2020-21 University Structure and Governance Committee - Rutgers University Senate Skip to main content

2020-2021University Structure and Governance Committee

Standing Charge: This Committee will study, report on, and make recommendations to the Senate on all matters pertaining to University governance, including both formal and functional relationships among units at Rutgers, relationships among student and faculty governing bodies, and the structure of the Senate itself.  This Committee shall be responsible for initiating reviews of governance issues in accordance with these guidelines. The responsibilities of this Committee shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • To review formal relationships among academic units within the University, including the organization of disciplines. (University Regulations 2.2.2 B)
  • To advise the President, through the Senate, on the establishment or dissolution of colleges, schools, divisions, institutes and similar educational units, (University Regulations 2.2.2 B) and to review and advise the President on the termination or suspension of academic programs.
  • To consider and advise the President on special affiliations and programs (University Regulations 2.2.2 B (c) and agreements and formal relationships with other institutions, including internet service providers, particularly as they relate to the structure and unit relationships of the university.
  • To review all matters relating to the composition of the Senate (University Regulations 2.2.1. through 2.2.1.D.).
  • To study and make recommendations to the Senate on matters relating to the role and function of the Senate as a body within the University governance scheme (University Regulations 2.2.2. through 2.2.2.C.) as well as the role and function of internal structures and processes of the Senate itself (University Regulations 2.2.3. through 2.2.3.K.).
  • To coordinate relationships among the faculty and student governing bodies and the Senate, so that issues raised in one forum are brought to the attention and consideration of other appropriate units.
  • To study and make recommendations on relationships between the University and the public.
Senator Constituency
Peter Gillett, ChairRutgers Business School: Undergraduate NB, Faculty
Monica Adya, MemberSchool of Business-Camden, Dean
Amna Ahmed, MemberSchool of Arts and Sciences-NB, Student
Nikol Alexander-Floyd, MemberSchool of Graduate Studies, Faculty
Mason Ameri, MemberRutgers Business School: Undergraduate NB, Faculty
Christine Bator, MemberNewark At-Large, Faculty
John Bogden, MemberNew Jersey Medical School, Faculty
Ricky Castaneda, MemberNewark College of Arts and Sciences, Student
Perry Dane, MemberRutgers Law School in Camden, Faculty
Alisa Farley, MemberSchool of Arts and Sciences-NB, Student
Perry Halkitis, MemberSchool of Public Health, Dean
Rachel Hodes, MemberAlumni Association
Wayne Hsueh, MemberRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences At-Large, Faculty
Bingru Huang, MemberSchool of Graduate Studies, Faculty
Rhonda Lyles, MemberRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Staff
Gwendolyn Mahon, MemberSchool of Health Professions, Dean
Charles Menifield, MemberSchool of Public Affairs and Administration, Dean
Mary Mickelsen, MemberSenate Office
Patricia Morton, MemberSchool of Arts and Sciences-NB, Faculty
Kimberly Mutcherson, MemberRutgers Law School in Camden, Co-Dean
Badri Nath, MemberSchool of Arts and Sciences-NB, Faculty
Jon Oliver, MemberNew Brunswick Staff
Tuğrul Özel, MemberSchool of Engineering, Faculty
Houshang Parsa, MemberAlumni Association
Alicia Rivera, MemberRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Staff
Bryan Sacks, MemberLecturer-Camden, Faculty
Kevin Schroth, MemberRBHS Centers, Bureaus, and Institutes, Faculty
Troy Shinbrot, MemberSchool of Engineering, Faculty
Piyushimita Thakuriah, MemberEJBSPPP, Dean
Frances Trees, MemberSchool of Arts and Sciences-NB, Faculty
Bonita Veysey, MemberSchool of Criminal Justice, Dean
Robert Wayne, MemberNew Jersey Medical School, Student
Senator Present Excused Absent
Gillett, Peter | Rutgers Business School: Undergraduate NB, Faculty 2 0 8
Adya, Monica | School of Business-Camden, Dean 1 0 9
Ahmed, Amna | School of Arts and Sciences-NB, Student 2 0 8
Alexander-Floyd, Nikol | School of Graduate Studies, Faculty 1 0 9
Ameri, Mason | Rutgers Business School: Undergraduate NB, Faculty 2 0 8
Bator, Christine | Newark At-Large, Faculty 0 0 6
Bogden, John | New Jersey Medical School, Faculty 0 1 9
Castaneda, Ricky | Newark College of Arts and Sciences, Student 2 0 8
