N.J. Stat. tit. 18A, ch. 62

N.J. Stat. tit. 18A, ch. 62
in effect

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-1 Public institutions of higher education

18A:62-1. The public institutions of higher education are the five State colleges; the county colleges; the public research universities and any other public institution of higher education now or hereafter established or authorized by law. L.1967, c.271; amended 2025, c.218, s.11.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-1.1 Voter registration at public institutions of higher education.

2. The registrar or other principal officer responsible for the registration of students at each public institution of higher education as included under the provisions of N.J.S.18A:62-1 shall: a. cause copies of the voter registration forms and instructions furnished under subsection f. of section 16 of P.L.1974, c.30 (C.19:31-6.4) to be displayed at the office of registration for that institution and to be made available to each eligible enrolled student at and each eligible prospective student of the institution who, when appearing in person at that office, may wish on a voluntary basis to register to vote; b. provide for the continuous supply of the forms and instructions specified in subsection a. of this section to that office of registration; and c. provide the forms and instructions specified in subsection a. of this section in both the English and Spanish languages to each office of registration that is located in any county in which bilingual sample ballots must be provided pursuant to R.S.19:14-21, R.S.19:49-4 or section 2 of P.L.1965, c.29 (C.19:23-22.4). As used in this section: "eligible enrolled student" means an individual who is already enrolled in a public institution of higher education who, by the time of the next election, shall be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the State of New Jersey, and a resident of the county in which the individual resides for at least 30 days before the election; and "eligible prospective student" means an individual who is applying for initial enrollment in a public institution of higher education who, by the time of the next election, shall be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the State of New Jersey, and a resident of the county in which the individual resides for at least 30 days before the election. L.2003,c.36,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-1.2 Public institutions of higher education to include information about food assistance upon offer of admission, semester registration.

2. Each public institution of higher education shall include with its initial offer of admission and, via email, upon each semester’s registration: a. the information developed pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2025, c.213 (C.44:10-81.11); and b. information on any food assistance, pantry, meal swipe, or similar programs offered by the institution or located in the community. L.2025, c.213, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-2 Disbursements to denominational schools prohibited

No disbursements of the moneys appropriated by the state for the purposes of public higher education shall be made to any institution wholly or in part under the control of a religious denomination or in which a denominational tenet or doctrine is taught. L.1967, c.271.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-3 Enrollment of senior citizens in tuition-free courses in State institutions of higher education

1. Each public institution of higher education in New Jersey may permit persons of the age of 65 or more years to enroll without the payment of any tuition charges in regularly scheduled courses; provided that available classroom space permits and that tuition paying students constitute the minimum number required for the course, provided that nothing herein shall preclude public institutions from requiring registration fees for individuals attending courses pursuant to waivers granted under this act. L.1979,c.31,s.1; amended 1982,c.137,s.1; 1994,c.48,s.85.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4 Residency requirement

1. Persons who have been resident within this State for a period of 12 months prior to enrollment in a public institution of higher education are presumed to be domiciled in this State for tuition purposes. Persons who have been resident within this State for less than 12 months prior to enrollment are presumed to be nondomiciliaries for tuition purposes. Persons presumed to be nondomiciled or persons who are presumed to be domiciled, but whose domiciliary status is challenged by the institution, may demonstrate domicile according to rules and regulations established for that purpose by the Commission on Higher Education. Residence established solely for the purpose of attending a particular educational institution is not domicile for the purposes of this act. L.1979,c.361,s.1; amended 1994,c.48,s.86.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.1 Resident tuition for military personnel, dependents.

1. a. United States military personnel and their dependents who are living in New Jersey and are attending public institutions of higher education in New Jersey shall be regarded as residents of the State for the purpose of determining tuition. b. A dependent child of United States military personnel who attended high school in New Jersey for a minimum of three years shall be regarded by a public institution of higher education in New Jersey as a resident of the State for the purpose of determining tuition, regardless of where the dependent child resides upon enrollment in the institution. L.2021, c.49.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.1a Short title.

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "New Jersey Tuition Equality for America's Military (NJTEAM) Act." L.2015, c.32, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.1b Definitions relative to the "NJTEAM Act."

2. a. A veteran or covered individual who is living in New Jersey and is attending a public institution of higher education in New Jersey shall be regarded as a resident of the State for the purpose of determining tuition, regardless of the veteran or covered individual's state of residence. b. As used in this section: "Covered individual" means: (1) an individual who is entitled to educational assistance under provisions of the federal "Post-9/11 Educational Assistance" program (38 U.S.C. s.3311(b)(9) or 3319) by virtue of such individual's relationship to a veteran ; and (2) an individual who is entitled to educational assistance under provisions of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs' "Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program" (38 U.S.C. s.3100 et seq.) effective for courses, semesters, or terms that begin after March 1, 2019. "Veteran" means a person who has served on active duty in the Uniformed Services of the United States and who was discharged or released and who qualifies for educational assistance under the federal "All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program" (38 U.S.C. s.3001 et seq.) or "Post-9/11 Educational Assistance" program (38 U.S.C. s.3301 et seq.). L.2015, c.32, s.2; amended 2019, c.264, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.2 Options for student at public institution of higher education unable to complete course due to military service.

1. a. A service member or dependent of the service member, enrolled in a public institution of higher education who is unable to complete a course due to an unplanned deployment, mobilization, reassignment, or other military obligation of the service member, shall be entitled to the options set forth in this section with respect to the service member's or dependent's grade for the course. b. A service member or dependent who has completed at least 55 percent of the course duration may choose, subject to approval from the faculty member, the department, the registrar, or the appropriate office at the institution, as applicable, to: (1) receive a letter grade if the faculty member teaching the course determines that the service member or dependent has completed sufficient work, and there is sufficient evidence of progress toward meeting the requirements of the course, to justify the grade; (2) receive a grade of pass or fail based on whether the faculty member teaching the course determines that the service member or dependent has completed sufficient work and there is sufficient evidence of progress toward meeting the requirements of the course to justify the grade; (3) receive a grade of incomplete; (4) withdraw from the course; (5) receive a temporary grade, if applicable; or (6) transfer into an equivalent online section of the course, if available, with appropriate approval. c. A service member or dependent who has completed less than 55 percent of the course duration may choose, subject to approval from the faculty member, the department, the registrar, or the appropriate office at the institution, as applicable, to: (1) receive a grade of incomplete if the faculty member teaching the course determines that the service member or dependent has completed sufficient work, and there is sufficient evidence of progress toward meeting the requirements of the course, to justify the grade; (2) withdraw from the course; or (3) transfer into an equivalent online section of the course, if available, with appropriate approval. d. (Deleted by amendment, P.L.2025, c.105) e. A grade of incomplete shall remain valid for a period of one year after the service member or dependent returns to the public institution of higher education. f. A service member or dependent who chooses to accept a grade of pass or fail may, within one year after returning to the public institution of higher education, contact the faculty member who taught the course, the academic chair of the department offering the course, the registrar, or the appropriate office at the institution to establish a plan to receive a letter grade for the course by completing the work required for the course, in which case the letter grade shall replace the pass or fail grade as the service member's or dependent's grade for the course. g. A service member or dependent who chooses to withdraw from a course shall receive a full refund of tuition and fees attributable to that course. h. A service member or dependent who has paid amounts for room, board, or fees shall, except as provided in subsection g. of this section, receive a refund of that portion of those amounts attributable to the time period during which the student or dependent did not use the services for which payment was made. i. Any refund payable to a service member or dependent who is a financial aid recipient shall be subject to the applicable State and federal regulations regarding refunds. j. As used in this section: "Dependent" means an individual who is the dependent child or spouse of a service member. "Service member" means an individual who is serving as a member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, or as a member of the National Guard, or on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States. L.1997, c.377, s.1; amended 2021, c.174, s.1; 2025, c.105.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.3 Student at public institution of higher education, re-enrollment right, refund of fees if called to active duty for certain military operations.

