Student Resources Services (TRIO) | Ocean County College
Source: https://www.ocean.edu/student-resources/student-support-services
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:11
Student Resources Services (TRIO) | Ocean County College
Student Support Services
Our Mission
The mission of Student Support Services at Ocean County College is to assist and encourage
first-generation
college students,
income-eligible
college students, and/or college
students with disabilities
through the completion of a credential. We operate in a holistic, inclusive, and collaborative environment while delivering services that will immerse students in a challenging and engaging student experience. SSS emboldens students to be self-driven; to discover their own barriers, seek out solutions, and develop a positive mindset in their journey toward success.
How to Apply
Submit a Completed Prescreen Application!
Applications are available via this website, email, or in person. Spots are limited!
Apply Now!
Eligibility Requirements
Free Program Advantages
Academic Coaching
Academic Advising
Eligibility Requirements
Do you meet any of these eligibility requirements?
You are a first generation student
*
You meet federal income guidelines, found on the
U.S. Department of Education
website
You are a student with a disability
You have an academic need (placed into developmental math and/or English, GPA less than 2.5, struggling to pass courses, recommended to SSS by a faculty or staff members, high rate of F & W grades)
“You are a citizen or national of the United States or meet the residency requirements for Federal student financial assistance”
*
First Generation
:
parents/guardians did not complete a bachelor’s degree or whose primary custodial parent/guardian did not complete a bachelor’s degree.
Free Program Advantages
Free Program Advantages:
One-On-One Professional Tutoring
Academic Planning & Advising
—for transfer to a 4-year institution and/or career
Academic Coaching
—keeping you motivated to reach your goals
Financial Literacy Education
—to help you make smart, financial decisions
Social Engagement & Leadership Development
—attend trips and conferences to discover your purpose and build your network
Academic Coaching
Academic Coaching:
All SSS Scholars should have a preliminary meeting with the SSS Academic Coach (Barbara or Kate) to take/review LASSI and to determine their need for academic coaching/set appointments for the semester.
Academic Advising
Academic Advising:
All SSS Scholars
MUST
meet with their SSS Academic Advisor (Briana Cerbone) before registering for classes.
You must also contact Briana BEFORE making any changes to your class schedule (drop/add/withdrawal)
Advising for the 2025FA semester is anticipated to begin end of March or early April.
SSS Priority Registration for 2025SP is scheduled to begin mid-April.
Watch your text messages & emails for more info. Please schedule your appts with Briana early as her calendar will fill quickly!
Financial Literacy Series
Join TRIO this spring for a series of Financial Literacy workshops! All workshops are designed to provide practical tools to strengthen money skills and manage finances with confidence. All sessions will take place at 11:30 a.m. in Gateway (Building 101, Room 104).
Upcoming Events:
April 22:
“Adulting” – What does my financial life look like after OCC?
Questions? Please email Alison Noone at
anoone@ocean.edu
.
TRIO Events Spring 2026
Be sure to check back soon for all of the exciting upcoming TRIO events. New workshops, information sessions, and opportunities to connect will be added for the spring 2026 semester, and we don’t want you to miss what’s coming next!
All Activities noted with (
*
) fulfill a requirement of the Student Support Services program.
Sign-ups for all events are located in SSS Main Office – please see
Kate Moreno
Location: ADMN Building (#1) Room 112
SSS Email:
studentsupportservices@ocean.edu
SSS Phone: 732-255-0539
SSS Text: 833-501-3100 – You must opt in to send and receive text messages
Trip, Workshops, and Event flyers are posted on the bulletin board in the SSS Community Space
TRIO Activities & Workshops – Spring 2026
We’re excited to kick off Spring 2026 with a new lineup of TRIO activities and workshops designed to support your success, build community, and make the most of the semester ahead.
Campus Calendar Events
Expand All
Collapse All
Financial Literacy Event*
(All SSS Students must attend one Financial Literacy event prior to graduation) *
Game of Life – An interactive “game” to help you learn the importance of making smart financial decisions.
LOCATION: GATE 104 (Gateway Building Lecture Hall) TIME: Begins at 11:30 AM
April 22, 2026 –
“Adulting” – What does my financial life look like after OCC?
Back to Top
TRIO Grant Aid – By invitation only
Students must be eligible for
AND
receive a federal PELL grant to be eligible. You will receive a text/email inviting you to attend a session. Learn how you may be eligible and can apply for this grant award.
