Parents / Families

Each campus residence is furnished. Students should not plan to bring additional items until they see how things look after they move in. No upholstered furniture may be brought to campus unless it meets CAL133 fire safety guidelines (tag must be attached or certificate provided to the Graduate Residence Director/Residence Director).

Dress - as on most campuses - is casual. There is no specific dress code, but reasonableness is expected. There are occasions when business/party attire is needed, e.g., job interviews, restaurant nights in dining halls, special events in the Berrie Center, and trips to NYC.

Various meal plans are available. Students residing in Pine, Linden, Laurel, Bischoff Hall, Mackin Hall or The Overlook Halls are required to have a meal plan. Additional information about meal plans is available from the Dining Services Office located in the Roadrunner Café or from the Office of Residence Life. In addition to meal plan restaurants, food is available in Roadrunner Café in the Student Center; the Curtain Call Café (gourmet coffee, sandwiches and snacks) in the Berrie Center; and the convenience store in the Pavilion.

All Residents

• Bed linens (all residence halls have extra long twin beds except for Tamarack and Sycamore which is located in the College Park Apartments and several rooms in Pine Hall. Please contact these areas via email regarding your bed size if you are assigned there.)
• Hand truck/ dolly for moving your belongs
• Toilet paper
• Pillows and back rest (for reading in bed)
• Warm blanket or comforter
• Egg crate, bed pad (makes bed more comfortable)
• Towels
• One bathroom rug
• Camera (inexpensive one)
• Small television (cable ready)
• Hair dryer
• Posters for walls - use only painter's tape to hang posters on walls. The use of nails to hang anything is prohibited. Although painter’s tape works, it still needs to be removed very carefully or it will create damage. Damages from nail holes, tape residue, or damaged paint are charged to student's account
• Toiletries, including small carryall for storage
• Stereo/radio/CD/MP3 player with headphones
• Laundry basket or bag, detergent and softener, (put powder in small plastic bags for convenience)
• Alarm clock/clock radio with battery backup
• Magnetic memo board
• Cleaning supplies (especially for bathrooms & kitchens)
• Clothing (including warm sweaters, jacket, and business and party clothes)
• School supplies (may be purchased at the Campus Store - open on orientation and move-in days)
• Small lockable storage chest (may be found in bed and bath stores)
• Bathing suit
• Large wastebaskets & disposable plastic liners
• Storage crates (small and stackable)
• Desk items (stamps, envelopes, stapler, printer paper, etc.)
• Address book with important phone numbers and e-mail addresses
• Iron with automatic shutoff capability and portable ironing pad
• Prescription medications if needed
• Pre-paid phone card for non local calls or cell phone
• Extra set of car keys
• Clothes hangers
• Small sewing kit
• Small medical kit (pain reliever, antacid, bandaids, etc.)
• Medical insurance card
• ATM card (college ATM is serviced by TD Bank)
• Credit card or checks for major Campus Store purchases (textbooks, supplies, etc.)
• Computer (most students bring laptops) and printer & at least two packages of printer paper
• Cable cord for TV
• Appointment book or PDA
• Surge protector – UL rated power strip ONLY
• Backpack or other bag to carry books.
• Small amount of cash for snacks and sundries
• Push pins for tack boards (Pine, Bischoff, Mackin, Village, Overlook, Laurel)
• Flashlight (candles and incense are prohibited)
• Small snow shovel and deicer (if you have a car)
• Auto club membership and local area maps
• Ethernet cord (for non-wireless internet connections)
• Renter’s insurance for your personal belongings
• Patience and good humor, a sense of adventure,focus on personal goals, commitment to making the most of your time in college, an open mind

Patience and good humor, a sense of adventure, focus on personal goals, commitment to making the most of your time in college, an open mind….and more.

College Park Apartments

• Reading lamp, desk lamp and table lamp for living room (no halogens)
• All kitchen, cleaning and decorative items
• Padlock for bedroom closets

Phase I - Buckeye, Holly, Hickory, Redwood, International, Mimosa, Palm, Science, Elm (Peaked roofs)

• Convection ovens and stove tops present in kitchen
• System control of heat and air conditioning (low to high)

Phase II - Mulberry, Butternut, Cypress, Tamarack, Sycamore (Flat Roofs)

• Stove tops and ovens present in kitchen
• TemperatureSpecific controlled heat and air conditioning

All appliances are allowed in the College Park Apartments except additional refrigerators

Laundry – please purchase a cart to bring your laundry to and from the laundry room, as the laundry facility is located across from the Lodge.

