The vision for CHEN is two-fold: one internal to the academic life
of the four institutions, and the other in relation to the institutions' external
environment of Newark, the region and the state.

Mission and Vision

The Council for Higher Education in Newark (CHEN) has existed as an informal association for thirty years without formal/legal relationships. In the early 1970's, CHEN was formed to foster cooperation among the schools and to make Newark a signficant American University Center. The participating schools were, and continue to be, Essex County College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University-Newark and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. As a vehicle for collaboration in both public service and education, CHEN has increased the range of the universities' programs and services, as well as the number of students served.

CHEN continues to build the intellectual capacity, student options and opportunities, develop faculty strength, and increase research opportunities within and between the four institutions. By identifying overlapping interests, working collectively in areas of academic, administrative and student affairs, CHEN enhances the standing of each individual instituion. Recognizing the unique character and individuality of each institution, its purpose is to encourage collaborative relationships among the four instituions in Newark.

CHEN is committed to improving the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhood through advancing the College Town image. Through economic, business and community development initiatives, CHEN is currently engaging in the following variety of activities:

CHEN Summit on the Development of University/ Business Partnerships

The Council for Higher Education in Newark (CHEN) last year co-sponsored the Second Summit on the Development of University/Business Partnerships with the City, Newark Alliance, Regional Business Partnership and Regional Plan Association. The Second Summit focused on how strong, strategic partnering can fuel the economic development of Newark and the Northern New Jersey region, as explained in Destination: Newark, Year 2013, our report issued at this year's Summit conference held in March 2004.

Clustered within the University Heights neighborhood, the public higher learning institutions that make up CHEN offer degrees in nearly every field and provide advanced research in medicine, public policy and many others. While this is CHEN's foundation, it does much more in support of the City. By fostering a "college town" environment, CHEN supports the billions of dollars invested in urban development projects, programs and initiatives provided by CHEN institutions.

Newark's potential to emerge as a top destination will depend on effective civic partnerships. Dramatic expansion in Newark's housing, education, healthcare and cultural institutions may pose certain challenges, but these attractions enable Newark to connect with other towns as the hub of metropolitan life and industry. Powerful collaboration - which for decades has been CHEN's specialty - can change the entire region, starting in Newark.

We hope that you will enjoy reading Destination: Newark Year 2013 and Destination: Newark Year 2011 a compilation of dozen presentations who presented at the Summit examine these great strengths and challenges, identifying opportunities for Newark and its emerging industries to surpass expectations. CHEN enriches the community by building on this dialogue to enhance Newark's appeal for present and prospective Newark residents, students, businesses, and consumers. We look forward to continuing to reach even higher levels of achievement.

CHEN Shuttle Service

CHEN is pleased to announce the launch of an inter-campus shuttle service serving the University Heights area in Newark. A result of the longstanding‚ collaborative relationships between the CHEN institutions, the shuttle is open for use by faculty, staff and students from Essex County College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University-Newark and UMDNJ.

Within two separate routes the CHEN Shuttle now operates according to a revised schedule on Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. A schedule for Route 1 and Route 2.)

Specific pick-up/drop-off locations are designated at each institution (the shuttle will pickup and discharge passengers on the UMDNJ–Newark campus at the entrance of the Medical Science Building).

In addition to transporting University-bound passengers at each institution, the Shuttle will also allow individuals to board or exit the shuttle at a designated stop at the Broad Street Train Station (formerly called Lackawanna Station) and at the CHEN Building (corner of Warren and Lock Streets), which is in close proximity to the International Center for Public Health.

Teach for America CHEN Fellows Program

Undergraduate students from the CHEN institutions of Essex County College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rutgers University-Newark and UMDNJ are welcome to join the CHEN Teach for America Fellowship Program. This program is only open to students attending the CHEN institutions and who have an interest in working as a classroom aides and mentors in the Newark Public Schools system.

Interested students may contact the Department of Urban and Community Development at to learn more about the application process. In addition to the opportunity to impact student achievement by working with teachers who are guaranteed to be highly motivated and talented, CHEN Fellows also benefit from working with Teach for America, an organization with a history of producing committed, effective leaders.