New Jersey Transfer Counselors Strengthen Pathways for Student Success during Fall Meeting at Berkeley College
Monday, October 12, 2026
NEW JERSEY TRANSFER COUNSELORS STRENGTHEN PATHWAYS FOR
STUDENT SUCCESS DURING FALL MEETING AT BERKELEY COLLEGE
Photo Caption: Berkeley College brought together 40 counselors from more than 20 colleges and universities to exchange ideas and strengthen connections across higher education when it hosted the New Jersey Transfer Counselor Association Fall Meeting on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Woodland Park, NJ.
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Berkeley College brought together 40 counselors from more than 20 colleges and universities to exchange ideas and strengthen connections across higher education when it hosted the New Jersey Transfer Counselor Association Fall Meeting on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Woodland Park, NJ. The Association is a volunteer organization with a mission to support transfer students and promote collaboration among New Jersey’s colleges and universities.
Photo Caption: Berkeley College brought together 40 counselors from more than 20 colleges and universities to exchange ideas and strengthen connections across higher education when it hosted the New Jersey Transfer Counselor Association Fall Meeting on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Woodland Park, NJ. Pictured (L to R) are Alejandro Guiral, Associate Vice President, Financial Aid, Berkeley College; Patricia Greer, JD, Provost, Berkeley College; Kevin L. Luing, Board Chairman, Berkeley College; Brian Switay, Co-Chair, New Jersey Transfer Counselor Association and Director, Transfer Admissions, Rutgers University – Newark; Deirdre Graham, Co-Chair, New Jersey Transfer Counselor Association and Advisor, Student Success Center, Middlesex College; Alberto Guichardo, Co-Chair, New Jersey Transfer Counselor Association and Associate Director, Transfer Recruitment and Articulation, New Jersey Institute of Technology; Jennifer Valcarcel, Co-Chair, New Jersey Transfer Counselor Association and Associate Dean, Career and Transfer Pathways, Hudson County Community College; Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College; and LaTysha Gaines, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ.
“The New Jersey Transfer Counselor Association is committed to bringing colleges and universities together to strengthen the transfer experience and ensure students have clear pathways to continue their education,” said Brian Switay, Co-Chair, New Jersey Transfer Counselor Association and Director, Transfer Admissions, Rutgers University – Newark. “As new federal regulations and other changes continue to shape how students finance their education, collaboration and transparency across institutions is more important than ever. Our meeting at Berkeley College gave us an opportunity to address emerging challenges and keep transfer students at the forefront of the conversation so we can better support their success.”
“Today is about collaboration and professional growth, with student success at the center,” said Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College. “Colleges share an important role in creating pathways that help students continue their education and achieve their goals. In the past five years, nearly 2,000 students have transferred to Berkeley College from other institutions. We support these students with personalized guidance, academic resources, and a welcoming community that helps them build on their progress and move confidently toward graduation.”
Photo Caption: Alejandro Guiral, Associate Vice President, Financial Aid, Berkeley College, delivers a keynote address on the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Berkeley College brought together 40 counselors from more than 20 colleges and universities to exchange ideas and strengthen connections across higher education when it hosted the New Jersey Transfer Counselor Association Fall Meeting on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Woodland Park, NJ.
Alejandro Guiral, Associate Vice President, Financial Aid, Berkeley College, delivered a keynote address on the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, legislation that included substantial changes to higher education and federal student aid.
“One Big Beautiful Bill introduces changes to federal financial aid that could have a significant impact on students who are considering transferring to another college or university,” said Guiral, a Certified Financial Aid Administrator. “We have to make sure students and their families have as much information as possible to make informed decisions about their education and financial futures.”
Students who transferred to Berkeley College from community colleges also shared their experiences during a student and alumni panel. Alumnus Anthony Graham transferred from Union County College to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies – Criminal Justice at Berkeley College. He has been employed with the NJ TRANSIT Police Department since 2023. Alexandra Irizarry transferred from Passaic County Community College and is enrolled in the Practical Nurse program at Berkeley College.
Photo Caption (L to R): Alumnus Anthony Graham and student Alexandra Irizarry share their education journeys as transfer students during the New Jersey Transfer Counselor Association Fall Meeting on Friday, October 2, 2026, in Woodland Park, NJ.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 3,500 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans for 13 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North and a Top Performer on Social Mobility in the 2027 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.
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