Second Opinions
MRI Reviews
Insurance Accepted
Open Late Nights
On-Site X-Ray Machine & Ultrasound
For Diagnostics & Emergency Injuries
Hammertoe Treatment in East Brunswick, NJ | NJ Sports Spine & Wellness
The toe didn't always look like that. Maybe it started after a long stretch in shoes that pinched, or after a bunion changed how your foot loaded weight, or after your second toe just quietly decided one day not to lie flat anymore. Then a corn appeared on top of the joint, where shoes rub. Then a callus showed up under the ball of the foot. And now the toe stays bent - even when nothing is pressing against it.
Hammertoes are common, progressive, and very treatable. Our podiatrist at NJ Sports Spine & Wellness in East Brunswick, NJ sees them at every stage - from a barely noticeable curl that responds to a different shoe, to a rigid, painful deformity that needs surgical correction. The right approach depends on how flexible the toe still is, how much it hurts, and what you need your feet to do.
This page covers what a hammertoe is, why they develop, how we treat them, and what makes our practice a good fit for serious foot care.
- Hammertoe Treatment in East Brunswick, NJ
- What Is a Hammertoe?
- Common Hammertoe Symptoms
- What Causes a Hammertoe?
- Non-Surgical Hammertoe Treatment in East Brunswick, NJ
- Hammertoe Surgery in East Brunswick, NJ
- Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction in East Brunswick, NJ
- Why Choose NJ Sports Spine & Wellness for Hammertoe Treatment in East Brunswick, NJ
- Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoes
What Is a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe is a toe deformity in which the middle joint of the toe bends downward, forcing the tip to point toward the floor. The shape resembles the head of a hammer - which is exactly where the name comes from. It most commonly affects the second, third, or fourth toe, and it often shows up in feet that already have a bunion or significant mechanical issues.
Hammertoes fall into two categories, and the distinction matters for treatment:
Flexible hammertoe
The toe is bent but can still be manually straightened. Treatment focuses on preserving flexibility, controlling pain, and slowing progression.
Rigid hammertoe
The toe has lost the ability to straighten. The joint has stiffened, and surgical correction is usually the most effective path forward.
Most hammertoes start flexible and gradually become rigid if they aren't addressed. That's why earlier care almost always means more options.
Common Hammertoe Symptoms
Hammertoes announce themselves through both visual changes and patterns of pain. Many patients first notice the appearance - a toe that's curled where it didn't used to be, or that stays bent even when there's no shoe touching it. The discomfort tends to follow shortly after.
Common signs of a hammertoe include:
- A visibly bent middle toe joint
- A corn or thickened skin on top of the affected toe, from shoe friction
- Calluses on the ball of the foot beneath the bent toe
- Pain in the toe when walking, standing, or wearing certain shoes
- Redness, swelling, or warmth around the joint
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the toe
- Open sores or blisters in advanced cases, especially in patients with diabetes
- Difficulty finding shoes that don't aggravate the joint
The corn or callus is often what brings patients in. The pain at the top of the toe - where shoes rub against the raised joint - becomes a daily irritation that doesn't respond to home remedies, because the underlying problem is structural.
What Causes a Hammertoe?
A hammertoe develops when the muscles and tendons that control the toe fall out of balance. The tendons that pull the toe up and the ones that pull it down work against each other, and when that balance shifts - usually over years - the joint settles into a bent position.
Several factors contribute to that imbalance:
- Genetics and foot structure - Some feet are simply built in a way that predisposes them to hammertoes. If your parents had them, your risk is higher.
- Footwear - Shoes that crowd the toes - narrow, pointed, or too short - force them into a bent position over and over until the position becomes permanent. High heels concentrate the problem by pushing weight forward.
- Bunions - When a bunion pushes the big toe inward, it crowds the neighboring toes and often triggers hammertoe formation in the second toe.
- Arthritis - Inflammatory joint disease damages the small joints of the toes and can lead to progressive deformity.
- Injury - A previous toe fracture, jam, or trauma can alter mechanics and trigger a hammertoe over time.
- Nerve and muscle conditions - Diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and certain neurological conditions weaken the small muscles of the foot and can accelerate hammertoe formation.
The takeaway: you didn't get a bunion because you wore the wrong shoes once. It's almost always a combination of how your foot is built and how it's been used over years.