Pine, Linden, Bischoff and Mackin Halls Residents

• Reading and floor lamps (no halogens)
• Padlock for closets (Not required for Pine)
• Snack food for micro-fridge (a micro-fridge is provided in each bedroom.)
• Microwave-proof containers/dishes
• Locker-ladder-type unit (to provide additional “shelf” space in closet) – Pine/Linden only
• A small safe is provided for each resident in Pine Hall

Laurel Hall

• Floor lamp for living room
• Bedside reading lamp
• Food for microwave oven
• Microwave oven proof dishes
• Kitchenette cleaning items
• Small dish drainer/mat
• Ice cube trays
• Rug, if desired for common area

The Village

• Two end table lamps in the living room of each apartment provided; bedside lamps and additional living room floor lamp needed
• Tension rod with curtain to create door to open closet (opening is approximately 60”
• All kitchen, cleaning and decorative items

NOTE:

• Floors in the Village living rooms are tiled: bring area throw rugs to limit noise transmission
• Emphasis on sustainable living: recycling required

The Overlook

• Small tacks for tack boards which are located in the bedrooms. Tacks are to be used on tack boards ONLY
• Small gooseneck (non halogen) bedside lamp. Regular lampshade will not fit on windowsill
• Stand up storage unit for bathroom

Optional Items

• Sports equipment (bicycle, basketball, volleyball, tennis racquet and balls, etc.) There are bike racks on campus
• Hobby materials
• Sand or beach chair for outdoor reading or lounging during warm weather.
• Electronic game machine/games (marked for identification purposes)
• DVD player
• Cases of water/soda/juice drinks/microwaveable food
• Family/pet pictures in frames
• Stuff that reminds you of home

Note: The above are just examples of what other students have brought to campus. You should bring whatever you feel will make you comfortable and equipped to be a successful student. Just keep in mind that space is limited. It is also a good idea to plan ahead with your roommate(s) to avoid unnecessary duplication.

Computer Services

• What types of computer services are available at the college?
  Information Technology Services (ITS) provides academic computing, administrative information systems, and telecommunications services to faculty, staff, and students. The 24-hour computer labs are equipped with hundreds of computers plus the full gamut of scanners, printers, CD-ROM's and digital equipment. All labs, classrooms, and local area network facilities are linked to a campus-wide network for Internet access.

Library

• What types of resource tools are available at the college?
  The Library is open seven days a week during the semester and until midnight Sunday through Thursday. The collection includes 154,000 books, of which 14,000 are reference books. At this time, the library also offers over 50 electronic indexes that include several thousand full-text electronic journals in addition to more than 700 paper journals. Access to library resources is available through the library's Web section that, in turn, provides access to the online databases and other related resources. Information literacy is central to the mission of the library and offers students an opportunity to develop research skills and enhance knowledge to do independent research. This includes formal information literacy classes as well as individualized instruction and traditional reference services.

Student Job Opportunities

• Does the college provide resources for employment?
  The Cahill Center offers a full array of services and programs to enhance students' academic, personal and professional goals while preparing them for the transition from college to career. An emphasis is placed upon lifelong learning with a "Career Management and Self-Development Blueprint" available to guide students through their four undergraduate years. The Career Services Office offers workshops, seminars and panels, individualized career advisement, computerized career guidance (FOCUS and Discover), vocational assessment (Strong Interest Inventory and Myers Briggs Type Indicator), a resume critique service, and an alumni resource network. The Center offers job listings (full-time, part-time, permanent and temporary positions) and holds two job fairs annually. The New Jersey Job Service has a satellite office in the Center with a placement counselor available to students and alumni. The Cahill Center has partnerships with over 500 corporate and nonprofit employers who provide opportunities for both undergraduates and graduates.

Student Advisement

• Who is my advisor?
  Students with less than 29 credit without a College Seminar advisor are assigned to the Advisement Center. Otherwise, you can find your advisor's name on your degree audit online.
  
  
• How do I make an Advisement Appointment?
  During priority registration, the professional advisors post appointment sheets outside their offices. To make an appointment, clearly write your name in an available time slot.

Grades and Academic Difficulty

• What is CUM, GPA, QPT or QHR?
  A GPA is a student Grade Point Average. It is calculated by dividing the QPTS (or Quality Points) by the QHR (or Quality Hours). Quality Hours include "F"s but not "W"s. Quality Points derive from the student grade multiplied by the credits. For example, a student received a "B," a 3.0, in a 4-credit class. The Quality Points for that class would be 12. The Quality Hours would be 4. Therefore, the GPA for that course would be a 3.0. A student with a "B-" is a 2.7. A "B+" is a 3.3, etc. Luckily, the college transcript computes the student Quality Points each semester, then divides that by the semester's Quality Hours to get the student semester's GPA The CUM, or Cumulative GPA, simply is the GPA for the students entire career at Ramapo.

