A Message From Dr. Barbara Gaba - June 1, 2020

June 1, 2020

Dear Faculty and Staff:

First and foremost, I hope that you and your family are healthy and safe. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our world, every aspect of our living. We do know that this unprecedented situation requires a great deal of patience and resilience. Now more than ever, all of our students are counting on us to provide a quality education that prepares them for success in the future. Our commitment to accessibility and affordability has not wavered.

Budget Update

My opening remarks are a hope for the future, but we have some real challenges in the short-term to address. The budget is primary among them. We are expecting a budget shortfall due to the recent cuts in state appropriations and the unknown of student attendance during this unprecedented time. I informed the college community at the recent Virtual College-Wide Meeting that the State cut the fourth quarter of our FY 20 appropriations by 50%, which equals a $452,075 loss. In addition, due to the State’s current budget shortfall of $9.939 billion, all New Jersey colleges and universities have been informed that there will be no operating aid for the Governor’s fifth quarter of FY2020 (July, August, September); a $1.3 million loss in operating revenue at Atlantic Cape. Difficult decisions will be necessary to reduce our operating expenses and mitigate the gap in funding. I will keep you informed as new information becomes available.

I would like to share with you some good news.

CCOG

The Governor’s proposed supplemental appropriation for the fifth quarter of FY2020 will include student financial aid funds for the TAG and CCOG programs at last year’s level. This is good news for the neediest students to achieve their educational goals.

CARES Act Update

We have been allocated $1.98 million for distribution to students available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. To date, 1,300 Atlantic Cape students have been awarded $1,071,525. Students may continue to apply for this emergency financial aid over the next several months. Students must be Title IV eligible and registered in on-campus courses impacted by the disruption of campus operations.

Workforce Development (Continuing Education) Programs

Atlantic Cape Workforce Development programs will continue to be important in the post-Coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery of local businesses that strengthen economic advancement. I am pleased to announce that three certificate programs have become Pell-eligible: Medical Assistant, Culinary Arts, and the Paramedic program. This is significant as potential students may receive financial aid grants, rather than having to take out student loans. These programs provide students with job opportunities upon completion and also provide additional education pathways toward an associate's degree.

Final Thoughts

We cannot ignore the unrest that is going on in our country at this time, following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. I have watched a deluge of news stories of injustice and violence in our cities, and I am very sad. The nationwide distress and immense outrage cannot be ignored.

As the protests focus on condemning racism and injustice, we must continue to treat everyone with civility and respect. As we are guided by our values of diversity, equity and inclusion, we recognize that all people are welcome at Atlantic Cape. Our commitment to all learners regardless of their differences is what makes us a special place. Our commitment to accessibility and equality in learning for all has never been more important. We must come together during this difficult time, as only together can we see a brighter future for all. We are Atlantic Cape strong!

“The strength of the team is each individual member.

The strength of each member is the team.” –Phil Jackson

Sincerely,

Dr. Barbara Gaba

President