Non-Surgical Hammertoe Treatment in East Brunswick, NJ
When a hammertoe is still flexible, conservative care can be remarkably effective. The goal isn't full anatomical correction - once the joint has started bending, complete straightening usually requires surgery - but to control pain, preserve flexibility, and slow the slide toward a rigid joint.
Our podiatrist builds non-surgical plans around what's actually causing your symptoms. Common options include:
Footwear changes
This is often the single most important step. Shoes with a wider, deeper toe box give the toes room to lie flat. Soft, flexible uppers reduce friction over the bent joint. Lower heels shift weight off the forefoot. These changes alone can dramatically reduce pain.
Custom orthotics
A properly designed orthotic supports the arch, controls pronation, and redistributes pressure away from the ball of the foot and the bent toe joint. For patients whose hammertoes are driven by foot mechanics - not just shoes - orthotics are often the most impactful single treatment.
Toe splints and pads
Gel pads cushion the corn or callus and reduce friction inside the shoe. Splints can hold the toe in a straighter position and help maintain flexibility. Neither corrects the underlying deformity, but both can meaningfully reduce day-to-day pain.
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Targeted exercises - toe stretches, towel scrunches, marble pickups - strengthen the small intrinsic muscles of the foot and improve toe flexibility. When a hammertoe is caught early, consistent exercise can slow or sometimes halt progression.
Anti-inflammatory care
For flare-ups, ice protocols, topical or oral anti-inflammatories, and occasional corticosteroid injections can break the pain cycle and let the joint calm down.
Physical therapy
Because NJ Sports Spine & Wellness brings podiatry and physical therapy under one roof, our podiatrist often coordinates with our PT team for gait retraining and lower-extremity strengthening when foot mechanics are part of the picture.
Many patients with flexible hammertoes manage them effectively for years on this kind of layered plan. The conversation about surgery starts when the joint stiffens, when conservative care can no longer control the pain, or when secondary problems - like recurring infected corns or skin ulcers - start showing up.
Hammertoe Surgery in East Brunswick, NJ
When a hammertoe has become rigid, or when pain persists despite consistent conservative care, surgical correction can realign the toe and resolve the symptoms that have been pulling your attention down to your foot all day.
Several surgical approaches are available, and the right one depends on the specifics of your deformity:
Tendon release or transfer
for flexible hammertoes that don't respond to conservative care. The procedure rebalances the tendons that are pulling the toe into the bent position.
Arthroplasty
for rigid hammertoes. A small portion of the stiffened joint is removed to allow the toe to straighten.
Arthrodesis (joint fusion)
for severe, painful rigid hammertoes. The joint is fused in a corrected position, providing permanent stability and pain relief.
Many of these corrections can now be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Small incisions, specialized instruments, and modern fixation hardware allow the procedure to be done with less trauma to the surrounding tissue. The cosmetic result is better, and patients generally experience less postoperative discomfort and a sooner return to walking.
Our podiatrist will examine your foot, review imaging, and recommend the approach most likely to give you a durable, functional result - not just for the affected toe, but for your foot as a whole.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Hammertoe Correction in East Brunswick, NJ
Modern minimally invasive techniques have changed what hammertoe surgery looks like and feels like:
- Smaller incisions and minimal visible scarring
- Less disruption to surrounding tendons and soft tissue
- Reduced post-operative swelling and discomfort
- Earlier weight-bearing in most cases
- Precise correction of the joint with modern fixation
- Better long-term cosmetic and functional outcomes
These advantages matter especially for patients who want their feet to look and function normally, and who can't afford to be off their feet for an extended period.
Why Choose NJ Sports Spine & Wellness for Hammertoe Treatment in East Brunswick, NJ
A hammertoe rarely exists in isolation. It usually shows up alongside a bunion, alongside arch problems, or in the context of a foot whose mechanics have been off for years. Treating the toe without considering everything around it tends to produce short-term relief and long-term frustration.
That's where our integrated approach matters:
A board-certified podiatrist with both conservative and surgical expertise
You won't be funneled toward surgery because that's the only tool available. Our podiatrist treats the full spectrum of hammertoe presentations - from early, flexible deformities to rigid, painful joints - and recommends what's genuinely best for your foot.
A multidisciplinary team under one roof
Hammertoes often connect to broader mechanical issues. Our East Brunswick, NJ office combines podiatry with physical therapy, chiropractic care, sports medicine, and pain management - so you can address the toe and the upstream causes in one place.
Sports medicine experience
Many of our patients are athletes, runners, or active adults who need their feet to perform, not just survive. Our care model is built around getting people back to the activities they love.
