We are thrilled to bring you the latest campus updates and news from 猫咪社区. Join us in celebrating our recent developments, innovative programs, and the achievements of our vibrant community.
Academics
- Sussex and Union CC continue their partnership, providing Canvas training and professional development for faculty, including Online Instructor Certification for selected participants.
- The SCCC AI Task Force visited Rutgers to attend the NJ AI Hub鈥檚 Higher Education Showcase, bringing together higher education faculty, administrators, and state leaders to explore emerging practices and priorities surrounding artificial intelligence.
- Diane Harris, Lead Faculty of Mathematics, attended the Faculty of the Future Conference, featuring keynote speaker Doug Lemov, author and founder of Teach Like a Champion.
- Allison Ognibene, Adjunct Instructor in Theater, represented the community college perspective at the Assoc. for Theatre in Higher Education鈥檚 national conference, participating in a panel on collaboration in and beyond the classroom.
- Dawn Flanders, Criminal Justice Program Coordinator, attended the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity Seminar and earned CPR-AED Professional Rescuer and NRA Range Safety Officer certifications.
- Dr. Richard Owens, Instructor of English, piloted LLMGrader, an instructor-controlled, AI-assisted assessment tool that supports grading feedback while keeping final decisions with faculty. The tool was developed by John Sissler, Instructor of Computer Science, with support from the College鈥檚 Skylands Research Institute.
- The new Transition & Career Studies students attended orientation where they engaged with departments and staff members and toured campus.
- Sussex and Commonwealth University renewed an articulation agreement that provides SCCC students with guaranteed admission at full junior standing into CU鈥檚 Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Leadership (BASTL) program.
- The LACE Art Club took 11 students on a creative summer 鈥渧acation鈥� across four continents. Students experienced a simulated airplane takeoff, received passports, created art projects, and explored cultures of each destination.
Facilities
The FY26 Audit is underway and going very well so far.
Facilities Update:
- Horton Mansion abatement: scheduled to begin 9/7 and is expected to take eight weeks. SCCC is also working with the architect to determine the HVAC design.
- Artificial Intelligence Lab: is completed
- New Chemistry Lab: CO was received, and final cleaning is to be completed by 8/27.
- Fitness Court: The concrete pad is installed, and equipment installation is scheduled for 9/15
- Paving/Sidewalk Repair: is completed.
- Chapel Septic System: Approval and Permit received from the Health Dept. Preparing bid package to issue for bid
- Chapel Interior Renovations: Design drawings to be completed 7/31. Project packages being prepared for bid
- Student Services Renovations: Design drawings to be completed 8/7. Bid date to be determined
- PSTA Paving: Paving scheduled for 8/27
- McGuire Technical Education Center: installation of a new exhaust fan, windows, and lintels
Campus cost-saving initiatives continue to deliver results, including approximately $800 per month in electricity savings from revamped water booster pumps, along with more than $150,000 in annual savings from solar repairs and LED lighting upgrades.
Marketing & Enrollment
- Marketing continues to support Fall 鈥�26 enrollment through targeted campaigns highlighting affordability, student support, career pathways, and transfer opportunities. Areas of focus include one-year certificate programs for non-traditional students, as well as Optics, Theater Arts, Criminal Justice, and Allied Health programs.
- Ongoing enrollment and summer melt communications provide current and prospective students with registration reminders, deadlines, financial aid information, and connections to Student Success resources.
Athletics
- Fall Soccer and football are well underway and entering competition.
- Athletics proudly recognized 25 student-athletes who earned 2025鈥�2026 NJCAA Academic Student-Athlete Awards for their outstanding achievement in academics and athletic competition.
- The PEAK will open as a new student support experience for athletes as a study hall and quiet space.
Student Affairs & Campus Life
- New Student and Family Orientation concluded last week. Campus Life welcomed approximately 400 students and their families.
- The Fall 2026 Ambassadors were on campus for 2 days of training in preparation for the fall semester. They will also receive training to be peer mentors to TCS students.
- Christine Gaydos, Student Engagement and Inclusion Coordinator, served as a Peer Evaluator for program proposals submitted for NODAC 2026, the annual conference of NODA: Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education.
Foundation
- Funding Their Future event will be held at Perona Farms on 10/14 and will honor Project Self-Sufficiency and the Avondoglio Family. Visit sussex.edu/fundingtheirfuture for more details.
- The Foundation submitted four $5,000 grant applications to the Van Houten Memorial Fund, the Talcott Fund, the Cepreghy Foundation, and the Hirsch Trust to support the Sussex/Centenary Residential Access Partnership, an initiative designed to expand access to a residential college experience, improve student success, and serve as a model for community college housing partnerships.
- The Foundation and College administration are working to finalize a proposal to the First Energy Foundation to fund the expansion of the electrical lineworker pole yard on campus.
- The Foundation awarded $163,425 in scholarships to 155 students for the upcoming academic year. Scholarship applications increased 26% over last year and 142% over the past five years.
Alumni Association
- Establishing official bylaws, the Alumni Association strengthened alumni engagement through fundraising, new Alumni merchandise, a winter graduation celebration, and an alumni baseball game.
- The Alumni webpage was also updated to provide additional opportunities for graduates to stay connected with the College.
Community & Partnerships
- Dr. Homer presented to the Sussex/Morris/Warren Workforce Development Board on the great things happening on campus. Attendees learned more about the College鈥檚 workforce programming with a Q & A.
- The College hosted a community tour series over the past few months. Residents had the opportunity to tour the campus, see the new projects, and ask questions regarding the College.
- The College expanded community outreach through presentations and discussions with several Sussex County organizations and municipalities, including Hampton and Newton Town Councils, Birth Haven, Indivisible Sussex, and Karen Ann Quinlan.
- The College met with Servant鈥檚 Heart to develop a pipeline from its mentorship program into SCCC academic programs, helping students continue their education and prepare for future careers.
- The College hosted the new Superintendent of Stillwater Schools, Danny Papa, for a campus tour and to learn about the College's programming.
- The College met with the Department of Labor to explore stronger connections between high school, college, and industry, with future collaborations planned around the One Year to a Career initiative.
