May 02, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

Admission and Registration


Admission

RVCC is an open-admission institution. The College, however, reserves the right to require appropriate documentation in support of a student’s admission application and/or to restrict a student’s enrollment to specific courses or to a specific number of credit hours in any enrollment term. Admission to the College does not imply admission to a specific program (e.g. Honors College, Nursing, etc.) that has additional admission requirements. Students should consult the specific program’s description for further information on these additional admission requirements. International (F1) applicants MUST have the application and all supporting documentation for the Form I-20 submitted to International Student Services prior to the admission deadlines (see International Student Packet).

Students are admitted to the College without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, military service, veteran status, or any other category protected by law.

Students enrolling at the College for the first time must complete an Application for Admission. Students who have not enrolled at the College for more than three years must apply for readmission. Graduates of RVCC who want to enroll within less than three years of commencement must complete the Admission Information Update Form.

 


Procedures for Admission

Applications for admission can be submitted online at www.raritanval.edu.  For International students with an F1 visa, there is a $200 International Student fee every semester once a student is enrolled. International (F1) applicants MUST have the application and all supporting documentation for the Form I-20 submitted to International Student Services prior to the admission deadlines (see International Student Packet).

Admission to RVCC activates the student’s access to the online portal, Lion’s Den.  The Lion’s Den e-mail is the official communication system of the College and is the method by which students receive all important announcements, including bills and grade reports. All students must become familiar with their RVCC Student ID number, initial password and password maintenance, and procedures for accessing Lion’s Den and Lion’s Den e-mail. Applicants will have access to the student portal when a confirmation email is sent, approximately three to five business days after an application is submitted.   
                                                                                                   

 First-Time College Student This category is for students who are attending the College for the first time or have attended another college and have NOT yet earned 12 or more college-level (non-developmental) credits. Students admitted as First-Time College Students must:

  1.  APPLY TO RVCC
    Fill out the free application: https://myraritan.force.com/apply
    You will receive an email confirmation with your student ID (G#) number within three business days
  2. DETERMINE COLLEGE PLACEMENT
    Submit exemptions or determine class placement
  3. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID (FAFSA) & SCHOLARSHIPS
    Fill out the free application for federal student aid, FAFSA
    Explore RVCC scholarship opportunities and other financial aid options
  4. REGISTER FOR CLASSES
    Complete the online orientation (G# and password required)
    After your English and math placement has been determined: New Student Registration
          REQUEST THE FOLLOWING ITEMS & CONTINUE WITH NEXT STEPS:
              Official high school transcript
              Proof of immunization from your physician
  5. PAY TUITION
    Pay all tuition and fees by required dates or apply for financial aid
          Tuition & Fees
          Tuition Payment Information

             

Transfer Student This category is for students who have a college degree or have at least 12 college-level (non-developmental) credits earned at another college or university. Students admitted as Transfer Students must:

  1. APPLY TO RVCC
    Fill out the free application: https://myraritan.force.com/apply
    You will receive an email confirmation with your student ID number within three business days
  2. DETERMINE MATH AND ENGLISH PLACEMENT
    Submit exemptions or determine class placement
  3. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID (FAFSA) & SCHOLARSHIPS
    Fill out the free application for federal student aid, FAFSA
    Explore RVCC scholarship opportunities and other financial aid options
  4. REGISTER FOR CLASSES
    An academic advisor will be assigned to you to review your transcript and assist with registering for classes.  
          Please provide an unofficial copy of your transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts will only be accepted to assist in the process of course selection. Students can also either register for classes online (an official evaluation of transfer credits is usually required before this is an available option) or at the Student Enrollment Center (please bring at least an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) for this process as well).
          Submit official transcript(s) from all previous college(s). Students who attended a foreign institution are required to submit an official evaluation from a service recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org) if they seek a transfer of credits.
    Complete the online orientation (G# and password required)
  5. REQUEST THE FOLLOWING ITEMS & CONTINUE WITH NEXT STEPS:
    Official high school and college transcripts
    Proof of immunization from your physician
  6. PAY TUITION
    Pay all tuition and fees by required dates or apply for financial aid
          Tuition & Fees
          Tuition Payment Information