Patient education that respects your time
You'll leave your first appointment knowing what you have, what your options are, and what we'd recommend and why. No pressure, no upsell - just the information you need to make a good decision.
Local, accessible care
Our East Brunswick, NJ office is built around making thorough foot care convenient, with appointment availability designed to fit real schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hammertoes
A flexible hammertoe - one that can still be manually moved into a straight position - can often be managed effectively with non-surgical care. Splints, taping, exercises, orthotics, and the right shoes can reduce pain and slow progression. A rigid hammertoe, where the joint has stiffened, cannot be fully straightened without surgical correction. That's why early evaluation matters: the sooner we see the toe, the more likely conservative care will be enough.
All three involve abnormal bending of the smaller toes, but the affected joints differ. A hammertoe bends at the middle joint of the toe. A mallet toe bends at the joint closest to the toenail. A claw toe involves bending at both joints, often combined with an upward bend at the base of the toe. Treatment principles overlap considerably, though the specific surgical approach may vary.
Look for shoes with a wide, deep toe box that doesn't press down on the bent joint. Soft, flexible uppers reduce friction over the corn or callus. A low heel shifts weight away from the forefoot. Stiff-soled shoes can also help by reducing the bending forces on the toes. Many athletic and comfort-focused brands now make styles specifically designed for patients with toe deformities.
Look for a wide, rounded toe box that doesn't squeeze the joint, a low heel (under one inch is ideal), soft and flexible upper material that won't rub the bunion, and good arch support. Many athletic and walking brands now make models specifically designed with bunion-friendly features. During your appointment, our podiatrist can recommend specific styles that suit the shape of your foot.
Recurrence is uncommon when the underlying foot mechanics are addressed alongside the surgical correction. If a hammertoe is corrected but the original drivers - poor footwear, untreated bunions, abnormal pronation - aren't addressed, the deformity can return over time. A comprehensive treatment plan that combines surgery with mechanical correction and supportive care offers the best long-term results.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Feet
If you've been managing around a bent toe - adjusting your shoes, dodging the corn, hoping it doesn't get worse - there's a better path forward. Our podiatry team in East Brunswick, NJ can examine your foot, identify exactly what's happening, and build a plan that fits your life.
Schedule a consultation today. Call (908) 866-7246 or request an appointment online - we offer same-day availability for many appointments.
Latest News in East Brunswick, NJ
East Brunswick Celebrates Grand Opening of New Ice Arena with Full Day of Community Events
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/east-brunswick/sections/community-happenings/articles/east-brunswick-celebrates-grand-opening-of-new-ice-arena-with-full-day-of-community-events
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Under clear skies and mild spring temperatures, residents from East Brunswick and neighboring communities gathered Saturday morning to witness a long-anticipated milestone: the grand opening of the East Brunswick Ice Arena.Families, young athletes, and longtime residents filled the new facility, many eager to be among the first to step inside and take part in a day that township officials described as historic for the community.The event drew a wide range of attendees, including local...
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Under clear skies and mild spring temperatures, residents from East Brunswick and neighboring communities gathered Saturday morning to witness a long-anticipated milestone: the grand opening of the East Brunswick Ice Arena.
Families, young athletes, and longtime residents filled the new facility, many eager to be among the first to step inside and take part in a day that township officials described as historic for the community.
The event drew a wide range of attendees, including local elected officials, township council members, community leaders, and representatives from the New Jersey Devils organization. The atmosphere throughout the morning was energetic, with music, announcements, and activity across both rinks.
Mayor Brad Cohen, joined by Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, County Clerk Nancy Pinkin, and members of the Township Council—including Council President Dana Zimbicki, Councilman Dinesh Behal, Councilman Kevin McEvoy, Councilman James Wendal, and Councilwoman Dana Winston—helped mark the official opening.
Members of the East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce were also in attendance, including the President, Crystal Pleasant.
In his remarks, Cohen thanked the Township Council, the Recreation and Parks Department, and all those involved in bringing the project to completion. He also acknowledged the work of the project’s architects, the DMR Architect team, and highlighted that the arena was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.
Council leadership echoed those sentiments, recognizing the contributions of union labor and others who played a role in the development. The mayor also noted a symbolic touch nearby: streets in the adjacent Legacy Place development have been named after retired New Jersey Devils jersey numbers.
