A comprehensive plan is provided to support and strengthen New Jersey's 16 independent colleges and universities. Five major challenges that these institutions and the state must collaboratively confront are discussed: strengthening the quality of collegiate education; keeping New Jersey economically competitive in national and world markets; educating minority students more effectively; preparing better teachers for better schools; and reaffirming social and civic values both on the campus and beyond. Among the recommendations are that each of the state's independent colleges define precisely its own purposes; develop a specific plan to recruit Black and Hispanic students from urban sections of the state; give priority to teaching; and find creative ways to blend specialized and general education. Establishing and enhancing several types of partnerships are also recommended: partnerships among independent colleges and with other institutions; partnerships with surrounding high schools; and partnerships with industry, particularly in providing scholarships to encourage high minority enrollments in math, science and engineering. Of crucial importance is partnership with the state, and recommendations are also made for expanding state support through the Aid Act in New Jersey and the Tuition Aid Grant Program as well as through the creation of several new programs. A descriptive list of the independent colleges and universities in New Jersey is appended, followed by a financial data sheet on state support to New Jersey independent institutions. (KM)