Bloomfield College of Montclair State University FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Bloomfield College merging into Montclair State University.
This page will be updated as new information becomes available, so please check back. If you do not see an answer to your question, you may submit it by using this form.
Why has Bloomfield College become part of Montclair State University?
Montclair responded to Bloomfield College’s call for a strategic partner to help it continue its vital mission of creating educational pathways that are often not otherwise available for minority and low-income students.
Montclair’s mission is closely aligned with Bloomfield’s, and the presidents of both institutions saw the opportunity to build a unique, collaborative relationship that would benefit students and the community.
Both institutions serve minority-majority student populations. Bloomfield is New Jersey’s only four-year Predominantly Black Institution, and Montclair is New Jersey’s largest Hispanic Serving Institution, serving more Latinx students than any other university in the state.
What has been the merger process?
In October of 2021, Bloomfield College publicly announced it was seeking strategic partnerships to enable the four-year institution to continue its mission.
Montclair was one of nine institutions that submitted formal proposals. After analysis, Bloomfield’s leadership team and its Board of Trustees concurred that Montclair State University was the ideal match.
Bloomfield and Montclair announced plans to work towards forming a permanent relationship in March 2022, and in October 2022, the institutions announced plans to merge, setting the stage for a series of reviews and approvals by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New Jersey’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), and other accreditors and regulators, as well as action by the state legislature.
Following approval by MSCHE and other bodies, the New Jersey Legislature passed enabling legislation on June 30, 2023, which was signed that day by Governor Phil Murphy. As a result, Bloomfield was officially made a constituent college of the University.
What is the current status?
Bloomfield College became part of Montclair State University on July 1, 2023.
Integration teams with representatives from both institutions are working closely together to ensure a smooth transition.
The merger now enters the integration phase, during which a distinctive educational experience will be designed for the students of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University.
What is changing?
Not much is changing for now. During the 2023-24 the College will continue to offer courses required for Bloomfield College students to complete their existing majors and programs, and will honor the majors of all currently enrolled students.
Also during the 2023-24 academic year, the future of all Bloomfield academic programs will be considered.
Bloomfield will also maintain its 13 NCAA Division II athletics programs and remain the Bears, for at least the next year, unless otherwise directed by the NCAA.
What is the name of the College now that the merger is official?
It will be called Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. This name was chosen to preserve Bloomfield’s mission and legacy.
Are continuing Bloomfield College students now Montclair State University students?
Yes. Students enrolled at Bloomfield College at the time of the merger will become Montclair State students. They will be able to continue their education without interruption and at lower tuition and fees.
What is the vision for Bloomfield College of Montclair State University?
Students enrolled at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will benefit from a distinctive educational environment offering a supportive, small college experience enhanced by the resources of a comprehensive public research university. They will also pay lower tuition and fees.
The merger is a new national model for how institutions with similar missions can innovate through integration and become partners in ensuring student success.
How will Bloomfield students and employees benefit from this merger?
For Bloomfield students, the merger means lower tuition and fees and eventually, expanded student life and academic opportunities. As part of Montclair, Bloomfield College will continue to provide a transformative educational experience in a small, supportive setting with the resources of a doctoral research university.
Bloomfield staff and faculty will have access to University resources to better support the student community. Some 90% of Bloomfield employees are now employees of Montclair State University, ensuring a seamless transition for students.
What will happen to Bloomfield’s campus?
The College’s historic, beautiful campus in Bloomfield, NJ will remain open and operating.
Merger Completion
Is Bloomfield College now part of Montclair State University?
Yes. Effective July 1, 2023, Bloomfield College has officially become part of Montclair and is known as “Bloomfield College of Montclair State University.”
Will Bloomfield College’s identity, mission and legacy be preserved?
Yes. Montclair State University is committed to supporting and serving Bloomfield students and fostering the College’s historical mission to provide a transformative education with an emphasis on empowering first-generation students from diverse backgrounds to attain academic, personal, and professional excellence.
The Bloomfield and Montclair merger has formed a relationship that will build upon the strengths of both institutions, and enhance academic and other opportunities for current and future students at both campuses.
Will Bloomfield retain its independence?
As a result of the merger, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University is a constituent college of Montclair State University. It will continue to offer a distinctive educational experience rooted in Bloomfield’s history and mission.
Is Bloomfield College of Montclair State University private or public?
It is now part of Montclair State University, which is a public institution.
Academic
Have the degree programs offered by Bloomfield changed?
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will honor majors of all currently enrolled students. Over the 2023-24 academic year, the future of all academic programs will be considered. As of Fall 2024, some programs offered by Bloomfield will no longer accept new students.