 

Returning Student

3+ years - This category is for students who have graduated from RVCC (or Somerset County College) or have not attended in more than three years. Students admitted as Returning Students must:

  1. APPLY TO RVCC
    Fill out the free application: https://myraritan.force.com/apply
    You will receive an email confirmation with your student ID number within three business days

  2. DETERMINE MATH AND ENGLISH PLACEMENT
    Submit exemptions or determine class placement
    Submit official transcript(s) from all previous college(s), if applicable. Students who attended a foreign institution are required to submit an official evaluation from an evaluation service recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org) if they seek a transfer of credit.
              Students will not need to submit new documentation if the above requirements have been met from their previous attendance here or unless otherwise requested.

  3. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID (FAFSA) & SCHOLARSHIPS
    Fill out the free application for federal student aid, FAFSA
    Explore RVCC scholarship opportunities and other financial aid options

  4. REGISTER FOR CLASSES
    Make an appointment with an academic advisor in the office of Advising, Counseling and Transfer Services to help you register for classes.
    Complete the online orientation (G# and password required)
    REQUEST THE FOLLOWING ITEMS & CONTINUE WITH NEXT STEP:
         Official high school transcript and college transcripts other than RVCC
         Proof of immunization from your physician
              Students will not need to submit new documentation if the above requirements have been met from their previous attendance here or unless otherwise requested.

  5. PAY TUITION
    Pay all tuition and fees by required dates or apply for financial aid
          Tuition & Fees
          Tuition Payment Information

     

Less than 3 Years - This category is for students who have graduated from RVCC or have not attended in less than three years. Students must:

  1. UPDATE ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
    Complete the Admissions Information Update (AIU) Form to select the semester, select full-time or part-time, select a major, sign and date the form so that we can update your account.
  2. DETERMINE MATH AND ENGLISH PLACEMENT
    Submit exemptions or determine class placement    
  3. APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID (FAFSA) & SCHOLARSHIPS
    Fill out the free application for federal student aid, FAFSA
    Explore RVCC scholarship opportunities and other financial aid options
  4. REGISTER FOR CLASSES
    Make an appointment with an academic advisor in the office of Advising, Counseling and Transfer Services to help you register for classes.
    Complete the online orientation (G# and password required)
    REQUEST THE FOLLOWING ITEMS & CONTINUE WITH NEXT STEPS:
          Official high school transcript and college transcripts other than RVCC
          Proof of immunization from your physician
  5. PAY TUITION
    Pay all tuition and fees by required dates or apply for financial aid
          Tuition & Fees
          Tuition Payment Information

          Students will not need to submit new documentation if the above requirements have been met from their previous attendance here or unless otherwise requested.

Visiting Student This category is for students who are attending another college or university and intend to transfer any credits earned at RVCC back to that institution. Students admitted as Visiting Students must:

  1. APPLY TO RVCC
    Fill out the free application: https://myraritan.force.com/apply
    You will receive an email confirmation with your student ID number within three business days

    Returning Visiting Student:  proceed to step 2 to register for classes.
  2. REGISTER FOR CLASSES
    Click here for a step by step presentation of how to register.
    Visit course schedule and click on the semester you would like to view. To confirm there are seats available in selected course, click on the Course Title. Please note: to view online courses select “Virtual Campus.”
    Visiting students are expected to get approval from their home college to verify that they will accept the RVCC Course for transfer. Course outlines are available to submit to your home college.
    Once you’ve selected your course(s), fill out the Academic Registration Form. If you have not yet received your RVCC Student ID/G#, enter your date of birth.
         We will send you an email confirming your course(s) registration and payment information.
         RVCC does not require prerequisites for Visiting Students.
         RVCC Tutoring Center offers free tutoring for all students including Visiting Students. To learn more, go to:  https://www.raritanval.edu/student-life/student-services/tutoring-services
    REQUEST THE FOLLOWING ITEM & CONTINUE WITH NEXT STEP
         Proof of immunization from your physician
  3. PAY TUITION
    Pay all tuition and fees by required dates.
          Tuition & Fees
          Tuition Payment Information

