University Merger Opposed By Rutgers Boards

Rutgers University's governing boards have affirmed their intent to keep control of the Camden and Newark campuses, but left the door open for a higher education restructuring deal to be worked out with the Legislature.

The seemingly contradictory positions followed several hours of private and public discussions Wednesday on a plan to overhaul the state's university.

The Board of Trustees, which is mostly advisory, and the more powerful Board of Governors affirmed principles that oppose key portions of a plan proposed by Gov. Chris Christie and a compromise introduced in the Legislature on Monday.

The "Statement of Principles" endorses intra-university restructuring but doesn't cede control of the Camden or Newark campus.

The legislation splits the Camden campus from the Rutgers system and creates a joint governing board with Rowan University.