Rutgers University Senate - Committee Charges Pending

UNIVERSITY SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE CHARGES
ISSUED BY THE SENATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, AND
PENDING AS OF APRIL 2008

NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, deadlines are for response to Senate Executive Committee.
Comments on these charges/issues can be sent directly to the committee chairs, or to the Senate Secretary.
Some charges have been resolved in committees, but have not yet been acted upon by the Senate.
Charges with "S" prefix originate in the Senate or its Executive Committee. Charges with "A" prefix originate in Rutgers' central administration.

S-0107
University Structure and Governance Committee
Co-Chairs:
Tricia Nolfi
Jonathan Tittler Referendum Guidelines Review: Review the “University Senate Guidelines Regarding Special Student Organizations” and recommend revisions where needed. Include recommendations for clarifying any ambiguities, particularly as may arise when a referendum fails on one or more campuses. Recommend revised language wherever possible. [Partial report to Senate Executive Committee June 2003. Guidelines review deadline extended to indefinite time in Academic Year 2003-04. Later extended to November 2007.]

S-0202
Budget & Finance Committee
Chair:
Menahem Spiegel Evaluation of Parking and Transportation Services: Examine and make recommendations regarding coordination between bus and train schedules, class-period schedules, parking (especially for commuters) policies, and other campus functions. Incorporate input from Student Affairs Committee regarding discussions held with Parking and Transportation Services. Report to Executive Committee by November 2007.

S-0408
Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee
Co-Chairs:
Margaret Coppolo
Martha Cotter Academic Integrity Policy Review: Review the current University Policy on Academic Integrity, particularly with respect to University-wide standards of academic integrity and differences in local academic cultures. Also consider levels of student education on academic integrity, vehicles for prevention of violations which may help reduce reliance on punishment, and methods of centralized reporting of all offenses to facilitate appropriate recourse in cases of multiple-offenders. [Originally issued with a report deadline of March 15, 2005. Interim report made to April 2007 Senate. Committee-of-the-Whole discussion held at November 2007 Senate meeting. Deadline indefinite. Recommended Interim Policy (and suggestions for permanent policy) anticipated May 2008.]

S-0605
Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee
Co-Chairs:
Margaret Coppolo
Martha Cotter Admissions and Financial Aid Assessment: In light of the restructuring of undergraduate education in New Brunswick, the findings of the Constituency Research Project, and the appointment of a new Vice President for Enrollment Management, assess the current strengths and weakness of the Admissions and Financial Aid operations at Rutgers. How well do Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid serve the needs of the Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick Campuses? Is the current balance between centralization of support services and devolution of authority among the campuses optimal? To what extent should the three regional campuses “go their own way” with regard to undergraduate recruiting? How can we best explain Rutgers as one university with three campuses, each with its own particular character and strengths? Make recommendations for improvement based on your assessment. (The following clause was added January 2007.) Follow the deliberations of the New Brunswick Task Force on Enrollment Management and assess the probable effects of its recommendations on recruitment, admissions, and financial aid university-wide. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by December 2008.

S-0701
University Structure and Governance Committee
Co-Chairs:
Tricia Nolfi
Jonathan Tittler

Non-tenure-track Faculty Role in Shared Governance: Examine, with input from the Senate's Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee, the issue of all part-time, as well as full-time non-tenure-track, faculty and their role in shared governance at all levels throughout Rutgers, particularly as it relates to the increasing academic reliance on those faculty. Research best practices and make recommendations regarding how the role and participation of those faculty in University decision-making can better reflect their teaching/research responsibilities and better inform the educational process throughout Rutgers. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2, 2007.

S-0703
Instruction, Curricula and Advising Committee
Chair:
Natalie Borisovets Intersession: Examine how other institutions offering intersession programs have dealt with the time constraint issue, and offer recommendations on how Rutgers may adapt its programs so as to best meet student needs while maintaining acceptable pedagogical standards. Respond to Executive Committee by April 2, 2007.

