro-rated portion of tuition and student activity fees and other applicable fees and charges in the event the eligible person fails to enter the course, withdraws, or the course is discontinued.
4.1003R (Refunds of Tuition and Fees)
This regulation details the tuition refund schedules for all students who are totally withdrawing from the College or dropping one or more courses. Whenever a student or applicant believes that s/he is eligible to receive a refund outside of the normal refund schedule due to special circumstances, the student must submit a request for a refund form with rationale to the Registrar. For example, the regulation allows for full refund of tuition paid to students who officially withdraw from all classes due to a serious illness or medical condition, provided that the illness is certified in writing by a physician and the request is submitted to the Registrar prior to the last official day of the term during which the illness occurred. In addition, a full refund of tuition paid can be granted if a student enters US military service provided that a copy of enlistment papers is provided prior to the last day of classes of the term in which a student withdraws. While fees are not generally refunded unless the student qualifies for 100% refund, a full refund of tuition, laboratory fees, and student activity fees will be granted for courses cancelled by the College and students a refund of the application fee can be granted if the student can present documentation supporting her/his claim that the course which is now cancelled (or closed) was her/his sole reason for applying for admission.
4.1005R (Annual Review of Laboratory Fees)
As directed by Board Policy 4.1000, the purpose of this regulation is to articulate a clear process for the establishment of Laboratory Fees for certain courses. According to this regulation, Institute Deans recommend courses for which lab fees should be charged and the amount of the fee to the Vice President for Learning who makes recommendations to the President who then determines the courses and assesses the fees as indicated in Board Policy. The fees should be reviewed each year. This regulation also specifies what expenses cannot be offset by fees, when lab fees must be assessed, which office is responsible for collecting the fees, and the process for analyzing actual expenditures.
6.1505R (Student Indebtedness)
Under the authority of Board Policy 6.2000, this regulation permits the College to take certain actions in order to avoid losing money or materials due the College. For example, tuition must be paid and Financial Aid promissory notes executed at or before the time of registration, or prior to the final date for payment of tuition and fees for those students who take advantage of early registration. Students who fail to pay their tuition or execute promissory notes are eliminated from the rosters of classes in which they are enrolled. This regulation also clarifies that students who owe the College money or property, as well as those that are in violation of any College policy or regulation, will be unable to register or access their transcripts until the debt is settled.
6.2000R (Financial Aid Program)
As authorized by Board Policies 4.1004 and 6.2000, this regulation intends to maximize opportunities for students to achieve their educational goals regardless of financial resources and clarify the conditions under which financial aid can be awarded. The regulation details the responsible parties at the College, the need to to ensure that adequate funds are available for disbursement, that applicants demonstrate need for funding, and the conditions necessary for continuation of aid.
6.5000R (In-County Tuition Rate for Foreign Students)
In order to regulate the use of in-county tuition rates by foreign students, this regulation articulates the criteria for implementation of the Board Policy 6.5000 which grants residence tuition status to foreign nationals. For example, the student must possess a student visa, must satisfy all requirements of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, must be a regular (matriculated) full-time student, and must complete their program contract within four to six long terms and intervening short terms from initial enrollment.
Net Price Calculator The current Net Price Calculator provides students with the estimated cost of attendance including tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses including transportation. However, the estimate is based on the 2012-2013 academic year.
Financial Aid This website includes links to the FAFSA application, Webadvisor (to check status of application), Direct Loans, and electronic versions of all financial aid forms, as well as links to information about NJ STARS, Federal Work Study, scholarships, satisfactory academic progress, loan counseling, and information for veterans (this link needs to be fixed).
Student Account Access to Financial Information (WebAdvisor) This is the first link off of the main Financial Aid website, providing general information about eligibility, awarding, and refunds.
NJSTARS This is the link to the NJSTARS program, found on the Financial Aid website. Eligibility and restrictions are explained here and there is a link to the official State NJSTARS website.
Loan Repayment This is the link from the main Financial Aid website that explains how the student can learn more about their loans, when repayment can be expected to begin, and repayment options.
SALT Money Management This is a link from the main Financial Aid website. The College will be discontinuing this service and switching default management services in FY17. Foundation Office This website provides general information about the Foundation Office, available scholarships (see link below), and opportunities to donate. This is a link to available scholarships from the main Foundation Office website.
Accounts Receivable This website explains methods for paying tuition and fees, the cost of tuition by type of residency, general services fees, tuition for military personnel stationed in Monmouth County, and information about the 1098-T. On this page, links are provided to explain Monmouth County residency
( the tuition payment plan ( the refund policy schedule ( and tuition FAQs (
Payment Plan This link from the main admissions/tuition and fees website provides a brief explanation of the payment plan and a link to our third party solution, Tuition Management Systems, at
Student Services Generalists This main page doesn't indicate information about financial aid assistance, though a link to services provided does mention financial aid (
The website of the Vice President for Student Success ( provides links to EOF ( and Cashier/Accounts Receivable (
EOF Office this link is listed under "Academics" then "VP for Student Success" or "Admissions and Aid." There is no identifying information. Students and families would have to have an idea of what EOF is. The EOF website contains a link to "Student Success Services," and one of the options is "Financial Literacy." The Financial Literacy page ( contains links to a free online financial literacy course ( and a PBS.org article (
The Accounts Receivable link is very basic ( The description of service is very vague. Contact information of staff members is included, as well as information about the 1098-T. The cost of books can be found on the Scroll and Pen website ( as well as through the course section information on Webadvisor.
