2020-21 Research and Graduate & Professional Education Committee - Rutgers University Senate Skip to main content

2020-2021 Research, and Graduate and Professional Education Committee

Standing Charge: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for matters directly related to research, graduate and professional education, and the students and faculty affiliated with such programs. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • To provide feedback and input to the Senate on both graduate and professional education, and on research.
  • To provide feedback to Rutgers’ central administration on University policies and practices that affect graduate and professional students.
  • To evaluate and recommend policies concerning both internal funding for research and the conditions under which external research funds are solicited, accepted, and administered.
  • To consider intellectual authorship, copyright, trademark, and patent policies of the University.
  • To review the broad educational and research policies of the University related to graduate and professional instruction, curricula, and advising.
  • To review educational policies related to times, places, and manners of graduate or professional instruction, including distance learning and the use of technology.
  • To review and advise Rutgers’ president on the termination or suspension of graduate and professional academic programs.
  • To address, in conjunction with the Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee, issues that specifically deal with graduate faculty and research staff.
  • To address issues related to workplace climate and working conditions in the University as they concern researchers and graduate and professional students.
  • To make recommendations to the Senate concerning advice to the central administration about meetings, forums, and conferences on major issues in educational policy and public service.
  • To advise Rutgers’ administrative officers and others, through the Senate, on questions relating to actual, possible or alleged discrimination as they may affect the researchers and graduate and professional students and faculty of Rutgers, or Rutgers’ responsibility to the public.

[Note: The Senior Vice President for Research, and the Associate Vice President for Research Regulatory Affairs shall be asked to serve as an ex officio members of this committee.]

Senator Constituency
Olga Jarrín Montaner, ChairRBHS Centers, Bureaus, and Institutes, Faculty
, Member TERM LIST DOES NOT EXIST
, Member TERM LIST DOES NOT EXIST
Jean Anderson Eloy, MemberNew Jersey Medical School, Faculty
Vrushank Bhatt, MemberSchool of Graduate Studies, Student
Debashish Bhattacharya, MemberSchool of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Faculty
Detlev Boison, MemberRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences At-Large, Faculty
Rick Dool, MemberSchool of Communication and Information, Faculty
Chazz Fellenz, MemberNewark Staff
Linda Flynn, MemberSchool of Nursing, Dean
Grace Guo, MemberErnest Mario School of Pharmacy, Faculty
Arash Hatefi, MemberErnest Mario School of Pharmacy, Faculty
Taja-Nia Henderson, MemberGraduate School-Newark, Dean
Amanda Immidisetti, MemberRobert Wood Johnson Medical School, Student
John Joergensen, MemberRutgers Law School in Newark, Faculty
Rachel Kaye, MemberNew Jersey Medical School, Faculty
John Kettle, MemberNewark At-Large, Faculty
Jerome Kukor, MemberSchool of Graduate Studies, Dean
Adam Kustka, MemberUniversity College-Newark, Faculty
Valentine Lamar, MemberGraduate School-Newark, Student
Laura Lawson, MemberSchool of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Dean
Liping Liu, MemberSchool of Arts and Sciences-NB, Faculty
Carol Lutz, MemberSchool of Graduate Studies, Faculty
Luke Madson, MemberSchool of Graduate Studies, Student
Monica Mazurek, MemberSchool of Graduate Studies, Faculty
Juan Mena-Segovia, MemberNewark Centers, Bureaus, and Institutes, Faculty
Christopher Molloy, MemberNew Brunswick Chancellor
Deborah Silver, MemberSchool of Graduate Studies, Faculty
Adrienne Simonds, MemberSchool of Health Professions, Faculty
Paul Takhistov, MemberSchool of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Faculty
Michael Van Stine, MemberGraduate School-Camden, Student
Carolyne White, MemberGraduate School-Newark, Faculty
Senator Present Excused Absent
Jarrín Montaner, Olga | RBHS Centers, Bureaus, and Institutes, Faculty 2 0 8
, | TERM LIST DOES NOT EXIST 0 0 10
, | TERM LIST DOES NOT EXIST 0 0 10
Anderson Eloy, Jean | New Jersey Medical School, Faculty 1 0 9
Bhatt, Vrushank | School of Graduate Studies, Student 3 0 7