 

Early College Student This category is for current high school students intending to register for RVCC courses while in high school. Students can be admitted under one of two Early College categories:

 

International Student  This category of admission is for students who are in the United States on an F-1 visa.
International Students must:

  1. COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION
    RVCC Application
    F1 applications are only accepted for the Fall and Spring terms (no Winter or Summer sessions).
    Once you submit the application, it will be processed in 3-4 business days and you will receive an RVCC ID number.
    Full admission and the Form I-20 for F1 non-immigrant status will not be issued without completion of the application and supporting documentation.  
  2. READ AND COMPLETE ALL APPLICATION FORMS AND GATHER ALL DOCUMENTATION REQUESTED IN THE FORM I-20 APPLICATION BOOKLET
    International Student Packet
    Follow instructions and read all guidance provided.
  3. SEND COMPLETED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
    Email the completed Form I-20 application items on the checklist and all supporting documents (do not include guidance and informational pages) to international@raritanval.edu
    OR
    Mail: Raritan Valley Community College
    Attn: International Student Services
    118 Lamington Road
    Branchburg, NJ 08876

English Language Program Requirement:
For admission as an F1 status student, RVCC requires a minimum English Proficiency score requirement on either the TOEFL or IELTS test.  You will not be issued the Form I-20 for RVCC without a passing score.  

NOTE: All students who achieve the required TOEFL/IELTS score are still required to complete the RVCC placement test upon arrival at the college. Some developmental, supplemental ESL courses may still be required and you may enter the RVCC ESL Pathway program for English Language Studies.  

For more information visit https://www.raritanval.edu/international-student

Full admission and the Form I-20 for F1 non-immigrant status will not be issued without completion of the application and supporting documentation.  

 

Non-Degree Seeking Students
Applicants who are not pursuing a degree or certificate at RVCC are not required to submit official high school or college transcripts, or complete placement testing, unless required as proof of meeting course prerequisite(s). Non-degree seeking students are limited to nine (9) credits per semester and are not eligible for financial aid.

 


Provisional Admission

Students who are unable to provide all the required admission documentation at the time of first enrollment may be granted provisional admission. A student may remain in provisional-admission status for only one enrollment term. Students who are provisionally admitted may not be eligible for financial aid.


Immunization Requirements

All applicants for admission to the College must submit the immunization listed below based on degree or non-degree seeking and student type. 

  • Degree-seeking or certificate from RVCC and are intending to enroll as full-time (12 credit hours or more per semester) and part-time (11 credits or less) students must provide the documentation listed below prior to initial enrollment.
  • Non-degree seeking students (part-time) must submit the Meningococcal requirements listed below.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) [This requirement applies only to individuals born on or after January 1, 1957.]

  • New, full-time & part-time, degree-seeking or certificate students
  • Exemption if age 31 and older
  • Documentation of one vaccination dose administered after 1968 on or after the applicant’s first birthday, and documentation of a second vaccination dose administered no less than one month after the first dose, or
  • Documentation of laboratory blood test (Titer test) confirming immunity to MMR

Hepatitis B

  • New, full-time (12 credits or more) degree-seeking or certificate students
  • Exemption if age 31 and older
  • Documentation of three vaccination doses, or blood test (Titer test)
  • Documentation of laboratory blood test (Titer test) confirming immunity to Hepatitis B

Meningococcal (Meningitis) ACWY (MenACWY)

  • New, full-time & part-time, degree-seeking or certificate & non-degree-seeking students
  • A minimum of one dose is required between 16-18 years of age. The first dose is usually given at 11-12 years of age.  Age 19 and older if high risk
  • Exemption if age 31 and older
  • Documentation of two vaccination doses of MenACWY or
  • Documentation of laboratory blood test (Titer test) confirming immunity to MenACWY

