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°ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Pursues Strategic Relationship with Kean: Frequently Asked Questions

Securing Our Legacy, Embracing Our Future: A Bold Step Forward

For nearly a century, °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ has been a cornerstone of public higher education, empowering generations of students in Jersey City, Hudson County, and beyond. As we prepare to welcome our centennial class and celebrate 100 years of academic excellence and social mobility, we are also taking bold and strategic steps to secure °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ’s legacy for its second century.

In pursuit of that goal, °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ is embarking on a strategic merger with Kean University, an institution that shares our deep commitment to student success, access, and opportunity. This decision is driven by our steadfast dedication to strengthening °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ’s mission, preserving our role as an anchor institution, and ensuring a sustainable future for our students, faculty, staff, and community.

This moment is about more than just institutional transformation—it is about fortifying °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ’s promise to the students and families we serve. By working toward a partnership with Kean University, we are not only securing °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ’s presence in Jersey City for generations to come, but also expanding opportunities, resources, and academic pathways that will benefit current and future students.

As we navigate this next chapter, our commitment to transparency and open communication remains unwavering. The FAQs below provide clarity on this process and address the questions most important to our community. Together, we will honor our past, embrace the opportunities of today, and build a future where °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ continues to thrive for the future.

On March 5, 2025, the °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ Board of Trustees, in compliance with the April 2024 Transition Plan mandates from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, announced °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ would pursue a strategic merger with Kean University and, as a first step, authorized °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ leadership to negotiate a Letter of Intent with Kean University.

It is important to emphasize that no decisions have been made regarding the proposed merger. °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ academics, athletics, arts and other programs will continue uninterrupted as the process unfolds. Currently enrolled students – and those who enroll as first-year students for 2025-2026 — have our pledge that their programs will continue and, if eligible, will graduate on time. There is no change in our obligations to students, eligibility for sports for our student-athletes, and other agreements. Nothing has changed and no changes will be made without communicating to the °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ community, particularly students and their families. Similarly, all obligations made to faculty and staff will be honored as we proceed with the process to achieve a merger.  We have positioned °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ as a strong, desirable partner in this proposed merger, and Kean University’s desire to merge with °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ is a testament to our ongoing commitment to our students’ future.

As the two institutions negotiate the terms of a definitive agreement over the coming months, a shared goal is to preserve °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ’s mission and legacy, foster growth and innovation, and further strengthen °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ’s commitment to students, faculty and staff, alumni and the Jersey City and Hudson County communities we serve.

We recognize the importance of sharing accurate and timely information with the °ÅÀÖÊÓƵ community throughout this process. This page will serve as a resource and will be updated as more details become available. Please refer to the FAQ below and direct additional questions to questions@njcu.edu.