1. A student who is a member of the New Jersey National Guard or of the Reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States and who is unable to complete a course at a New Jersey public institution of higher education because the student is called to active duty as a consequence of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom shall be entitled to re-enroll in the course upon the completion of military service or to receive a refund of any tuition and fees paid for that course. A student who has paid room, board, or other fees to the institution shall also be entitled to a refund of the portion of those charges attributable to the time period in which the facilities or services were not used by the student. New Jersey independent institutions of higher education are encouraged to provide the same re-enrollment right and refunds for their students who are members of the New Jersey National Guard or of the Reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States and who are called to active duty as a consequence of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom. L.2005,c.33,s.1; per s.2, expires one year following termination of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.3a Short title.

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Combat to College Act." L.2019, c.326, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.3b Definitions relative to veterans given priority course registration to attend college.

2. a. As used in this section: "Service member" means an individual who is serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, a Reserve component thereof, or the National Guard. "Veteran" means an individual who served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, a Reserve component thereof, or the National Guard, and who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service. b. A service member or veteran who is living in New Jersey and attending a public institution of higher education shall be granted priority in registering for courses at the public institution of higher education. Priority course registration shall occur using the same procedures used by other segments of the student population, if any, that are offered priority registration by the institution. L.2019, c.326, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.3c Definitions; certain institutions to establish policies, procedures.

2. a. As used in this section: "Service member" means an individual who is serving as a member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, or as a member of the National Guard, or on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States. "Veteran" means an individual who served as a member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, or as a member of the National Guard, or on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, and who was honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service. b. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, each public institution of higher education shall establish policies and procedures to permit the late registration of a student who is a veteran or a service member upon the student's return from deployment, mobilization, reassignment, or other military obligation. The institution shall not charge a late fee or similar penalty on a registration submitted pursuant to this subsection. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require any public institution of higher education to admit a student or to waive its admission standards. L.2021, c.174, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.3d Readmission, higher education, uniformed service.

1. a. A public institution of higher education shall readmit an undergraduate student who withdrew from the institution due to the student's service in the uniformed services, including service in the Armed Forces, or as a member of the National Guard or Reserve, on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under federal or State authority. The institution shall readmit the student with the same academic status as the student had when the student last attended the institution. b. Readmission shall be granted upon written request by the student for the next academic semester beginning after the date of the request. An institution shall not charge an application or other fee for a readmission request made pursuant to the provisions of this section. L.2025, c.33.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.4 Certain students to qualify for in-State tuition at public institutions of higher education.

1. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of any law or regulation to the contrary, a student, other than a nonimmigrant alien within the meaning of section 101 (a)(15) of the "Immigration and Nationality Act" (8 U.S.C. s.1101(a)(15)), shall be exempt from paying out-of-State tuition at a public institution of higher education if the student: (1) attended high school in this State for three or more years; (2) graduated from a high school in this State or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in this State; (3) registers as an entering student or is currently enrolled in a public institution of higher education not earlier than the fall semester of the 2013-2014 academic year; and (4) in the case of a person without lawful immigration status, files an affidavit with the institution of higher education stating that the student has filed an application to legalize his immigration status or will file an application as soon as he is eligible to do so. b. Student information obtained in the implementation of this section shall be confidential. c. The Secretary of Higher Education shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to effectuate the provisions of this section. L.2013, c.170, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.5 Eligibility for resident undergraduate tuition rate.

3. a. A dependent student shall be considered domiciled in this State for the purposes of determining eligibility for the resident undergraduate tuition rate at a public institution of higher education if the student meets the following criteria: (1) the student is a United States citizen; and (2) the student has resided in the State for a period of not less than 12 consecutive months before first enrolling in a public institution of higher education and, in the case of a county college student, resides in the county sponsoring the college before first enrolling at the college. b. A dependent student may not establish eligibility for the resident undergraduate tuition rate pursuant to subsection a. of this section if the student's parent or guardian has not lived in this State for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately prior to the student's initial enrollment in a public institution of higher education. c. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the eligibility for the resident undergraduate tuition rate of any student who does not meet the requirements of this section but is otherwise eligible for the resident undergraduate tuition rate at a public institution of higher education in accordance with law or regulation. L.2019, c.383, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-4.6 Certain students qualified for in-State tuition at public institutions of higher education.

1. Notwithstanding any provision of section 1 of P.L.2013, c.170 (C.18A:62-4.4) or any other section of law to the contrary, a student who holds a T or U visa or a dependent student whose parent or guardian holds an H-1B, O-1 or O-2 visa shall be exempt from paying out-of-State tuition at a public institution of higher education provided the student meets the conditions set forth in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection a. of section 1 of P.L.2013, c.170 (C.18A:62-4.4). L.2019, c.411, s.1; amended 2021, c.341, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-5 Violence and hazing; monitor of incidence; uniform record-keeping system

The Chancellor of Higher Education shall establish standards and promulgate rules and regulations to monitor the incidence of violence and hazing in the institutions of higher education in New Jersey and shall establish a uniform record-keeping system for the purpose of gathering information pertaining to such offenses. As used in this act, "violence" means any crime against person or property which creates a risk of causing bodily harm. L.1982, c. 223, s. 1, eff. Dec. 30, 1982; per s.4, act to "remain in effect for a period of 3 years.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-6 Report by employee; filing; forwarding of report and action taken to state department of higher education

Any employee of an institution of higher education observing or having direct knowledge from a participant or victim of an act of violence or hazing shall, in accordance with standards established by the chancellor, file a report describing the incident to the chief executive officer of the institution in a manner prescribed by the chancellor, and a copy of the report shall be forwarded to the State Department of Higher Education. The chief executive officer of the institution shall notify the State Department of Higher Education of the incident and of the action taken regarding the incident. L.1982, c. 223, s. 2, eff. Dec. 30, 1982; per s.4, act to "remain in effect for a period of 3 years.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-7 Annual report

The Chancellor of Higher Education shall include in his annual report to the Governor and the Legislature, pursuant to N.J.S. 18A:3-21, a section detailing the extent of violence and hazing in the institutions of higher education, explaining the measures being taken to counter the problem, and making recommendations to alleviate the problem. L.1982, c. 223, s. 3, eff. Dec. 30, 1982; per s.4, act to "remain in effect for a period of 3 years.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-15 Institutions of higher education to offer health insurance coverage; rules, regulations.

77. a. The Department of Health shall require all public and private institutions of higher education in this State to offer health insurance coverage on a group or individual basis for purchase by students who are enrolled full-time at the institution. b. The Commissioner of Health shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to carry out the purposes of subsection a. of this section. L.1991, c.187, amended 1994, c.48, s.87; 2013, c.78; 2013, c.253, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-15.1 Meningococcal disease immunizations for certain students.