Bhattacharya, Debashish | School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Faculty 3 0 6
Boison, Detlev | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences At-Large, Faculty 3 0 7
Dool, Rick | School of Communication and Information, Faculty 3 0 7
Fellenz, Chazz | Newark Staff 1 0 9
Flynn, Linda | School of Nursing, Dean 0 3 7
Guo, Grace | Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Faculty 3 0 7
Hatefi, Arash | Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Faculty 3 0 7
Henderson, Taja-Nia | Graduate School-Newark, Dean 0 0 10
Immidisetti, Amanda | Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Student 2 0 8
Joergensen, John | Rutgers Law School in Newark, Faculty 3 0 7
Kaye, Rachel | New Jersey Medical School, Faculty 0 0 10
Kettle, John | Newark At-Large, Faculty 2 1 7
Kukor, Jerome | School of Graduate Studies, Dean 1 2 7
Kustka, Adam | University College-Newark, Faculty 2 0 8
Lamar, Valentine | Graduate School-Newark, Student 2 1 7
Lawson, Laura | School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Dean 3 0 7
Liu, Liping | School of Arts and Sciences-NB, Faculty 0 1 9
Lutz, Carol | School of Graduate Studies, Faculty 3 0 7
Madson, Luke | School of Graduate Studies, Student 0 0 10
Mazurek, Monica | School of Graduate Studies, Faculty 2 0 8
Mena-Segovia, Juan | Newark Centers, Bureaus, and Institutes, Faculty 3 0 7
Molloy, Christopher | New Brunswick Chancellor 0 0 10
Silver, Deborah | School of Graduate Studies, Faculty 0 1 9
Simonds, Adrienne | School of Health Professions, Faculty 3 0 7
Takhistov, Paul | School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Faculty 3 0 6
Van Stine, Michael | Graduate School-Camden, Student 0 0 8
White, Carolyne | Graduate School-Newark, Faculty 2 0 8
Charge NumberTitleDescriptionCommittees Being ChargedCharge StatusDue Date
S-2507Federal Grant Funding Chaos and University ResponseIn response to the resolution passed on 1/31/25, an ad hoc committee is to be created to collaborate in monitoring all stop-work notifications and funding delays received by Rutgers researchers, as they are reported through the University’s designated tracking system (federal-tracking@rutgers.edu), to track ongoing developments, to provide timely updates to the university community, and to assess potential policy response options for addressing challenges resulting from the the recent and potential future federal grant funding freezes or any related subsequent measures.Ad Hoc CommitteePendingFebruary 4, 2026
S-2506Artificial Intelligence Usage at RutgersPrepare and conduct anonymous surveys of Rutgers faculty, staff and students to collect baseline data on how A.I. tools are being used at the university.Information Technology CommitteePendingOctober 7, 2026
S-2505Shared Governance Requires Efficacy to Communicate with ConstituentsThe USGC committee should conduct a thorough review of how Senators report to and solicit feedback from their respective constituencies and evaluate the existing methods of communication in terms of their effectiveness in achieving Senators’ representative goals. The report should include consultation with relevant administrative offices and functions, including but not limited to: OIT, decanal IT departments, internal media outlets (e.g. Rutgers Today), etc. to develop a proposal a comprehensive plan through which the 250+ elected delegates—representing faculty, staff, students, alumni, and administrators—serve the broader Rutgers community.  University Structure and Governance CommitteePendingOctober 7, 2026
S-2504Implementation of Electronic Student ID Access via Mobile CredentialsDevelop and deploy an electronic student identification system that allows students to securely access campus facilities using mobile credentials (e.g., e-wallet, smartphone app) rather than plastic ID cards. Door access points and scanners will be programmed to read electronic IDs, providing students with convenient, sustainable, and user-friendly access to campus spaces.Information Technology CommitteePendingOctober 7, 2026
S-2504Enhanced Legal Support for International Students, Faculty, Staff, and ScholarsAll international support offices at Rutgers University face significant challenges in managing the complex and evolving demands of immigration matters. Seek to explore pathways to support the International Students and Scholars Offices and Rutgers Global to be better resourced in Immigration matters, perhaps in the form of an in-house attorney, by networking with Rutgers Immigration Community Assistance Project (RICAP), and/or through additional specialized training. Evolving demands can sometimes lead to misinterpretation which can cause disruption to our international faculty, staff, and students. Examine the extent in which faculty, staff, and students have equitable access to immigration resources across all Rutgers campuses.Access, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity CommitteePendingSeptember 2, 2026