(*Final award will be based in
YOUR
federal PELL award*)
Other dates may be added at Director discretion
Grant Aid Applications Due on
Friday, April 24, 2026 by 4:00 PM
– No late applications will be accepted except in extreme cases approved solely at the discretion of TRIO Director
Remote:
https://ocean.webex.com/meet/anoone
Questions: contact:
anoone@ocean.edu
Back to Top
Get Connected
All SSS Students must attend one Get Connected Event prior to graduation!
LOCATION
: All are held in the TRIO Workshop & Community Space unless specifically noted with the event.
Earth Day Celebration – Planting with Barb –
Thursday, April 23, 2026- 10:00-12:30
Back to Top
Financial Aid (FAFSA)
25/26 FAFSA – INDIVIDUAL APPT ONLY-w/Helen
Will need 2023 tax info for self & parent(s), (If filed)
26/27 FAFSA – INDIVIDUAL APPT ONLY- w/Helen
Will need 2024 tax info for self & parent(s), (If filed)
OPEN FAFSA Workshops
With reps from the Financial Aid Office:
Dates:
April: 15, 23, 29
May: 5, 13, 19, 27
June: 4, 10, 16, 24
Time: 5:00-7:00 PM in Building #10
LAST ENTRY IS 6:30 PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-pathways-to-education-now-open-tickets-837485771487
(Space is limited – You MUST register)
Back to Top
Career Workshops
Get the basics on how to write a resume so you stand out & learn about common interview questions, what your body language says about you & dress for success!
Location:
TRIO Scholars Workshop & Community Space
Check back for upcoming dates: Questions, contact:
SSS Email:
studentsupportservices@ocean.edu
SSS Phone: 732-255-0539
Back to Top
Transfer Workshop Information
Transfer Workshop
Be sure to understand the importance of the associate’s degree when transferring to complete your bachelor’s. Reach out to Briana Cerbone to discuss transfer options.
Email:
bcerbone@ocean.edu
Phone :
732-255-0400 x 2352
Office:
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 117
Back to Top
Ted Talks Tuesdays
TED Talk Tuesdays:
12:00 pm – 12:30pm
LOCATION:
TRIO Scholars Workshop & Community Space
Date
Topic
4/21/2026
Six Behaviors to Increase Your Confidence – Emily Jaenson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IitIl2C3Iy8
Back to Top
Theatrical Thursdays
Theatrical Thursdays –
8:30AM – 4:30PM
– Stop in for a bit or stay for a movie!
Don’t forget to sign in on the attendance sheet hanging on the cabinet!
LOCATION:
TRIO Workshop & Community Space
4/16 – It’s Just a Dinosaur
4/23 – It’s Earth Day Baby
4/30 – You Can’t Handle the Truth
Back to Top
Scholarship Information
Will return Fall 2026!
Learn how and where to look for scholarships and then learn the steps to write a good essay!
Check out
OCC’s Scholarship Foundation
page for information about available scholarships.
Back to Top
Thoughtful Thursdays – De-stress with TRIO SSS
Meditation and breathing exercises to calm your body and mind – check back for the spring dates!
Check back for upcoming dates – Questions: call
732-255-0539
Back to Top
Trips & College Visits
Cultural / Educational Trips
Student Life Trips:
Student Life Trip Offerings – Browse upcoming events!
TRIO Scholars and guests can go
TRIO will pay for the scholar – guests must register with Student Life and cover the costs of their ticket
Other exciting opportunities pop up from time to time – watch text and email messages too!
Back to Top
College Visits
Watch the bulletin board for updated trip info!
Kean-Ocean
– Friday, AWAITING DATE – 11:00 AM arrival
Stockton University
– Friday, April 10, 2026 – 10:30 arrival
Georgian Court University –
Friday, May 1, 2026 – 10:30 arrival
Back to Top
A Look Ahead – Fall Semester 2026
Monthly Workshop Offerings
Cultural, Educational, & Social Events and Activities
College Visits – (Dates and campus TBD)
Exciting Cultural/Educational Trips
Watch the bulletin board for updated trip info!
Back to Top
Important Information
TRIO-GRANT AID
TRIO – GRANT AID Applications:
Will be due to the SSS Office no later than
4:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026 – no exceptions will be made
.
You may email a scanned application or legible pictures of each page to
studentsupportservices@ocean.edu
– it MUST be timestamped no later than 4:00 PM on 4/24/2026
Please ensure the application is completed in full and is legible
PRIOR
to submission. We must be able to read you application.
All
requirements must be satisfied to be eligible
Regular Academic Advising/Grad Review appts
DO NOT
count towards your 5 required activities
Please speak with Alison if there is a documented extenuating circumstance that would prevent you from completing a required activity. We CANNOT offer any potential accommodations unless you communicate
PRIOR
to application submission.