2. a. Beginning in September 2004, a new student enrolling in a public or private institution of higher education in this State shall have received immunization for meningococcal disease as recommended by the Department of Health, which shall consider the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the federal Department of Health and Human Services and, as appropriate, the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American College of Physicians, as a condition of attendance at that institution, except as provided in section 3 of P.L.2003, c.284 (C.18A:62-15.2). b. A student shall present evidence of the vaccination required pursuant to subsection a. of this section to the institution in a manner prescribed by the institution. c. The Department of Health shall require each public or private institution of higher education in this State to offer the immunization required pursuant to subsection a. of this section to its students through the institution's student health services program or through a contractual agreement with a community health care provider. d. The Commissioner of Health shall adopt rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to carry out the purposes of subsections a., b., and c. of this section and section 3 of P.L.2003, c.284 (C.18A:62-15.2). L.2003, c.284, s.2; amended 2019, c.332; 2025, c.283, s.13.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-15.2 Exemption from vaccination.

3. a. A student shall not be required to receive a vaccination pursuant to subsection a. of section 2 of this act based upon one of the following: (1) a written statement submitted to the institution of higher education by a licensed physician indicating that the vaccine is medically contraindicated for a specific period of time and the reasons for the medical contraindication, based upon valid medical reasons as determined by regulation of the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, which shall exempt the student from the vaccination for the stated period of time; or (2) a written statement submitted to the institution of higher education by the student, or the student's parent or guardian if the student is a minor, explaining how the administration of the vaccine conflicts with the bona fide religious tenets or practices of the student, or the parent or guardian, as appropriate; except that a general philosophical or moral objection to the vaccination shall not be sufficient for an exemption on religious grounds. b. In the event of an actual or threatened outbreak of meningitis at a public or private institution of higher education in this State, the institution may exclude from attendance a student who has been exempted from the vaccination requirement of this act pursuant to subsection a. of this section, as determined by the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services. L.2003,c.284,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-16 Findings, declarations

1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Adult illiteracy is a widespread problem in society which reduces the pool of available skilled labor and thereby impedes economic growth and global competitiveness. b. Although various national and Statewide literacy organizations have established community-based literacy programs, the need for literacy tutor volunteers is great. c. Students could assist in reducing the problem of illiteracy by being active participants in providing literacy tutoring, thereby expanding the State's pool of literacy volunteers. d. Students who provide literacy tutoring would be performing a public service for the communities where they reside while gaining college credit toward graduation. e. The active participation of the State's public universities and colleges in the fight against illiteracy would reinforce their commitment to provide an educated work force. L.1992,c.49,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-17 Establishment of literacy tutoring program

2. The governing body of each public institution of higher education may elect to establish a literacy tutoring program which would offer course credit toward graduation for students who choose to participate. L.1992,c.49,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-18 Joint sponsorship of literacy tutoring program

3. The governing body of each public institution of higher education may jointly sponsor the literacy tutoring program with a local agency or organization which would: a. Link students to the various literacy programs in their communities and throughout the State. b. Coordinate the training of student tutors; and c. Monitor the performance of a student providing literacy tutoring. L.1992,c.49,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-19 Substitution of elective course

4. A student enrolled in a public institution of higher education on a full-time or part-time basis may elect to substitute an elective course offered by the institution with the literacy tutoring program for the same number of credits. L.1992,c.49,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-20 Completion of required number of credit hours

5. A student in the literacy tutoring program shall be required to complete the same minimum number of credit hours in a semester as would normally be required were the student not enrolled in the literacy tutoring program. L.1992,c.49,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-21 Review of guidelines, procedures.

6. The Commission on Higher Education shall review the guidelines and procedures developed by the institutions, in conjunction with the agencies or organizations sponsoring literacy tutoring programs, to provide assistance in making the guidelines and procedures the same for all participating institutions. L.1992,c.49,s.6; amended 1994, c.48, s.88; 1999, c.46, s.34.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-22 Student tuition, fees, certain; collection method, "optional fee" defined

1. The governing body of any public institution of higher education shall not allow funds for legislative agents or organizations as defined in chapter 13C of Title 52 of the New Jersey Statutes which attempt to influence legislation to be assessed on student tuition bills, except that optional fees for non-partisan organizations which employ legislative agents or attempt to influence legislation shall be collected by the governing body whenever students at the institution have authorized an optional fee for such organizations by a majority vote of those students voting in an official student referendum. For the purposes of this section "optional fee" shall mean any amount payable on a student tuition bill, appearing as a separately assessed item, but not a mandatory charge or a waivable fee. Optional fees shall be accompanied by a statement as to the nature of the item, and that the item is not a charge required to be paid by the student but rather the student may add the charge to the total amount due, and that the item appears on the bill at the request of the student body, and does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the governing body. L.1995,c.63.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-23 "Initial Active Duty Training" defined.

20. As used in sections 20-25 of this act, "Initial Active Duty Training" means Basic Military Training, for members of the New Jersey Air National Guard, and Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training, for members of the New Jersey Army National Guard. L.1999,c.46,s.20.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-24 Tuition benefits for members of New Jersey National Guard; State payment.

18A:62-24. a. Any member of the New Jersey National Guard shall be permitted to attend regularly-scheduled courses at any public institution of higher education in this State enumerated in N.J.S.18A:62-1 and receive up to 16 credits per semester tuition-free provided that: (1) the member has completed Initial Active Duty Training and, except as otherwise provided pursuant to subsection c. of this section, is in good standing as an active member of the New Jersey National Guard; (2) the member has been accepted to pursue a course of undergraduate study and is enrolled as an undergraduate student in good standing at that institution or a course of graduate study and is enrolled as a graduate student in good standing at that institution; (3) the member has applied for all available State student grants and scholarships and all available federal student grants and scholarships for which the member is eligible; and (4) the member has applied for tuition benefits available through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for which the member is eligible under the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-252 (38 U.S.C. s.3301 et seq.), except that such application shall not be required in the case of a tuition benefit transfer by the member as permitted by federal law. b. The State shall reimburse a public institution of higher education for the tuition cost of each National Guard member who enrolls in the institution pursuant to the provisions of this section to the extent that the tuition cost is not paid through tuition benefits available to the member through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-252 (38 U.S.C. s.3301 et seq.). c. Any member of the New Jersey National Guard whose enrollment in a public institution of higher education on a tuition-free basis pursuant to subsection a. of this section is interrupted by a deployment to active duty shall be permitted to receive the free tuition benefit after discharge from service under conditions other than dishonorable. In the event of a non-medical discharge or a medical discharge that is not caused by an illness or injury related to the performance of duties for the National Guard, eligibility for the free tuition benefit shall begin from the date of discharge and shall continue for one semester or a period of time equal to the length of the deployment, whichever is longer. In the event of medical discharge or medical retirement as a result of illness or injury incurred in the combat theater, as a result of terrorist action, or in the response to a natural disaster, eligibility for the free tuition benefit shall begin from the date of discharge or retirement and shall continue until completion of the degree program in which enrolled or for five years, whichever occurs first. Amended 2001, c.9, s.1; 2001, c.427; 2007, c.11, s.1; 2009, c.208, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-24.1 Nonresident tuition rate for NJ National Guard members prohibited.

