American Honors
American Honors is a program for high-achieving, academically motivated students looking to attend and graduate from Union County 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 UCC 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 and have an additional one-time program participation fee. 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 mission of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program at Union County College is to provide students from disadvantaged communities, who demonstrate the potential for academic success, an opportunity to attend college. Our purpose is to help students successfully graduate and transfer students to four-year institutions, as well as provide a high level of preparation and readiness for the workforce.
What services or benefits are offered to Union County College EOF students?
- Comprehensive summer orientation for first year students
- Registration, Career, Transfer and Financial Aid advisement from a personal EOF Advisor
- Leadership Activities and Workshops
- Academic Support through tutoring and supplemental instruction
- Opportunity to join the Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society
- An additional financial aid grant of $100-$625 a semester
Eligibility Requirements: Students interested in being considered for the EOF Program at Union County College must fulfill the following requirements:
- Meet the financial eligibility requirements for 2021-2022 Academic Year as defined by the State of New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education –
(www.state.nj.us/highereducation/EOF/EOF_Eligibility.shtml)
- Be a full-time student (minimum 12 credits) for the semester of consideration for EOF
- Be a New Jersey resident for at least one year prior to enrollment
- Complete the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – (www.fafsa.gov)
- Be eligible for state aid from the NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority – (www.hesaa.org)
- Have completed the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) questionnaire and placed into ENG 096 or higher; or ESL placement level 5 or 6
- For current students, have a minimum 2.5 GPA (including any developmental courses) and no more than 30 college credits
How to Apply for EOF: Interested students must complete an EOF application and submit all required supporting documentation listed on the application. Students will not be considered for acceptance until all required supporting documentation has been submitted. The EOF application can be downloaded from the following site:
Priority for acceptance into the EOF Program is given to first-time, full-time college students.
To learn more about the Educational Opportunity Fund 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 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 County College. All students who have earned 12 transferable credits at Union County 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 County 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
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 ). Access to this option is made through a meeting with an advisor.
Students who are enrolled in programs that require calculus have the option of registering for college level math (MAT 119 ) or developmental math (MAT 019 ). Access to this option is made through a meeting with an advisor.
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 Accuplacer score;
Level 4 Students:
Mathematics courses with special permission only and based on major or Accuplacer score, 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:
ADM 140 - Customer Service , 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 , ENG 112 - English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages , 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.
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
Beginning (101/102) Level: |
Fewer than Three Years of Language in High School |
Conversation (105/106) Level: |
At least two years of Language in High School |
Intermediate (111/112) Level: |
Three Years of Language in High School |
Advanced(121/122) Level: |
Four or More Years of Language in High School |
ESL Students are Not Required to Take Modern Language(s) - All ESL students who have completed that program are exempt from the English program Modern Language requirement. 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.
Distance Education
Distance education at Union County College provides an educational experience that is equivalent to traditional courses. Distance learning courses cover the same course subject matter, carry the same credits, and are taught by highly qualified Union County 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?
- Working men and women
- 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:
- Blockhain Technology, Certificate of Achievement
- Business, AA
- Business Fundamentals, Certificate of Achievement
- Business Management, AAS
- Business Marketing, AAS
- Computer Information Systems & Technology, AS
- Criminal Justice, AS
- Criminal Justice, Certificate
- History, AA
- Homeland Security, Certificate of Achievement
- Liberal Arts, AA
- Liberal Studies, AS
- Liberal Studies, Certificate
- Public Administration, AA
- Psychology, AA
- Social Services, AS
- Sociology, AA
- Supply Chain Management, AS
- Supply Chain Management, Certificate of Achievement
Online Courses:
- 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 the Distance Education department, (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 the Distance Education office located in the basement of the Cranford Library, L-22, by phone at 908-497-4364 or by email at ucconline@ucc.edu.
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