Special Programs and Services

Union College of Union County, NJ (Union College) provides academic support programs and services for student success.

American Honors

American Honors is a program for high-achieving, academically motivated students looking to attend and graduate from Union College, and then transfer to a four-year university. Students in this program enroll in a Union degree program and take honors courses to fulfill their general education and program requirements. Honors classes are limited to 20 students and are taught by dedicated and high-quality faculty who emphasize critical thinking, analytical writing, and effective communication. Students who take these classes are exceptionally well-prepared for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, for scholarships, and for success at their transfer institutions.

American Honors students receive intrusive advising and wrap-around professional support to ensure their success in the classroom and in the Union College community. Students in the American Honors program are engaged with a community of scholars. They collaborate daily with similarly focused peers in the Honors Lounge, at American Honors events, and on projects in and out of the classroom. American Honors students serve as leaders of on-campus organizations, like the Academic Learning Center, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Student Government Association. They frequently take advantage of research opportunities with faculty and staff. This engagement helps students build strong resumes and competitive applications when they apply to transfer institutions.

Students who join American Honors have a history of taking Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school. They are often actively engaged in their school and/or local community. Many students are also members of NJ Stars and as a result, have their tuition covered. American Honors students pay the same tuition rate as all Union students. Applicants to the program should have a minimum cumulative 3.25-grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale, possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), and plan to enroll full-time in a transferable degree.

For more information, visit www.ucc.edu/honors or contact an American Honors Admissions Officer at honors@ucc.edu.

UCC 101 - A College Success Class

UCC 101  is a hands-on college success class designed to help all students adjust to college by giving them the information, strategies, and support they need to do well in their college classes and stay on the path to graduation. This course will help students explore career and four-year college options, navigate the academic environment, and learn to think and read critically.

Students will familiarize themselves with college-level research, study skills, and personality and career inventories that will help them make future decisions. This course is a resource for students to get their bearings in college and set educational and professional goals into action.

All first-time full-time students taking twelve or more credits are required to take UCC 101  in order to progress in their programs. Although this course is not listed among the required credits within each program, it is considered a college-wide requirement which must be fulfilled by all first-time full-time students.

Prerequisites: None.

Exemptions: All first-time full-time students are required to take UCC 101  except for:

• Students taking fewer than 12 credits;
• Students who transfer from other institutions with 15 or more credits;
• Students who transfer from other institutions with 2 or more credits in a first-year seminar course;
• Students with a college degree;
• Students who have successfully completed ENG 101  or ENG 112 , and MAT 119 ;
• Students with visitor status;
• Students in diploma programs;
• Students in certificate programs;
• Senior citizens.

The Educational Opportunity Fund Program

The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program is a comprehensive student support service program that offers financial and academic assistance to eligible Union College students. The program’s purpose is to help EOF scholars achieve their maximum potential and persist through graduation.

The EOF Program offers a wide range of benefits and services including:

• An additional financial aid grant of up to $800 per semester
• Free pre-college summer programs for incoming freshmen
• Registration, career, transfer, and financial aid advisement from a personal EOF Advisor
• Leadership activities and workshops
• Academic support through tutoring and supplemental instruction
• Internship opportunities
• Opportunity to join the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society

Students interested in being considered for the EOF Program at Union College must fulfill the following requirements:

• Be a New Jersey resident for at least one year prior to applying
• Meet the financial eligibility criteria set by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education in the State of New Jersey
  (www.state.nj.us/highereducation/EOF/EOF_Eligibility.shtml)
• Be a full-time student (minimum 12 credits) for the semester applying
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application

Students interested in the EOF program must complete an EOF application which can be accessed by visiting www.ucc.edu/apply2EOF.

To learn more about the EOF Program, contact us at (908) 709-7088 or email us at eof@ucc.edu.

Honor Societies

Chi Alpha Epsilon

The Psi Chapter of the Chi Alpha Epsilon Academic Honor Society is a national honor society for students in the Educational Opportunity Fund Program. EOF students who hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA for two consecutive semesters with a minimum of 18 college credits are eligible to be members. The purpose is to promote continued high academic standards, foster increased communication among its members, and honor the academic excellence of those students admitted to college via developmental program pathways.

The Engineering and Architectural Honor Society

The Engineering and Architectural Honor Society is for students in an A.S. Engineering, Technology, or Architecture program. Membership is extended by nomination of the Engineering/Technology/Architecture faculty to students who have completed at least 15 credits of the required courses in their major program with at least a 3.5 GPA in that program.

Mu Alpha Theta

Students with a strong interest and ability in mathematics are recognized through admission to Mu Alpha Theta. Mu Alpha Theta is a national honor society which promotes scholarship in mathematics at two-year colleges. Requirements for admission are 3.5 average of any credit mathematics course, an overall 3.25 cumulative average, and finishing at least MAT 144  or above.

Phi Theta Kappa

Students who achieve outstanding scholastic records and demonstrate qualities of good citizenship receive recognition through admission into Phi Theta Kappa. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society which aims to promote scholarship, develop character, and cultivate fellowship among students of two-year colleges. Iota Xi is the chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Union College. All students who have earned 12 transferable credits at Union College with a cumulative average of 3.6 are eligible for admission into Iota Xi Chapter.

