Rutgers University Senate - Committee Charges Pending

UNIVERSITY SENATE STANDING COMMITTEE CHARGES
ISSUED BY THE SENATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, AND
PENDING AS OF NOVEMBER 2009

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-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 October 2009.

S-0712
University Structure and Governance Committee
Co-Chairs:
Peter Gillett
Jon Oliver 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 March 2010.

S-0801
Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ann Gould
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 November 2009.

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 2009.

S-0805
University Structure and Governance Committee
Co-Chairs:
Peter Gillett
Jon Oliver
Senate Representation by Full-time, Non-tenure-track Faculty: Consider the proposal to change eligibility for faculty Senator elections to include full-time, non-tenure-track faculty. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2, 2010.

S-0807
Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee
Co-chairs:
Martha Cotter
Dan Schantz
Add/Drop Period: Consider and report on the Proposal on the add/drop period submitted by Senator Candice Greaux, and the related resolution from the Rutgers University Student Assembly. Consult with financial aid personnel at Rutgers when discussing the issues in the proposal and resolution. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by December 2009.

S-0808
Instruction, Curricula, and Advising Committee
Chair:
Natalie Borisovets Implementation of 2006 Senate Recommendations on Availablility of Syllabi: Consider and report on the Proposal submitted by Senator Candice Greaux, and the related resolution from the Rutgers University Student Assembly, regarding implementation of the Senate's recommendations on availability of syllabi, contained in the 2006 Instruction, Curricula and Advising Committee's Response to Charge S-0313, Availability of Syllabi during Add/Drop. Also consider how new technologies, and emphasis on learning goals and assessment objectives for courses, have changed the definition of "syllabus." Respond to Senate Executive Committee by November 2009.

S-0811
Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ann Gould
Paul Panayotatos Changes to Academic Reappointment/Promotion Instructions: Review the process by which external letters are solicited and utilized in the reappointment/promotion process. Include a response to the issues raised by Senator Eric Allender regarding changes made to the 2008-09 Academic Reappointment/Promotion Instructions. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2010.

A-0812
Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ann Gould
Paul Panayotatos Evaluation of Administrators: Evaluate the current procedures for faculty, staff and student evaluation of deans since implementation in 2004. Recommend changes where appropriate, and examine the feasibility of extending the process to include vice presidents and other administrators. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by February 2010.

S-0902
University Structure and Governance Committee
Co-Chairs:
Peter Gillett
Jon Oliver Senate Speakers, Discussions, Forums: Consider proposals to limit discussion during University Senate meetings, when motions are on the floor, to that of Senators and specifically invited guests. Also consider proposals to provide for public input to issues before the Senate, such as possibly providing for opening the Senate meetings to the public during the President's Annual Address to the Rutgers Community, as well as during the three annual campus reports, and at other times, such as in public hearings or forums by the Senate or any of its committees, and possibly when the Senate is in committee of the whole. Respond to the Senate Executive Committee by December 2009.

S-0903
University Structure and Governance Committee
Co-Chairs:
Peter Gillett
Jon Oliver Senate Committee Charge Response Limits: Consider whether the University Senate should establish a general, maximum time limit for committee responses to charges issued by the Executive Committee. Make recommendations on time limits, and how to deal with charges that are pending in committee beyond specific deadlines or overall time limits. Respond to the Senate Executive Committee by March 5, 2010.

S-0904
University Structure and Governance Committee
Co-Chairs:
Peter Gillett
Jon Oliver Assessment of Research, and Graduate and Professional Education Committee (RGPEC) Standing Charge: Review the RGPEC standing charge (See #8) and evaluate whether an undergraduate research component should be added. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2010.

S-0905
Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee
Co-chairs:
Martha Cotter
Dan Schantz Academic Integrity Policy: Consider and critique the draft permanent Academic Integrity Policy prepared by the Ad-hoc Academic Integrity Committee. Provide comments, criticisms, and suggestions for changes to the Ad-hoc Committee on an ongoing basis. Report to the Senate on progress on developing a new policy by March 2010.

A-0906
Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee
Co-chairs:
Martha Cotter
Dan Schantz Academic Calendar, Commencement Dates: Consider and decide on Secretary of the University Leslie Fehrenbach's request (and its attachment) that the University Senate change the University Commencement dates on the academic calendar for 2010 and beyond. The Senate Executive Committee, at its September 2009 meeting, on behalf of the Senate, approved the change for 2010 as an urgent matter requiring immediate action. The ASRAC is now asked to consider the requested changes for academic years 2010-11 and beyond. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2010.