Behind the scenes, the Recreation and Parks team worked throughout the morning to ensure the event ran smoothly. Ice Arena General Manager Devon Ketch could be seen moving throughout the facility, coordinating logistics and assisting staff as the crowds continued to grow.
The grand opening was designed as a full-day community celebration, with programming scheduled across both rinks. Figure skating exhibitions, alumni and community hockey games, and public skating sessions kept the ice in near-constant use.
Pre-registration for public skating sessions filled quickly, with many time slots fully booked in advance—an early indication of strong community interest in the new facility.
Throughout the day, visitors also gathered at the Arena Grill, which remained busy serving food and refreshments to attendees.
The schedule of events on opening day included a welcome address from the mayor, skating exhibitions, alumni games, hockey matchups, and multiple public skating sessions across both rinks, offering opportunities for residents of all ages and skill levels to participate.
Township officials said the arena is expected to serve as a year-round hub for recreation, youth sports, and community programming.
Residents interested in future programming, including figure skating, hockey leagues, and learn-to-play opportunities, can find additional information on the township’s website:
Figure Skating: https://www.eastbrunswick.org/1028/Figure-SkatingHockey Programs: https://www.eastbrunswick.org/1029/Hockey-ProgramsLearn to Play Hockey: https://www.eastbrunswick.org/1056/Learn-to-Play-Hockey
Online registration for programs is available through Finnly Connect:https://www.eastbrunswick.org/1046/Finnly-Connect
As the day continued, the steady flow of residents through the arena made one thing clear—the new facility is already becoming a focal point for the East Brunswick community.
New Partnership Brings Contemporary and Re-imagined Operas to East Brunswick, NJ Area
TAPintohttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/east-brunswick/categories/press-releases/articles/new-partnership-brings-contemporary-and-re-imagined-operas-to-east-brunswick-nj-area
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ —East Brunswick Arts Commission (EBAC) and Hub City Opera and Dance Company, Inc. (HCODC) announced a new collaborative partnership that will bring new and reimagined operatic works to the East Brunswick, NJ area.The partnership will play an important artistic role in bringing high-quality, professional operatic performances to the area at affordable prices. The first collaboration will feature “Food Meets Opera,” a double bill of operas that explore television and food. The perfor...
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ —East Brunswick Arts Commission (EBAC) and Hub City Opera and Dance Company, Inc. (HCODC) announced a new collaborative partnership that will bring new and reimagined operatic works to the East Brunswick, NJ area.
The partnership will play an important artistic role in bringing high-quality, professional operatic performances to the area at affordable prices. The first collaboration will feature “Food Meets Opera,” a double bill of operas that explore television and food. The performances will take place on March 21, 2026, at 7 pm, and March 22, 2026, at 3 pm, at the Elliot Taubenslag theater, home of Playhouse 22. Tickets can be purchased at www.playhouse22.org. Seating is assigned, and early-bird discounted tickets are available until March 15, 2026.
The first opera, “Bon Appétit!” by Lee Hoiby, with text by Julia Child adapted by Mark Shulgasser (presented under license from G. Schirmer, Inc., copyright owner), features Julia Child baking a chocolate cake on stage. The second opera, “The Cook-Off,” with music by Shawn Okpebholo and libretto by Mark Campbell( commissioned by Chicago Opera Theater’s Vanguard Initiative), dramatizes a television cooking competition called “America Loves Food,” where three contestants vie for the $100,000 prize for the best Mac ‘N Cheese.
According to Annamaria Stefanelli, president of HCODC, “Our partnership with EBAC is the perfect melding of both organizations’ purpose. Like the East Brunswick Arts Commission, we exist to serve and enrich our community. We do this by bringing contemporary works to our audiences that not only entertain but also raise issues they can relate to. What better way to do this than by mounting a production about TV and food? These operas promise a great experience for new opera goers and a fresh look at opera for our more seasoned attendees. And they are hilarious and poignant at the same time.”
About East Brunswick Arts Commission
The East Brunswick Arts Commission (EBAC) brings the arts to life for the entire community and serves as the township’s cultural hub. Founded more than 50 years ago, EBAC advances a vision of making the arts accessible to all by presenting high-quality concerts, visual art exhibitions, family programs, festivals, and immersive learning experiences for diverse audiences. In recent years, EBAC has produced more than a dozen programs, reaching thousands of attendees, launching young musicians into professional careers, and supporting local artists. EBAC is committed to expanding participation, increasing free and low-cost programming, and continuing to cultivate a vibrant, inclusive cultural life in East Brunswick and surrounding communities.
