FAQs for Planned Merger

Last Updated 5/19/2023

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.

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, after June 30, 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 are expected to graduate in May 2023 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 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 at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. However, Bloomfield College is offering Summer Session from May 8 through June 28.

*Can currently enrolled Bloomfield College students change majors moving forward?

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

Affordability

*How will tuition, fees, and room and board at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University change?

The current Bloomfield College tuition and fee structure will be eliminated at the time of the merger. Bloomfield College of Montclair State University tuition and fees will be based on Montclair’s existing, lower tuition and fee structure, which is one of the most affordable in New Jersey.

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.

*How will students receive information and updates once the merger is finalized?

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 Bloomfield College 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.
*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.

Looking Forward

Will Bloomfield College's identity, mission and legacy be preserved?

Yes. Montclair State University is committed to supporting and serving Bloomfield College students and our mission to provide a transformative education with an emphasis on empowering first-generation students from diverse backgrounds to attain academic, personal, and professional excellence.

Bloomfield and Montclair are forming 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 the Bloomfield College name live on?

Yes. When the transaction is finalized, the College will be known as "Bloomfield College of Montclair State University."

Is Bloomfield College now part of Montclair State University?

No, not yet. Both Boards have authorized the presidents at the two institutions to sign an Agreement and Plan of Merger stating their intent to form a long-term relationship. The signing sets in motion a series of reviews and approvals by various third parties including accreditors and regulators. Our shared goal is for the merger to be completed on or before June 30, 2023.

When will the partnership between Bloomfield and Montclair become official?

Our shared goal is for the merger to be completed on or before June 30, 2023. The Boards, presidents, administrations, and communities of both institutions are working together, along with various regulators and accreditors, to ensure this process proceeds thoroughly, smoothly, and in accordance with applicable law.

What will this relationship look like, when finalized?

The plan is for Bloomfield College to become a constituent college of Montclair State University known as the "Bloomfield College of Montclair State University," which will provide a distinctive educational experience rooted in Bloomfield College's history and mission.

What is needed to complete the agreement?

The signing of the Agreement and Plan of Merger sets in motion a series of actions that include reviews and approvals by third parties, including the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), and other accreditors and regulators, as well as action by the state legislature. Once that is done, the merger of Bloomfield College into Montclair State University can take effect.

Will Bloomfield retain its independence?

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

Will Bloomfield be private or public?

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

What will happen to the Bloomfield campus?

Montclair intends to maintain the current Bloomfield campus.

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

The College 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.

Employees

Will I have a job?

On March 1, 2023 Montclair State University notified all full-time employees of their individual employment status.

What will happen to Bloomfield College employees?

The good news is that the large majority of Bloomfield College full-time employees were offered a position. For the few who were not, Bloomfield College will offer transition services to help provide a bridge to the next stage. In addition, Montclair welcomes 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 the College to maintain educational pathways that are often not otherwise available for minority and low-income students.

Bloomfield College and 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'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?