1. No public institution of higher education in this State shall impose a nonresident tuition rate or differential fee on a member of the New Jersey National Guard, if the member meets the criteria set forth in section 21 of P.L.1999, c.46 (C.18A:62-24). L.2005,c.317,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-25 Eligibility of child, surviving spouse of certain members of New Jersey National Guard for tuition benefits.

18A:62-25. Any child or surviving spouse of a member of the New Jersey National Guard who heretofore completed Initial Active Duty Training and was killed in the performance of his duties while on active duty with the New Jersey National Guard, or who hereafter completes Initial Active Duty Training and is killed in the performance of his duties while a member of the New Jersey National Guard, shall be permitted to attend regularly-scheduled courses at any public institution of higher education in this State enumerated in N.J.S.18A:62-1 and receive up to 16 credits per semester tuition-free provided that: a. the child or spouse has been accepted to pursue a course of undergraduate study and is enrolled as an undergraduate student in good standing at that institution or a course of graduate study and is enrolled as a graduate student in good standing at that institution; b. the child or spouse has applied for all available State student grants and scholarships and all available federal student grants and scholarships for which the child or spouse is eligible; c. the child or spouse has applied for tuition benefits available through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for which the child or spouse is eligible under the "Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008," Pub.L.110-252 (38 U.S.C. s.3301 et seq.); and d. available classroom space permits and tuition-paying students constitute the minimum number required for the course. Amended 2001, c.9, s.2; 2007, c.11, s.2; 2009, c.208, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-25.1 Nonresident tuition for certain survivors of members of NJ National Guard prohibited.

2. No public institution of higher education in this State shall impose a nonresident tuition rate or differential fee on a child or surviving spouse of a member of the New Jersey National Guard, if the child or surviving spouse meets the criteria set forth in section 22 of P.L.1999, c.46 (C.18A:62-25). L.2005,c.317,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-26 Notice of availability of grants, scholarships.

23. The financial aid office of the public institution shall advise the member, or surviving spouse or child of a member, of any available State and federal student grants and scholarships for which the member, or surviving spouse or child of a member, may be eligible. L.1999,c.46,s.23.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-27 Other fees payable.

24. Nothing in sections 20 through 25 of this act shall preclude a public institution of higher education from requiring the payment of other fees, subject to approval by the State Treasurer, for individuals attending courses pursuant to the provisions of sections 20 through 25 of this act. L.1999,c.46,s.24.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-28 Rules, regulations.

25. The State Treasurer shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of sections 20 through 25 of this act. L.1999,c.46,s.25.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-29 Short title.

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Higher Education Incentive Funding Act." L.1999,c.226,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-30 Findings, declarations relative to higher education finance.

2. The Legislature finds and declares that a mechanism is needed to provide incentives that will assist the State's public and independent colleges and universities in their fund raising efforts, and that a State commitment to provide matching funds for private donors' investment in higher education has the potential to generate additional external support for programs and activities that could have a significant impact on the individual campuses of the State's higher education institutions. L.1999,c.226,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-31 Definitions relative to higher education finance.

3. As used in this act: "Amount" of a contribution or a donation means, in the case of property other than cash, the fair market value of the property contributed or donated as of the close of business on the day on which the recipient of that contribution or donation acquires ownership of the property. "Contribution year" means the fiscal year in which the endowment contribution or contributions were made, with respect to which State matching funds under sections 5 through 7 of P.L.1999, c.226 (C.18A:62-33 through C.18A:62-35) are sought or have been paid. "Donation" means the conveyance by gift of property consisting of cash or marketable securities, the corpus of which property may, under the terms of the gift, be expended by the donee, and the income from which property may, but need not, be restricted under those terms as to use for particular purposes stipulated by the donor. "Donation year" means the fiscal year in which the donation or donations were made, with respect to which State matching funds under sections 9 through 11 of P.L.1999, c.226 (C.18A:62-37 through C.18A:62-39) are sought or have been paid. "Endowment contribution" means the conveyance by gift of property consisting of cash or marketable securities, the corpus of which property may not, under the terms of the gift, be expended by the person to whom the contribution is made, and the income from which property may, but need not, be restricted under those terms as to use for particular purposes stipulated by the contributor. "Fiscal year" means the State fiscal year. "Gift" means a completed irrevocable transfer of property, including transfer by testamentary disposition, for which transfer the transferor receives no consideration, and in which property the transferee's interest is not subject to any retained interest of the transferor or to any concurrent or future interest of any other person. L.1999,c.226,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-32 "Higher Education Incentive Endowment Fund"

4. There is created in the Department of the Treasury a non-lapsing fund, the "Higher Education Incentive Endowment Fund" (the "endowment fund"), which, subject to the availability of funds, shall be used to provide State matching funds against endowment contributions to four-year public institutions of higher education, two-year public institutions of higher education, and independent institutions of higher education that receive direct State aid, or their institutionally related foundations, in accordance with the provisions of sections 5 through 7 of this act and subject to the provisions of subsections a. and b. of section 12 of the act. L.1999,c.226, s.4; amended 1999, c.368, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-33 State matching funds for endowment contributions to four-year public institutions

5. With respect to a fiscal year in which at least one person, corporation or other business entity, or foundation shall have made an endowment contribution to a four-year public institution of higher education, or to a foundation institutionally related to such a public institution, in the amount of $1,000,000 or more, the recipient institution or foundation shall be eligible to receive State matching funds in subsequent fiscal years as follows: a. In the fiscal year first following the contribution year, the institution or foundation may apply to the State Treasurer for State matching funds in an amount equal to 10% of the amount of each such contribution received in the contribution year. There shall be no limit on the number of such endowment contributions from single contributors in that contribution year in the amount of $1,000,000 or more each for which such application may be made. Any such application shall be made only with respect to the entire contribution year and may be submitted at any time after the close of that contribution year up until the application deadline established by the State Treasurer. Following the receipt of all applications, but not later than the 90th day following the application deadline, the State Treasurer shall determine the amount of State matching funds to which the applicant institution or foundation is entitled under this subsection and shall pay that amount from the endowment fund to the institution or foundation, including with that payment an explanation of the denial, if any, of any claim of entitlement to matching funds for which the institution or foundation had applied; and b. In the second fiscal year following the contribution year and in each of the eight subsequent fiscal years following the second fiscal year, the institution or foundation shall be entitled to receive from the endowment fund, without application, State matching funds in an amount equal to the amount paid under subsection a. of this section. L.1999,c.226, s.5; amended 1999, c.368, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-34 State matching funds for endowment contributions to two-year public institutions