For upcoming programs, please visit
https://www.eastbrunswick.org/326/East-Brunswick-Arts-Commission
About Hub City Opera and Dance Company
Hub City Opera and Dance, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, based in New Brunswick, NJ, and formed in 2017, whose mission is to produce innovative operatic works that educate and entertain. The company’s mission includes enriching the community and bringing music education to the area through outreach programs offered to schools, colleges, and civic institutions.
For more information about Hub City Opera and Dance, please visit www.hubcityopera.org.
Online Registration Open for Free Public Skates at the Grand Opening on the East Brunswick Ice Arena
Dawn Millerhttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/east-brunswick/sections/community-happenings/articles/online-registration-open-for-free-public-skates-at-the-grand-opening-on-the-east-brunswick-ice-arena
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The countdown is on to the Grand Opening of the East Brunswick Ice Arena on Sunday, March 22. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and run through 6 p.m. For people interested in getting out on the ice for the free public skate sessions on March 22, online registration is open now. Spots are filling up fast for the free public skate sessions. The sessions available are from:Registration is required and can be completed online. Skates are included for the free public skates on March 22. Helmets are recommended and skaters ...
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - The countdown is on to the Grand Opening of the East Brunswick Ice Arena on Sunday, March 22. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and run through 6 p.m. For people interested in getting out on the ice for the free public skate sessions on March 22, online registration is open now. Spots are filling up fast for the free public skate sessions. The sessions available are from:
Registration is required and can be completed online. Skates are included for the free public skates on March 22. Helmets are recommended and skaters should dress warm.
Online registration is also open for the off-ice training sessions. Off-ice training sessions on March 22 include:
Registration for the off-ice training sessions can be completed by filling out the online Jot Form.
There is a full calendar of activities going on at the upcoming Grand Opening of the highly-anticipated township ice arena. On Rink One, the following activities are on tap for March 22:
On Rink Two, the following activities are scheduled:
The East Brunswick Ice Arena also unveiled its online registration for public skates as well as other programs being offered at the rink. Registration is done through Finley Connect. In order to prepay for public skates or register for one of the rink's upcoming programs, a Finley Connect account is required. A Finely Connect account can be set up on the East Brusnwick Recreation Department website by clicking on Ice Arena and then on Finley Connect. There is also a PDF available with step-by-step directions for setting up a Finley Connect account.
Following the grand opening, the EB Ice Arena has four public skate sessions in March including:
There is a complete public skate session for April available online and pictured below. Skaters can rent skates for $8 or bring their own for public skates. The pricing for public skates is:
Multi-visit passes are available at discounted rates. For additional information about the East Brunswick Ice Arena, visit their website and follow the rink on Facebook.
Celebrating East Brunswick Residents Making Their Mark
Dawn Millerhttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/east-brunswick/sections/community-happenings/articles/celebrating-east-brunswick-residents-making-their-mark
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - From the classroom to the athletic field to branches of the military and beyond, East Brunswick residents are making their mark and here are a few highlights for this winter.Anna Sawicki is a graduate of East Brunswick High School and a member of Lebanon Valley College's women's track and field team. This winter, during the competitive indoor season, the Flying Dutchman took home the Middle Atlantic Conference Women's Indoor Track and Field Championship. The team finished in first place out of 16 teams with 107 po...
EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ - From the classroom to the athletic field to branches of the military and beyond, East Brunswick residents are making their mark and here are a few highlights for this winter.
Anna Sawicki is a graduate of East Brunswick High School and a member of Lebanon Valley College's women's track and field team. This winter, during the competitive indoor season, the Flying Dutchman took home the Middle Atlantic Conference Women's Indoor Track and Field Championship. The team finished in first place out of 16 teams with 107 points. Lebanon Valley clinched the title on the final day of the MAC Championships. Their coach, Melissa Byler, was named Coach of the Year. It was the Flying Dutchman's first conference title since 2014. Sawicki was a big part of the team's title, recording personal best long and high jump marks while earning her best 60-meter hurdle time. The sophomore is making her first National Championship appearance on March 13 in the pentathlon. Sawicki is majoring in exercise science at Lebanon Valley.
Also, this month, East Brunswick's Amirah Jannati was awarded the Trustee Scholarship through Elmira College's Scholars Program. Elmira's Scholars Program awards full-tuition scholarships to full-time, first year students. Applicants must have an unweighted grade-point average of 3.7 or above. They must submit letters of recommendation, a personal statement and write a 500 to 750-word essay based on a prompt. Applicants not awarded full tuition receive the college's $30,000 Trustee Scholarship, which is the highest merit scholarship offered to deserving students.