S-2503Student Email Addresses and Email AliasesExamine the number or variety of email addresses assigned to individual students upon their admission to Rutgers University. Determine if each email address type (NetID@rutgers.edu, NetID@scarletmail.rutgers.edu, FirstName.LastName@rutgers.edu, NetID@CampusUnit.rutgers.edu ) for students without further action needing to be taken by students, and, determine if various Rutgers platforms, such as Navigate, list student contact emails with email addresses that will be received by a student’s main email profile. Determine if these discrepancies are due to aligned platforms, or, the Rutgers Personal Contact Information's Directory Listing.Student Affairs CommitteePendingSeptember 2, 2026
S-2502Guidance for Promotions to Tenure During Uncertain Conditions of Federal FundingConsider developing guidance for promotion and tenure committees within schools and colleges related to supporting faculty in disciplines where federal funding is traditionally expected during the course of the pre-tenure period as a key marker for advancement.  Chairs, deans, and others involved in supporting pre-tenure faculty on their pathway to tenure can make use of this guidance when advising junior faculty in those disciplines on ways to demonstrate and sustain scholarly excellence in the absence of federal funding for research and related activities.Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteePendingSeptember 2, 2026
S-2501Cross-Campus Equity in Student, Faculty, and Staff Experiences, Support, and RecognitionThe goal of this charge is to commission an investigation into whether and how Rutgers has been ensuring equitable experiences across campuses -- whether students are afforded equitable experiences inside and outside classrooms, whether staff are provided with equitable support and opportunities for advancement, and whether faculty have access to equitable resources for the scholarly enterprises of teaching and research. This investigation should review address all areas of campus life, including but not limited to on-campus living and dining options, to cultural and community events on campus, to library and computing resources, to faculty start-up and other internal research funding.Ad Hoc CommitteePendingSeptember 2, 2026
S-2410Establish an Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Current Trends and Issues Regarding Federal Landscape Changes Impacting University OperationsEngage Rutgers Senators and University members to assist with ongoing dialogue and investigations concerning the escalating and ever-changing federal landscape. The work of this ad hoc committee is in response to the Senate Resolution approved on March 28, with its key aims to protect academic freedom, institutional integrity, and the research enterprise. Members of this committee will be asked to evaluate ongoing developments in the federal arena as well as local State government initiatives.Ad Hoc CommitteePendingMarch 4, 2026
S-2408Degree Navigator and Advising PlatformsInvestigate the accuracy, functionality, and use of Degree Navigator as a source of degree-tracking information. Evaluate differences in accuracy, functionality, and use between campuses, as well as schools or departments. Provide recommendations for improving this platform, or recommendations for use of other platforms.   Additionally, consider investigating Navigate360 (aka EAB), the College Student Inventory, the Schedule of Classes, the Course Schedule Planner, and academic department websites as they relate to Degree Navigator, and the general work of providing holistic academic advising to undergraduate students at Rutgers University.Student Affairs CommitteePendingDecember 3, 2025
S-2407Code of Conduct for Senate Virtual MeetingsAt the February 21, 2025 Senate meeting, the Senate adopted a recommendation that the Senate develop a code of conduct for University Senate virtual meetings. This ad hoc committee is charged with implementing that recommendation.Ad Hoc CommitteePendingNovember 5, 2025
S-2405Teaching Faculty InclusionReview and report the extent to which teaching faculty (i.e. NTTs & Lecturers) are included in the decision-making structures and advisory spaces at the local (departmental and program) and (decanal) unit levels. Potentially propose guidelines to make local and unit-level governance more inclusive of all faculty and stakeholders, and to make practices more equitable across departments, units, and campuses.University Structure and Governance CommitteePendingDecember 3, 2025