Psi Beta

Psi Beta is a national honor society in psychology associated with the American Psychological Association. It was founded expressly for community and junior colleges. The purpose of Psi Beta is to promote, encourage, and recognize scholarship for students in psychology. The local chapter encourages member participation in workshops, seminars, conferences, and other educational experiences, as well as service to the community. Membership requirements are, at minimum, an overall average of 3.25 GPA, a least 12 credits, and at least one course in psychology with an overall grade of “B” or better in each psychology course.

Tau Alpha Pi

Tau Alpha Pi, New Jersey Beta Chapter. The Tau Alpha Pi National Honor Society is a national honor society for students matriculated in an AAS Engineering Technology program. Membership is extended by nomination of the Engineering/Technology/Architecture faculty to students who have completed at least 15 credits of the required courses in their major program with at least a 3.0 GPA in that program.

Lambda Epsilon Chi

Lambda Epsilon Chi is a nationally known academic honor society for paralegal students. Sponsored by the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), the society offers national scholarship opportunities, participation in regional, state and local conferences, and networking opportunities. Candidates for membership in Lambda Epsilon Chi must be in good academic standing and have completed at least two-thirds of their paralegal coursework. Candidates also must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

NJ Sea Grant Consortium

Union College is a member of the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium, which affords students the opportunity to become acquainted with the marine environment through summer credit course offerings. The offerings supplement the science curricula at the College and increase the course options available for students.

Developmental Sequence

Developmental courses are available to help students build reading, writing, and/or mathematics skills, if needed, before enrolling in college-level English composition or math courses. Students are strongly encouraged to stay in close contact with an advisor. Advisors can help students to stay focused on academic success and timely completion of the required courses for the major. Students may contact an advisor or the appropriate Division Dean for more information. 

Mathematics 

Prior to registration, students should complete a Mathematics Directed Self-Placement (DSP) Questionnaire to determine their recommended math course.

Students who are enrolled in programs that do not require calculus have the option of registering for college-level math (MAT 125  or MAT 127 ) or developmental level math (MAT 017 ). The Mathematics Directed Self-Placement Questionnaire and an academic advisor will help students determine the recommended math course.

Students who are enrolled in programs that require calculus have the option of registering for college level math (MAT 119 , MAT 143 , MAT 155 , or MAT 171 ) or developmental math (MAT 019 ). The Mathematics Directed Self-Placement Questionnaire and an academic advisor will help students determine the recommended math course.

Please visit https://www.ucc.edu/campus-life/student-services/testing/ for additional information. 

Reading and Writing 

Students will complete a Directed Self-Placement questionnaire to determine their English course placement prior to registration. At the start of each developmental English course, students will complete a writing sample. The work will be evaluated and, if appropriate, the student will be placed directly into a higher-level course. Students may contact the Humanities Division Office for more information. 

IF YOU DO NEED TO TAKE DEVELOPMENTAL CLASSES, THIS IS THE SEQUENCE OF COURSES:

* For Non-STEM majors: upon completion of MAT 017  register for MAT 125  or MAT 127  

**For STEM majors: upon completion of MAT 021  register for MAT 119  .

English for Speakers of Other Languages

The Institute for Intensive English provides a program of intensive instruction in English for speakers of other languages. Through this program students have the opportunity to enhance their English language abilities in order to further their academic, career, and/or personal goals.

After placement testing, students enter an appropriate ESL level of instruction commensurate with their abilities. In all levels, students can register for two core English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses: Grammar/Writing and Reading/Listening/Speaking.

Upon completing each course, there is an exit test to assess a student’s proficiency. While enrolled in ESL courses, students can take additional content area courses, depending on a student’s level:

Level 3 Students:
Mathematics courses with special permission only and based on major or ESL placement  

Level 4 Students:
Mathematics courses with special permission only and based on major or ESL placement, FIA 109-Introduction to Drawing , FIA 110- Introduction to Painting  

Level 5 Students:

AUT 100- Automotive Fundamentals , BSM 101- Introduction to Sport Management , FIA 109- Introduction to Drawing , FIA 110- Introduction to Painting , MET 109- Computer-Aided Drafting , EGG 111- Engineering & Computer Graphics , HSM 100- Introduction to the Hospitality Industry , as well as other courses with permission from the IIE director

Level 6 Students:

ALH 161- Medical Terminology , AUT 101- Steering/Suspension Systems , BSM 110- The Evolution of American Sports , BUS 105- Organization and Management , BUS 110- Business and Technology , COM 100- Communications Technologies , CRJ 101- Introduction to Criminal Justice , CST 161- Computer Programming Fundamentals , EMT 100- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation , FST 105- Fire Prevention , HSM 110- Food and Beverage Management , LIS 105- Methods in Library Research , PSY 101- General Psychology , SOC 101- Principles of Sociology , SCM 101- Introduction to Supply Chain Management , and other courses with permission from the IIE director.

