Message to the Campus Community (July 2, 2012)

To the Campus Community:

Last week, I shared with you some perspective on legislation, passed by the New Jersey Legislature, that protects Rutgers–Camden as a vital part of Rutgers University while also identifying a framework that holds the promise of growth for both our campus and higher education across our region and state.

New Jersey State Senator Donald Norcross (D.-5) was one of the primary architects of this legislation.  As the state senator for our campus, he has been a passionate and forceful advocate for Rutgers–Camden.  He has stood with Rutgers–Camden’s students, faculty, alumni, staff, and families throughout the challenges of the past several months, and has communicated our concerns and aspirations to his fellow legislators and other leaders.

Rutgers–Camden owes a debt of gratitude to Sen. Norcross, as well as other leaders, such as Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald.  While the legislation passed by Sen. Norcross and his colleagues awaits Governor Christie’s signature, the senator remains vigilant and committed to Rutgers–Camden. 

That commitment is articulated most clearly in Sen. Norcross’ own words. I encourage you to take a few moments to read a note from the senator, which appears below my signature.  His collaborative work with our alumni, faculty, and students, as well as with Rutgers University, has resulted in an extraordinary outcome that can truly transform Rutgers–Camden and position us to attain our shared goals of growth.  Through greater autonomy within Rutgers University, Rutgers–Camden may better serve our students and South Jersey; attract research scholars; and generate new knowledge.

You also may wish to review the legislation, which is posted online as follows:  Assembly Bill 3102 (http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/A3500/3102_R2.PDF), Assembly floor amendments (http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/A3500/3102_S2.PDF), and Senate Bill 2063 (http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/S2500/2063_R3.PDF).

Wendell E. Pritchett, J.D., Ph.D.

Chancellor

MESSAGE FROM SENATOR DONALD NORCROSS

Dear Rutgers–Camden Community,

On Thursday, the New Jersey Legislature passed the “New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Higher Education Restructuring Act.” From the very beginning of this process, I have fought to keep Rutgers in Camden, where it belongs. The relationship between the school and the city, as well as the deep ties that Rutgers has built within our region, cannot be overstated. I promised that there would be no legislation that removes the Rutgers brand from Camden, and I kept that commitment.

At the same time, I recognized the need to address the unfair funding disparity between the Rutgers’ locations that has stunted growth at this campus. The Restructuring Act will correct that imbalance. It creates a line item in each year's budget designating a portion of funding for Rutgers–Camden. Despite differences over some aspects of this reorganization, we have all agreed that the time is long overdue for the state to increase its financial support of the Camden campus.

We have also always agreed that Rutgers–Camden needs its own voice in the decisions that affect its campus. The Restructuring Act has created a Rutgers–Camden Board of Directors that has the authority to determine policies for the organization, administration and development of the campus. This board will be comprised of members from the Rutgers University Board of Governors and Board of Trustees, as well as residents from New Jersey’s southern counties. This means more autonomy for the campus at the local level and stronger representation for the region at the state level.

The Restructuring Act has strengthened Rutgers University as a whole with the incorporation of a medical school into its curriculum. Rowan’s designation as a research university will allow it to build the programs that will attract leaders in the fields of engineering, mathematics and medicine.  The bonds Rutgers–Camden will begin to form with Rowan will expand and improve both institutions. The collaboration will serve only to create and oversee joint curriculum in the life sciences field, opening Rutgers students to the opportunity for numerous new coursework and degree options. With new degrees and wider options, Rutgers University will become an even more attractive destination for students desiring a superior learning experience.

Most importantly, the integrity of Rutgers–Camden will remain intact.  The campus is preserved as a member of the Rutgers University system. While stronger and more independent, Rutgers–Camden maintains its vital ties to its parent school, with no threat to its accreditation or academic reputation. Generations of future students and faculty will have access to the same world-class institution that exists today.

Rutgers–Camden’s campus stands to grow exponentially over the next decade with the influx of financial and educational resources. That in turn will help bolster Camden City’s revitalization, with far-reaching effects for the entire region. I will continue to work with members from the entire higher-education community to ensure that Rutgers–Camden’s best interests are represented as we position New Jersey at the forefront of academic training and research.

Sincerely,

Senator Donald Norcross