Proposed Legislation Regarding Higher Education (June 7, 2012)

To the Campus Community:

As I suggested in my email on Monday, June is quickly emerging as a busy month regarding discussions about higher education.  During a special joint meeting on Wednesday, June 6, the Rutgers Boards of Governors and Trustees affirmed a set of principles that will guide them in these discussions.   Those principles are posted online at http://www.camden.rutgers.edu/pdf/RutgersPrinciples.pdf.

It is heartening to see that the Rutgers boards value the Rutgers–Camden campus and want to maintain the integrity of Rutgers’ educational program. I applaud the boards’ desire to provide more autonomy and resources to our campus to grow our research, teaching, and service initiatives in southern New Jersey.  The boards agreed to set up a committee to engage in the legislative process regarding higher education, and I look forward to working with this important group.

On Monday, I indicated to the media my belief that the proposal introduced by Senate President Sweeney and Senators Norcross and Vitale represents a positive move forward. It recognizes the importance of Rutgers–Camden to South Jersey and the state, and seeks to build a real partnership to advance education and research in our region.  Moreover, it proposes the allocation of direct resources to Rutgers–Camden and articulates a desire to expand academic programs and enrollments on our campus.  It also promotes a pathway for Rutgers–Camden to more effectively leverage our academic and economic resources to advance our host city and our region.

During the coming weeks, I will work closely with all stakeholders to refine the proposal.  I believe that we can reach a solution that is in line with the principles affirmed by the boards.  In doing so, it will be crucial to clarify that, among other things, all academic matters remain under the authority of Rutgers University and that the Rutgers boards have deep involvement in any Rutgers–Camden board. It also will be of great importance to more clearly define the powers of the Rutgers–Camden/Rowan partnership to insure that Rutgers–Camden is protected and that its resources cannot be allocated elsewhere. Through this partnership, we will be able to grow new joint programs, particularly in the health sciences.

Let me be clear:  the attributes and values of Rutgers–Camden are derived from and sustained by the Rutgers tradition.  They build upon the Rutgers’ rigorous standards for faculty hiring, tenure, and promotion in creative and effective ways that make our campus a unique center for both research and teaching.  At all times, I am committed to preserving the intrinsic strengths of our campus and our deep connection to Rutgers University.  I also am committed to finding the resources – both financial and administrative – that will allow Rutgers–Camden to realize its full potential.

This will be a complicated process, but it is one that I am certain we can navigate together.  I will rely upon your input as I work closely with the Rutgers governing boards and our many stakeholders at this critical moment in the history of Rutgers–Camden.

This period of uncertainty is challenging for us all.  Your sustained passion and diligence on behalf of our campus are truly inspirational.  As we know, protecting the integrity of Rutgers–Camden requires constant vigilance.  I will continue to represent the best interests of our campus at all times and in everything that I do.

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

Chancellor