Rutgers Camden has a unique role in South Jersey. It is, for many residents down here, the only point of access for our state’s largest and most well regarded university. The Rutgers name, especially in the law and business school community, may be overshadowed in our immediate area by UPenn or Villanova, but across the country the name carries substantial weight. While Rowan is a fine institution (although I went to Temple for undergrad, I partied quite often at the former Glassboro State), but it is not Rutgers, and it is not nationally known. Most people reading this post understand that this merger is more about politics than anything else, just as most big decisions are in New Jersey. But fleshing out that topic is for another day, as this issue is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Today, I just want to let you know how you can get involved to help the students of the past, present, and future at Rutgers Camden. The administration seems to be treading lightly on the issue. In an email that was first sent out to faculty and then later students, outgoing Rutgers President Richard McCormick said this,

The report also, for the first time, proposes creating an expanded research university in southern New Jersey that would integrate the Rutgers-Camden Campus into Rowan University.

Rutgers-Camden is a special place whose faculty and students work together closely within an intimate campus environment. Rutgers-Camden is also an immensely valuable part of a statewide public research university where faculty consistently advance Rutgers’ research mission, connect the university throughout southern New Jersey, and extend our global reputation as a center for innovation and scholarship. Rutgers serves as a vital magnet for the City of Camden and allows southern New Jersey families to obtain Rutgers degrees without relocating or disrupting their lives and careers. The university has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the Camden Campus – including more than $100 million over the past five years for new academic and student facilities. Rutgers has made a significant commitment to South Jersey, which is part of our pledge to serve the entire state and is intrinsic to our role as The State University of New Jersey.

While it makes important points as to Rutgers’ commitment to the area, it is hardly a rallying cry and a strong show of support for the students and faculty.

An email that later went out from the Chancellor of Rutgers Camden, Wendell Pritchett, was worded a bit aggressively. This should be no surprise considering he is actually stationed in Camden, and not up the turnpike where little would be changing.

Pritchett’s email announced two open public meetings that would be taking place at the Rutgers Camden campus, where students and members of the community can go on the record voicing their concerns and having their questions answered. This is where you come in. The Rutgers Camden community needs a strong showing at these meetings.

1. Thursday, February 2nd, 12:20PM to 1:20PM, 401 Penn Classroom
2. Monday, February 6th, 5:00PM to 6:00PM, Campus Center – Multipurpose Room, Main level
3. (For law students specifically) Monday, January 30th, 12:30PM to 1:30PM, Gordon Theatre