FAQs for Merger Creating Bloomfield College of Montclair State University

Last Updated 7/2/2023

New questions are in colored font and have an asterisk*.

Should you have a question after reading the FAQs, email questions@bloomfield.edu. This page will continue to be updated, as appropriate, so please check back.

Answers provided are subject to change based on regulator and/or accreditor feedback.

Merger Completion

*Is Bloomfield College now part of Montclair State University?

Yes. Bloomfield College and Montclair State University have received all necessary approvals for their long-planned merger. Effective July 1, 2023, Bloomfield College has officially become part of Montclair and will be 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 College of Montclair State University students and our 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?

Under the Agreement and Plan of Merger, the newly formed Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will be a constituent college of Montclair State University, and it will continue to offer a distinctive educational experience rooted in Bloomfield's history and mission.

Will Bloomfield be private or public?

Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, as a constituent college of Montclair State University, is a public institution.

What will happen to the Bloomfield campus?

Montclair intends to maintain the current Bloomfield campus.

Academic

Will the same courses be offered in the 2023-24 academic year?

Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will continue to offer courses required for Bloomfield College’s existing majors and programs.

Will any academic programs or majors be eliminated?

Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will honor majors of all currently enrolled students. Over the next academic year, the two institutions will be working together to consider the future of all academic programs.

Will all course units change to credits?

As required by the State of New Jersey, effective July 1, 2023, existing course units will convert 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 will shift 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?

Depending on the major, it is expected that students enrolled at Bloomfield College of Montclair University will take in-person classes on the Bloomfield campus. Hybrid and online classes will also be offered as in recent years. We expect that in the future, there will be opportunities to take classes at the Montclair campus but these opportunities have not yet been determined.

How will students register for classes?

There are no changes to registration processes at this time.

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 graduated in May 2023 received 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 will continue to issue F-1 and J-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 2023 be under a Bloomfield College of Montclair State University catalog or a Montclair catalog?

Students who enter in Fall 2023 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, or taking the course at another institution. Academic advisors will work with students on a case-by-case basis to create a customized plan tailored to meet their individual needs. If you are considering taking a course somewhere else, be sure to talk with your academic advisor first, so that you can be certain it will meet the requirements of your degree program.

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.

Will courses be offered to students enrolled at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University during the 2024 winter session?

Yes.

Are students able to take classes in July or August at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University?

No in-person or online classes will be offered in July or August 2023 at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University.

Can Bloomfield College students enrolled prior to the merger change majors moving forward?

Yes, regardless of academic level, any Bloomfield student enrolled prior to the merger can change an existing major while attending Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. Students should discuss changing majors with their academic advisors.

Affordability/Financial Aid

What will the tuition and fee charges be for Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students?

Students attending Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will pay the same tuition as other Montclair State University students, starting fall 2023. This will significantly reduce the tuition and mandatory fees that most Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students will pay.

Why does my financial aid package look different than the one I received last year?

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 Montclair students. In some cases, there may be an adjustment of institutional aid (merit, need-based and/or athletic aid). Contact Student Financial Services at 973-748-9000 ext 1212 or via email at Financial_Services@Bloomfield.edu if you have questions.

Although there may be changes and your financial aid package may look different, you should not see an increase in what you are paying for tuition and the mandatory fees. Students who have reached their maximum lifetime limit of Pell, TAG, EOF and/or Garden State Guarantee programs will be responsible for any balance due as a result of reaching their grant eligibility limits.

How do I determine my state residency?

Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will be using the same guidelines as Montclair State University to determine a student’s residency status. Review this policy for further details.

As a result of the merger, a student’s tuition rate will be based on the student’s in-state or out-of-state residency as determined by 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. All those living outside of the state and/or who cannot provide proof of living in-state for at least 12 months prior to enrollment, will be charged out-of-state tuition/fees. This requirement is the same as used by HESAA for the NJ grants (TAG, EOF, etc.)

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.

If you have any questions, please contact the Student Financial Services office at 973-748-9000 ext. 1212, via email at financial_services@bloomfield.edu, or via text at 973-200-6961.

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 will be the vaccination requirements for Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students?

All students living on campus will need to be COVID-19 vaccinated. The Montclair State University Policy on COVID-19 Precautions can be found here.

Where will Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students purchase books for classes?

Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students will 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.

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. You can contact them at 973-748-9000 ext. 1221 or registrar@bloomfield.edu.

Will Bloomfield College of Montclair State University students have access to Montclair’s library resources?

Yes. If you have any questions, please email circreserves@montclair.edu or call (973) 655-4288. You may also visit Sprague Library's 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.

Will students have access to counseling?

Of course. 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 next 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.

Employees

What has happened to Bloomfield College employees?

The large majority of Bloomfield College full-time employees were offered a position. For the few who were not, Bloomfield College offered transition services to help provide a bridge to the next stage. In addition, Montclair welcomed Bloomfield faculty and staff to apply for open positions in other areas of the University.

Alumni and Donors

Will the Bloomfield College Alumni Association continue to exist?

Bloomfield College Alumni Association will continue 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 State University Student and Alumni Association.

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?

Looking Forward

When will you know more? When will you tell us more?

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.