Another township college student making her mark in the classroom is Juliana Garber. Garber is a double major at Boston's Emmanuel College, majoring in graphic design and marketing. She was named to the Dean's List for the fall 2025 semester. Students must have a grade-point average of 3.5 or above and carry at least 16 credits to receive Dean's List honors at Emmanuel.
Emma Cohen is among the 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be elected for membership into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Cohen, an East Brunswick resident, is a student at Kean University. The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the United States' “oldest and most selective, all-discipline collegiate honor society.” Membership is by invitation only. A nomination is required as is approval by the Kean University chapter. Invitations are offered to a select group who must be in the top 10 percent of their senior class. Only 7.5 percent of juniors nationwide are considered for membership.
There were more fall semester honors for two East Brunswick residents attending Fairleight Dickinson University's Florham Campus in Madison. Pierre Ibrahim and Mindy Brown were named to the university's Honors List for the 2025 fall semester.
Finally, this winter, East Brunswick's Alexander Makaron was among the recent promotions of New York Army National Guard Members announced by Major General Ray Shields. Promotions were granted based on a soldier's “overall performance, demonstrated leadership abilities, professionalism and future development potential.” Makaron, a member of the 27th Financial Management Support Unit, was promoted to the rank of sergeant first class on February 3.
Rutgers May Lay Off 38 Faculty Members
Carly Baldwinhttps://patch.com/new-jersey/newbrunswick/rutgers-says-it-may-lay-37-faculty-members
The faculty union says Rutgers should make cuts from RU Athletics, running at a $516-million deficit since joining the Big Ten.NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ —Potential lay-off notices were given to 38 Rutgers adjunct faculty members on March 6, according to the professors' union, and confirmed by the university.The school is required to let professors know by a contractual deadline if their position may not be renewed for next year, according to the terms of an agreement Rutgers has with one of its faculty unions, the AAUP-AFT....
The faculty union says Rutgers should make cuts from RU Athletics, running at a $516-million deficit since joining the Big Ten.
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ —Potential lay-off notices were given to 38 Rutgers adjunct faculty members on March 6, according to the professors' union, and confirmed by the university.
The school is required to let professors know by a contractual deadline if their position may not be renewed for next year, according to the terms of an agreement Rutgers has with one of its faculty unions, the AAUP-AFT.
All 38 teachers are defined as "lectures" in the School of Arts and Sciences; they received notices last Friday they may not be re-appointed to their jobs next year. The university said there is a chance some could be re-hired.
The 38 faculty members teach about 100 classes, and this will have a direct impact on students, said Hank Kalet, vice president of the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union.
The faculty union said Rutgers continues to pour money into its athletics program (currently operating at a $516-million deficit), and the school looks to academics any time it wants to save money.
The compensation for adjunct professors accounts for less than one percent of the university’s budget.
"The money 'saved' by these cuts is minimal and could easily have been found in wasteful spending rather than in essential teachers’ salaries," said Heather Pierce, president of the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union. "Rutgers needs to reexamine its priorities. Its focus must be on the quality education and cutting-edge research that have propelled Rutgers into the ranks of the nation’s finest public universities, making it a draw for students around the world."
The two Rutgers faculty unions say Rutgers finances should be in very good shape: Rutgers has tuition hikes every year (tuition increased four percent in 2025, and another tuition hike is coming in fall 2026). Rutgers total enrollment is up by more than three percent. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the university's unrestricted reserves have grown by more than 50 percent, as has its endowment, which now exceeds $2 billion.
The only place Rutgers runs at a loss is its athletic department, according to accounting data the university previously made public to the media. Rutgers Athletics has famously rung up a $516.9 million deficit since the school joined the Big Ten athletic conference in 2014.
Non-tenure-track lecturers teach about a third of all classes across the university. They are the most vulnerable members of the faculty; they teach on short-term contracts, are paid per class and seldom qualify for health benefits.
The Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union represents roughly 3,000 lecturers overall. Rutgers AAUP-AFT represents more than 5,000 full-time faculty, graduate workers, postdocs and more at Rutgers.
Rutgers has dug a $500 million hole since joining the Big Ten. Where did the money go? (NJ.com)
Disclaimer:
Service Areas
