President G. Jeremiah Ryan's
Message to Students
September 2009

Dear Students,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the fall semester.

Whether you are a freshman entering your first semester at Bergen Community College, or a returning student, our students share the distinction of being a part of the largest student body in the history of the College. There are close to 17,000 students enrolled in classes on campus - an increase of nearly 17 percent over the last year.

A Smart Start to Success

You are here because of your tremendous desire to make the most of your talents and future. Bergen is the Smart Start to your future. Our faculty and staff are here to serve you and to help guide you on your journey to success.

I urge you to make the most of your college experience. Rise up to the expectations of your professors. Expand your learning experience by connecting with students in the classroom and through campus activities. Share your talents. If you are not involved in student activities, consider joining a club or volunteering for a special cause.

Be smart about planning for your future. Bergen's academic advisors, career counselors and transfer specialists are on hand to help you map out a strategy for completing a degree program, as well as to explore options for transferring into a four-year degree program or launching a career in a number of exciting fields.

Take advantage of the vast resources to support your academic and personal success. The following offices are located in the Pitkin Education Center in Paramus:

Academic Advisement
The Advising Center, located in Room A-101, connects students with faculty advisers who can help map out a course schedule and degree program. For more information, e-mail aacenter@bergen.edu or call 201-612-5480 to schedule an appointment.

Learning Support
The Tutoring Center, located in L125, provides students with additional learning assistance. Call 201-447-7489 to schedule a session.

Personal Counseling
The Counseling Center is open Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and on Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., by appointment and walk-in. Call 201-447-7211. The Center also sponsors Study Skills Workshops.

Introduction to the College Experience
This 2-credit, 3 hour college level course explores topics such as study skills, test-taking strategies, career exploration, time and stress management and other topics that inform students on how to manage their College experience.

Office of Specialized Services
Provides support for students with special needs and is located in L-116. Office hours are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Office of Student Life
Serves students, student organizations, and the Bergen community through numerous activities, including leadership development and diversity programs, co-curricular programs and appearances by renowned personalities, guest lecturers and entertainers. The Office of Student Life is located in A-115. Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Bergen Online
The Bergen.edu web site has up-to-date information on student activities and campus news. Links to Student Life and Student Services are among the headings on the top of the menu on the home page.

We appreciate your patience as we work to improve our processes and facilities to further meet the needs of our students from parking to classrooms. The expansion of the Science wing is underway, and the renovation of the Student Center in Paramus will begin in January 2010. The College also is in the process of acquiring the building at 1280 Wall Street West in Lyndhurst, the location of Bergen Community College at the Meadowlands, to better serve students in the southern part of Bergen County.

In closing, I would like to thank you for making Bergen Community College, the college of choice for your future. I welcome you to share your comments by emailing me at presidentsoffice@bergen.edu.

Wishing you much success in all your endeavors.

Sincerely,

Dr. G. Jeremiah Ryan
President
Bergen Community College