S-0908
University Structure and Governance Committee
Co-Chairs:
Peter Gillett
Jon Oliver Proposal to Increase Staff Membership on the Senate: Review the Proposal to Increase Staff Representation on the University Senate from the Union of Rutgers Administrators - American Federation of Teachers Local 1766, which proposes (see last paragraph of linked document) the following: "We recommend that the University Senate double the number of seats for staff from 10 to 20 by January 1, 2011." Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2010.

S-0909
Student Affairs Committee
Co-Chairs:
Kevin Wild
Samuel Rabinowitz University College: Investigate and make recommendations for improvement upon the current scope of University College on each of the regional campuses. Include in your investigation admissions criteria, marketing techniques separate from the general university, availability for support and student services, as well as general campus life information for these “non-traditional” students. In addition, explore ways that University College can be expanded to improve the university as a whole. Recognizing the lack of a designated “University College” on the New Brunswick-Piscataway Campus, explore the support structure which is in place in the University College Community. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2, 2010.

S-0910
Student Affairs Committee
Co-Chairs:
Kevin Wild
Samuel Rabinowitz Accessibility of Student Services: Examine the function of disability services support to determine the adequacy of resource allocation and awareness. This includes the review of the adequacy of physical resources, the availability of funds for outside services and required accommodation equipment and tools, and sources for increases in professional and support personnel. Recommend best practices to be implemented which would allow for the effective dissemination of information to faculty and staff to promote awareness so they may be a part of the solution towards providing accommodations and supporting this unique population of students. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 5, 2010.

S-0911
Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ann Gould
Paul Panayotatos Faculty Orientation Programs: Review new faculty orientation programs, including those for part-time lecturers, around the university. How can the process be improved? How do faculty know where and to whom to go for various services and guidance? Are there commonalities across all faculty hires which could be combined into one program/information book? Should there be different programs for tenured vs. nontenured new hires? Respond to Senate Executive Committee by October 2010.

S-0912
Research, and Graduate and Professional Education Committee
Co-Chairs:
Daniel McArdle
Gayle Stein Online Courses in Master's and Professional Degree Programs: Review, discuss, and make recommendations on how Rutgers can best utilize online courses in master’s and professional degrees. Review the recommendation from the Senate Instruction, Curricula, & Advising Committee on hybrid courses. Evaluate the means by which online courses are set up, and suggest improved means for encouraging Rutgers departments and schools to take advantage of the availability of online, distance-learning, and hybrid courses. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2, 2010.

S-0913
Research, and Graduate and Professional Education Committee
Co-Chairs:
Daniel McArdle
Gayle Stein Opportunity Disparities between Part- and Full-Time Master’s and Professional Degree Programs: Evaluate existing and potential disparities in intellectual opportunity and services offered between part-time and full-time master’s and professional degrees. Look into the effects of such disparities on students, including students' ability to complete these degrees on time. Assess logistical constraints as well as cross-listing benefits. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 5, 2010.

S-0914
Budget and Finance Committee
Chair:
Menahem Spiegel All-Funds Budgeting Integration: Investigate the integration of all-funds budgeting with the university planning objectives and its implementation. Also investigate how all-funds budgeting applies at the department level. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 5, 2010.

S-0915
University Structure and Governance Committee
Co-Chairs:
Peter Gillett
Jon Oliver Staff Senator Election Processes: Consider the Recommendations on the Conduct of Staff Senator Elections proposed by the Staff Caucus. Recommend elements of an inclusive, practical method of electing staff Senators, based on the proposal, processes used in past staff Senator elections, and other research and discussion. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by December 2010.

S-0916
Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee
Co-chairs:
Martha Cotter
Dan Schantz Merit Scholarship Funding: Evaluate current and proposed Rutgers policies for the awarding and funding of merit, as opposed to need-based, scholarships for undergraduate students, and propose possible changes to those policies. Questions to be addressed should include: What should be the appropriate role for merit scholarships in a public university? Should at least some merit scholarships be funded centrally rather than by individual schools and colleges? Are current and proposed policies for awarding merit scholarships highly effective in attracting outstanding students to Rutgers? Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2010.

S-0917
Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ann Gould
Paul Panayotatos Application of the “Ten-Year Rule” in Promotions to Full Professor: Investigate the application of the "ten-year rule" in promotions to full professor. In particular, investigate the relative frequency it is being invoked and the resultant success rate. Also assess whether it has accomplished its original goal of providing an alternative basis for promotion for faculty who continue to make significant contributions to the academic and professional mission of the university after achieving tenure, and whose publication record has not kept pace with what was expected of them when tenure was awarded. Propose changes as needed. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2010.