Meningococcal (Meningitis) B (MenB)

  • New, full-time & part-time, degree-seeking or certifiate & non-degree-seeking students
  • 16-23 years of age
  • Exemption if age 31 and older
  • Not Required by NJ State - Recommendation only/not mandatory
  • Documentation of one dose of MenB or
  • Documentation of laboratory blood test (Titer test) confirming immunity to MenB

Exemptions: An applicant is exempt from these immunization requirements if they provide signed documentation indicating that the administration of immunizing agents’ conflicts with the student’s religious beliefs, or signed documentation from a physician indicating that immunization is contraindicated for a valid medical reason.

If an outbreak of any of these diseases occurs, any student not having provided proof of proper immunization, including students who are exempt, may be barred from class attendance until the outbreak is over.

 


Placement Testing and Course Placement

All first-time college students at RVCC must complete a placement test to assess their readiness to succeed in college-level coursework, specifically English and/or mathematics. The placement test measures reading, language, and math literacy. Students may be exempt from the placement test if their SAT, ACT or AP (Advanced Placement) scores are high enough or they have taken college courses that can be used to place them in English and math.  For the latest information on placement testing requirements, go to www.raritanval.edu/placement.


Alternative Academic Credit

In addition to earning credit through the successful completion of RVCC courses, a student may be awarded credit toward an RVCC degree or certificate through any of the following alternative means. Visiting and non-degree seeking students will not be awarded alternative academic credit. 

Credit from Other Colleges and/or Universities

  • Students seeking a degree or certificate from RVCC who have earned academic credit from colleges or universities eligible to be accredited by one of the six Regional Accrediting Associations may be awarded transfer credit by the College. Raritan Valley Community College will also evaluate and review official transcripts from non-regionally accredited institutions.
  • For the evaluation of transfer credit, students must submit an official transcript from each college and/or university previously attended. A transcript is considered official only when it bears the signature of the registrar and the seal of the issuing institution, and is either sent directly from the registrar’s office of the college or university where the credit was earned, or delivered in an envelope officially sealed by the sending institution.
  • Only courses in which the student earned a grade of C- or higher will be considered in the evaluation of transfer credit.
  • The equivalency of courses taken at other colleges or universities to courses offered by RVCC is determined by the academic department responsible for the particular academic discipline. Official records of course equivalencies are maintained by the Registrar’s Office.
  • Students who have earned credit from colleges or universities outside of the United States must also submit an official course-by-course evaluation completed by an academic credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org).

Credit from Non-academic Institutions
The College may award credit for courses offered through professional associations, businesses and industries, and/or government/military agencies that have been evaluated and certified by the American Council on Education.

Credit from Local High Schools
The College has some agreements in place with high schools in the area. For additional information, please contact the Registrar at registrar@raritanval.edu.

Credit from Professional Licensure
The College may award credit for the achievement of certain professional licenses. For a certification to be reviewed for possible advanced standing credit, please email the Registrar at registrar@raritanval.edu. Some examples include:

EMT Certifications
Lifeguard Certificates
NJ State and County Corrections Basic Training
Police Academy Training

Credit by Examination (AP, CLEP, Dantes, Department Exam, NYU Foreign Language)

  • The College awards credit based on a student achieving a specified minimum score on certain nationally recognized standard examinations or on examinations created by the College.
  • Specific examinations, the credit awarded, and the minimum scores required for the awarding of credit are determined by the faculty in the academic department responsible for the academic discipline or special program in which credit is to be awarded.
  • A student who has previously earned credit in a course may not receive credit by examination in a lower-level course in the same academic discipline.
  • A student may not attempt credit by examination in any course already part of the student’s permanent academic record.
  • Credit by examination is not awarded until the student has been admitted into a specific degree or certificate program.