6. a. With respect to a fiscal year in which at least one person, corporation or other business entity, or foundation shall have made an endowment contribution to a two-year public institution of higher education, or to a foundation institutionally related to such a public institution, in the amount of $100,000 or more, the recipient institution or foundation shall be eligible to receive State matching funds in subsequent fiscal years as follows: (1) In the fiscal year first following the contribution year, the institution or foundation may apply to the State Treasurer for State matching funds in an amount equal to 10% of the amount of each such contribution received in the contribution year. There shall be no limit on the number of such endowment contributions from single contributors in that contribution year in the amount of $100,000 or more each for which such application may be made. Any such application shall be made only with respect to the entire contribution year and may be submitted at any time after the close of that contribution year up until the application deadline established by the State Treasurer. Following the receipt of all applications, but not later than the 90th day following the application deadline, the State Treasurer shall determine the amount of State matching funds to which the applicant institution or foundation is entitled under this paragraph and shall pay that amount from the endowment fund to the institution or foundation, including with that payment an explanation of the denial, if any, of any claim of entitlement to matching funds for which the institution or foundation had applied; and (2) In the second fiscal year following the contribution year and in each of the eight subsequent fiscal years following the second fiscal year, the institution or foundation shall be entitled to receive from the endowment fund, without application, State matching funds in an amount equal to the amount paid under paragraph (1) of this subsection. b. With respect to a fiscal year in which three or more persons, corporations or other business entities, or foundations each shall have made endowment contributions to a two-year public institution of higher education, or to a foundation institutionally related to such a public institution, in the amount of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, and the cumulative amount in that fiscal year of those endowment contributions of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000 is at least $250,000, the recipient institution or foundation shall be eligible to receive State matching funds in subsequent fiscal years as follows: (1) In the fiscal year first following the contribution year, the institution or foundation may apply to the State Treasurer for State matching funds in an amount equal to 10% of the highest exact multiple of $250,000 that is less than or equal to that cumulative amount of such contributions received in the contribution year. There shall be no limit on the number of such endowment contributions from single contributors in that contribution year in the amount of $50,000 but less than $100,000 each with respect to which such application may be made. Any such application shall be made only with respect to the entire contribution year and may be submitted at any time after the close of that contribution year up until the application deadline established by the State Treasurer. Following the receipt of all applications, but not later than the 90th day following the application deadline, the State Treasurer shall determine the amount of State matching funds to which the applicant institution or foundation is entitled under this paragraph and shall pay that amount from the endowment fund to the institution or foundation, including with that payment an explanation of the denial, if any, of any claim of entitlement to matching funds for which the institution or foundation had applied; and (2) In the second fiscal year following the contribution year and in each of the eight subsequent fiscal years following the second fiscal year, the institution or foundation shall be entitled to receive from the endowment fund, without application, State matching funds in an amount equal to the amount paid under paragraph (1) of this subsection. L.1999,c.226, s.6; amended 1999, c.368, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-35 State matching funds for endowment contributions to four-year independent institutions

7. With respect to a fiscal year in which at least one person, corporation or other business entity, or foundation makes an endowment contribution to a four-year independent institution of higher education that receives direct State aid, or to a foundation institutionally related to such an institution, in the amount of $1,000,000 or more, the recipient institution or foundation shall be eligible to apply for and to receive State matching funds in the amount of $100,000 with respect to each such contribution. There shall be no limit on the number of such endowment contributions from single contributors in a contribution year in the amount of $1,000,000 or more each for which such application may be made. Any such application shall be made only with respect to the entire contribution year and may be submitted at any time after the close of that contribution year up until the application deadline established by the State Treasurer. Following the receipt of all applications, but not later than the 90th day following the application deadline, the State Treasurer shall determine the amount of State matching funds to which the applicant institution or foundation is entitled under this section and shall pay that amount from the endowment fund to the institution or foundation, including with that payment an explanation of the denial, if any, of any claim of entitlement to matching funds for which the institution or foundation had applied. An institution or foundation that shall have received payment of State matching funds under this section with respect to a contribution year shall not thereafter receive additional State matching funds with respect to the same contribution year. L.1999,c.226, s.7; amended 1999, c.368, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-36 "Higher Education Incentive Grant Fund"

8. There is created in the Department of the Treasury a non-lapsing fund, the "Higher Education Incentive Grant Fund" (the "grant fund"), which, subject to the availability of funds, shall be used to provide State matching funds against donations to four-year public institutions of higher education, two-year public institutions of higher education, and independent institutions of higher education that receive direct State aid, or their institutionally related foundations, in accordance with the provisions of sections 9 through 11 of this act and subject to the provisions of subsections a. and b. of section 12 of the act. L.1999,c.226, s.8; amended 1999, c.368, s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-37 State matching funds for donations to four-year public institutions

9. With respect to a fiscal year in which at least one person, corporation or other business entity, or foundation shall have made a donation to a four-year public institution of higher education, or to a foundation institutionally related to such a public institution, in the amount of $1,000,000 or more, the recipient institution or foundation shall be eligible to receive State matching funds under this section. In the fiscal year next following the donation year, the institution or foundation may apply to the State Treasurer for State matching funds in an amount equal to 10% of the amount of each such donation received in the donation year. There shall be no limit on the number of such donations from single donors in that donation year in the amount of $1,000,000 or more each for which such application may be made. Any such application shall be made only with respect to the entire donation year and may be submitted at any time after the close of that donation year up until the application deadline established by the State Treasurer. Following the receipt of all applications, but not later than the 90th day following the application deadline, the State Treasurer shall determine the amount of State matching funds to which the applicant institution or foundation is entitled under this subsection and shall pay that amount from the grant fund to the institution or foundation, including with that payment an explanation of the denial, if any, of any claim of entitlement to matching funds for which the institution or foundation had applied. An institution or foundation that shall have received payment of State matching funds under this section with respect to a donation year shall not thereafter receive additional State matching funds with respect to the same donation year. L.1999,c.226, s.9; amended 1999, c.368, s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-38 State matching funds for donations to two-year public institutions

10. a. With respect to a fiscal year in which at least one person, corporation or other business entity, or foundation shall have made a donation to a two-year public institution of higher education, or to a foundation institutionally related to such a public institution, in the amount of $100,000 or more, the recipient institution or foundation shall be eligible to receive State matching funds under this subsection. In the fiscal year next following the donation year, the institution or foundation may apply to the State Treasurer for State matching funds in an amount equal to 10% of the amount of each such donation received in the donation year. There shall be no limit on the number of such donations from single donors in that donation year in the amount of $100,000 or more each for which such application may be made. Any such application shall be made only with respect to the entire donation year and may be submitted at any time after the close of that donation year up until the application deadline established by the State Treasurer. Following the receipt of all applications, but not later than the 90th day following the application deadline, the State Treasurer shall determine the amount of State matching funds to which the applicant institution or foundation is entitled under this subsection and shall pay that amount from the grant fund to the institution or foundation, including with that payment an explanation of the denial, if any, of any claim of entitlement to matching funds for which the institution or foundation had applied. An institution or foundation that shall have received payment of State matching funds under this subsection with respect to a donation year shall not thereafter receive additional State matching funds with respect to the same donation year. b. With respect to every fiscal year in which three or more persons, corporations or other business entities, or foundations each shall have made donations to a two-year public institution of higher education, or to a foundation institutionally related to such a public institution, in the amount of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, and the cumulative amount in that fiscal year of those donations of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000 is at least $250,000, the recipient institution or foundation shall be eligible to receive State matching funds under this subsection. In the fiscal year next following the donation year, the institution or foundation may apply to the State Treasurer for State matching funds in an amount equal to 10% of the highest exact multiple of $250,000 that is less than or equal to that cumulative amount of such donations received in the donation year. There shall be no limit on the number of such donations from single donors in that donation year in the amount of $50,000 but less than $100,000 each with respect to which such application may be made. Any such application shall be made only with respect to the entire donation year and may be submitted at any time after the close of that donation year up until the application deadline established by the State Treasurer. Following the receipt of all applications, but not later than the 90th day following the application deadline, the State Treasurer shall determine the amount of State matching funds to which the applicant institution or foundation is entitled under this subsection and shall pay that amount from the grant fund to the institution or foundation, including with that payment an explanation of the denial, if any, of any claim of entitlement to matching funds for which the institution or foundation had applied. An institution or foundation that shall have received payment of State matching funds under this subsection with respect to a donation year shall not thereafter receive additional State matching funds with respect to the same donation year. L.1999,c.226, s.10; amended 1999, c.368, s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-39 State matching funds for donations to four-year independent institutions

