Special Program for Credit

Saint Peter’s College, founded in 1872, is New Jersey’s only Jesuit college.

Our philosophy is simple

We believe the strength of a Saint Peter’s education comes by building a major program of study on a foundation of liberal arts.

Our student/faculty ratio of 15:1 makes personal attention for each student a reality. In fact, cura personalis or “personal care” is one of our most revered Jesuit ideals.

The College takes this approach one step further through the Special Program for Credit (SPFC). This program is designed for academically talented high school juniors and seniors.

SPFC offers these students the unique opportunity to earn up to 12 college credits for advanced course-work completed in their high school. Saint Peter’s College has evaluated select courses in certain high schools and has approved the faculty, syllabi and textbooks for college credit. All high school teachers participating in SPFC have earned advanced degrees and have received special adjunct faculty status from the College for this program.

In addition to offering credit programs in local high schools, the Special Program for Credit provides limited opportunities for students to take one course per semester in the day session on the Saint Peter’s campus during their senior year in high school.

Special Features of the SPFC

• SPFC offers a wide variety of courses with the challenges of advanced and independent study, as well as an introduction to collegiate work.
• Students can participate in a variety of enrichment activities including: Academic Symposia, Performing Arts and Sporting events, Distinguished Lectures, and “Shadow a College Student for a Day.”
• Students and parents attend a workshop that addresses these topics: financial aid, the college admission process, and supporting your child in the college admission process and understanding the college experience.
• Students participating in the Program may use many of the College’s facilities, including the O’Toole Library and the computer labs.
• Students who subsequently attend Saint Peter’s College enjoy immediate advanced standing. Credits earned through this program also are transferable to many colleges and universities in the United States. Students should check with the Admission Office of specific colleges for policies regarding transfer of credit.
• College credits earned while in high school may shorten the time needed to earn a college degree.
• The nominal $100 tuition fee ($250 if the course is taken on the Jersey City Campus) provides a significant financial savings for students and their families. The regular cost of a three-credit course at Saint Peter’s College is approximately $2,600.

Summer Scholars Program

In addition to the Special Program for Credit offered in the academic year, Saint Peter's College also offers a Summer Scholars Program.

Each summer Saint Peter's College offers outstanding high school students entering their junior or senior years the opportunity to participate in our Summer Scholars Program. For a nominal fee of $300, students may earn three college credits, learn from full-time Saint Peter's College professors, and experience the richness of college life.

Summer scholars must be in good academic standing and display a commitment to learning, extracurricular activities, and public service. Admission to the program is based on academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and application essays.

For additional information contact Dr. David Gerlach, Director of the Summer Scholars Program at dgerlach@spc.edu or 201-761-6175.

Academic Information

All SPFC courses are recorded on official Saint Peter’s College transcripts. Transcript request forms can be found online. To continue in the SPFC, students must earn a C or better in their courses. Any changes in a student’s registration (e.g., withdrawal from course) must be arranged with the SPFC Coordinator at the College.

College Facilities

Students enrolled in the Special Program for Credit are eligible to use the College’s library and computer resources. In addition they may opt to become members of the Recreational Life Center.

O’Toole Library

The Library is housed in the Theresa and Edward O’Toole Building. It contains more than 275,000 books, periodicals, sound recordings and other materials, and offers extensive services and research facilities to the College Community. The library is fully automated and the catalog is accessible via campus network or the Internet at www.spc.edu/library. The library schedule is as follows: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to midnight; Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 12 noon to 12 midnight.

Computer Facilities

The computer facilities at Saint Peter’s College offer a unique opportunity for students to have “hands-on” access to several state-of-the-art computer systems, as well as a variety of microcomputers. The center has an “open-door” policy, which means that any student, whether or not taking Computer Science courses, may be granted access to the computer facilities. All of the popular computer languages are available on at least one of the computer systems. Additionally, the microcomputer labs offer many popular application packages. Facilities are available for every student to build a web page. All of the computers are connected to Saint Peter’s college-wide network, as well as the Internet. The networks provide a method for students to communicate with other students and researchers. All SPFC students have free access to these networks. Facilities at the Jersey City campus are available for student use Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Yanitelli Recreational Life Center

The Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J., Recreational Life Center is a modern facility offering five indoor tennis courts, indoor track, basketball, racquetball, and squash courts, Olympic-size swimming pool and sauna, fitness rooms with strength training and cardio-vascular equipment, (such as Stairmasters), and multi-purpose rooms for classes in dance, karate and aerobics.

Registration Procedure and Fees

Students need the recommendation of their high school principal or guidance counselor to enroll in SPFC. Applications are available from the SPFC Coordinator at the College. Students who wish to become members of the Yanitelli Recreational Life Center must pay a $60 annual fee entitling them to use of all facilities. Call 201-761-7308 for further information. During registration an identification card will be issued. This must be presented for access to College facilities.

Transcripts

Upon completion of SPFC courses, students may request copies of their official transcript to be mailed to another institution by filing the appropriate form in the Registrar’s Office at the College. (Also available online.) The charge for each transcript is $5.00. It is not necessary for students applying for admission to Saint Peter’s College to request a transcript for the Office of Admission.

Undergraduate Admission to Saint Peter's College

Saint Peter’s College is a great choice for SPFC students upon graduation from high school. Along with immediate advanced standing, SPFC students are often awarded academic scholarships to the College. To discover the unique advantages of the College’s Jesuit education, contact the Office of Admission at 1-888-SPC-9933.

Any questions regarding the Special Program for Credit should be addressed to:

Dr. E. Regina Giuliani, SPFC Coordinator and Professor, Biology Department
Phone: 201-761-6433 or egiuliani@spc.edu

Dr. Jennifer Ayala, Assistant Coordinator Assistant Professor, Education Department
Phone: 201-761-6193 or jayala@spc.edu
Fax: 201-761-6191

For undergraduate admission information, please contact:

Office of Admission
e-mail: admissions@spc.edu
2641 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Phone 888-SPC-9933 or 201-761-7100