S-0704
University Structure and Governance Committee
Co-Chairs:
Tricia Nolfi
Jonathan Tittler Senate Standing Committee Structure Review: Consider and make recommendations for modifying the Senate's standing committee structure and/or charges. Consider the proposals submitted by the Staff Caucus, by Senator Gayle Stein, and by Senator Martha Cotter when deliberating on this matter. Consider other committee structure modifications that may be needed or proposed. Solicit input from the Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee, Equal Opportunity Committee, or other committees identified in the proposals or which may be affected by changes considered or suggested under this charge. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by February 1, 2008. ADDENDUM October 2007: Include in discussions on Charge S-0407 the "Resolution from the Graduate School-New Brunswick" regarding instituting a Senate Committee on Graduate and Professional Education.

S-0705
Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ann Gould
Paul Leath
Paul Panayotatos Contingent Faculty Proposal: Consider and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of implementing the “Proposal to Convert Part-time to Full-time Appointments and Instructional Full-time Non-tenure-track Appointments to Tenure-track Appointments” received from Professors Zoran Gajic, Karen Thompson, and Richard Moser. Include considerations on implementation timelines and related issues. Report to Senate Executive Committee by April 2008.

S-0706
Budget and Finance Committee
Chair:
Menahem Spiegel Rutgers' Financial Investments: Explore and report on Rutgers’ income from investment in financial assets and from other capital investments. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 2008.

S-0707
Budget and Finance Committee
Chair:
Menahem Spiegel Rutgers' Fundraising: Explore and report on Rutgers’ income from fundraising. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 2008.

S-0708
Student Affairs Committee
Co-Chairs:
Maxim Kind
Samuel Rabinowitz Student Charter Trustee Nominations and Elections: Examine and make recommendations for improving the processes and policies related to nomination and election of Student Charter Trustees, and for efficiently communicating nomination and election information to students and student governing associations. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2008.

S-0709
Budget and Finance Committee
Chair:
Menahem Spiegel InterCampus Shuttle Service: Consider and make recommendations on feasibility and usefulness of University-provided, free or low-cost, daily shuttle or bus service between the Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick campuses for any persons holding valid Rutgers student or employee identification. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by February 2008. Begin discussions based on the "Proposal to Implement Bus or Shuttle Transportation Between Camden, Newark and New Brunswick" received from the Student Affairs Committee. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2008.

S-0710
Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ann Gould
Paul Leath
Paul Panayotatos Proposal on Tuition Remission for Part-Time Lecturer Faculty: Consider and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of implementing the "Proposal to Make Tuition-Remission Benefits Available to Part-Time Lecturer Faculty" received from Professor/Senator Karen Thompson. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2008.

S-0711
Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ann Gould
Paul Leath
Paul Panayotatos Tenure-Track Career Flexibility: Review and comment on the American Council on Education's 2005 release entitled "First-Tier Universities Offer Tenure-Track Career Flexibility According To American Council on Education Survey" and report entitled "An Agenda for Excellence: Creating Flexibility in Tenure-Track Faculty Careers" as requested by Professor/Senator Peter Simmons. Discuss and make recommendations regarding the advisability of instituting policies and practices similar to those outlined in the release and report at Rutgers. Respond with Preliminary Report to Senate Executive Committee by April 2008, and include a suggested response deadline for final report on this issue.

S-0712
University Structure and Governance Committee
Co-Chairs:
Tricia Nolfi
Jonathan Tittler Enhanced Shared Governance, and University Senate: Review the Senate Handbook and Bylaws, and make recommendations or suggestions for revision based on the USGC's self-submitted "Proposal to Review Senate Operations to Enhance Shared Governance. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by February 2008.

S-0713
Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee
Co-Chairs:
Margaret Coppolo
Martha Cotter Weekend Examinations: Evaluate the appropriateness or desirability of continuing to hold weekend exams. Consider the Rutgers University Student Assembly's "Resolution Against Weekend Exams," as well as the Senate's February 2000 adoption of weekend exams. Consult with the Director of Scheduling and Space Management, University Registrar and others to research the statistics on conflicts with these exams. Make recommendations as to whether weekend exams should be continued. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 2008.