Educational Opportunity Fund

• What is the EOF?
  The Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) started in 1968 at 34 colleges and universities across the state of New Jersey. Its purpose was to provide services and support to New Jersey students who, while lacking financial resources and academic preparation, could demonstrate promise, a high level of motivation and ability, and the potential to succeed in college. Thirty years later the program provides financial aid grants, specialized services, skill instruction, counseling and advisement, tutorial services, and career preparation.

International Student Services

• What services are available to international students?
  English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are taught by instructors who have specialized training in the teaching of English as a second language. Class size is small, which permits a greater degree of individualized attention. In addition, free peer student tutoring is available outside of class time.

Health and Counseling

• The Center for Health and Counseling Services offers programs and services to support student wellness. Services include individual assessments and individual and group counseling for personal and social concerns, including alcohol and other drug prevention; workshops and individual consultations addressing topics such as self-assertion, stress management, test anxiety, eating disorders, co-dependency, and improving social and family relationships.
  

Specialized Services

• What can a student with a documented disability expect at the college?
  Ramapo College of New Jersey demonstrated a strong commitment to providing equal access to all students through the removal of architectural and attitudinal barriers. Integration of qualified students with disabilities into the college community has been the Ramapo way since the College opened in 1971. To accomplish this goal, the Office of Specialized Services (OSS) was established to facilitate equal access to the programs and activities at Ramapo College for students with documented physical, sensory, learning, or psychological disabilities. Ramapo College fully supports the protections available to students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Housing Options

• What housing options are available?
  Traditional residence halls, including Pine, Bischoff Hall, Mackin Hall, Overlook, and Laurel, and    garden-style apartments, including College Park Apartments and the Village, provide housing for approximately 90% of students. Freshman housing includes Pine Hall and Mackin Hall. Bischoff Hall is reserved for scholar freshman and upperclassmen. Linden Hall, The Overlook, College Park Apartments, Laurel Hall, and The Village typically house sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Pine Hall (6 or 7 person), Overlook (4 person), Linden Hall (4 person), and Laurel Hall (4 person) are suite-style living with multiple bedrooms and a shared bathroom. Mackin Hall (3 person) and Bischoff Hall (2 person) are single bedroom residence halls with a bathroom within each room. The College Park Apartments (4 person) and The Village (4 person) are apartment-style living with multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, a living room, and a shared bathroom. All residence halls and apartment complexes are air conditioned and have microwave/refrigerators in each bedroom. There are also floor lounges for studying, recreation, and television, plus vending, laundry, and personal mailboxes in each building. Voice (telephone with voicemail), video (cable television), and data access (Internet and intranet) are provided for every resident.

Student Life

• What type of clubs and organizations are popular at the college?
  At Ramapo College, student clubs and organizations are recognized as an important part of the total learning experience. Students are urged to take advantage of the many opportunities available through membership and participation in these groups. There are over 100 clubs and organizations; addressing the academic, cultural, political, spiritual, and social needs and interests of the diverse Ramapo community.  Joining can provide students with interesting friends, new experiences, and lifelong memories of their college years. Many of these groups also provide members with opportunities to network with faculty, staff, and professionals in their field of interest.  Clubs and organizations at Ramapo College are run by students. They organize to meet the expressed needs of students. Each group operates under its own constitution, according to the interests and enthusiasm of its membership.  All welcome new members, new ideas, and new directions.

Sports

• What types of sports do you have at the college?
  Athletics at Ramapo College are an extracurricular activity and secondary to any student's college education. Ramapo offers a two-tiered sports program: intercollegiate and intramural. Athletics at Ramapo reflect the college objectives and are a means to attain educational goals. The intercollegiate program offers the most advanced level of competition. On the varsity level, Ramapo is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and subscribes to the Division III philosophy. Ramapo belongs to the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). Varsity sports are for those students willing to commit themselves to a program that encourages both individual and team excellence through daily practice sessions and a full season of competition. Sports at the varsity level are most competitive and include: MEN: Baseball, Basketball, Cross-country, Soccer, Tennis, Swimming, Indoor and Outdoor Track, and Volleyball. WOMEN: Basketball, Cross-country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Cheerleading, Dance, Indoor and Outdoor Track, and Volleyball. Students interested in team sports at a less advanced level may turn to an extensive intramural program. Intramurals offer any students the chance to play on a team without the time demand of intercollegiate athletics. All students enrolled at Ramapo are eligible for the intramural program, which include baseball, basketball, volleyball, and soccer.

