Welcome to Union County College Student Services Center, where we offer a wide variety of services for new, returning, and transfer students. Our qualified staff can assist students with all of the resources to enroll and be successful in one convenient location on each campus including:
Your journey begins here and the friendly and helpful staff in the Student Services Center are available to guide you every step of the way. No appointments are necessary.
Admission to Union County College is open to all high school graduates, those holding high school equivalency certificates, or those persons eighteen years of age or older.
Applicants must complete the Union County College Application for Admission. The application for credit admission can be obtained through the College website, www.ucc.edu.
It is highly recommended that students submit the following upon applying for admission to the college:
1. Official high school transcript/G.E.D.
2. Official college transcript, if applicable.
3. Scholastic Aptitude Test, if available.
It is recommended that applicants to all degree programs take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The SAT is a test given by collegeboard.com. Acceptance to Union County College programs are not based on SAT scores. Certain SAT scores may exempt students from the Directed Self-Placement Questionnaire and may be required to qualify for selected scholarships at Union County College. It is the student’s responsibility to register for the SAT exam and have the final scores provided to Union County College. Students may visit www.collegeboard.com directly to review registration information (Union County College CEEB Code is 2921).
4. After submission of the Union County College application and before enrolling in courses, completion of the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) Questionnaire is required for placement in English and mathematics, unless a student meets the exemption criteria. Students may also be asked to take an ESL test. The results of the test will not affect admission to the College (see Testing and Placement).
5. Immunization Records: The State of New Jersey requires all full-time students born after December 31, 1956 to be immunized against measles, mumps, Rubella and Hepatitis B, or prove that they meet one of the exemption requirements. Students must bring a copy of a certificate from a doctor or medical center showing proof of inoculations to the Admissions Office on the Cranford, Elizabeth, or Plainfield campus.
6. Candidates for programs leading to an associate degree are advised to complete 19 units of high school credit distributed as follows:
| a. English | 4 units |
| b. Lab Science*** | 2 units |
| c. Mathematics* | 3 units |
| d. History | 3 units |
| e. Foreign Language** | 2 units |
| f. Electives**** | 5 units |
* Candidates for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs are expected to have taken elementary and intermediate algebra, plane geometry, and pre-calculus.
** Optional for students entering programs other than liberal arts.
*** Engineering and physical science students should include physics and chemistry; health technologies students include biology and chemistry.
**** Chosen from foreign languages, social studies, science or mathematics. If a student does not have these high school units, non-credit prerequisite courses offered by the College may be required by the selected program of study.
7. Health Science program applicants must apply within the required program deadline date. The programs include Practical Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Paramedic, JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and Medical Imaging, and Trinitas School of Nursing/RWJBH (see Admission to Health Science Programs).
8. JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and Medical Imaging applicants must apply directly to the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and Medical Imaging; all academic processing will be handled through the Schools.
9. The Trinitas School of Nursing/RWJBH application for admission must be submitted directly to trinitas@ucc.edu.
10. Applicants with a disability are urged to seek an interview with the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities. The Coordinator is located in the Student Services Center at the Cranford Campus and may be available upon appointment at Plainfield and Elizabeth campuses.
After admission to the College and before enrolling in classes, students must complete the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) Questionnaire or meet exemption criteria. The DSP Questionnaire is used to determine whether students are prepared for college-level coursework in mathematics and English. While the results of the DSP Questionnaire will not affect admission to the College, it may indicate the need for required developmental courses which must be completed before enrolling in certain college-level coursework.
Students whose native language is not English or who did not attend grammar school or high school in the United States may have to take the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) Test.
In order to complete the DSP Questionnaire or ESL Test, a student must have a College identification number and, if testing, present a form of photo identification. There are no appointments to take the ESL test; students may do so on a walk-in basis during the Testing Center’s open hours. Please see the Testing Center’s website for current hours and locations: http://www.ucc.edu/testing
Directed Self-Placement into higher level Math for STEM majors
Students may also self-place into higher level math using the Mathematics Directed Self-Placement Questionnaire second set of questions. This may allow students to progress through their program at a faster rate. Placement into specified advanced mathematics courses may require approval from the Dean of STEM.
Union County College requires that the following students complete the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) Questionnaire for English and mathematics:
Students who meet the following criteria may be exempt from completing the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) Questionnaire for English and/or mathematics*:
*Students will be required to submit official score reports or transcripts to the College based on the specific exemption.
To learn more about the Testing Center, contact us at testingcenter@ucc.edu.