S-0801
Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ann Gould
Paul Leath
Paul Panayotatos Employee Professional and Personal Development: Discuss, and make recommendations on, how Rutgers can best promote professional and personal development for all of its employees. Consider in these discussions Rutgers' established mechanisms for providing educational opportunities for faculty and staff and their families, the draft resolution on this matter from the Staff Caucus, and relevant input solicited through appropriate Rutgers offices and individuals from various, affected constituencies. Evaluate the mechanisms by which such opportunities are made available to employees, and suggest improved means for encouraging Rutgers employees to take advantage of available professional and personal development programs, and for establishing a continuing culture of employee development at Rutgers. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2008.

S-0802
Student Affairs Committee
Co-Chairs:
Maxim Kind
Samuel Rabinowitz Policies on Participation in Blood Drives: Determine if the US Food and Drug Administration's practice and policy of barring blood donations by men who have sex with men is a discriminatory practice that violates Rutgers' nondiscrimination policies. If the discriminatory practice does violate, explore and propose options by which Rutgers' administration may address the discrimination and policy violation, up to and including an outright ban on blood drives. Consult with Melodee Lasky, Executive Director of Rutgers-NB Health Services, and Francesca Maresca, Senior Health Education Specialist, on this issue. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by December 2008.

S-0803
Budget and Finance Committee
Chair:
Menahem Spiegel Emergency Communication Processes: Investigate and make recommendations on communication processes used to inform students, faculty, and staff about what to do in various emergency situations. These situations may include bomb threats, fires, chemical spills, and individuals with weapons. Consult with Vice President for Student Affairs Gregory Blimling, Executive Director for Public Safety Jay Kohl, and Senior Director of Campus Information Services Matt Weismantel on this issue. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by November 2008.

S-0804
Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ann Gould
Paul Leath
Paul Panayotatos Dealing with Psychological Emergencies: Investigate and make recommendations on communication processes used to inform and train full-time and part-time faculty and staff about how to address potential psychological problems with individuals around them. These situations may include potential suicides and substance abuse. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by November 2008.