S-2401-1Automatic Textbook BillingThe University Senate should explore the nature and impact of automatic textbook billing by investigating the following issues: 1) Why automatic textbook billing was initiated; 2) Whether and the university and professors can better inform students about enrollment in automatic textbook billing; and 3) What steps can be taken to transform this program from “opt out” (automatic charges) to “opt in” (voluntary charges).Student Affairs CommitteeReissuedNovember 5, 2025
S-2333-1Cost Cutting and Budget DeficitsIdentify cost cutting measures that are being imposed on departments by their schools. Investigate the budgetary rationales for these cuts and their impact on the quality of academic programs.Instruction Curricula and Advising CommitteeReissuedDecember 3, 2025
S-2333-1Cost Cutting and Budget DeficitsPending BFC‘s investigation into outcomes of cost cutting measures that are being imposed on departments by their schools, FPAC will investigate departments’ responses with particular focus on manifestations and impacts on faculty and staff.Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteeReissuedDecember 3, 2025
S-2333-1Cost Cutting and Budget DeficitsIdentify cost cutting measures that are being imposed on departments by their schools. Investigate the budgetary rationales for these cuts and their impact on the quality of academic programs.Budget and Finance CommitteeReissuedDecember 3, 2025
S-2331-1Research Trainee Compensation and Benefit InequityInvestigate current practices in postdoc and current doctoral student remuneration, in particular as it relates to inequality following fellowship funding and to develop solutions to reward talent.Research, and Graduate and Professional Education CommitteeReissuedDecember 3, 2025
S-2330-1Expanding Access to University Libraries Across CampusesInvestigate current University library hours across all campuses. Determine if those hours are adequately meeting student needs (access to collections; access to study spaces; access to technology) on each campus. Make recommendations as appropriate.Student Affairs CommitteePendingDecember 3, 2025
S-2330-1Expanding Access to University Libraries Across CampusesInvestigate current University library hours across all campuses. Determine if those hours are adequately meeting student needs (access to collections; access to study spaces; access to technology) on each campus. Make recommendations as appropriate.Instruction Curricula and Advising CommitteeReissuedDecember 3, 2025
S-2329Senate Role in the Policy on Policies Processes and ProceduresStudy and provide recommendation to increase University Senate’s role on the Policy on Policies in the matters related academic affairs, educational and research matters.University Structure and Governance CommitteePendingMarch 4, 2026
S-2321-1Inadequate Transportation and Parking Services for Students and EmployeesExploring effective, timely, and safe student and employee transportation issues across the campuses.Student Affairs CommitteeReissuedOctober 1, 2025
S-2318-1Increasing Student Representation on the Rutgers University Senate Executive CommitteeThe University Structure and Governance Committee of the Rutgers University Senate is charged with investigating and making recommendations on the need to expand student representation on the Rutgers University Senate Executive Committee. Currently, faculty members have representation on the Rutgers University Senate Executive Committee through seats allocated to each chancellor-led unit, in addition to two at-large positions. In contrast, students are limited to four seats representing New Brunswick, Camden, Newark, and RBHS. Given that students constitute the largest constituency at Rutgers, this committee is tasked with examining whether the current representation adequately reflects the student body’s diversity, concerns, and interests. The committee shall explore potential modifications to the Rutgers University Senate Executive Committee structure to ensure a more equitable and comprehensive student representation.University Structure and Governance CommitteePendingJanuary 7, 2026
S-2317-3Prevalence, Procedures, and Challenges of Faculty Occupancy of Dual Leadership RolesFPAC is charged with investigating and making recommendations it deems necessary on the following two issues:
  1. How common are dual full-time faculty leadership role situations at Rutgers, and what are the rationales under which such dual roles are undertaken?
