ICUNJ member colleges and university presidents and senior staff were joined by state legislators and staff, congressional staff and executive branch staff at the 9th annual legislative conference held at Rider University on April 25th.
The assembled guests heard from the presidents the pressing issues facing our institutions and all higher education. The proposed state budget reductions to Summer TAG and operating aid were the focal point of the discussion as well as the need for state assistance to fund the significant deferred maintenance at most institutions.
The highlight of the event were the remarks by senior Rider University student Duygu “Diggy” Erzurum. Diggy shared aspects of her academic career and the important role the State TAG program, as well as federal Pell grants and Rider scholarships played in helping her pursue a degree in Healthcare Management. While a unique and talented student, her financial struggles are a familiar story. Over 95% of independent colleges students are dependent on some form of financial assistance – grants, scholarships, work study and loans. Her inspiring comments are available here.
The presidents and guests were joined by US House of Representatives member Bonnie Watson Coleman to discuss the impact of the chaos emanating from Washington and an outlook on how the upcoming budget reconciliation process and the impact it will have on students and colleges and universities.
The data presentation provided can be found by clicking image below.
