Rutgers-Camden to Host Ceremonial Signing of the New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Higher Education Restructuring Act (Aug. 22, 2012)

To the Campus Community:

Later today (Wednesday, Aug. 22), Rutgers–Camden will have the honor of hosting New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney, and other state leaders for a ceremonial regional signing of the New Jersey Medical and Health Sciences Higher Education Restructuring Act.

This is a milestone day in the history of our campus.  This legislation, drafted by Senator Donald Norcross, Senator Joseph Vitale, and Senate President Sweeney, signals a public commitment to preserving Rutgers–Camden as a vital part of Rutgers University.  Moreover, the legislation affirms the importance of Rutgers–Camden as a resource for southern New Jersey, and sets forth a plan for providing our campus with greater administrative autonomy and financial support, as well as an opportunity for collaboration on research in the health sciences.

I hope that you share my pride in our campus in being selected to host the governor as he signs this historic legislation.  Our Rutgers–Camden community is known for its friendliness and hospitality, and I am certain that we will justify that well-earned reputation as we welcome our state’s leaders to our campus.

The signing, which be followed by comments from the governor, the secretary of higher education, the senate president, and our own state senator, will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room at 2:30 p.m.  Due to security considerations, Lawrence Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from noon to 4 p.m. today.

Formal consent by both the Rutgers University Board of Governors and the Rutgers University Board of Trustees is required by the Rutgers Act of 1956. This approval, and any future action, is subject to the due diligence of Rutgers’ governing boards regarding to all that this legislation encompasses.

If approved by the Rutgers boards, this legislation would take effect on July 1, 2013.

As I stated earlier, this is an exciting moment for Rutgers–Camden.  We remain part of Rutgers and, at the same time, we are positioned for significant growth.  I look forward to working with you during the coming months as we consider the many new opportunities for Rutgers–Camden to serve our current and future students, our faculty and staff, our alumni and families, and the citizens of southern New Jersey.

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

Chancellor