Admissions Guidelines

• How do Grades and Class Standing Factor in?
  Students admitted to Ramapo College generally rank in the top 20% of their graduating class with a Grade Point Average of 3.45 or a B+ average. If the high school does not rank, Ramapo College will utilize the grade point average and overall high school record to determine if the student qualifies for admission.
  
  
• What are CPTs?
  The Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs) were developed by the College Board, with the help of committees of college professors, to provide information about student level of skill accomplishment in reading, English, and mathematics that is required for success in college. By assessing the ability levels in these areas, the CPTs helps to determine the English, mathematics, and reading courses most appropriate for the student.
  
  
• What should my SAT score be?
  At Ramapo College, the average SAT score is 1160 (580 in critical reading, 580 math). Most students' SAT scores range from 1140 to 1180. Those with scores above 1230 and an exceptionally strong record of high school achievement will be considered for a merit scholarship.
  
  
• What is the Application Deadline?
  Admissions Home

Financial Aid Questions

• What do I need before I apply for Financial Aid?
  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the only form required. Students should apply after January 1, and preferably before March 1. The Ramapo College code is 009344.
  
  
• What types of Financial Aid exist?
  There are grants, loans, and work study. Grants are awards that don't have to be paid back; loans must be paid back, and a work study job provides students with a change to earn money at a job on or off-campus.
  
  
• How is my eligibility for Financial Aid determined?
  When the student files the FAFSA, the information that is reported is used in a formula established by the United State Congress that determines expected family contribution (EFC). The EFC is used to determine whether you're eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant, and also may be used to determine other types of aid.
  
  
• Are Scholarships available?
  Ramapo College offers a number of scholarships for incoming freshmen based on academic achievement. All freshmen applicants are reviewed for scholarship eligibility.
  Scholarships

• If an incident is being handled in the courts, may the College also take action?
  Yes, students sometimes find that their involvement in an incident is reviewed by two or more jurisdictions (e.g., the College discipline system and the civil and criminal justice systems.) The fact that an incident is being examined from more than one perspective does not mean that the student has been placed in "double jeopardy." The purpose of the Student Discipline process is to determine if a person shall remain a member of this academic community and, if so, under what conditions.
  
  
• If a student is charged by the Office of Judicial Affairs, does that mean that he or she will be out of school?
  Some violations may result in sanctions that separate a student from the College. The majority of cases result in sanctions that allow the person to remain a student.
  
  Judicial Affairs
  
  
• Will having a "disciplinary history" affect a graduate's employment opportunities or choice of graduate schools?Students who are expelled will have a disciplinary notation on their transcript. The transcripts of students who are assigned lesser sanctions do not reflect these disciplinary sanctions.
  
  
• Are student's interactions with the College discipline system kept confidential?
  Yes. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act makes a student's disciplinary record part of the educational record. This record may only be accessed by the student, the parent of a minor student, with the student's authorization, or in response to a court order. This educational record may also be shared with other members of the academic community with a legitimate need to know.
  
  
• How long is a student's disciplinary file kept?
  Generally, student disciplinary records are maintained for five years.
  
  
• How can parents help a student who has been charged?
  Although the Office of Judicial Affairs suggests that accused students contact their parents early in the process, some students choose not to do so. Parents who are contacted by their student about pending disciplinary action may want to suggest that the student sign an authorization for the Office of Judicial Affairs to talk with the parents about the case.
  
  
• How can parents help a student avoid becoming involved in the discipline system?
  Parents can be proactive with their student by discussing with him/her some of the various situations they will encounter on campus (e.g., those related to alcohol use and abuse, roommates/neighbors, relationships, and personal safety).
  
  
• Does a student who has been charged with a violation need an attorney?
  Any student (Accused, Victim, Witness) who appears at a disciplinary proceeding may have an advisor accompany him/her. The advisor may provide advice but will not be permitted to question witnesses or to present information at the meeting. (Having an attorney serve as an advisor does not change the role of the advisor).
  
  
• How long does the discipline process take?
  That depends on the alleged violation being adjudicated. Disciplinary conferences with a Hearing Officer can be handled in 7-10 days. Judicial Board hearings can take 2-3 weeks or longer depending on the time in the semester and the complexity of the case.
  
  
• Where can I find a list of the College's rules?
  The College Code of Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook. In addition, the rules for those students who live in the residence halls are published in the Guide to Community Living.