Rutgers is expecting to formally accept an invitation to join the Big Ten conference today and will hold a press conference Tuesday to announce the decision, ending an association with the Big East that began in 1991, The Star-Ledger has confirmed, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

That person asked to remain anonymous because a formal invitation has not been extended from the Big Ten.

When the invitation comes, Tim Pernetti, Rutgers' athletic director, has the power to accept without waiting for authorization from the school's board of governors.

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News of Rutgers' departure from the Big East was first reported by ESPN.com.

The person also said that Rutgers hopes to join the Big Ten by 2014, which means the school would have to negotiate with the Big East around the 27-month waiting period to exit the conference. The Big East also requires a $10-million exit fee.

Syracuse, Pittsburgh and West Virginia, however, have each negotiated early exits from the Big East over the past year, setting an example that Rutgers surely hopes to follow.

Earlier today, Maryland's board of regents voted to accept an invitation to leave the Atlantic Coast Conference and become the Big Ten's 13th member school.

ESPN.com has reported the Maryland president told the school's board of regents that Rutgers and Maryland will join the Leaders Division along with Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Purdue and Indiana.

Under that scenario, Illinois would move to the Legends Division with Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and Northwestern.

The Washington Post, however, said the Big Ten's new divisional breakdown has not been decided.

Tom Luicci: tluicci@starledger.com; twitter.com/TomLuicci

Follow @starledger

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