Dane, Perry | Rutgers Law School in Camden, Faculty 2 0 8
Farley, Alisa | School of Arts and Sciences-NB, Student 1 0 8
Halkitis, Perry | School of Public Health, Dean 0 0 10
Hodes, Rachel | Alumni Association 2 0 8
Hsueh, Wayne | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences At-Large, Faculty 1 0 9
Huang, Bingru | School of Graduate Studies, Faculty 0 0 10
Lyles, Rhonda | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Staff 1 0 9
Mahon, Gwendolyn | School of Health Professions, Dean 1 0 9
Menifield, Charles | School of Public Affairs and Administration, Dean 0 0 10
Mickelsen, Mary | Senate Office 0 1 9
Morton, Patricia | School of Arts and Sciences-NB, Faculty 2 0 8
Mutcherson, Kimberly | Rutgers Law School in Camden, Co-Dean 0 0 10
Nath, Badri | School of Arts and Sciences-NB, Faculty 0 0 10
Oliver, Jon | New Brunswick Staff 1 1 8
Özel, Tuğrul | School of Engineering, Faculty 2 0 8
Parsa, Houshang | Alumni Association 1 0 9
Rivera, Alicia | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Staff 2 0 8
Sacks, Bryan | Lecturer-Camden, Faculty 0 0 10
Schroth, Kevin | RBHS Centers, Bureaus, and Institutes, Faculty 2 0 8
Shinbrot, Troy | School of Engineering, Faculty 1 0 9
Thakuriah, Piyushimita | EJBSPPP, Dean 0 0 10
Trees, Frances | School of Arts and Sciences-NB, Faculty 2 0 8
Veysey, Bonita | School of Criminal Justice, Dean 0 1 9
Wayne, Robert | New Jersey Medical School, Student 1 0 9
Charge NumberTitleDescriptionCommittees Being ChargedCharge StatusDue Date
S-2325Explore the Current Virtual Senate Meeting Format and Develop Best Practices and Meeting Format RecommendationsReview the existing Senate meeting format and existing Senate Handbook meeting procedures and develop recommendations in support of virtual meetings.Information Technology CommitteePendingOctober 2, 2024
S-2324Investigate Sunsetting of Academic Credit Across Campuses and Review Any Proposed ChangesReview how course credits earned at Rutgers can be sundowned across all Rutgers campuses, recognizing many students are unable to complete a desired academic degree in the usual time sequence. Report and explain the rationale for any proposed changes and offer possible recommendations concerning changes to policy of earned credit toward graduation, with consideration of potential complexities with respect to professional/graduate studies that are externally accredited.Academic Standards, Regulations and Admissions CommitteePendingDecember 4, 2024
S-2323Definition of Environmentally and Socially Responsible Materials and Products (University Policy 20.1.11 Procurement and Payment Policy)Section 6A. University Policy 20.1.11 Procurement and Payment Policy states “…that Rutgers uses environmentally and socially responsible materials and products.” How are these materials and products defined? There is no statement given in the policy and as such it is hard to determine whether the policy is being enacted as described.University Structure and Governance CommitteePendingDecember 4, 2024
S-2322Coordination of Shared Governance EntitiesThe possibility of establishing a formal mechanism for the coordination of the Senate, the Faculty Councils, the student governing associations, and any other shared governance groups. Among the possibilities the committee could consider is a coordinating council with representation from each shared governance group to facilitate collaborative interaction with the President and the Boards of Governors and Trustees. They should also determine whether any change in University Regulations would be needed to accomplish this goal.University Structure and Governance CommitteePendingOctober 30, 2024
S-2321Poor Student Busing and Employee Transportation ServicesExploring effective, timely, and safe student and employee transportation issues across the campuses.Student Affairs CommitteePendingOctober 30, 2024
S-2320Timing and Process for Recommending Tuition, Fees, Housing Charges, and Dining ChargesReview the process and timing whereby recommendations are developed and made for annual changes in tuition, required fees, and room and board, including mechanisms for input from students, parents, and other stakeholders (including tenants with rents affected by Rutgers housing rates) and including the role of shared governance in this process. Make recommendations for any changes in this process to increase transparency and confidence in the process.Student Affairs CommitteePendingFebruary 21, 2024