TRIO staff
will not
verify information on application prior to its submission
It is
YOUR
responsibility to ensure accuracy and thoroughness. Make sure you get staff signatures/initials if they are needed to verify your attendance at an event.
If you are unsure if an event can be used to satisfy a requirement, just ask!! Attendance verification will need to be attached.
Academic Coaching:
All TRIO Scholars should have a preliminary meeting with the SSS Academic Coach (Barbara or Kate) to take/review LASSI and to determine their need for academic coaching/set appointments for the semester.
Academic Advising:
All TRIO Scholars
MUST
meet with their TRIO Academic Advisor (Helen Konz or Alison Noone [while Briana is out on maternity leave])
BEFORE
registering for classes.
You
MUST
also contact & meet with Alison or Helen
BEFORE
making any changes to your class schedule (drop/add/withdrawal)
Advising for the 2026FA semester will begin on April 1, 2026 – don’t wait to schedule your advising appointment! Helen’s and Alison’s calendars will fill quickly!
TRIO Priority Registration for 2026FA is anticipated to begin on
April 1, 2026.
Watch your text messages & emails for specific information. Please schedule your appointments with Alison or Helen early to secure your classes!!
Student Support Services Club
The
Student Support Service Club
, open to all OCC students, is tailored specifically for participants in the SSS Program. The purpose of the club is to emphasize the attainment of leadership skills, attain a sense of community and connectedness, as well as provide opportunities for community involvement and outreach.
For more information
:
The Student Support Services office is located in:
The Administration Building #1
Our office hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Evening & late hours by appointment only.
Program staff can be reached by:
Direct Phone:
732-255-0539
Email:
studentsupportservices@ocean.edu
SSS Office Staff
Alison Noone
Student Support Services Director
732-255-0400 ext. 2138
anoone@ocean.edu
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 116
Helen Konz
Student Support Services Coordinator
732-255-0400 x2373
hkonz@ocean.edu
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 118
Kate Moreno
Student Support Services Technician
732-255-0400 x7027
kmoreno@ocean.edu
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 112
Briana Cerbone
Student Support Services Specialist
732-255-0400 x 2352
bcerbone@ocean.edu
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 117
Barbara McCormack
Student Support Services Academic Coach
732-255-0400 x2228
bmccormack@ocean.edu
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 121
Student Support Services
Our Mission
The mission of Student Support Services at Ocean County College is to assist and encourage
first-generation
college students,
income-eligible
college students, and/or college
students with disabilities
through the completion of a credential. We operate in a holistic, inclusive, and collaborative environment while delivering services that will immerse students in a challenging and engaging student experience. SSS emboldens students to be self-driven; to discover their own barriers, seek out solutions, and develop a positive mindset in their journey toward success.
How to Apply
Submit a Completed Prescreen Application!
Applications are available via this website, email, or in person. Spots are limited!
Apply Now!
Eligibility Requirements
Free Program Advantages
Academic Coaching
Academic Advising
Eligibility Requirements
Do you meet any of these eligibility requirements?
You are a first generation student
*
You meet federal income guidelines, found on the
U.S. Department of Education
website
You are a student with a disability
You have an academic need (placed into developmental math and/or English, GPA less than 2.5, struggling to pass courses, recommended to SSS by a faculty or staff members, high rate of F & W grades)
“You are a citizen or national of the United States or meet the residency requirements for Federal student financial assistance”
*
First Generation
:
parents/guardians did not complete a bachelor’s degree or whose primary custodial parent/guardian did not complete a bachelor’s degree.
Free Program Advantages
Free Program Advantages:
One-On-One Professional Tutoring
Academic Planning & Advising
—for transfer to a 4-year institution and/or career
Academic Coaching
—keeping you motivated to reach your goals
Financial Literacy Education
—to help you make smart, financial decisions
Social Engagement & Leadership Development
—attend trips and conferences to discover your purpose and build your network
Academic Coaching
Academic Coaching:
All SSS Scholars should have a preliminary meeting with the SSS Academic Coach (Barbara or Kate) to take/review LASSI and to determine their need for academic coaching/set appointments for the semester.
Academic Advising
Academic Advising:
All SSS Scholars
MUST
meet with their SSS Academic Advisor (Briana Cerbone) before registering for classes.
You must also contact Briana BEFORE making any changes to your class schedule (drop/add/withdrawal)
Advising for the 2025FA semester is anticipated to begin end of March or early April.
SSS Priority Registration for 2025SP is scheduled to begin mid-April.
