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Wisniewski Introduces Legislation to Establish Rutgers Study Commission

Representatives of State, University Would Review and Make Recommendations Regarding Rutgers Governance

New Jersey Assembly Deputy Speaker John S. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) today introduced legislation to establish the “Rutgers, The State University Study Commission.” The Commission would be charged with studying and making recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature about the governance structure of Rutgers, The State University.

“Rutgers is a university of international renown and a source of pride for all who call New Jersey home,” said Wisniewski, a graduate of Rutgers. “We in the legislature should not be rushing to judgment on policies that will have a long-lasting effect on the prestige of the university and the quality of its education.”

The bill would establish a commission made up of nine members: the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education; two members be appointed by the Board of Governors of Rutgers, The State University from among its members; two members to be appointed by the Board of Trustees of Rutgers, The State University from among its members; two members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate President, no more than one of whom shall be of the same political party; and two members of the General Assembly to be appointed by the Assembly Speaker, no more than one of whom shall be of the same political party. The commission would be required to issue a final report to the Governor and the Legislature no later than 6 months following the bill’s effective date and would expire following the issuance of the report.

At the time of introduction, the proposed legislation had a total of 24 Democratic sponsors and co-sponsors.

“Any proposed changes to the governance of Rutgers must be the result of an open and deliberative process and include representatives of both the legislature and the university,” said Wisniewski. “This proposal would provide both and provide all of us who cherish the university with the confidence that we are moving forward toward a better future for Rutgers.”