S-2320Timing and Process for Recommending Tuition, Fees, Housing Charges, and Dining ChargesReview the process and timing whereby recommendations are developed and made for annual changes in tuition, required fees, and room and board, including mechanisms for input from students, parents, and other stakeholders (including tenants with rents affected by Rutgers housing rates) and including the role of shared governance in this process. Make recommendations for any changes in this process to increase transparency and confidence in the process.Budget and Finance CommitteePendingFebruary 21, 2024
S-2319Explore Mechanisms, Methods and Processes for Senators to Communicate Senate Work and Information to their ConstituentsThe Senate should explore mechanisms, methods and processes for senators to communicate senate work and information to their constituents.Information Technology CommitteePendingMarch 27, 2024
S-2318Increasing 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 CommitteePendingSeptember 25, 2024
S-2317Faculty Governance, Executive Appointments and Proposed Dual Positions at RutgersRecently appointed Dean of MGSA Jason Geary is to become Senior Vice Provost of academic Initiatives, while still maintaining the Deanship (albeit part-time) of MGSA. The faculty has not been consulted or asked to vote on this highly unusual arrangement. In addition, the Dean has appointed his Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (a position only created under his Deanship) to effectively serve as part-time Dean of MGSA in his absence. Again, the faculty has not been consulted on this change of arrangements and was merely informed. Offer recommendations on this situation or a statement on whether this is appropriate.University Structure and Governance CommitteePendingJanuary 24, 2024
S-2317Faculty Governance, Executive Appointments and Proposed Dual Positions at RutgersRecently appointed Dean of MGSA Jason Geary is to become Senior Vice Provost of academic Initiatives, while still maintaining the Deanship (albeit part-time) of MGSA. The faculty has not been consulted or asked to vote on this highly unusual arrangement. In addition, the Dean has appointed his Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (a position only created under his Deanship) to effectively serve as part-time Dean of MGSA in his absence. Again, the faculty has not been consulted on this change of arrangements and was merely informed. Offer recommendations on this situation or a statement on whether this is appropriate.Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteePendingJanuary 24, 2024
S-2316University 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 CommitteePendingMarch 27, 2024
S-2315University Vision BenefitsInvestigate the policies which currently govern the University’s practice of reimbursing employees for eye exams, glasses and contact lenses, frames, and coatings. Determine if current policies match industry practices. Investigate how many employees actually receive reimbursements, and explore possible recommendations for new policies, plans, or programs related to vision and eye care for Rutgers employees.Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteePendingSeptember 25, 2024
S-2314Continued Assessment of Ongoing Merger Process of New Jersey Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolThis charge is twofold:
  • Reconvene the Ad Hoc Committee on Reviewing Proposal for the Merger of the Medical Schools to fully review information obtained from the RBHS Chancellor to date, and offer an evaluative decision concerning the ongoing merger process.
  • Request that the University Structure and Governance Committee closely review and evaluate University policy 50.2.2 with the goal of further clarifying, verifying, and delineating the Senate’s official role and powers with respect to mergers of academic units, and the meaning of shared governance in that regard and more broadly.
Please note that this is co-submitted with Senator Monica Roth, and should also be assigned to a reconvened Ad-Hoc Committee on the Medical School Merger. This charge requests continued review of the ongoing merger process given that prior Senate requests for information have not been fully addressed.		University Structure and Governance CommitteePendingFebruary 21, 2024
S-2314Continued Assessment of Ongoing Merger Process of New Jersey Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolThis charge is twofold:
  • Reconvene the Ad Hoc Committee on Reviewing Proposal for the Merger of the Medical Schools to fully review information obtained from the RBHS Chancellor to date, and offer an evaluative decision concerning the ongoing merger process.