All Bloomfield students who were enrolled at the time of the merger will have the opportunity to complete their degrees. Bloomfield faculty and staff are committed to helping students finish their chosen major. Technically this process is referred to as a teach-out. Courses necessary for degree completion will be offered through Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, other colleges in the University and/or agreements with other institutions.
Current students in all the programs that are no longer accepting new students have been given an individual degree completion plan outlining the remaining courses they need to take each semester. Students with questions about academic degree completion should contact their Academic Advisor to schedule a meeting if they need help with plans for degree completion or have any advising questions.
How were course units converted to credits?
As required by the State of New Jersey, effective July 1, 2023, existing Bloomfield course units converted to credits for all enrolled students. With this change, 1 course unit (CU) will equal 4 credits. 0.75CU will equal 3 credits, 0.5CU will equal 2 credits, and 0.25CU will equal 1 credit.
Will the number of credits required for students to graduate remain the same?
For most academic programs, the number of credits to graduate shifted from 128 to 120.
There are two exceptions. As required by state certification and special accreditation,128 credits are required for education majors and 130 credits are required for nursing majors.
Will earned course units for courses that are no longer offered still be valid?
Yes.
Can Bloomfield students take all required classes on the campus in Bloomfield?
For the spring 2024 semester, student schedules have been developed with the intent to provide the majority of required classes on the Bloomfield campus. In limited instances where a course required for graduation may not be offered by the College due to extenuating circumstances, consideration is given to enrolled students to take classes at the Montclair campus. It is expected that, in the future, there will be broader opportunities for Bloomfield students to take classes at the Montclair campus.
How will Bloomfield students register for classes?
There have been no changes to the registration process. Students use Student Planning via the MyBloomfield portal to register for courses. When priority registration opens, students log in on their assigned day, select courses based on their program evaluation needs, and click register. Students can update or make changes to their schedule through the add/drop period for the registration semester.
Will there be changes to the criteria for achieving the honor roll when the merger is complete?
No. GPA requirements to achieve the honor roll will remain the same.
Which institution will confer degrees? What institution name will appear on diplomas?
Bloomfield College students who graduate in May 2024 will receive a Bloomfield College diploma. Thereafter, the final determination on this is dependent on approval by the accreditor, state and federal agencies. We will continue to communicate updates as they become available through our regular communications channels.
Are there any special arrangements for international students?
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University continues to issue F-1 visas and be the primary resource for international students. This responsibility will transition to Montclair State University at a later date.
Will incoming students in Fall 2024 be under a Bloomfield College of Montclair State University catalog or a Montclair catalog?
Students who enter in Fall 2024 will be under the Bloomfield College of Montclair State University catalog.
If a required course is no longer offered at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, how will I meet that program requirement?
Several options exist including engaging in independent study, taking the course at the Montclair campus, taking the course online through a consortium agreement with the College and/or by taking the course at another institution that has been approved to assist the College with its teach-out plans. Academic advisors will work with students on a case-by-case basis to create a customized plan tailored to meet their individual needs. Those considering taking a course at another institution should consult with their academic advisor first to ensure the course meets their degree program requirements.
Can students enrolled at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University take classes at the Montclair campus and apply earned credits toward their degree?
Students who need to take a class at the Montclair campus will be authorized to do so. Requests to take classes at the Montclair campus will be considered on a case-by-case basis until a formal policy is developed. Speak with your academic advisor if you are interested in doing this.
Can Bloomfield College students enrolled prior to the merger change majors moving forward?
Yes. Students should discuss changing majors with their academic advisors.
Affordability/Financial Aid
What are the tuition and fee charges for Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students?
As a result of the merger, students attending Bloomfield College of Montclair State University pay the same tuition as all other Montclair State University students. This significantly reduced tuition and mandatory fees, making the public school tuition rate at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University one of the most affordable in the State of New Jersey.
How does the merger affect my financial aid package?
In addition to the reduction in tuition and mandatory fees, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students are also eligible for the same state and federal aid as all other Montclair students. As a result of the merger, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students are now eligible to receive the New Jersey Garden State Guarantee Grant, Red Hawk Flight Plan, and institutional, merit and need-based scholarships.
How do I determine my state residency?
The University determines state residency for tuition purposes according to New Jersey Administrative Code 9A:5-1.1-1.2, which requires that a student must legally live in the state of New Jersey for at least twelve (12) months immediately prior to enrollment in order to be charged in-state tuition. You can review the residency requirements for in-state tuition for further details.
Am I eligible for financial aid as an undocumented student?
