Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in New Jersey (AICUNJ) is the public relations, research and government liaison organization for 14 privately-supported institutions of higher education in New Jersey. Members include non-profit, four year undergraduate, graduate and professional schools accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools licensed by the State of New Jersey.

History and Purpose

The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in New Jersey (AICUNJ) was founded in 1966 by several independent college presidents. Almost immediately all colleges and universities that were eligible for membership joined the Association. The key issue behind the formation of AICUNJ was an attempt to obtain direct state support for the independent sector. This effort resulted in legislation in 1972 that provided such aid on a contractual basis. In 1978, the program was changed to a formula basis. Besides advocacy efforts in Trenton and Washington, D.C., the Association has engaged in numerous interinstitutional cooperative projects, including consortial grants, conferences and workshops, admission efforts and consortial insurance programs.

Mission Statement

The Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in New Jersey is committed to the advancement of independent higher education. At the state and federal level, the Association stimulates public interest in legislation and policy making affecting member institutions. At the local level, the Association supports mutual assistance programs that assure the citizens of New Jersey access to diverse educational opportunities.

Long-Range Goals

In order to accomplish its mission and to meet the challenges of this decade, the Association has set forth goals from which its activities are derived. The goals are to:

A. Influence public policy and legislation to guarantee the citizens of New Jersey access to quality higher education in a wide variety of educational settings.

1. Serve as liaison with the state and federal governments on behalf of the independent sector.
2. Encourage activities that will promote the independent sector and member institutions.

B. Assure the long-term financial health of independent institutions while maintaining the high quality of their academic offerings.

1. Provide leadership in and coordination of the planning and research activities of the independent sector.
2. Suggest means by which its members can achieve maximum utilization of independent sector resources.
3. Provide a channel for assistance to each member institution.
4. Work cooperatively with the Independent College Fund of New Jersey for the benefit of New Jersey's independent colleges and universities.
5. Promote cooperative efforts among independent institutions and between independent and public institutions.
6. Encourage professional development through cooperation of member institutions.