  • Request that the University Structure and Governance Committee closely review and evaluate University policy 50.2.2 with the goal of further clarifying, verifying, and delineating the Senate’s official role and powers with respect to mergers of academic units, and the meaning of shared governance in that regard and more broadly.
Please note that this is co-submitted with Senator Monica Roth, and should also be assigned to a reconvened Ad-Hoc Committee on the Medical School Merger. This charge requests continued review of the ongoing merger process given that prior Senate requests for information have not been fully addressed.		Ad Hoc CommitteePendingFebruary 21, 2024
S-2313Whether Students Should Substitute for Workers in Urgent SituationsThis charge, to FPAC and USGC, is to explore and provide recommendations for the appropriate deployment of any students during crisis situations. Exceptions to this must also be examined, in light of national emergencies, such as the COVID pandemic. However, a recent nursing strike over staffing issues at RWJ-Barnabas would not fall into this category.University Structure and Governance CommitteePendingMay 29, 2024
S-2313Whether Students Should Substitute for Workers in Urgent SituationsThis charge, to FPAC and USGC, is to explore and provide recommendations for the appropriate deployment of any students during crisis situations. Exceptions to this must also be examined, in light of national emergencies, such as the COVID pandemic. However, a recent nursing strike over staffing issues at RWJ-Barnabas would not fall into this category.Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteePendingMay 29, 2024
S-2312Senate Officer CompensationTo provide guidelines for appropriate compensation for Senate officers and other Senators whose duties as Senators represent a significant fraction of their university obligations. The resources for such compensation should be provided in a manner that does not create conflicts of interest. Procedures for such compensation already in place at some of our peer aspirant universities may serve as useful models.Ad Hoc CommitteePendingFebruary 21, 2024
S-2311Professional Development OpportunitiesReview the university’s policies regarding professional development opportunities to attend conferences and meetings. Investigate and, when appropriate, make recommendations regarding campus and unit rules on (i) How long a faculty member may be absent for professional development opportunities? (ii) What are the policies for making alternative arrangements if a faculty member is absent? (iii) Who covers costs if a guest lecturer is hired? (iv) Can all faculty members, including PTLs, teach occasional classes online if necessary due to justified absences? (v) How do policies about professional development opportunities differ among schools and Chancellor-led units?Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteePendingFebruary 21, 2024
S-2309Increased 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 CommitteePendingDecember 20, 2023
S-2308Conflict of Interest DeclarationsInvestigate and make recommendations on public declarations of conflicts of interest by politically exposed persons at Rutgers, including all members of the BoG and all those involved in significant financial decision-making.Budget and Finance CommitteePendingFebruary 21, 2024
S-2305Auditing Courses at RutgersReview course auditing at Rutgers. Make any appropriate recommendations.Instruction Curricula and Advising CommitteePendingOctober 25, 2023
S-2304Common Hour ExamsReview the experiences of students, faculty, and staff with common hour exams at Rutgers University. Make any appropriate recommendations.Student Affairs CommitteePendingOctober 25, 2023
S-2304Common Hour ExamsReview the experiences of students, faculty, and staff with common hour exams at Rutgers University. Make any appropriate recommendations.Instruction Curricula and Advising CommitteePendingOctober 25, 2023
S-2302Budgetary Considerations Underlying Potential Merger of the RBHS Subunits Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and New Jersey Medical School into One Medical SchoolInvestigate any relevant financial issues that will emerge if there is a proposed merger of RWJMS and NJMS. Make necessary recommendations to the Senate.Budget and Finance CommitteePendingMay 24, 2023
S-2301Science Communication Efforts at Rutgers UniversityReview efforts in science communication initiatives across the University and provide recommendations for any measures and limitations to raise awareness of the current limitations in the field of science communication across the entire Rutgers research community.Research, and Graduate and Professional Education CommitteePendingOctober 25, 2023
S-2301Science Communication Efforts at Rutgers UniversityReview efforts in science communication initiatives across the University and provide recommendations for any measures and limitations to raise awareness of the current limitations in the field of science communication across the entire Rutgers research community.Instruction Curricula and Advising CommitteePendingOctober 25, 2023
