A tumultuous month of June has just ended with the adoption of a bill by the New Jersey Legislature that would profoundly change Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Among many other provisions, this new law provides for the incorporation of medical schools within Rutgers University for the first time since the middle of the last century, greatly enhancing research opportunities and medical education in New Jersey. These changes will require approval of both our Boards (Governors and Trustees), neither of which has yet given formal approval since many important questions remain unanswered.
As this legislation developed, particularly during this past month, side effects appeared that put our campus at real risk. A talented leadership team from our campus worked with me both in public and behind the scenes to protect our campus during these turbulent times, including the Dean and Associate Dean of the Rutgers School of Law-Newark, the Dean and Associate Deans from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and faculty members. Important stands were taken by the Newark Faculty Council and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Board members and unions contributed importantly as well. As a result many of the more egregious provisions (to our campus) have been removed from the final bill. We all owe an enormous debt of gratitude to this leadership team who worked tirelessly for weeks, often late into the night and straight through weekends, in Trenton, in New Brunswick, in Newark, and forever on the phone and by email.
Rutgers is entering a new era. We have an important role to play in this 21st century vision of Rutgers and I look forward to working with you to meet the challenges and opportunities this vision offers for our campus. I will communicate again when we have completed our analysis of the final language of this bill.
