Toms River, NJ – Ocean County College is reporting record graduation numbers, expanded artificial intelligence initiatives, increased demand for mental health services, and growing enrollment efforts as the institution prepares for the upcoming academic year.
In her latest report to the Board of Trustees, OCC President Dr. Pamela Monaco outlined accomplishments across academics, student services, community outreach, and campus operations, highlighting continued growth in several key areas.
Record graduation numbers and enrollment momentum
Among the report’s highlights, the college awarded 811 degrees during Spring 2026, the highest number conferred in a spring semester since 2021. The School of Nursing also graduated 118 students during the 2025-26 academic year and distributed more than $44,000 in scholarships and awards during its annual pinning ceremony.
Enrollment efforts also showed strong results heading into the fall semester. Express Enrollment Days accounted for 434 of the 631 students already registered for Fall 2026, while advising and enrollment staff completed thousands of outreach calls to prospective and returning students.
Mental health demand rises as AI initiatives expand
Demand for student counseling services continued to increase during the reporting period. Counselors completed 96 therapy sessions and dozens of additional case management contacts in May, with overall counseling utilization rising 26 percent compared with the same month last year as students most frequently sought help for stress, anxiety, academic pressure, coping skills, and relationship concerns.
The report also highlighted the launch of OCC NOW (News, Outcomes, and Wins), a digital dashboard designed to provide data-driven updates on strategic priorities, institutional achievements, and campus initiatives. College officials reported the redesigned communications platform increased audience reach by 161.8 percent, video views by 2,085 percent, and click-through rates by 68.7 percent.
Faculty members also continued expanding their use of artificial intelligence in higher education. Instructional designers and professors completed professional development workshops focused on AI-assisted course design, AI-resilient assessments, responsible AI use, and maintaining academic integrity in the classroom.
Community programs continue serving Ocean County
The report highlighted several student support and community outreach initiatives beyond the classroom. OCC’s Helping Hands Food Pantry recorded 7,738 student visits during the 2025-26 academic year, including 3,140 visits during the spring semester, while the Novins Planetarium welcomed nearly 21,000 visitors through approximately 700 educational programs and public shows.
The college also hosted a Juneteenth celebration organized by the Committee for Access and Belonging that featured local organizations, Black- and Indigenous-owned businesses, educational exhibits, African drumming, student organizations, and community activities. Additional events included STEM Cardboard Canoe Races, disability leadership conferences, career fairs, veterans programming, Pride events, nursing recruitment visits, and other educational programs throughout Ocean County.
Administrators also reported a 2.4 percent decrease in property and casualty insurance premiums for the upcoming policy year while increasing several coverage limits.
According to the monthly campus security report presented to trustees, no reportable crimes, campus alerts, emergencies, threats, or fire incidents were recorded between May 22 and June 18.
Photo by Ocean County College.
