Rutgers Conditionally Backs New Merger Plan; Lawmakers Vow to Vote on It

Rutgers' main governing body conditionally backed a revised plan today to overhaul New Jersey's higher education system.

The plan does not dilute board authority over the Camden or Newark campus. The plan also breaks up the University of Medicine and Dentistry, distributing it to Rutgers and Rowan University.

A majority of the 11-member Board of Governors expressed support the proposal, though it plans to reserve final endorsement while awaiting more details.

A person familiar with the proposal tells The Associated Press that Rutgers trustees are still divided and will not vote Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

NJ Lawmakers Vow to Vote on It

New Jersey lawmakers say they'll vote Thursday on the compromise plan. Lawmakers say the plan will give Rutgers control of most of what is now the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

But in one change, Rutgers would keep full control of its campus in Camden. Instead of merging it with Rowan University, a new board would oversee only joint health-sciences programs between the two southern New Jersey schools.

State Sen. Joseph Vitale says the initial cost to the state for the reconfiguration is expected to be about $40 million.