Watch your text messages & emails for more info. Please schedule your appts with Briana early as her calendar will fill quickly!
Financial Literacy Series
Join TRIO this spring for a series of Financial Literacy workshops! All workshops are designed to provide practical tools to strengthen money skills and manage finances with confidence. All sessions will take place at 11:30 a.m. in Gateway (Building 101, Room 104).
Upcoming Events:
April 22:
“Adulting” – What does my financial life look like after OCC?
Questions? Please email Alison Noone at
anoone@ocean.edu
.
TRIO Events Spring 2026
Be sure to check back soon for all of the exciting upcoming TRIO events. New workshops, information sessions, and opportunities to connect will be added for the spring 2026 semester, and we don’t want you to miss what’s coming next!
All Activities noted with (
*
) fulfill a requirement of the Student Support Services program.
Sign-ups for all events are located in SSS Main Office – please see
Kate Moreno
Location: ADMN Building (#1) Room 112
SSS Email:
studentsupportservices@ocean.edu
SSS Phone: 732-255-0539
SSS Text: 833-501-3100 – You must opt in to send and receive text messages
Trip, Workshops, and Event flyers are posted on the bulletin board in the SSS Community Space
TRIO Activities & Workshops – Spring 2026
We’re excited to kick off Spring 2026 with a new lineup of TRIO activities and workshops designed to support your success, build community, and make the most of the semester ahead.
Campus Calendar Events
Expand All
Collapse All
Financial Literacy Event*
(All SSS Students must attend one Financial Literacy event prior to graduation) *
Game of Life – An interactive “game” to help you learn the importance of making smart financial decisions.
LOCATION: GATE 104 (Gateway Building Lecture Hall) TIME: Begins at 11:30 AM
April 22, 2026 –
“Adulting” – What does my financial life look like after OCC?
Back to Top
TRIO Grant Aid – By invitation only
Students must be eligible for
AND
receive a federal PELL grant to be eligible. You will receive a text/email inviting you to attend a session. Learn how you may be eligible and can apply for this grant award.
(*Final award will be based in
YOUR
federal PELL award*)
Other dates may be added at Director discretion
Grant Aid Applications Due on
Friday, April 24, 2026 by 4:00 PM
– No late applications will be accepted except in extreme cases approved solely at the discretion of TRIO Director
Remote:
https://ocean.webex.com/meet/anoone
Questions: contact:
anoone@ocean.edu
Back to Top
Get Connected
All SSS Students must attend one Get Connected Event prior to graduation!
LOCATION
: All are held in the TRIO Workshop & Community Space unless specifically noted with the event.
Earth Day Celebration – Planting with Barb –
Thursday, April 23, 2026- 10:00-12:30
Back to Top
Financial Aid (FAFSA)
25/26 FAFSA – INDIVIDUAL APPT ONLY-w/Helen
Will need 2023 tax info for self & parent(s), (If filed)
26/27 FAFSA – INDIVIDUAL APPT ONLY- w/Helen
Will need 2024 tax info for self & parent(s), (If filed)
OPEN FAFSA Workshops
With reps from the Financial Aid Office:
Dates:
April: 15, 23, 29
May: 5, 13, 19, 27
June: 4, 10, 16, 24
Time: 5:00-7:00 PM in Building #10
LAST ENTRY IS 6:30 PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-pathways-to-education-now-open-tickets-837485771487
(Space is limited – You MUST register)
Back to Top
Career Workshops
Get the basics on how to write a resume so you stand out & learn about common interview questions, what your body language says about you & dress for success!
Location:
TRIO Scholars Workshop & Community Space
Check back for upcoming dates: Questions, contact:
SSS Email:
studentsupportservices@ocean.edu
SSS Phone: 732-255-0539
Back to Top
Transfer Workshop Information
Transfer Workshop
Be sure to understand the importance of the associate’s degree when transferring to complete your bachelor’s. Reach out to Briana Cerbone to discuss transfer options.
Email:
bcerbone@ocean.edu
Phone :
732-255-0400 x 2352
Office:
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 117
Back to Top
Ted Talks Tuesdays
TED Talk Tuesdays:
12:00 pm – 12:30pm
LOCATION:
TRIO Scholars Workshop & Community Space
Date
Topic
4/21/2026
Six Behaviors to Increase Your Confidence – Emily Jaenson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IitIl2C3Iy8
Back to Top
Theatrical Thursdays
Theatrical Thursdays –
8:30AM – 4:30PM
– Stop in for a bit or stay for a movie!
Don’t forget to sign in on the attendance sheet hanging on the cabinet!
