By Kelly Heyboer/ The Star-Ledger
NEW BRUNSWICK — Rutgers University’s two governing boards approved a plan today that will send school leaders and legislators back to the negotiating table before the schools signs off on a merger with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
The Rutgers Board of Governors and Board of Trustees approved a list of principles for negotiations during a rare joint meeting in New Brunswick. The boards also voted to appoint a committee to negotiate with lawmakers in Trenton to reach a deal.
The two-page “Principles Regarding Higher Education Restructuring” gives a broad outline of what terms Rutgers would accept in a merger deal. They include requiring the state to pay its “fair responsibility for a share of the integrations costs.”
The principles also say Rutgers will only agree to let its Camden campus merge with Rowan University if each school “retains its independence and autonomy.”
However, the public discussions among the 11-member board of governors and the 59-member board of trustees revealed there are disagreements among board members on how to proceed.
More>>