Long Island Campus
By Laura LaVacca
Campus News
With a large transfer population, St. Joseph’s College welcomes students coming from other colleges with open arms. The college has many programs in place to help make the transition for students seamless. With two campuses, located on Long Island and in Brooklyn, students can choose to commute or dorm. Top ranked by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes as one of the nation’s best colleges to offer affordable tuition, expert faculty, programs and small classes, St. Joseph’s College may just be the next campus transfer students call home.
As Vice President for Enrollment Management, Gigi Lamens explains, “We are a transfer friendly campus. We have special admissions centers for transfer students, with guides online, so students can get a full idea of how credits transfer and how long it will take to complete their degree.”
Lamens points out that many campuses cater to high school seniors who will be incoming freshman, but St. Joseph recognizes the transfer student population and even offers scholarships, “We recognize accomplishments and promise.”
With an outcome of 80% graduating and a student average of a 3.4 GPA, St. Joseph’s mission is to provide a strong academic and value-oriented education with an emphasis on a liberal arts tradition in order to help students prepare for careers and self-enhancement.
Classes have ratios of 15:1 and students can choose from a wide range of undergraduate majors and minors, master’s degrees and certificate programs. There are online courses, dual degree programs and study abroad opportunities. SJU also gives an away experience to those who seek to stay close to home but desire to dorm. Dorming is available at the Brooklyn campus.
“We have a diverse population including commuter students and an incredible recent increase in adult education,” Lamens notes.
Lamens advises students to do their homework when transferring, “Check out a four-year school and meet with admissions advisors. Get info! Get an evaluation of transfer credits, learn how their majors work. … Cement that right away!”
Brooklyn Campus
But the biggest piece, “Take a look at graduation rates. The success rate is incredibly important.”
In addition, students should take campus tours, sit with advisement, check out offered majors and ask any questions. Being proactive before attending a school will save time, money and lost credits in the process.
“I had transferred from Suffolk County Community College. My transition to St. Joseph’s was somewhat seamless,” said senior Stephanie Mraz, who will graduate with two degrees this May — a Bachelor’s in both Accounting and Marketing. “They accepted all the credits, which was very important to me. Colleges often pick and choose what they want to accept, which prolongs your college career.”
Mraz knew St. Joseph’s was a good fit for her and is proud of the choice she made, “ St. Joseph’s college provides exceptional staff who are dedicated to helping you succeed. They challenge your intellect and offer guidance both in and out of the classroom,” she continued. “Students should consider this college because there are small classroom sizes, which provided a better learning experience. Staff knows you as a person, not as a number in the classroom.”
Mraz also encourages students to get involved and make the most of their college experience, “Students often get stuck in a routine of going to class and leaving. Although SJC [Long Island] is a commuter school, it is what you make it. Join clubs, Greek life and sports teams. You will not only make friends, but will be happier. Form relationships with staff who can assist in your job hunt. Once you push aside your fears of getting involved and communicating, your time here will not be wasted.”
Lamens agrees, “We feel transfers are a special population that adds richness and experience they can share. It’s impressive, and we are proud of that! Transfer students are important to us at both campuses.”
For more information, check out St. Joseph’s website www.sjcny.edu or connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.