Other Regulations Regarding Alternative Academic Credit

  • The College does not guarantee that Alternative Academic Credits awarded by RVCC will be honored by another college or university to which an individual student might transfer.
  • Alternative Academic Credit is evaluated and awarded for individual students and for individual degree and certificate programs offered by RVCC.
  • The College accepts up to 45 semester credit hours in Alternative Academic Credit toward an associate degree, or 75 percent of the semester credit hours required for the completion of a certificate program.
  • Alternative Academic Credit does not count as enrollment credit in any academic term.
  • Grades are not assigned for Alternative Academic Credit.
  • Alternative Academic Credit is not used in computing a student’s grade point average.

An official transcript must be sent to the Student Enrollment Center from each college previously attended. Applicants who attended schools outside the United States are required to submit an official course-by-course evaluation completed by a foreign credential service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. RVCC will accept up to 45 transfer and/or advanced standing credits toward an associate degree or 75 percent of the required credits for a certificate program. The course requirements of some selective programs may limit the applicability of transfer credits to fulfill degree requirements. After all official transcripts have been received and the transcript evaluation has occurred, the Student Enrollment Center will send a notification to the student’s RVCC e-mail account. Students can then access their transcript evaluation by clicking the Unofficial Academic Transcript tile or Degree Audit tile in their Lion’s Den account. (*Please note: Transcript evaluations will not be conducted for non-degree seeking and visiting students.)


Chosen Name

Students must request the use of a Chosen Name. Students should print and complete the Chosen Name Change form and return the form to the Student Enrollment Center to be processed.


Registration


Registration/Enrollment

Registration/Enrollment is the process of selecting specific sections of credit courses in a particular academic term and paying the tuition and fees associated with those course sections. Students enrolled for 12 or more semester credit hours in a semester are considered full-time students. Students enrolled for fewer than 12 semester credit hours in a semester are considered part-time students.


Course Prerequisites

A course prerequisite is either a condition that a student must satisfy, or a course for which a student must have earned prior credit, to be eligible to enroll in certain specific courses offered by the College. Prerequisites may be based on prior knowledge in the same academic discipline or on a required minimum level of academic skills.


New Student Registration

After English and math placement has been determined, students will need their RVCC student ID/G# and RVCC password to attend a first-year registration session (FYRS) or meet with an academic advisor to register for classes, with the exception of the following programs: Cosmetology, Esthetics, and Advanced Manufacturing. All first-time and part-time, degree-seeking or certificate college students must complete the online orientation.    


Registration Restrictions (Holds) and Limitations

Students may be prohibited from enrollment on the basis of their admission status, academic standing, developmental studies status, required documents, outstanding financial/materials obligations to the College, or other unsatisfied enrollment requirements. For further information about restrictions that may affect registration, check for messages in Lion’s Den e-mail or on the Lion’s Den Student Services tab.

Students may enroll for a maximum of 19 credit hours in a Fall or Spring Semester or for a maximum of 12 credit hours in the entire Summer term. A student wishing to enroll in additional credit hours must have specific, individual authorization from the Director of Advising, Counseling and Transfer Services or the appropriate divisional Dean.


Enrollment Changes

Students may change their course schedules, add courses, or withdraw from courses according to the enrollment calendar published by the Student Enrollment Center.  In all cases, the individual student is responsible for withdrawing from a course.  Students are responsible for understanding the effect that enrollment changes may have on financial aid eligibility and other programs and/or services. Students must meet with an academic advisor to withdraw from Developmental Studies courses so the decision can be discussed. Students who have financial aid should meet with a Financial Aid Specialist regarding the impact of dropping or adding a course(s).


Developmental Studies and English as a Second Language Studies

The College is committed to providing students with the skills necessary for success in college-level coursework.

Developmental Math

When placement testing indicates the need for developmental math courses to prepare students for the minimum math proficiency or the college-level math required for their intended degree or certificate program, these courses should be completed as early as possible.

  • If placement testing indicates that developmental math is required for their intended degree or certificate program, students should enroll in the appropriate developmental math course during their first semester of attendance. Students must begin their developmental math sequence by the time they have completed 20 college-level credits, and continue to enroll during each subsequent semester until eligible for college-level math or until their degree program requirements for math have been met.
  • To take a developmental math course for the third time, a student is required to meet with an academic advisor and may be restricted to certain courses or to a limited number of courses. After taking the same developmental math course for the third time without success, the student must meet with the divisional Dean to discuss academic and career options.