S-2208Divestment of Retirement Funds from Fossil FuelsInvestigate whether the investment companies utilized by Rutgers for university employees should divest from fossil fuel companies within their retirement portfolios that are known to contribute to climate change. Report back to the Senate Executive Committee.Budget and Finance CommitteePendingSeptember 27, 2023
S-2204-1Impact 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.Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteeReissuedNovember 22, 2023
S-2115-1Academic 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 CommitteeReissuedFebruary 21, 2024
S-2207Office of Climate ActionConsider the current funding for the Office of Climate Action and investigate the funding model. Based on the action plan, determine if an adequate level of funding is provided to the office and report back to the Senate with any recommendations.Budget and Finance CommitteePendingOctober 25, 2023
S-2206Socially 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 CommitteePendingOctober 25, 2023
S-2205-1Review of the University Senate’s Governance Documents and Formulation of University Senate BylawsReview the existing governance documents of the University Senate, including University policies, past Senate reports, and the Senate Handbook. Develop Bylaws for the University Senate consistent with Robert’s Rules of Order.University Structure and Governance CommitteeReissuedNovember 22, 2023
S-2204-1Impact 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 22, 2023
S-2201-1Approved Electronic Notebook ProgramsInvestigate the use of electronic lab notebooks. Review the current policies and practice of notebook creation and cloud storage. Recommend the best practices for maintaining the security, integrity, and accessibility of these notebooks.Research, and Graduate and Professional Education CommitteeReissuedNovember 22, 2023
S-2202-1Honors College Student SenatorsInvestigate and recommend how Honors College Students from each campus can best be represented in the Senate. The creation of the Honors Colleges on each campus has created a new unit and community that students live, learn and participate in within the University. Student entitlements to the Senate are based on their academic association and Honors College Students can participate based on those associations if elected via their student governing associations. However, since student Senators are not specifically elected from the Honors College they may not be able to properly represent the needs of the Honors College community.University Structure and Governance CommitteeReissuedNovember 22, 2023
S-2117-1Hiring Transparency and EqualityInvestigate the current practice of hiring faculty at RBHS with full titles but described on appointment as part time and contingent on their maintaining employment at RWJBH. Make any appropriate recommendations.Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteeReissuedNovember 22, 2023
S-2116-1SIRSInvestigate the validity and accuracy of Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET), as well as the details of how the SIRS is implemented at Rutgers and make recommendations for its role in our new approach to the evaluation and improvement of teaching effectiveness. Please report to the Senate Executive Secretary by March 16, 2022.Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteeReissuedNovember 22, 2023
S-2115-1Academic 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.Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteeReissuedFebruary 21, 2024
S-2103-1Review of the Current Procedures for the Periodic Evaluation of DeansReview the current procedures for the periodic evaluation of deans.Faculty and Personnel Affairs CommitteeReissuedNovember 22, 2023
S-2020-1Investigation of Changes to the Rutgers University Patent PolicyReview the changes made to University Policy 50.3.1 - Patent Policy. Investigate potential impacts the changes may have on research, innovation & technology transfer, faculty retention and recruitment, and the financial viability of research units. Explore the extent of faculty input and notification prior to the change in policy. Make recommendations on appropriate processes for faculty consultation on these and similar issues in the future. Respond to the Senate Executive Secretary by March 31, 2021.Research, and Graduate and Professional Education CommitteeReissuedNovember 22, 2023
S-2002-2Challenges Related to Parking and TransportationReview the ongoing planning and financial status of parking and transportation, including its use of permits and citations as a source of revenue, and the long-term planning as it relates to transportation and parking, including plans to reduce parking on campus and how the administration plans to meet the challenges this will create. Budget and Finance CommitteeReissuedNovember 22, 2023