For Immediate Release:
October 18, 2018

Monmouth County officials seek to clarify Brookdale Community College situation

FREEHOLD, NJ—A recent article in the Asbury Park Press states that Brookdale Community College’s accreditation status is at risk and Monmouth County officials are seeking to clarify any misunderstandings regarding this situation.

 

“It is important that the public, and especially the Brookdale students, know the facts. The fact is that Brookdale Community College’s accreditation and students’ eligibility for financial aid have not been changed in any way,” said Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Another fact is that the College ranks second in the State and in the top five percent in the country out of more than 1,100 community colleges and is well-equipped to make any necessary adjustments.”

Evaluators from the Middle States Commission, the accrediting body for Brookdale Community College, assessed the College in March 2018. The evaluators only found that there were issues with two of seven areas reviewed every eight years.

“We are fully engaged in addressing the matters cited by Middle States and are confident that our next status report, due in March 2019, will fully satisfy any concerns,” said David Stout, Ph.D., President of Brookdale Community College. “Rest assured, the entire college staff and I are fully committed our students. Our emphasis is on ensuring that Brookdale continues its mission as a gateway for thousands to obtain a degree, acquire training for career advancement and provide lifelong learning opportunities.”

Since the Commission’s evaluation, Brookdale Community College has worked diligently to implement changes based on the input of the Commission. In addition, the College will institute ongoing surveys with various constituent groups to assess attitudes and experiences at Brookdale Community College.

According to information on the Middle State’s website, the accrediting body issues, what they refer to as, a warning when it believes the institution has the capacity to make appropriate improvements within a reasonable amount of time and the institution has capacity to sustain itself in the long term.

“The Board of Chosen Freeholders has been fully briefed by Dr. Stout on the steps he and the administration are taking to move the college forward,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Lillian G. Burry. “We stand in full support of the Brookdale Community College administration and are proud of the work they do every day.”

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