Developmental English

When placement testing indicates the need for developmental English (reading and writing) courses to improve these core skills, these courses must be completed as early as possible.

  • Both full-time and part-time students must enroll in developmental English courses if placement testing indicates that they are not eligible for English Composition I.
  • Students must continue to enroll in developmental English courses until they have demonstrated that they are eligible for English Composition I.
  • To repeat any developmental English course, a student is required to meet with an academic advisor and may be restricted to certain courses or to a limited number of courses. After taking the same developmental English course for the third time without success, the student must meet with the divisional Dean to discuss academic and career options.

English as a Second Language Classes

When placement testing indicates the need for English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to improve English language skills, students will either be referred to RVCC’s Workforce Development Department or be advised to begin taking the academic ESL course sequence.
 

  • Both full-time and part-time students must enroll in ESL courses if placement testing indicates that they need to further develop their proficiency in the English language to be prepared for college-level coursework.
  • Students must continue to enroll in ESL courses until they have completed the ESL course sequence unless otherwise exempted.
  • To take an ESL course for the third time, a student must have the approval of an academic or faculty advisor and may be restricted to certain courses or to a limited number of courses. After taking the same ESL course for the fourth time without success, the student must meet with the divisional Dean or designated official to discuss academic and career options.


Remedial Classes and The College Experience Course, STDV100

  • MATH 020W – Elementary Algebra w/Workshop or MATH 020 – Elementary Algebra, are required to enroll in STDV100 – The College Experience.
  • Note: Students who place into ENGL 111 – English Composition I with ENGL 070 – English Composition Workshop and Math 030R/030 – Intermediate Algebra will not be required to enroll in STDV100 – The College Experience course.


Foreign Language Placement Testing and Degree Requirements

Students who, prior to attending college, have studied two years or more in Spanish, French, German or Italian, within the last five years and wish to continue with the same language MUST take the respective placement test before registering.

Several degrees at RVCC have a foreign language requirement. For these degrees, a two-semester sequence or completion of Intermediate II (whichever comes first) is required. Students who fulfill the requirement in fewer than two semesters may substitute other humanities courses or continue with the language.


Transcripts

Transcripts may be ordered online.  To order a transcript, go to www.raritanval.edu/transcript. Electronic transcripts cost $10.00, while mailed and pickup transcripts cost $12.50.

An electronic transcript is a certified PDF of an official transcript and can be sent to any valid email address.  The document displays a blue ribbon on the notification bar across the top of Adobe Reader, ensuring the recipient that the digital signature is authentic and the contents of the eTranscript have not been altered. 


Veterans’ Benefits

Students who plan to attend Raritan Valley Community College under one of several Veterans Administration programs should contact the VA Certifying Official located in the lower level of the library, L-029. Any covered individual who is entitled to receive educational assistance under Chapter 31 Veteran Readiness or Employment or Chapter 33, Post 911 GI Benefits who plans to attend RVCC must provide a Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits to the Office of Veteran Services.

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection(e) of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Raritan Valley Community College will not impose a penalty on any student using veterans’ educational benefits under Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness and Employment), or Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®) because of the individual’s inability to meet their financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Raritan Valley Community College will not prevent the student from attending or participating in the course of education during periods in which there is a delayed disbursement; assess late payment fees if the financial obligation is fully funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); require the student to secure alternative or additional funding for delayed disbursements; or deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

Post-9/11 GI Bill® veterans will have tuition and fee payments deferred provided that they submit a Certificate of Eligibility and complete the request for benefits form and provide College requirements no later than the first day of the term. Students will be responsible for any account balance remaining after Veterans Administration payments have been received.
Veterans are required to submit required documents to the College’s Certifying Official each semester prior to being certified for benefits. More information about Veterans Services can be found on the RVCC website, or call (908) 526-1200, extension 8452.