LOCATION:
TRIO Workshop & Community Space
4/16 – It’s Just a Dinosaur
4/23 – It’s Earth Day Baby
4/30 – You Can’t Handle the Truth
Back to Top
Scholarship Information
Will return Fall 2026!
Learn how and where to look for scholarships and then learn the steps to write a good essay!
Check out
OCC’s Scholarship Foundation
page for information about available scholarships.
Back to Top
Thoughtful Thursdays – De-stress with TRIO SSS
Meditation and breathing exercises to calm your body and mind – check back for the spring dates!
Check back for upcoming dates – Questions: call
732-255-0539
Back to Top
Trips & College Visits
Cultural / Educational Trips
Student Life Trips:
Student Life Trip Offerings – Browse upcoming events!
TRIO Scholars and guests can go
TRIO will pay for the scholar – guests must register with Student Life and cover the costs of their ticket
Other exciting opportunities pop up from time to time – watch text and email messages too!
Back to Top
College Visits
Watch the bulletin board for updated trip info!
Kean-Ocean
– Friday, AWAITING DATE – 11:00 AM arrival
Stockton University
– Friday, April 10, 2026 – 10:30 arrival
Georgian Court University –
Friday, May 1, 2026 – 10:30 arrival
Back to Top
A Look Ahead – Fall Semester 2026
Monthly Workshop Offerings
Cultural, Educational, & Social Events and Activities
College Visits – (Dates and campus TBD)
Exciting Cultural/Educational Trips
Watch the bulletin board for updated trip info!
Back to Top
Important Information
TRIO-GRANT AID
TRIO – GRANT AID Applications:
Will be due to the SSS Office no later than
4:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026 – no exceptions will be made
.
You may email a scanned application or legible pictures of each page to
studentsupportservices@ocean.edu
– it MUST be timestamped no later than 4:00 PM on 4/24/2026
Please ensure the application is completed in full and is legible
PRIOR
to submission. We must be able to read you application.
All
requirements must be satisfied to be eligible
Regular Academic Advising/Grad Review appts
DO NOT
count towards your 5 required activities
Please speak with Alison if there is a documented extenuating circumstance that would prevent you from completing a required activity. We CANNOT offer any potential accommodations unless you communicate
PRIOR
to application submission.
TRIO staff
will not
verify information on application prior to its submission
It is
YOUR
responsibility to ensure accuracy and thoroughness. Make sure you get staff signatures/initials if they are needed to verify your attendance at an event.
If you are unsure if an event can be used to satisfy a requirement, just ask!! Attendance verification will need to be attached.
Academic Coaching:
All TRIO Scholars should have a preliminary meeting with the SSS Academic Coach (Barbara or Kate) to take/review LASSI and to determine their need for academic coaching/set appointments for the semester.
Academic Advising:
All TRIO Scholars
MUST
meet with their TRIO Academic Advisor (Helen Konz or Alison Noone [while Briana is out on maternity leave])
BEFORE
registering for classes.
You
MUST
also contact & meet with Alison or Helen
BEFORE
making any changes to your class schedule (drop/add/withdrawal)
Advising for the 2026FA semester will begin on April 1, 2026 – don’t wait to schedule your advising appointment! Helen’s and Alison’s calendars will fill quickly!
TRIO Priority Registration for 2026FA is anticipated to begin on
April 1, 2026.
Watch your text messages & emails for specific information. Please schedule your appointments with Alison or Helen early to secure your classes!!
Student Support Services Club
The
Student Support Service Club
, open to all OCC students, is tailored specifically for participants in the SSS Program. The purpose of the club is to emphasize the attainment of leadership skills, attain a sense of community and connectedness, as well as provide opportunities for community involvement and outreach.
For more information
:
The Student Support Services office is located in:
The Administration Building #1
Our office hours are Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Evening & late hours by appointment only.
Program staff can be reached by:
Direct Phone:
732-255-0539
Email:
studentsupportservices@ocean.edu
SSS Office Staff
Alison Noone
Student Support Services Director
732-255-0400 ext. 2138
anoone@ocean.edu
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 116
Helen Konz
Student Support Services Coordinator
732-255-0400 x2373
hkonz@ocean.edu
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 118
Kate Moreno
Student Support Services Technician
732-255-0400 x7027
kmoreno@ocean.edu
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 112
Briana Cerbone
Student Support Services Specialist
732-255-0400 x 2352
bcerbone@ocean.edu
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 117
Barbara McCormack
Student Support Services Academic Coach
732-255-0400 x2228
bmccormack@ocean.edu
ADMN Bldg. (#1) Room 121