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 October 2009.
S-0712 University Structure and Governance Committee Co-Chairs: Peter Gillett Jon Oliver	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 March 2010.
S-0801 Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee Co-Chairs: Ann Gould 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 November 2009.
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 2009.
S-0805 University Structure and Governance Committee Co-Chairs: Peter Gillett Jon Oliver	Senate Representation by Full-time, Non-tenure-track Faculty: Consider the proposal to change eligibility for faculty Senator elections to include full-time, non-tenure-track faculty. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2, 2010.
S-0807 Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee Co-chairs: Martha Cotter Dan Schantz	Add/Drop Period: Consider and report on the Proposal on the add/drop period submitted by Senator Candice Greaux, and the related resolution from the Rutgers University Student Assembly. Consult with financial aid personnel at Rutgers when discussing the issues in the proposal and resolution. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by December 2009.
S-0808 Instruction, Curricula, and Advising Committee Chair: Natalie Borisovets	Implementation of 2006 Senate Recommendations on Availablility of Syllabi: Consider and report on the Proposal submitted by Senator Candice Greaux, and the related resolution from the Rutgers University Student Assembly, regarding implementation of the Senate's recommendations on availability of syllabi, contained in the 2006 Instruction, Curricula and Advising Committee's Response to Charge S-0313, Availability of Syllabi during Add/Drop. Also consider how new technologies, and emphasis on learning goals and assessment objectives for courses, have changed the definition of "syllabus." Respond to Senate Executive Committee by November 2009.
S-0811 Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee Co-Chairs: Ann Gould Paul Panayotatos	Changes to Academic Reappointment/Promotion Instructions: Review the process by which external letters are solicited and utilized in the reappointment/promotion process. Include a response to the issues raised by Senator Eric Allender regarding changes made to the 2008-09 Academic Reappointment/Promotion Instructions. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2010.
A-0812 Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee Co-Chairs: Ann Gould Paul Panayotatos	Evaluation of Administrators: Evaluate the current procedures for faculty, staff and student evaluation of deans since implementation in 2004. Recommend changes where appropriate, and examine the feasibility of extending the process to include vice presidents and other administrators. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by February 2010.
S-0902 University Structure and Governance Committee Co-Chairs: Peter Gillett Jon Oliver	Senate Speakers, Discussions, Forums: Consider proposals to limit discussion during University Senate meetings, when motions are on the floor, to that of Senators and specifically invited guests. Also consider proposals to provide for public input to issues before the Senate, such as possibly providing for opening the Senate meetings to the public during the President's Annual Address to the Rutgers Community, as well as during the three annual campus reports, and at other times, such as in public hearings or forums by the Senate or any of its committees, and possibly when the Senate is in committee of the whole. Respond to the Senate Executive Committee by December 2009.
S-0903 University Structure and Governance Committee Co-Chairs: Peter Gillett Jon Oliver	Senate Committee Charge Response Limits: Consider whether the University Senate should establish a general, maximum time limit for committee responses to charges issued by the Executive Committee. Make recommendations on time limits, and how to deal with charges that are pending in committee beyond specific deadlines or overall time limits. Respond to the Senate Executive Committee by March 5, 2010.
S-0904 University Structure and Governance Committee Co-Chairs: Peter Gillett Jon Oliver	Assessment of Research, and Graduate and Professional Education Committee (RGPEC) Standing Charge: Review the RGPEC standing charge (See #8) and evaluate whether an undergraduate research component should be added. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2010.
S-0905 Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee Co-chairs: Martha Cotter Dan Schantz	Academic Integrity Policy: Consider and critique the draft permanent Academic Integrity Policy prepared by the Ad-hoc Academic Integrity Committee. Provide comments, criticisms, and suggestions for changes to the Ad-hoc Committee on an ongoing basis. Report to the Senate on progress on developing a new policy by March 2010.
A-0906 Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee Co-chairs: Martha Cotter Dan Schantz	Academic Calendar, Commencement Dates: Consider and decide on Secretary of the University Leslie Fehrenbach's request (and its attachment) that the University Senate change the University Commencement dates on the academic calendar for 2010 and beyond. The Senate Executive Committee, at its September 2009 meeting, on behalf of the Senate, approved the change for 2010 as an urgent matter requiring immediate action. The ASRAC is now asked to consider the requested changes for academic years 2010-11 and beyond. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2010.
S-0908 University Structure and Governance Committee Co-Chairs: Peter Gillett Jon Oliver	Proposal to Increase Staff Membership on the Senate: Review the Proposal to Increase Staff Representation on the University Senate from the Union of Rutgers Administrators - American Federation of Teachers Local 1766, which proposes (see last paragraph of linked document) the following: "We recommend that the University Senate double the number of seats for staff from 10 to 20 by January 1, 2011." Respond to Senate Executive Committee by January 2010.
