OCC spreads safety net under stressed Star-Servfast students

Students at loose ends since the sudden closings of all Star Career Academy and Servfast Computers campuses can look to Ocean County College in Toms River for support and direction, OCC officials announced today.

The closure of the schools in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, including sites in Toms River and Brick Township, remain shrouded in mystery. Meanwhile, students are left with no certifications, no classes and little recourse.

OCC will evaluate transcripts, offer transfer services and, when necessary, provide classes geared to Star and Servfast students, according to Interim Director of Enrollment Management A.J. Trump.

"OCC is open to welcoming and assisting those students who wish to finish their training or have their transcripts from Star evaluated and applied to one of our certificate or degree programs," Trump said in a statement released by the college.

Students seeking certificate program information should contact OCC's Department of Continuing and Professional Education, 732-255-0409. The OCC main number is 732-255-0400.

Health care-related questions can be directed to Kathy Caro, Administrator for Nursing and Allied Health, extension 2326.

Information regarding technology and computer courses can be addressed by Karen Albrecht, Technology and Community Career Administrator, extension 2094.

College officials say that many non-credit courses are in progress, and more can be added if a sufficient number of Star/Servfast students express interest.

Students interested in transferring to a college-credit degree program can have transcripts evaluated. Admissions Representaties Amanda Kuster, extension 2134, or John Sellino, extension 3861, have details.