As a parent deeply invested in my child's education, I have concerns about the quality and transparency of Eastwick College Nutley Campus Cardiovascular Sonography Program.

We, a group of dedicated current and former students, along with their families and supporters, are advocating for an independent review of this program.

Over the past year, several issues have been raised by students and parents like myself. Complaints include inadequate clinical placement opportunities, insufficient instructional support, and a general lack of responsiveness from the program's administration. These issues have hindered students' educational experience and their readiness to enter the workforce.

We, the undersigned current students, former students, parents, and supporters of students enrolled in the Cardiovascular Sonography Program at Eastwick College, respectfully request an independent and impartial review of concerns regarding academic practices, student treatment, administrative oversight, and the overall educational environment within the program.

Several students have withdrawn from or left the Cardiovascular Sonography Program, citing concerns related to the issues described in this petition, including perceived unfair treatment, inadequate support, communication concerns, and dissatisfaction with the overall learning environment. Petitioners believe these departures warrant further review as potential indicators of broader program-related concerns.

Because these concerns affect both individual students and the integrity of the Cardiovascular Sonography Program, we respectfully request that Executive President Bhavna Tailor and Eastwick College Corporate Administration authorize an independent review of the program.

Concerns Regarding Student Treatment and Program Culture

Students have reported concerns regarding alleged racial discrimination by Professor Tina Feorenzo, with some Black students stating they experienced or witnessed conduct they perceived as discriminatory. Concerns have also been raised regarding Dean Marie, whose behavior and communication style some students perceive as intimidating, condescending, or aggressive. Petitioners believe these matters warrant independent review as part of a broader evaluation of the program’s culture and treatment of students.

Numerous students and families have raised concerns regarding grading practices, classroom conduct, communication, consistency in academic standards, and the handling of complaints. Many report reluctance to voice concerns due to fear of retaliation or negative academic consequences. Some students have specifically cited CVS207 under Professor Tina Feorenzo, alleging inadequate instructional support, unfair assessments, and interactions they experienced as intimidating or bullying.

Reported Concerns

Inconsistencies between syllabus requirements, assignment expectations, and grading practices.
Changes to grading standards or course requirements without sufficient notice or explanation.
Unequal enforcement of classroom rules, policies, and academic expectations.
Communication perceived as intimidating, dismissive, retaliatory, or unprofessional.
A learning environment that discourages students from expressing concerns.
Concerns Regarding Complaint Handling and Administrative Oversight

Students have also questioned the college’s response to complaints submitted through various channels. Petitioners believe concerns involving Professor Tina Feorenzo were previously reported to administrative personnel, including CVS Department Director Dolori and Campus Director and Title IX Coordinator Carol Dozario, yet many students and families feel those concerns were not adequately addressed.

Some students have further reported references to close personal or professional relationships within the department, leading to concerns about the objectivity of the complaint process and reducing confidence in its fairness.

We further request that individuals who may be involved in or responsible for the concerns described in this petition be temporarily removed from positions of authority or decision-making related to the program until an independent investigation is completed. Additional concerns include instructor workloads that may affect instructional quality and student support, as well as delays in returning grades and academic feedback, limiting students’ ability to monitor their progress.

Academic and Curriculum Concerns

Additional concerns involve curriculum requirements, including reports that students were required to enroll in and pay for sociology courses they had already completed at accredited institutions. Petitioners request a review of transfer-credit policies to ensure appropriate consideration of previously earned credits and to avoid unnecessary financial burdens or delays in program completion.

Need for an Independent Program Review

In our view, an independent review is crucial to address these reported shortcomings effectively. Such a review should focus on evaluating the program’s curriculum, availability of clinical placements, quality of instructional methods, and the responsiveness of program administrators to student concerns.

Educational accreditation standards and workforce development research consistently emphasize the importance of adequate clinical training, qualified instruction, and responsive academic leadership in allied health programs. Clinical experience is a critical component of student success, professional competency, certification examination performance, and workforce readiness.

Petitioners are concerned that unresolved issues within the Cardiovascular Sonography Program may negatively impact students’ educational experiences, academic outcomes, professional preparation, and confidence in the institution’s commitment to student success.

We urge Eastwick College and its Corporate Administration to take these concerns seriously and commission an independent third party to examine and report on the current state of the Cardiovascular Sonography Program. This review should be transparent, include meaningful input from current students, former students, graduates, parents, and faculty, and result in actionable recommendations designed to enhance the educational experience for current and future students.

The findings and recommendations of such a review should be shared with the college community to promote transparency, accountability, and confidence in the integrity of the program moving forward.

Requested Actions

Specifically, we request:

An impartial review of grading practices and academic standards.
An evaluation of whether course requirements and grading policies align with institutional policies and published syllabi.
A review of student complaints previously submitted regarding the program.
A confidential process through which students and former students may provide feedback without fear of retaliation.
Oversight measures to ensure fairness, transparency, professionalism, and accountability moving forward.
An independent review of the program’s curriculum, clinical placement availability, instructional quality, and administrative responsiveness.
A transparent review process that includes student, former student, graduate, parent, and faculty input.
Actionable recommendations to improve the Cardiovascular Sonography Program for current and future students.

In addition, petitioners request that Professor Tina Feorenzo, CVS Department Director Dolori, and Dean of Academics Marie Elmiry be temporarily removed IMMEDIATELY from all duties that directly impact students, including teaching, supervision, evaluation, disciplinary decision-making, and complaint handling, pending the outcome of an independent review and investigation.

This petition is submitted in good faith and is not intended to defame or target any individual.
Our goal is to promote a fair, respectful, and academically sound learning environment for current and future students of Eastwick College.

We respectfully request a timely response and thorough investigation into the concerns outlined above.