Union County College welcomes applicants from over 40 nations around the world and we are proud of the diversity of our student body. International applicants must follow the same application process to the college as all other prospective students. The College is authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue the Form I-20 through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to individuals wishing to study in the U.S. in F-1 student status. F-1 status is for full-time academic and language students who are pursuing a degree in the U.S. The Form I-20 is issued by a Designated School Official (DSO) at the college for those international applicants who have been admitted to the college. To obtain a Form I-20, prospective students must provide the following documents:
Please email the International Student advisor at international@ucc.edu to receive the I-20 application Form.
Students In the U.S. Under A Status Other Than F-1:
If you are in, or plan to enter the United States in another non-immigrant status, you may or may not need to obtain F-1 status in order to study at Union County College. However, many non-immigrant statuses carry immigration restrictions on study and employment that may make it desirable to seek F-1 status. Contact the international student advisor at international@ucc.edu to determine eligibility for a change of status or with specific questions about your individual situation.
Application Deadlines:
For additional information regarding the admissions process, you must contact the Admissions office at admissions@ucc.edu or access our virtual Student Services, Monday-Friday from 10 am - 4 pm.
Application for admission and all required documentation outlined in the student packet must be submitted in its entirety, by the application deadline. Students currently in the United States with an I-20 from another U.S. institution who wish to attend Union County College must follow the same admissions procedure and will be required in addition to provide:
No decision will be made until all documents are submitted to the international advisor.
Union County College celebrates Veterans and encourages admissions and enrollment. Union County College participates with the VA provisions of the Federal Laws which entitle veterans to educational benefits. The requirements and services provided for the various programs can be reviewed through the VA website www.gibill.va.gov. To be certified for VA educational assistance, students must apply to the College, matriculate in an eligible degree or certificate program and apply for veteran benefits; proof of VA benefits and documents may be required. Veterans must check in with the Admissions office located on all campuses before registering for classes to ensure all requirements are met.
VA Pending Payment Provision
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this school adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch. 33) or Veterans Readiness and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This school will not:
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
Note: Chapter 33 students can register at the VA Regional Office to use E-Benefits to get the equivalent of a Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility. Chapter 31 student cannot get a completed VA Form 28-1905 (or any equivalent) before the VA VR&E case-manager issues it to the school.
High school juniors and seniors may apply for the Bridge Program to earn college credits while still in high school. Permission of their high school advisor and parent/guardian is required. Bridge applicants must have a ‘B’ high school average.
If needed, students will take the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) Questionnaire, or have passing cutoff scores for the SAT or ACT (see Testing and Placement) to be exempt from taking the mathematics and/or English portions of the DSP. Bridge applicants must place out of all developmental courses to be eligible for registration. Bridge Program applications are available in the high school guidance offices or the Recruitment and Admissions, Records, and Registration Offices on any campus. Students will be required to submit a Union County College application for admission with the completed Bridge Form. Acceptance will be based on the results from the DSP Questionnaire SAT, or ACT scores, and submission of required documents.
Union County College students who complete their associate degrees in designated programs and who fulfill all the necessary criteria of the dual admission program will be guaranteed admission as juniors to their choice of several undergraduate colleges/universities with which Union County College has agreements. For more detailed information, see Dual Admissions Agreements , page 46.
Applicants holding advanced degrees may be required to have an official transcript emailed to admissions@ucc.edu or mailed to the Union County College Admissions Office, Cranford Campus. Transfer Credit reviews may require an appointment during times of heavy registration. All transfer students must have an official transcript at the time of their review.
Students producing evidence of earning advanced degrees from accredited U.S. or international institutions may be considered for Directed Self-Placement exemption or transfer credit evaluation if requested. Applicants holding degrees equivalent to or at advanced levels from those offered at Union County College will be reviewed under the same criteria. Students may not matriculate in the same program for which they currently hold an approved degree.
1. Admission to the Health Science programs requires additional selection criteria and may include an admission exam. Health Science programs include: Practical Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Paramedic Emergency Health Science, Respiratory Care, JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and Medical Imaging, and Trinitas School of Nursing/RWJBH.
2. Health Science programs require a passing score on the admission exam.
3. Students in Health Science programs are required to attend an orientation session.
4. Distinct grading policies exist in the Health Science programs which differ from other College courses and programs. Specific information may be found in course syllabi and/or handouts.
5. Health Science policies may supersede College policies.
6. Clinical agencies require that students complete criminal background checks before entrance into the clinical portion of the Health Science programs. These background checks are completed by an outside vendor and the results will be shared with the school and the clinical agencies. It is the sole discretion of clinical agency personnel to determine if students are able to provide patient care, based upon the results of the criminal background check. Students who are denied clinical placements will be dismissed from the applicable Health Science program.