S-0107 University Structure and Governance Committee Co-Chairs: Tricia Nolfi Jonathan Tittler	Referendum Guidelines Review: Review the “University Senate Guidelines Regarding Special Student Organizations” and recommend revisions where needed. Include recommendations for clarifying any ambiguities, particularly as may arise when a referendum fails on one or more campuses. Recommend revised language wherever possible. [Partial report to Senate Executive Committee June 2003. Guidelines review deadline extended to indefinite time in Academic Year 2003-04. Later extended to November 2007.]
S-0202 Budget & Finance Committee Chair: Menahem Spiegel	Evaluation of Parking and Transportation Services: Examine and make recommendations regarding coordination between bus and train schedules, class-period schedules, parking (especially for commuters) policies, and other campus functions. Incorporate input from Student Affairs Committee regarding discussions held with Parking and Transportation Services. Report to Executive Committee by November 2007.
S-0408 Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee Co-Chairs: Margaret Coppolo Martha Cotter	Academic Integrity Policy Review: Review the current University Policy on Academic Integrity, particularly with respect to University-wide standards of academic integrity and differences in local academic cultures. Also consider levels of student education on academic integrity, vehicles for prevention of violations which may help reduce reliance on punishment, and methods of centralized reporting of all offenses to facilitate appropriate recourse in cases of multiple-offenders. [Originally issued with a report deadline of March 15, 2005. Interim report made to April 2007 Senate. Committee-of-the-Whole discussion held at November 2007 Senate meeting. Deadline indefinite. Recommended Interim Policy (and suggestions for permanent policy) anticipated May 2008.]
S-0605 Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee Co-Chairs: Margaret Coppolo Martha Cotter	Admissions and Financial Aid Assessment: In light of the restructuring of undergraduate education in New Brunswick, the findings of the Constituency Research Project, and the appointment of a new Vice President for Enrollment Management, assess the current strengths and weakness of the Admissions and Financial Aid operations at Rutgers. How well do Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid serve the needs of the Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick Campuses? Is the current balance between centralization of support services and devolution of authority among the campuses optimal? To what extent should the three regional campuses “go their own way” with regard to undergraduate recruiting? How can we best explain Rutgers as one university with three campuses, each with its own particular character and strengths? Make recommendations for improvement based on your assessment. (The following clause was added January 2007.) Follow the deliberations of the New Brunswick Task Force on Enrollment Management and assess the probable effects of its recommendations on recruitment, admissions, and financial aid university-wide. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by December 2008.
S-0701 University Structure and Governance Committee Co-Chairs: Tricia Nolfi Jonathan Tittler	Non-tenure-track Faculty Role in Shared Governance: Examine, with input from the Senate's Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee, the issue of all part-time, as well as full-time non-tenure-track, faculty and their role in shared governance at all levels throughout Rutgers, particularly as it relates to the increasing academic reliance on those faculty. Research best practices and make recommendations regarding how the role and participation of those faculty in University decision-making can better reflect their teaching/research responsibilities and better inform the educational process throughout Rutgers. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2, 2007.
S-0703 Instruction, Curricula and Advising Committee Chair: Natalie Borisovets	Intersession: Examine how other institutions offering intersession programs have dealt with the time constraint issue, and offer recommendations on how Rutgers may adapt its programs so as to best meet student needs while maintaining acceptable pedagogical standards. Respond to Executive Committee by April 2, 2007.
S-0704 University Structure and Governance Committee Co-Chairs: Tricia Nolfi Jonathan Tittler	Senate Standing Committee Structure Review: Consider and make recommendations for modifying the Senate's standing committee structure and/or charges. Consider the proposals submitted by the Staff Caucus, by Senator Gayle Stein, and by Senator Martha Cotter when deliberating on this matter. Consider other committee structure modifications that may be needed or proposed. Solicit input from the Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee, Equal Opportunity Committee, or other committees identified in the proposals or which may be affected by changes considered or suggested under this charge. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by February 1, 2008. ADDENDUM October 2007: Include in discussions on Charge S-0407 the "Resolution from the Graduate School-New Brunswick" regarding instituting a Senate Committee on Graduate and Professional Education.
S-0705 Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee Co-Chairs: Ann Gould Paul Leath Paul Panayotatos	Contingent Faculty Proposal: Consider and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of implementing the “Proposal to Convert Part-time to Full-time Appointments and Instructional Full-time Non-tenure-track Appointments to Tenure-track Appointments” received from Professors Zoran Gajic, Karen Thompson, and Richard Moser. Include considerations on implementation timelines and related issues. Report to Senate Executive Committee by April 2008.
S-0706 Budget and Finance Committee Chair: Menahem Spiegel	Rutgers' Financial Investments: Explore and report on Rutgers’ income from investment in financial assets and from other capital investments. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 2008.