In May 2018, Governor Phil Murphy recently signed legislation granting eligible undocumented students access to NJ State Financial Aid. This bill expands upon the New Jersey Tuition Equality Act, also referred to as the “New Jersey Dream Act,” to provide state financial aid to make college more affordable. You can review the NJ Dreamers eligibility requirements here.
What about housing and meal plans?
If you are living on campus, you will be charged for on-campus housing and meals based on your room and meal plan selections. See room and board rates on the tuition webpage. For more information regarding on-campus housing and meal plans, please visit Residence Life or call 973-748-9000, ext. 1247.
If you have any questions, please contact the Student Financial Services office at 973-748-9000, ext. 1212 or via email at financial_services@bloomfield.edu.
Student Life
What will be the status of Bloomfield College’s student government (BCSG), clubs and non-academic programs?
The BCSG, clubs, and non-academic programs will continue in their current form at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University for the 2023-24 academic year.
What are the vaccination requirements for Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students?
All students living on campus need to be COVID-19 vaccinated. See the Montclair State University Policy on COVID-19 Precautions.
Where can Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students purchase books for classes?
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students continue to be able to purchase required books through our online vendor, Akademos.
What are the dining plans for Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students?
Dining plans will remain the same for the 2023-24 academic year. For more information regarding meal plans, please visit Residence Life or call 973-748-9000, ext. 1247.
How will Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students travel to and from the Montclair campus?
Nearby NJ Transit bus and train lines run to and from Montclair’s main campus, which is located only 6 miles from the Bloomfield College of Montclair State University campus.
Now that the merger is completed, how will students receive information and updates?
Information and updates will be provided through the usual communications channels, including the website and email. Advisors remain available and will be holding various information sessions.
How long will students and graduates be able to access transcripts?
There will always be a way for current and former students to receive a transcript and other official records. Transcripts are currently available through the Registrar’s website. The Registrar may be contacted at 973-748-9000, ext. 1221, or registrar@bloomfield.edu.
Do Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students have access to Montclair’s library resources?
Yes. Library-related questions may be directed to circreserves@montclair.edu or call 973-655-4288. You may also contact mark_jackson@bloomfield.edu, 973-748-9000, ext. 1332, or visit the University Libraries FAQs.
What will be the status of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University sororities and fraternities?
Bloomfield’s current sororities and fraternities will remain on the Bloomfield campus for the 2023-24 academic year.
Do students have access to counseling?
Student counseling services will continue to be available. You can contact them at 973-748-9000, ext. 1302 or personal_counseling@bloomfield.edu.
Athletics
What will happen to Bloomfield College’s Division II athletic programs?
For at least the 2023-24 academic year, the Division II athletic programs of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will continue to operate and compete, and will remain separate from Montclair State University’s athletic programs. Thereafter, a determination is dependent on the NCAA. We will continue to communicate updates as they become available through our regular communications channels.
Will student athletes at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University have use of Montclair’s athletic facilities?
Athletic facilities will remain separate for student-athletes on both campuses for the foreseeable future.
Will Bloomfield College of Montclair State University remain the Bloomfield College Bears?
There are no plans to change the name of the Bloomfield athletic teams.
Alumni and Donors
Will the Bloomfield College Alumni Association continue to exist?
Bloomfield College Alumni Association continues to operate and be actively supported by Montclair State University with the same level of support, interaction and enthusiasm as Montclair State University provides to the Montclair alumni community.
What will happen to money donated by alumni and others?
Bloomfield remains grateful for its generous donors and external financial supporters. The College continues to seek additional funds. New philanthropy may enable Bloomfield College of Montclair State University to maintain educational pathways that are often not otherwise available for minority and low-income students.
Montclair State University will evaluate restricted funds to determine whether any of these restrictions need to be modified in light of the merger. Decisions affecting Bloomfield College of Montclair State University’s restricted funds will be made transparently and within the bounds of the applicable law.
How will Bloomfield graduates be able to access official records (e.g. transcripts) after the merger?
There will always be a way for current and former students to receive a transcript and other official records. Transcripts are currently available through the Registrar’s website. You can contact them at 973-748-9000 ext. 1221 or registrar@bloomfield.edu.
Looking Forward
How will I learn about significant updates?
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will continue to share significant updates with students, families, employees, and alumni through our usual communications platforms as appropriate.
Who can I contact if I have questions that aren’t addressed here?
We will continue to update this FAQ page as decisions are made and new information is available. You may also submit questions to questions@bloomfield.edu.
Answers provided are subject to change based on regulator and/or accreditor feedback.