  2. What is the process by which such dual role leadership situations are undertaken, regarding (but not necessarily limited to):
    1. the potentially unfilled portion of FTE in one or both positions;
    2. the identification and selection of other individuals to supplement one or both of the dual roles, including how existing procedures for filling such positions are or are not followed (e.g., is one or both role in such situations reverted to being appointed rather than competitively hired in any circumstances);
    3. the clarification of the work tasks required for each of the leadership roles held, and evaluation of performance in those roles, given that they are engaged at less than 100% FTE;
    4. assurance that potential conflict of interest is identified and pre-empted or managed?
Note: This charge focuses on faculty specifically, excludes roles fulfilled through funding buy-outs and/or by involving summer work for those on 9-month contracts, and also omits focus on within-unit dual leadership roles unless each role historically constitutes 100% FTE (e.g., a department chair assuming the chairship of a second department within a school or college).		Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteeReissuedDecember 3, 2025
S-2316-1University Senate Representation on Formal Governance BoardsDetermine if there should be University Senate voting representation on all of the governing boards: Rutgers University Board of Governors and Board of Trustees, The Rutgers University Board of Directors (Foundation), The Camden Board of Directors; and, The Rowan University / Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors. Additionally, make recommendations regarding the make-up of Board membership, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni.University Structure and Governance CommitteePendingJanuary 7, 2026
S-2309-2Increased Representation of Graduate Students and PTL Faculty in the University SenateEvaluate the current criteria, bylaws, and policies that decide graduate student representatives and PTL faculty in the Senate. Make appropriate changes to increased graduate student representation and PTL faculty in the Senate.University Structure and Governance CommitteePendingJanuary 7, 2026
S-2304-2Common Hour ExamsReview the experiences of students, faculty, and staff with common hour exams at Rutgers University. Make any appropriate recommendations.Student Affairs CommitteeReissuedDecember 3, 2025
S-2304-2Common Hour ExamsReview the experiences of students, faculty, and staff with common hour exams at Rutgers University. Make any appropriate recommendations.Instruction Curricula and Advising CommitteeReissuedDecember 3, 2025
S-2115-3Academic FreedomIdentify and investigate any recent attacks on the academic freedom of our faculty and students with a particular focus on the University's response to these attacks.Student Affairs CommitteeReissuedNovember 5, 2025
S-2206-2Socially Responsible InvestmentConsider the University Investment policy 40.2.14. Investigate whether the current investment policies should be modified by environmental, social and governance metrics to modify, add or remove investments based on the Endowment Justice Collective 2022 Divestment Proposal and the Resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees in March 2021. Report back to the Senate with any recommendations.Budget and Finance CommitteeReissuedDecember 3, 2025
S-2204-3Impact of CourseAtlasExplore the impact of CourseAtlas to benchmark institutional goals of the system, on academic units and departments, on faculty work-life balance, and make recommendations as appropriate. Specifically, (i) Investigate to what degree CourseAtlas has achieved the goals it was designed and implemented to achieve, (ii) explore the impact of CourseAtlas on academic units and departments’ ability to manage their own academic programs, (iii) assess the impact of CourseAtlas on the work-life balance of faculty, and (iv) propose feedback mechanisms which allow timely and meaningful faculty input on scheduling changes.Student Affairs CommitteeReissuedNovember 5, 2025