Two Area Colleges Sign Agreement that will Help Students

St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) and Rockland Community College (RCC) announced today a student engagement and housing strategic partnership, which will enable students to advance their education and career opportunities through the “STAC Tracks” program. Beginning in Fall 2021, students enrolled at RCC will be able to continue earning their associate degrees at RCC, while living on and being a part of campus life at STAC. In addition to being able to dorm at STAC for the first time and participate in numerous STAC activities, they will gain easy access to streamlined transfer pathways for completing their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“St. Thomas Aquinas College is delighted to expand upon our flagship ‘STAC Tracks’ partnership with Rockland Community College, under the leadership of RCC President Baston,” said STAC President Ken Daly. “By combining the resources of two of the leading colleges in our region, we will be better able to support students in advancing their education and career opportunities as they navigate through this difficult time.”

As an extension of the already existing “STAC Tracks” partnership between the two institutions, which creates financial assistance and seamless transfer pathways for RCC graduates into STAC, students who are pursuing an associate degree at RCC will be able to take advantage of the on-campus experience, including dining on campus, participating in clubs and health and wellness activities, and participate as a member of the STAC community outside the classroom.

"This is an exciting partnership for Rockland Community College students,” said Dr. Michael A. Baston, president, Rockland Community College. “Many students want to stay local, receive an affordable education, and be prepared for a viable career. This agreement ensures that RCC students will receive a strong foundation here on our campus and then have the opportunity to seamlessly transfer to St. Thomas Aquinas to take the next step in their career journey, while having access to resources at both RCC and STAC,” states Dr. Baston.

RCC students who enroll under this unique program will be able access the STAC Student Career Services office, Kraus Fitness Center, Lougheed Library, and other services typically reserved for STAC students. Students enrolled in the program will also have their application and deposit fees waived should they choose to continue their education at STAC, and have access to early academic advising from the College’s Student Success team.

Students enrolled at RCC and others who are interested in learning more should contact Dr. LaToya Blount, Interim Executive Director for Student Engagement and College Life, at lblount@sunyrockland.edu or (845) 574-4729 by September 7, 2021.

St. Thomas Aquinas College is an independent liberal arts college located on 72 acres in Rockland County, NY, which provides education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The College’s approximately 2,000 full and part time students can choose from more than 100 different majors, minors, specializations, and dual-degree programs across three Schools: Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education. The College is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the Top-Tier for Regional Universities, by Colleges of Distinction in both its New York and Catholic editions, by Affordable Colleges Online as a top College in New York for Return on Investment, and is included as a Military Friendly School®. St. Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; its School of Education is a candidate for accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP); and its School of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). For more information, visit www.stac.edu.

About Rockland Community College, State University of New York
Rockland Community College, State University of New York, offers a safe, supportive learning environment for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Thanks to the school’s affordable tuition, students who begin their career journey at RCC and then transfer to a four-year college can save up to $100,000 on their education. RCC is also proud to provide career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through its new Career Skills Academy. More information can be found at www.sunyrockland.edu.