Update on Higher Education Proposals (June 4, 2012)

To the Campus Community:

During the past week, media coverage regarding the future of higher education in our state – and Rutgers–Camden’s role within southern New Jersey – has heightened.

As the New Jersey Legislature prepares to meet its constitutional obligation to authorize a new fiscal year budget by July 1, an increase in such coverage is both reasonable and anticipated.  It is evident that there will be many discussions among multiple entities throughout the coming weeks, with diverse viewpoints and differences in reporting.

This will be an important period for Rutgers–Camden.  Not surprisingly, it also will be very complicated.  I will be certain to keep you apprised of our progress as the situation continues to evolve.  Although I have been traveling as part of my Eisenhower Fellowship, I have been in close contact with our stakeholders regarding this critical matter, and I look forward to continuing the discussion upon my return to the region tomorrow.

Since January, our campus community has steadfastly supported the three core principles that I have articulated to every individual regarding the future of Rutgers–Camden:  we must have more administrative autonomy in order to strategically grow our programs and our campus; we must have greater financial support in order to better serve our students and the citizens of southern New Jersey; and, above all, we must retain our profound connections to Rutgers University.

I thank you for your ongoing efforts to advance Rutgers–Camden throughout this extraordinary year.  Together, we will work to strengthen both our campus and our region.

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

Chancellor