[Updated 8/5/2026 at 5PM EST.] This petition will change overtime as we add incoming news as well as feedback from peers/faculty to ensure that everything described here is accurate. 

In April 2026, registration opened for Fall 2026 under the established policy that standard full-time tuition covered up to 19 credits (with exceptions for accelerated programs or advisor approval allowing higher loads). Students planned their schedules and graduation timelines based on these guidelines.

Without direct notice or consultation prior to implementation, NJIT reduced the flat-tuition limit to 17 credits. While students can still enroll in up to 19 credits, any credits beyond 17 now incur additional per-credit tuition costs.

Although a legal public opportunity to speak existed during the FY27 Open Hearing on April 9, 2026, the specific operational impact of this shift was not clearly communicated to the student body before schedule planning began. On July 29, 2026, Provost Dr. John Pelesko emailed students stating that adjusting tuition rates keeps NJIT affordable, but this fails to address the core issue: a sudden policy change communicated after students had already planned their academic year.

The Albert Dorman Honors College (ADHC) announced that  "in relation to Dorman Scholars [,] any student enrolled in an accelerated program [or] received a full-tuition scholarship offer from NJIT at the time of admission" may enroll in up to 19 credits before being subject to additional costs. While this policy provides meaningful relief for approximately 10% of the student body, it highlights a broader need. It is vital that other university departments actively advocate for and support the remaining 90% of the NJIT population with similar impactful measures.

The Impact on Students

• Students relying on 18–19 credit semesters to graduate on time or pursue dual credentials must now pay extra per-credit fees, threatening financial aid calculations and budgets.
• Students who built Fall 2026 schedules under prior flat-rate assumptions now face unexpected costs or delayed graduation.
• Unexpected financial barriers discourage students from taking electives, minors, or accelerated coursework.

Why We Are Outraged
Effective policy enforcement requires clear, direct communication. Relying on broad public hearing notices without directly informing affected students or academic advisors erodes institutional trust, disrupts academic planning, and undermines the campus community.

Our Demands

We call on the NJIT administration to take immediate action:

• Provide ample advance warning to both students and academic advisors before changing any credit, fee, or tuition policies.
• Hold publicized administrative open forums specifically designed to gather student input before finalizing structural policy or fee changes.
• Provide detailed explanations for structural policy shifts and explicitly show how reallocated funds benefit the student body.

Who can we speak to?

Not sure what to say? Use this template here. 

• NJIT Student Senate VP of  Student Affairs : Cassandra Cross (email attached) 
• NJIT Student Senate VP of Academic Affairs: Jasleen Phalora (email attached)

Please note that these representatives do not possess the authority to alter the credit-cap policy. Instead, they are present to gather your insights and convey your perspective to the NJIT administration. This forum operates under a strict policy of mutual respect; any form of disrespectful language or behavior is strictly prohibited. Thank you for maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor.

Sign this petition today to demand administrative transparency, protect student budgets, and hold NJIT accountable.