S-0707 Budget and Finance Committee Chair: Menahem Spiegel	Rutgers' Fundraising: Explore and report on Rutgers’ income from fundraising. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 2008.
S-0708 Student Affairs Committee Co-Chairs: Maxim Kind Samuel Rabinowitz	Student Charter Trustee Nominations and Elections: Examine and make recommendations for improving the processes and policies related to nomination and election of Student Charter Trustees, and for efficiently communicating nomination and election information to students and student governing associations. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2008.
S-0709 Budget and Finance Committee Chair: Menahem Spiegel	InterCampus Shuttle Service: Consider and make recommendations on feasibility and usefulness of University-provided, free or low-cost, daily shuttle or bus service between the Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick campuses for any persons holding valid Rutgers student or employee identification. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by February 2008. Begin discussions based on the "Proposal to Implement Bus or Shuttle Transportation Between Camden, Newark and New Brunswick" received from the Student Affairs Committee. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2008.
S-0710 Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee Co-Chairs: Ann Gould Paul Leath Paul Panayotatos	Proposal on Tuition Remission for Part-Time Lecturer Faculty: Consider and make recommendations regarding the feasibility of implementing the "Proposal to Make Tuition-Remission Benefits Available to Part-Time Lecturer Faculty" received from Professor/Senator Karen Thompson. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2008.
S-0711 Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee Co-Chairs: Ann Gould Paul Leath Paul Panayotatos	Tenure-Track Career Flexibility: Review and comment on the American Council on Education's 2005 release entitled "First-Tier Universities Offer Tenure-Track Career Flexibility According To American Council on Education Survey" and report entitled "An Agenda for Excellence: Creating Flexibility in Tenure-Track Faculty Careers" as requested by Professor/Senator Peter Simmons. Discuss and make recommendations regarding the advisability of instituting policies and practices similar to those outlined in the release and report at Rutgers. Respond with Preliminary Report to Senate Executive Committee by April 2008, and include a suggested response deadline for final report on this issue.
S-0712 University Structure and Governance Committee Co-Chairs: Tricia Nolfi Jonathan Tittler	Enhanced Shared Governance, and University Senate: Review the Senate Handbook and Bylaws, and make recommendations or suggestions for revision based on the USGC's self-submitted "Proposal to Review Senate Operations to Enhance Shared Governance. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by February 2008.
S-0713 Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee Co-Chairs: Margaret Coppolo Martha Cotter	Weekend Examinations: Evaluate the appropriateness or desirability of continuing to hold weekend exams. Consider the Rutgers University Student Assembly's "Resolution Against Weekend Exams," as well as the Senate's February 2000 adoption of weekend exams. Consult with the Director of Scheduling and Space Management, University Registrar and others to research the statistics on conflicts with these exams. Make recommendations as to whether weekend exams should be continued. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 2008.
S-0801 Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee Co-Chairs: Ann Gould Paul Leath Paul Panayotatos	Employee Professional and Personal Development: Discuss, and make recommendations on, how Rutgers can best promote professional and personal development for all of its employees. Consider in these discussions Rutgers' established mechanisms for providing educational opportunities for faculty and staff and their families, the draft resolution on this matter from the Staff Caucus, and relevant input solicited through appropriate Rutgers offices and individuals from various, affected constituencies. Evaluate the mechanisms by which such opportunities are made available to employees, and suggest improved means for encouraging Rutgers employees to take advantage of available professional and personal development programs, and for establishing a continuing culture of employee development at Rutgers. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2008.
S-0802 Student Affairs Committee Co-Chairs: Maxim Kind Samuel Rabinowitz	Policies on Participation in Blood Drives: Determine if the US Food and Drug Administration's practice and policy of barring blood donations by men who have sex with men is a discriminatory practice that violates Rutgers' nondiscrimination policies. If the discriminatory practice does violate, explore and propose options by which Rutgers' administration may address the discrimination and policy violation, up to and including an outright ban on blood drives. Consult with Melodee Lasky, Executive Director of Rutgers-NB Health Services, and Francesca Maresca, Senior Health Education Specialist, on this issue. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by December 2008.
S-0803 Budget and Finance Committee Chair: Menahem Spiegel	Emergency Communication Processes: Investigate and make recommendations on communication processes used to inform students, faculty, and staff about what to do in various emergency situations. These situations may include bomb threats, fires, chemical spills, and individuals with weapons. Consult with Vice President for Student Affairs Gregory Blimling, Executive Director for Public Safety Jay Kohl, and Senior Director of Campus Information Services Matt Weismantel on this issue. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by November 2008.
S-0804 Faculty Affairs and Personnel Committee Co-Chairs: Ann Gould Paul Leath Paul Panayotatos	Dealing with Psychological Emergencies: Investigate and make recommendations on communication processes used to inform and train full-time and part-time faculty and staff about how to address potential psychological problems with individuals around them. These situations may include potential suicides and substance abuse. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by November 2008.