11. With respect to a fiscal year in which at least one person, corporation or other business entity, or foundation makes a donation to a four-year independent institution of higher education that receives direct State aid, or to a foundation institutionally related to such an institution, in the amount of $1,000,000 or more, the recipient institution or foundation shall be eligible to apply for and to receive State matching funds in the amount of $100,000 with respect to each such donation. There shall be no limit on the number of such donations from single donors in that donation year in the amount of $1,000,000 or more for which such application may be made. Any such application shall be made only with respect to the entire donation year and may be submitted at any time after the close of that donation year up until the application deadline established by the State Treasurer. Following the receipt of all applications, but not later than the 90th day following the application deadline, the State Treasurer shall determine the amount of State matching funds to which the applicant institution or foundation is entitled under this section and shall pay that amount from the grant fund to the institution or foundation, including with that payment an explanation of the denial, if any, of any claim of entitlement to matching funds for which the institution or foundation had applied. An institution or foundation that shall have received payment of State matching funds under this section with respect to a donation year shall not thereafter receive additional State matching funds with respect to the same donation year. L.1999,c.226, s.11; amended 1999, c.368, s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-40 Ineligibility for receipt of State matching funds; use of matching funds

12. a. No institution of higher education having a total endowment of more than $1,000,000,000, and no foundation institutionally related to such an institution, shall be eligible to receive State matching funds under this act. b. No endowment contribution or donation to an institution of higher education from a foundation institutionally related to that institution shall be eligible to be matched with State funds under the provisions of this act. c. The matching funds provided to an institution of higher education or to a foundation institutionally related to such an institution pursuant to sections 4 through 11 of this act shall be used by the institution or foundation exclusively for academic purposes and shall not be used to fund any activity, program or project unrelated or only incidentally related to those purposes, such as the award of athletic scholarships, except that the matching funds may be used for the payment of the cost of building construction, in accordance with the terms as to use for particular purposes stipulated by the donor of the endowment contribution or donation. The matching funds provided shall not be used for the purpose of sectarian instruction, the construction or maintenance of sectarian facilities, or for any other sectarian purpose or activity. These restrictions shall not apply to the use by the institution or foundation of any of the endowment contributions and donations with respect to which those matching funds were paid. L.1999,c.226, s.12; amended 1999, c.368, s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-41 Documents included with application for State matching funds; information required

13. In order for an institution or foundation to receive in a fiscal year State matching funds pursuant to an application therefor under the provisions of this act, the governing body of the institution or foundation shall provide the State Treasurer with a copy of the institution's annual independent financial audit, the institution's education foundation audit, or other financial certification, as deemed appropriate by the Treasurer, that verifies that the institution has raised the necessary amount through endowment contributions or donations to qualify for the State matching funds. An institution or foundation receiving State matching funds shall also provide in each fiscal year the annual average amount of endowment contributions and donations received in the contribution year and the donation year and in the five previous contribution and donation years. L.1999,c.226, s.13; amended 1999, c.368, s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-42 Funds administered separately

14. a. The endowment fund and the grant fund shall be administered separately by the State Treasurer. Each fund shall consist of moneys appropriated or otherwise made available to it by the Legislature and any interest received on the investment of moneys in that fund. b. If, in any fiscal year, the fund balance in either the endowment fund or the grant fund is insufficient to fund payment in full of the State matching funds authorized to be paid under the provisions of this act, the amount of available funds shall be prorated among all eligible applicants. L.1999,c.226, s.14; amended 1999, c.368, s.11.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-43 Rules, regulations.

15. The State Treasurer shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this act. L.1999,c.226,s.15.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-44 Reasonable substitution of certain courses for certain disabled college students.

1. a. Any student attending a public institution of higher education in the State or an independent institution of higher education which receives direct State aid or a degree-granting post secondary institution whose students are eligible for State tuition grants and scholarships, who is hearing impaired, visually impaired, or learning disabled shall be eligible for reasonable substitution of specific courses required for the completion of degree requirements, provided that: (1) Documentation is provided that the student's request for substitution of a specific course is related to the disability; (2) The substitution of a specific course does not constitute a fundamental alteration in the nature of the degree requirements and the specific course is not required for professional certification; and (3) The specific courses are not offered by a public or independent institution of higher education as requirements for a health professions degree. b. The Commission on Higher Education may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this act, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), provided that the rules and regulations are not inconsistent with federal rules and regulations. L.2002, c.110,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-45 Provision of organ donation information at institutions of higher education.

1. a. Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, each public institution of higher education in the State shall provide information to its students, either through student health services or as part of the curriculum, that emphasizes the benefits to the health and well-being of society and the lives that are saved through organ donations, and that instills knowledge that will enable young adults to make an informed decision about registering to become an organ donor or designating a decision-maker to make the decision on behalf of the young adult. The information shall also instill an understanding of the outcome if no decision about becoming an organ donor or designating a decision-maker is registered or otherwise recorded. The information provided shall be prepared in collaboration with the organ procurement organizations designated pursuant to 42 U.S.C.s.1320b-8 to serve in the State of New Jersey. b. Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, each independent institution of higher education in the State is encouraged to provide information to its students, either through student health services or as part of the curriculum, that emphasizes the benefits to the health and well-being of society and the lives that are saved through organ donations, and that instills knowledge that will enable young adults to make an informed decision about registering to become an organ donor or designating a decision-maker to make the decision on behalf of the young adult. The information shall also instill an understanding of the outcome if no decision about becoming an organ donor or designating a decision-maker is registered or otherwise recorded. The information provided shall be prepared in collaboration with the organ procurement organizations designated pursuant to 42 U.S.C.s.1320b-8 to serve in the State of New Jersey. L.2007, c.121, s.1; amended 2008, c.48, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-46 Transfer of academic credits from county colleges.