7. Clinical agencies also require that students have medical clearance. Students will be informed regarding the specifics of the physical examination, laboratory testing and vaccinations that are to be completed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
8. CPR for the Health Care Provider and individual malpractice insurance coverage may be required for clinical patient care experiences. Further information will be provided during program orientations.
A student who has withdrawn from Union County College in good standing and has left for a period of at least two consecutive semesters and seeks reinstatement need only to complete an application form. Students who withdraw and intend to re-register for the following semester need only fill out a registration form. When a student returns to Union County College under the readmission category, the student must adhere to the program requirements in effect at the time of readmission.
Registration, the process by which an admitted student enrolls and completes payment for their tuition and fees, must be done each semester/session. The registered student receives or may acquire a class schedule and a paid receipt which will verify enrollment in the requested classes.
New freshmen and current students who enroll have access to a member of the advising staff to assist in the scheduling and completion of the registration form. The advisor will assist the student with identifying the approved requirements of their program/major and assist students in the choice of electives.
The process is followed each term thereafter, students submit their registrations for the next semester in accordance with Union County College registration instructions. Online registration is available to most students and we recommend students take advantage of Self Service. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the registration, withdrawal refund policy, etc. and have knowledge of graduation requirements of his or her program, to select the correct courses, to accumulate the required number of credits, and to avoid duplication of subjects. A full-time student may carry a minimum of 12 credit hours. Students requesting registration for over 18 credit hours must see an academic advisor for approval. Students registering for over 21 credits must obtain approval from the appropriate Division Dean.
Candidates may register at Union County College as full-time students (12 or more credit hours) or as half-time (6-11 credit hours) or as less than half-time or part-time students (1-5 credit hours) each semester/session. Classes are available days, evenings, and weekends.
A current student who wishes to change his/her curriculum must meet all requirements on the Program Change Form available at www.ucc.edu. The student must complete the Program Change Form and send it to their academic advisor for review. New students wanting to matriculate (declare a major), and who have not done so at time of application submission must see an academic advisor.
Students who, after having registered, decide not to attend before the beginning of the ensuing semester may drop courses through Self Service, or meet with an advisor to complete a drop/add form. All forms must be submitted to the Student Services Center on any of the campuses to be officially processed. Students dropping all courses, with no intentions of returning the following semester, must return any items that belong to the College (such as a current Union County College identification card), to the Student Services Center. Tuition refunds will be processed through the Student Services Center, if applicable.
JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and Medical Imaging students must consult with their school’s advisor for registration and schedule changes. Registration, drop/add, and withdrawals for all courses must take place through the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and Medical Imaging registration office. Practical Nursing and Allied Health students will receive specific information on the policies and procedures for registration, class schedule changes, and withdrawals. Union County College/Rutgers SHRP students must meet with an admissions officer or advisor to discuss pre-requisite courses required for the program. Acceptance is based on approval by the Rutgers SHRP admission committee.
Students who have not settled financial obligations incurred at the College will be prohibited from registering or receiving transcripts or final grades until outstanding debts are paid. There may be a fee incurred for switching sections.
The College reserves the right to cancel any course where there is insufficient enrollment. Visit our website www.ucc.edu.
Matriculated Students - Students who are accepted in a specific program of study for degree or certificate credit on a full-time or part-time basis are matriculated students. Official high school and college transcripts may be required. Full and part-time students who have selected their program of study as undecided will change their program to a college program after completing no more than twelve degree credits or have their program changed by the College to Liberal Studies.
Non-Matriculated Students - Students who are not accepted in a specific program or who do not wish to declare a program are nonmatriculated. Credits earned as a non-matriculated student may be applied toward a future degree or certificate if they apply.
To be eligible for financial aid, students must be matriculated.
Students with less than 30 credits are considered in freshman (FR) standing; students with 30 credits or more are considered to be in sophomore (SO) standing.
The Program Change Process is completed in a Student Services Center. Students in good academic standing may apply to change their program of study after they have completed at least one semester at Union County College. Students must complete the Program Change Form, available at www.ucc.edu, and send it to their academic advisor for review.
Students requesting a change in their major to an allied health program may be required to fulfill additional requirements.
New students wanting to matriculate (declare a major), but did not do so at time of application submission must see an academic advisor.
Limitations on section size make it impossible for every student to arrange a schedule which will meet his/her personal convenience in every instance. The student’s academic obligations must take precedence over his/her personal commitments, including employment. Students may drop a scheduled class(es) within the published registration dates posted on Self Service.
Students who are in the American Honors Program, Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF), Health Programs, JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and Medical Imaging, Trinitas School of Nursing/RWJBH, and Rutgers SHRP will meet with and do all registrations through the program advisor.