Information on eligibility and education-related services may be obtained by contacting the Department of Veterans Affairs at (888) 442-4551.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).


New Jersey National Guard Tuition Program

About the Program

New Jersey Guardsmen qualify for a state-specific tuition waiver under the New Jersey National Guard Tuition Program (NJNGTP). This program enables qualifying Guard members to submit a Commander’s Certificate of Eligibility to waive tuition for associate and certificate programs-of-study.

Limitations and Exceptions

Because this is a waiver program, there are some limitations:

  • Students must be enrolled within a program-of-study at Raritan Valley Community College
  • Students must submit a Commander’s Certificate and documentation prior to the semester’s start date
  • The NJNGTP does not cover fees or cost of materials
  • The College must first apply grants, scholarships or Post 911/GI Bill® towards tuition. Students must complete a FAFSA application prior to registration for waiver to be applied
  • Students must be in good standing within their program-of-study
  • Tuition for the same course may not be waived twice
  • A withdrawal from a course after it has begun will be subject to tuition and fees
  • Students may waive up to 16 credits of tuition per term


Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

Raritan Valley Community College and Rutgers University have an agreement permitting RVCC students to cross-enroll in either the United States Air Force or United States Army Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC) at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Qualified students may complete the first two years of the four-year program on a cross-enrollment basis, and the final two years by attending a college or university that offers the ROTC Program. Additionally, students taking the Army ROTC program may elect to take their commissions in the Active Army, Army Reserve, or New Jersey Army National Guard.

To be eligible, students must be U.S. citizens, physically qualified and full-time students of good moral character. ROTC enrollment involves no military commitment during the first two years. The advanced phase of the program is contractual and is scheduled during the junior and senior years.

The ROTC programs offer a wide variety of scholarship opportunities. For more information, write to:

Army ROTC
Assistant Professor Military Service
Rutgers University
157 College Ave.
New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901-1199
(848) 932-3217

AFROTC
Detachment 485
190 College Ave,
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(848) 932-7706
rotc485@afrotc.rutgers.edu


Confidential Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) protects the privacy of education records, establishes the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and provides guidelines for contesting information in these records that is believed to be inaccurate or misleading.

Students have the right to inspect and review all of their education records maintained by the College. The College is not required to provide copies of records unless it is not reasonably convenient for students to inspect their records.

Students have the right to request that the College correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading. If the College decides, in response to such a request, not to amend a student’s record, the student has the right to a formal hearing before the Dean of Student Affairs or a designated official. After the hearing, if the College maintains its position that the student’s record should not be amended, the student has the right to enter a statement into the student’s records commenting on the contested information.

The College will not release any confidential information from a student’s record without the written consent of the student, except for releasing information to:

  • College officials with a legitimate educational interest
  • Other institutions at which a student intends to enroll
  • Certain government officials for the purpose of carrying out their lawful functions
  • Appropriate parties involved with the awarding of financial aid to a student
  • Organizations conducting appropriate research for the College
  • Accrediting agencies
  • Individuals who have obtained appropriate court orders or subpoenas
  • Persons who a have need for the information in cases of health and safety emergencies
  • The host high school of a student participating in the New Jersey Bridge year Pilot Program (P.L. 2020. C.41), according to the terms specified by the student’s individual learning plan

The College may disclose Directory Information without the written consent of the student. Directory Information includes the following:

  • Name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address
  • Date and place of birth
  • Dates of attendance
  • Enrollment status
  • Previous institutions attended
  • Major field of study
  • Awards and honors
  • Degrees and/or certificates awarded including date of conferral
  • Past and present participation in officially recognized College activities
  • Height and weight of student athletes

Students may request the withholding of Directory Information. To ensure that such a request is properly processed, it must be submitted on the official “Request to Withhold Directory Information” form, which is available in the Student Enrollment Office. The request to withhold information will remain in effect until the student submits a signed authorization for the release of Directory Information, in the presence of an Enrollment Specialist.

Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning an alleged failure by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. For further information regarding the filing of complaints, students should contact the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202.