1. Each public institution of higher education, in consultation with the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and the New Jersey Presidents' Council, shall establish and enter into a collective Statewide transfer agreement that provides for the seamless transfer of academic credits to a baccalaureate degree program from a completed associate of arts degree program, a completed associate of science degree program, or a completed associate in applied science in technical studies degree program which has credits transferred by the NJ PLACE program from apprenticeship programs. The transfer agreement shall include: a. a listing of the general education core courses as stipulated by the Presidents' Council; b. policies and procedures for the seamless transfer and application of academic credits to a baccalaureate degree program from a completed associate degree program, including a guarantee that an associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or associate in applied science in technical studies degree which has credits transferred by the NJ PLACE program from apprenticeship programs, awarded by a county college established pursuant to chapter 64A of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes shall be fully transferable and credited as the first two years of a baccalaureate degree program at the four-year public institution of higher education in the State to which a student is admitted; c. policies and procedures for the implementation of an appeals process for students and institutions to resolve disputes regarding the transfer of academic credits; d. policies and procedures for the annual review and update of the agreement; and e. policies and procedures for the collection of data by the commission to ensure that all participating institutions of higher education are in compliance with the provisions of this act and to ensure that the agreement is fostering both a seamless transfer process and the academic success of transfer students at the senior institutions. The commission shall annually determine the data to be collected and shall notify each participating institution in a timely manner. The policies and procedures set forth in the transfer agreement shall be fully operational by September 1, 2008, except that, with respect to associate in applied science in technical studies degree programs which have credits transferred by the NJ PLACE program from apprenticeship programs, the transfer agreement shall be fully operational by September 1, 2011. L.2007, c.175, s.1; amended 2009, c.200, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-46.1 Collective Statewide reverse transfer agreement.

1. a. Each institution of higher education, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education and the New Jersey Presidents' Council, shall establish and enter into a collective Statewide reverse transfer agreement. Under the agreement, a student enrolled in a four-year institution of higher education who has a cumulative total of 66 credits earned between a county college and the four-year institution may be awarded an associate degree by the county college. The reverse transfer agreement shall address the following: (1) the effective communication between the county college and the four-year institution on student transcripts and course equivalencies; (2) the process by which a student is notified of potential eligibility, and by which the four-year institution obtains the consent of the student for release of his transcript to the county college; (3) procedures for advising students on the courses that a student needs to complete to attain an associate degree; (4) policies and procedures for the annual review and update of the agreement; and (5) policies and procedures for the collection of data by the secretary to ensure that all institutions are in compliance with this section. The secretary shall annually determine the data to be collected and shall notify each institution in a timely manner. b. The policies and procedures set forth in the collective Statewide reverse transfer agreement shall be fully operational by September 1, 2018. c. (1) The annual report prepared by the Secretary of Higher Education pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2007, c.175 (C.18A:62-49) shall include an analysis of each institution's compliance with the provisions of this section. (2) In the first annual report issued after the effective date of this act, the secretary shall identify the institutions that have entered into a reverse transfer agreement prior to that effective date, and the institutions that enter into an agreement on or after that effective date. L.2017, c.130, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-47 Adoption of policies, procedures regarding certain transfers.

2. On or before January 1, 2008, each public institution of higher education shall, in consultation with the Commission on Higher Education and the Presidents' Council, develop and adopt as part of the collective Statewide transfer agreement established pursuant to section 1 of this act policies and procedures for the transfer of credits earned by a student who has not completed his associate degree program prior to transferring into a baccalaureate degree program, except that, with respect to associate in applied science in technical studies degree programs which have credits transferred by the NJ PLACE program from apprenticeship programs, those policies and procedures shall be developed and adopted on or before January 1, 2011. L.2007, c.175, s.2; amended 2009, c.200, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-48 Independent institutions may enter into agreement.

3. An independent institution of higher education in the State may elect to enter into the agreement. L.2007,c.175,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-49 Annual report to Governor, Legislature.

4. The Commission on Higher Education shall prepare an annual report containing a compilation of the data collected pursuant to subsection e. of section 1 of this act, an analysis of the effect of the agreement on the transfer process and on the academic success of transfer students at the senior institutions, and an analysis of each participating institution's compliance with the provisions of this act. The commission shall submit the report to the Legislature and the Governor by November 15th of each year. L.2007,c.175,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-50 Cooperation considered relative to annual appropriation.

5. The cooperation of each public institution of higher education in abiding by the terms of the agreement shall be reviewed and considered by the Governor and the Legislature when making the annual appropriation for the institution. L.2007,c.175,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-51 Construction of act as to standards and procedures for admission.

6. Nothing in this act shall be construed to require any public or independent institution of higher education to admit a student or to waive its admission standards and application procedures. L.2007,c.175,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-52 Website to provide information on educational benefits for veterans.

1. A public institution of higher education shall provide a link on its website to access information on federal and State educational benefits available to veterans. The link shall be placed in a prominent location on the website and its content shall be in accordance with guidelines of the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education. L.2011, c.151, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-53 Definitions relative to certain credit card solicitations.

1. As used in this act: "Credit" means the right to defer payment of debt or to incur debt and defer its payment. "Credit card" means any card, plate, coupon book, or other single credit device that may be used from time to time to obtain credit. "Direct merchandising" means the promotion to sell or offer any goods, wares, services or merchandise to any person by means of interpersonal contact or through the use of displays. "Public institution of higher education" means Rutgers, The State University, the State colleges or universities established pursuant to chapter 64 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, the county colleges and any other public university or college now or hereafter established or authorized by State law. "Student" means a person who is a matriculated student at a public institution of higher education in this State whose billing address is in this State. L.2013, c.18, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-54 Direct merchandizing of credit cards to students, certain circumstances; prohibited.

2. A public institution of higher education is not authorized to enter into any agreement, or to permit any of its agents or student organizations to enter into any agreement, for the direct merchandising of credit cards to any students. L.2013, c.18, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-57 Associate degree, number of credits required; exceptions.

2. a. Notwithstanding the provisions of any section of law to the contrary and except as otherwise provided pursuant to subsection b. of this section, beginning with students who initially enroll in an associate degree program in the fall semester of 2019, the standard number of credit hours required for the award of an associate degree from a county college is 60 credit hours. b. The standard number of credit hours established pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall not apply if: (1) the degree program is defined as more than a two-year degree program; (2) professional accreditation requires a greater number of credit hours or requires course work that cannot be completed in 60 credits; or (3) certification requirements result in a need for credit hours in excess of 60. c. (1) The Secretary of Higher Education shall establish standards for the purposes of complying with the credit hour limit established by this section for institutions of higher that use nontraditional course credit systems. (2) Within 180 days of the effective date of this act, a county college that uses a nontraditional course credit system shall submit a written request to the secretary for permission to comply with the credit hour limit in accordance with the standards established by the secretary pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection. The request shall provide information on why the county college is not able to comply with the requirements of subsection a. of this section and shall include such other information as the secretary deems necessary. Within 60 days of the submission of the request, the secretary shall advise the county college on whether it may meet the credit hour limit in accordance with the standards established by the secretary. L.2018, c.93, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-58 Approval of additional exceptions.

3. The governing board of a public institution of higher education, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education, may approve exceptions to the credit hour requirements in addition to those established pursuant to subsection b. of sections 1 and 2 of this act. L.2018, c.93, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-59 Report.

4. Within 60 days of the effective date of this act and annually thereafter, the secretary shall submit a report to the Governor, and to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), on the number of four-year public institutions of higher education and county colleges that are in compliance with the provisions of this act. L.2018, c.93, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-60 Short title.

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Hunger-Free Campus Act." L.2019, c.89, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-61 Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program.

2. The Secretary of Higher Education shall establish a Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program. The purpose of the program shall be to provide grants to public institutions of higher education that have one or more campuses that are designated by the secretary as hunger-free campuses. The purpose of the grant funding shall be to: a. address student hunger; b. leverage more sustainable solutions to address basic food needs on campus; c. raise awareness of services currently offered on campus which address basic food needs; and d. continue to build strategic partnerships at the local, State, and national levels to address food insecurity among students. L.2019, c.89, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-62 Conditions for designation.

