NJ A2133

Public institutions of higher education in New Jersey may merge or consolidate with other higher education institutions or degree-granting proprietary institutions, assuming all rights, debts, and liabilities of the merged entities.

Governing boards of participating institutions must adopt resolutions and submit a joint application to the Secretary of Higher Education, who has 30 days to grant preliminary approval or disapproval.

Following preliminary approval, institutions must submit a comprehensive merger plan for final review; the Secretary assesses the need for the merger and its impact on students, faculty, staff, and host communities.

The Legislature has 90 days to disapprove a merger by concurrent resolution after receiving the Secretary's written certification; if no action is taken, the merger is automatically authorized.

Rutgers, the State University is exempt from these requirements, though any institution seeking to merge with Rutgers must follow the approval process.