Please be advised that New Student Orientation is required for all first-time students who intend to enroll full-time.

For students seeking to enroll in ESL Level 1 and 2, please contact the Center for Economic and Workforce Development at coned@ucc.edu or (908) 709-7600. ESL Level 1 and Level 2 are beginning levels of English as a Second Language (ESL) that support the development of English proficiency skills and move students from the lowest levels of English to levels 3 to 6 of the Institute for Intensive English.

Language Requirements

The Languages offered by the College are Spanish, French, Italian, German, Mandarin Chinese, and Arabic.

GENERAL POLICIES CONCERNING LANGUAGE PLACEMENT

Language Placement Guide for American High School Graduates

ESL Students are Not Required to Take Modern Language(s) - All ESL students who have completed the Institute for Intensive English program are exempt from the Modern Language requirement for programs leading to an Associate of Arts degree. They may, however, elect to study a language, including their native language, if placed at their appropriate level of competence. In any case, they must complete their general education humanities course requirements.

Native Speakers may not take elementary level courses of their native language. They may not take language courses designated as 101, 102, 105, and 106. They require permission of the Division Dean to enroll at the Intermediate Level Language (courses designated 111 or 112).

Language Exemption does not mean that credit is given for the courses exempted - Students exempt from taking a given language may consider taking some other language or they may fulfill their humanities general education requirements by substituting other courses in the humanities/history category. Language exemptions do not entail college credits for the courses exempted.

Many Associate in Arts Programs Require 2 or 3 semesters of a Modern Language - Please review specific requirements in each program.

Modern Language Placement - Students who qualify for the intermediate or advanced level of a Modern Language in their freshman year will be placed accordingly.

Online Learning

Online Learning at Union College provides an educational experience that is equivalent to traditional courses. Online courses cover the same course subject matter, carry the same credits, and are taught by highly qualified Union College faculty. Courses are available in the fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions. 

Why study online?

• Convenience
• Flexibility
• Accessibility
• Improve technical skills
• Avoid commuting
• Career Advancement

Who studies online?

• Students in the workforce
• Adult learners
• Single and stay at home parents
• Job candidates
• Active military deployed overseas
• Veterans
• Traditional students

Is online learning a good fit for you?

• Are you self-disciplined and motivated?
• Are you able to commit time each day or week to your online course(s)?
• Do you have good reading, writing, and communication skills?
• Are you comfortable seeking help when needed?
• Will you miss the experience of sitting in a classroom?
• Are you comfortable using computers?

Degrees offered fully online:

• Accounting, AAS
• Blockchain Technology, AAS
• Blockchain Technology, Certificate of Achievement
• Business, AA
• Business Fundamentals, Certificate of Achievement
• Business Management, AAS
• Business Marketing, AAS
• Communications, AA
• Computer Information Systems & Technology, AS
• Criminal Justice, AS
• Criminal Justice, Certificate
• Educational Interpreter Program (EIP), Certificate of Achievement
• Health Information Technology, AAS
• Health Science, AS
• History, AA
• Homeland Security, Certificate of Achievement
• Liberal Arts, AA
• Liberal Studies, AS
• Liberal Studies, Certificate
• Psychology, AA
• Public Administration, AA
• Social Services, AS
• Sociology, AA
• Supply Chain Management, AS
• Supply Chain Management, Certificate of Achievement
   

Online Courses (asynchronous): 

• Offered entirely online with no on campus requirements; no set meeting time
• Requires the use of a computer (Windows 7 & above; iOS Mavericks 10.9 and newer)
• HD 128 X 720p Camera/Microphone (built in or add on)
• Assignments and assessments have specific due dates
• Requires students to verify identity using digital imaging, photo ID, and a knuckle scan
• Requires students to submit verified assignments using specialized software
• May require the use of third party course packages, web based tools, etc.
• Section numbers: Regular Start: 300, 301, 302 (Example: CST-100-300); Late Start: 310, 311 (CST-100-310)  

Verification and Online Integrity

• Online students are required to provide photo ID and a knuckle scan during the first week of classes
• All online students must verify their identity once a year
• Students need to verify only once per year; it applies to all online courses
• Students can participate in their online course while verification is being processed
• Questions about student identification and verification should be directed to Learning Resources, (908) 497-4364.

Fees:  There may be additional fees for online courses.

Do I have to be a computer expert to take an online course?

No, but at a minimum, you must be able to access the Internet, locate and upload an attachment to email, send and receive email with attachments, and create, save and open documents. Smart phones and tablets may not be suitable for your course. Students need daily access to the internet, a working computer camera, and a working computer microphone. Students must have a photo ID and produce a knuckle scan to verify identity. Courses are held entirely online.

FERPA and ADA:

All online courses protect student privacy and provide ADA accommodations.

Questions about student identity verification, online course integrity, FERPA, and ADA in online courses should be directed to Learning Resources located in the MacKay Building, Room L-205 on the Cranford Campus, by phone at 908-497-4364, or by email at ucconline@ucc.edu.