3. In order to be designated as a hunger-free campus, the institution shall: a. establish a Campus Hunger Task Force that meets a minimum of three times per academic year to set at least two goals with action plans; b. designate a staff member responsible for assisting students with enrollment in the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); c. provide options for students to utilize SNAP benefits at campus stores that meet the federal standards set by the Food and Nutrition Service in the United States Department of Agriculture; d. participate in an awareness day campaign activity and plan a campus awareness event during the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week; e. provide at least one physical food pantry on campus, or enable students to receive food through a separate, stigma-free arrangement; f. develop a "Swipe Out Hunger" student meal credit sharing program, or designate a certain amount of funds for free meal vouchers that might otherwise be raised through a "Swipe Out Hunger" program; and g. annually conduct a student survey on hunger, developed by the Secretary of Higher Education, and submit the results of the survey and a best practices campus profile to the secretary at a time prescribed by the secretary for inclusion in a comparative profile of each campus designated as a hunger-free campus. In the development of the survey, the secretary may utilize any existing surveys designed to collect information on food insecurity among students enrolled in public institutions of higher education. L.2019, c.89, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-63 Allocation of grant funding.

4. The secretary shall allocate grant funding to each public institution of higher education that has one or more campuses designated by the secretary as a hunger-free campus in accordance with the criteria established pursuant to section 3 of this act. The secretary shall determine the amount of each grant which shall be used by the institution to further address food insecurity among students enrolled in the institution. L.2019, c.89, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-63.1 Food waste reduction program at public institutions of higher education.

1. a. Each public institution of higher education shall develop and implement a food waste reduction program on each campus of the institution. It shall be the purpose of the program to redirect unused, excess food prepared or distributed at campus dining halls, facilities, and events to local food security programs, including soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and community nonprofits. The program shall ensure that all necessary and applicable food safety standards are met throughout the selection, packaging, and transfer of food through the program. b. Each public institution of higher education shall submit an annual report to the Governor, and to the Legislature pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), on its contributions to local food security programs and post the report on its website. L.2025, c.309.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-64 Award of college credit for course at county fire academy.

1. a. Any person who successfully completes a course at a county fire academy shall receive college credit for the course at a four-year public institution of higher education that offers a fire science degree program if: (1) the institution determines after a review of the curriculum of the course offered by the county fire academy that the curriculum is similar to the curriculum of a course offered in its fire science program; and (2) upon completion of the course, the person successfully completes an examination approved by the institution. The institution shall waive any credit-by-exam fee that it may charge. b. The county fire academies shall work jointly with four-year public institutions of higher education that offer a fire science degree program to identify courses at the county fire academies which offer a curriculum similar to that of courses included in the fire science programs of those institutions. L.2019, c.341, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-65 Definitions relative to institutional financial aid.

1. As used in this act: "Financial need" means cost of attendance as defined pursuant to 20 U.S.C. s.1087ll. "Institutional financial aid" means need-based and merit-based grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, and all other forms of financial assistance provided by a public institution of higher education that are not loans or work-study programs. "Private scholarships" means scholarships awarded by businesses, private foundations, nonprofit organizations, and service groups. Private scholarships shall not include awards funded by a private organization which is affiliated with a public institution of higher education and requests the institution's assistance in selecting the recipients of scholarships. L.2021, c.223, s.1; amended 2023, c.317.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-66 Reduction of student's institutional financial aid; reasons.

2. a. A public institution of higher education may reduce a student's institutional financial aid as a result of the awarding of private scholarships to the student only under the circumstances enumerated in subsections b. and c. of this section. b. If a student's total financial aid from all sources exceeds the student's financial need, a public institution of higher education may reduce the student's institutional financial aid until the student's total financial aid no longer exceeds the student's financial need. c. In addition to the reduction authorized pursuant to subsection b. of this section, a public institution of higher education may reduce a student's institutional financial aid if the institution receives approval from the organization that awarded the private scholarship that caused the reduction authorized pursuant to subsection b. of this section. d. A public institution of higher education may reduce a student athlete's institutional financial aid in order to comply with the individual or team financial aid restrictions of any athletic association, conference, or other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics including, but not limited to, the National Collegiate Athletic Association. L.2021, c.223, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-67 Definitions relative to student's right to freedom of speech and press.

3. a. As used in this section: "School-sponsored media" means any material that is prepared, substantially written, published, or broadcast by a student journalist at a public institution of higher education, distributed or generally made available to members of the student body, and prepared under the direction of a student media adviser. School-sponsored media does not include media intended for distribution or transmission solely in the classroom in which the media is produced. "Student journalist" means a student at a public institution of higher education who gathers, compiles, writes, edits, photographs, records, or prepares information for dissemination in school-sponsored media. "Student media adviser" means an individual employed, appointed, or designated by a public institution of higher education to supervise or provide instruction relating to school-sponsored media. b. Except as otherwise provided in subsection c. of this section, a student journalist has the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press in school-sponsored media, regardless of whether the media is supported financially by the public institution of higher education or by use of institution facilities, or produced in conjunction with a course in which the student is enrolled. Subject to subsection c. of this section, a student journalist is responsible for determining the news, opinion, feature, and advertising content of school-sponsored media. This subsection shall not be construed to prevent a student media adviser from teaching professional standards of English and journalism to student journalists. c. This section does not authorize or protect expression by a student that: (1) is libelous or slanderous; (2) constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy; (3) is profane or obscene; (4) violates federal or State law; or (5) so incites students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of an unlawful act, the violation of policies of the public institution of higher education, or the material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the institution. d. An employee of a public institution of higher education shall not be dismissed, suspended, disciplined, reassigned, transferred, or otherwise retaliated against solely for acting to protect a student engaged in the conduct authorized under this section, or refusing to infringe upon conduct that is protected by this section, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, or paragraph 6 of Article I of the New Jersey Constitution. L. 2021, c.309, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 18A:62-68 Public institution, higher education, governing board, permit, use, building, facility, visitorial power, New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority.

2. a. As used in this section, "authority" means the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority established pursuant to N.J.S.18A:72A-4. b. The governing board of a public institution of higher education may permit the use of any part of a building or facility of the institution, or of its subsidiaries or affiliates, in whole or in part, by one or more other public institutions of higher education in a manner that the education of students in the various institutions of higher education may be conducted cooperatively and made more widely and efficiently available to the people of the State. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, if the building or facility of the institution is owned by the authority, the governing board of the institution shall obtain the authority's prior written consent to such use as permitted by this subsection. c. The care, custody, and control of any building or facility used jointly by two or more public institutions of higher education pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall remain vested in the governing board of the institution which permits the use of the building or facility. d. The care, custody, and control of a building or facility owned by a public institution of higher education and used wholly by a second public institution of higher education shall be exercised by the second institution of higher education, subject to the visitorial power of the first institution. e. The care, custody, and control of a building or facility of a public institution of higher education owned by the authority and used wholly by a second public institution of higher education shall be exercised by the second institution of higher education, subject to the visitorial power of the first institution and the authority. L.2023, c.65, s.2.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026