S-0909 Student Affairs Committee Co-Chairs: Kevin Wild Samuel Rabinowitz	University College: Investigate and make recommendations for improvement upon the current scope of University College on each of the regional campuses. Include in your investigation admissions criteria, marketing techniques separate from the general university, availability for support and student services, as well as general campus life information for these “non-traditional” students. In addition, explore ways that University College can be expanded to improve the university as a whole. Recognizing the lack of a designated “University College” on the New Brunswick-Piscataway Campus, explore the support structure which is in place in the University College Community. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2, 2010.
S-0910 Student Affairs Committee Co-Chairs: Kevin Wild Samuel Rabinowitz	Accessibility of Student Services: Examine the function of disability services support to determine the adequacy of resource allocation and awareness. This includes the review of the adequacy of physical resources, the availability of funds for outside services and required accommodation equipment and tools, and sources for increases in professional and support personnel. Recommend best practices to be implemented which would allow for the effective dissemination of information to faculty and staff to promote awareness so they may be a part of the solution towards providing accommodations and supporting this unique population of students. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 5, 2010.
S-0911 Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee Co-Chairs: Ann Gould Paul Panayotatos	Faculty Orientation Programs: Review new faculty orientation programs, including those for part-time lecturers, around the university. How can the process be improved? How do faculty know where and to whom to go for various services and guidance? Are there commonalities across all faculty hires which could be combined into one program/information book? Should there be different programs for tenured vs. nontenured new hires? Respond to Senate Executive Committee by October 2010.
S-0912 Research, and Graduate and Professional Education Committee Co-Chairs: Daniel McArdle Gayle Stein	Online Courses in Master's and Professional Degree Programs: Review, discuss, and make recommendations on how Rutgers can best utilize online courses in master’s and professional degrees. Review the recommendation from the Senate Instruction, Curricula, & Advising Committee on hybrid courses. Evaluate the means by which online courses are set up, and suggest improved means for encouraging Rutgers departments and schools to take advantage of the availability of online, distance-learning, and hybrid courses. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2, 2010.
S-0913 Research, and Graduate and Professional Education Committee Co-Chairs: Daniel McArdle Gayle Stein	Opportunity Disparities between Part- and Full-Time Master’s and Professional Degree Programs: Evaluate existing and potential disparities in intellectual opportunity and services offered between part-time and full-time master’s and professional degrees. Look into the effects of such disparities on students, including students' ability to complete these degrees on time. Assess logistical constraints as well as cross-listing benefits. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 5, 2010.
S-0914 Budget and Finance Committee Chair: Menahem Spiegel	All-Funds Budgeting Integration: Investigate the integration of all-funds budgeting with the university planning objectives and its implementation. Also investigate how all-funds budgeting applies at the department level. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by March 5, 2010.
S-0915 University Structure and Governance Committee Co-Chairs: Peter Gillett Jon Oliver	Staff Senator Election Processes: Consider the Recommendations on the Conduct of Staff Senator Elections proposed by the Staff Caucus. Recommend elements of an inclusive, practical method of electing staff Senators, based on the proposal, processes used in past staff Senator elections, and other research and discussion. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by December 2010.
S-0916 Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions Committee Co-chairs: Martha Cotter Dan Schantz	Merit Scholarship Funding: Evaluate current and proposed Rutgers policies for the awarding and funding of merit, as opposed to need-based, scholarships for undergraduate students, and propose possible changes to those policies. Questions to be addressed should include: What should be the appropriate role for merit scholarships in a public university? Should at least some merit scholarships be funded centrally rather than by individual schools and colleges? Are current and proposed policies for awarding merit scholarships highly effective in attracting outstanding students to Rutgers? Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2010.
S-0917 Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee Co-Chairs: Ann Gould Paul Panayotatos	Application of the “Ten-Year Rule” in Promotions to Full Professor: Investigate the application of the "ten-year rule" in promotions to full professor. In particular, investigate the relative frequency it is being invoked and the resultant success rate. Also assess whether it has accomplished its original goal of providing an alternative basis for promotion for faculty who continue to make significant contributions to the academic and professional mission of the university after achieving tenure, and whose publication record has not kept pace with what was expected of them when tenure was awarded. Propose changes as needed. Respond to Senate Executive Committee by April 2010.