Student Handbook The Handbook can be accessed from the College's website under the Academics menu button. Links in the Handbook explain financial aid and payment options. The Financial Aid section includes information about eligibility, as well as types of grants, work opportunities, and loans. The payment section includes information about tuition and fees, payment methods, payment plan, chargeback, and residency.
College Catalog This is the catalog page that explains financial aid eligibility, how to apply for financial aid, use of the Net Price Calculator to estimate cost of attendance, types of financial aid available, return to Title IV, loss of financial aid due to drug conviction, and financial aid available through EOF, ROTC, Service Members Opportunity College, tuition waivers (e.g., unemployment, volunteer first aid and firefighters, family members of victims of 9/11), Brookdale Foundation scholarships, and the tuition installment plan.
Catalog, Consumer Information The Consumer Information page of the catalog includes information about the availability of Institutional and Financial Aid, general college information, student financial assistance, student loan information, health and safety, and student outcomes.
- a process by which students who are not adequately prepared for the study at the level for which they have been admitted are identified, placed, and supported in attaining appropriate educational goals;
This College Regulation identifies who will be tested (and who can be waived). The regulation specifies that counselors will help students plan course selections for each term until students have completed Foundational Studies requirements. The regulation identifies when students need to complete Foundational Studies coursework and specifies that students may not register for any course for which they have not met the pre or co-requisites.
College Regulation 5.0028R: Academic Standing.
This regulation specifies that once a student has attempted 11 credits, they must pass at least 50% of their Foundational Studies courses each semester to maintain satisfactory standing. This stipulation emphasizes the importance the College places on helping students become adequately prepared to meet their goals.
College Regulation 5.0029R: Testing and Placement for Foundational Studies.
This regulation recognizes that some students may be underprepared for college courses and states that all new degree-seeking students must take the Foundational Studies Placement Test or meet the criteria to be waived from testing and placement. The regulation specifies the schedule of required initial placement in Foundational Studies courses (e.g., Reading must be taken within the first 12 credits). Students who do not pass their required Foundational Studies courses are required to re-register for the course(s) in their next term.
Basic Skills / Foundational Studies Committee – Permanent Governance Committee.
This Committee advises, develops and recommends policies, procedures and regulations concerning Foundational Studies. This committee provides guidance for ongoing assessment of Foundational Studies and facilitates discussions regarding the mission, goals and objectives of Foundational Studies. In FY16, the Foundational Studies Committee was given three charges by the Governance Steering Committee: (1) Review and if necessary revise Regulation 5.0034R Basic Skills, (2) Review and if necessary revise 5.0029R Testing and Placement for Developmental Courses, and (3) Should factors besides Accuplacer Scores be considered for placement into courses? Make recommendations about multi-factor placement. Academic Affairs Council Charges 2016-2017.docx
Testing Center / Web pages with Accuplacer / Foundational Skills Testing.
This webpage describes the Foundational Studies Placement Test (Accuplacer) in detail and provides sample questions and links to Accuplacer practice tests and a website. The site describes who needs to be evaluated, what students should bring to the test and how/when they can retest. As such, the site clearly states processes that facilitate the success of students.
Pre-Registration Testing Web Page.
This web page identifies who needs to be tested and who can be waived from testing. The page notes the cut-off scores for receiving a partial or total waiver from placement testing. Students who wish to be waived from testing are directed to the One Stop Center for Student Success. This web page also explains that students will meet with an advisor to choose their courses. This particular page clearly illustrates that Brookdale has a process to identify, place and support students who are not adequately prepared to study at the level for which they have been admitted.
Placement-Related Advising Resources for Students Web Page.
This site contains several links to different types of support for students. Specifically, this page has links to resources about Accuplacer (e.g., Official Study App and practice tests), College-Level Math Test Preparation, Transfer Support, and Study and Test Taking learning strategies.
ESL Testing Web Page.
This web page indicates who should take the ESL Placement test and provides step by step instructions for taking the test. This site also specifies where the test is offered. This page contains links to other helpful pages for potential ESL students, such as FAQs and ESL Tutoring and Resources.
Foundational Studies Math Web Page:
This website describes the Accuplacer placement tool and has links to Accuplacer Arithmetic and Algebra questions. The cut-scores and placement paths are described as well (e.g., an Algebra score above 76 allows the student to take college-level Math). The page describes the different options of delivery for Pre Algebra and Algebra. For example, Both Pre Algebra and Algebra have one or two-courses options, depending on the student’s placement score.