RUTGERS UNIVERSITY SENATE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
M I N U T E S
January 7, 2022

MEMBERS PRESENT: Boikess, Den Bleyker, Ewins, Foster, Giraud, Oliver, Schwartz, Simonds, Struble, Thompson, White, Willett

ALSO ATTENDING:  F. Amjad (BOT Undergraduate Student Representative), G. Bachmann (BOT Faculty Representative), P. Moghe (EVP Academic Affairs), S. Rabinowitz (BOG Faculty Representative), M. Smith (Senate Interim Executive Secretary),

The regular meeting of the University Senate Executive Committee was held on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. remotely via Zoom.

1. Chair’s Report– Jon Oliver, Senate Chair

Senate and Executive Committee Chair Jon Oliver called the meeting to order at 12:02 p.m. He welcomed all to the meeting and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Chair Oliver then spoke on the profound impact of late Senator, Parliamentarian and USGC Co-Chair Peter Gillett.

2. Secretary’s Report– Morgan Smith, Senate Interim Executive Secretary Communications:

• • The agenda was approved with no corrections
  • The December 3, 2021 Senate Executive Committee Minutes were approved with no corrections
  • President Jonathan Holloway’s response to SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron Considerations

3. Administrative Report– Prabhas Moghe, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Prabhas Moghe presented an administrative report, which included comments on:

• • His condolences on the passing of Senator Peter Gillett including his endorsement and support on the Senate’s plans to remembering Peter
  • Rutgers football being picked for the Gator Bowl based on their academic performance
  • Details on the Omicron Variant including a message from Tony Calcado on the University’s efforts
  • The delay for in person instruction will be extended until January 31, 2022
  • Employees and faculty must be vaccinated with a strong push for boosters as well
  • Spectators for all athletic events will need to show proof of vaccination or negative PCR test
  • Free testing for employees through the month of January
  • An update in the search for a new University Librarian and the commitment to diversity and inclusion during this process

He then answered questions on the following topics:

• • The importance of booster shots among the University
  • Details on timing when classes will be hybrid or in person

4. Standing Committees/Panels Issues/Proposed Charges:

Proposed Charge to University Structure and Governance Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Breakthrough Cases on all Campuses as a Viable Option for Students and Employees Safer Amid Waves of New Variants – Submitted by Senator Madai Poole NB Staff

Charge: Understanding that safety is important to Rutgers University, would it be in the best interest of all Rutgers students and employees for the University to regularly test and track vaccinated students and employees for COVID-19 breakthrough cases on all campuses?

Background: Now that Rutgers University policy requires COVID-19 vaccination of all of its students and employees, the requirement for weekly testing has been removed, which is problematic. “Despite compelling evidence that SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are highly effective in preventing COVID-

19 infections, breakthrough cases have been emerging at an increasing rate.” Granted, New Jersey quotes that the rate of breakthrough COVID-19 infection for fully vaccinated people is less than one percent. However, that number ignores a few important considerations. Undoubtedly, there is a noble campaign for everyone to get vaccinated, which is most compelling when backed by data that focuses only on the low hospitalization and death rates. On its face, it may seem like a logical reason to stop on-campus testing for fully vaccinated individuals. However, the motivation behind that decision ignores the rate of infection for vaccinated individuals. The argument that Rutgers does not have the resources to support on campus testing is quickly debunked when we refer to the plentiful State and Federal funding we were provided. Lack of COVID-19 breakthrough testing ignores the civic duty that Rutgers holds as a Big Ten University to adequately monitor breakthrough Covid cases, even if they do not rise to the level of hospitalization or death. It is important to appreciate that “less than one percent” equates to 629 hospitalizations and 158 deaths among COVID-19 vaccinated human beings in New Jersey. Rutgers University can demonstrate its renewed commitment to health and safety for all members of its community by monitoring and reporting the rate of breakthrough infection before more vaccinated individuals graduate to the unfortunate level of hospitalization, and worse yet, death.

The proposed charge was discussed by the Executive Committee, and it was decided it will not be charged at this time.

Proposed Charge to the Information Technology Committee to Investigate Whether the English-only Rutgers Supplier Management Portal (PaymentWorks) Could Be Enhanced to Improve International Vendor Transactions – Submitted by Senator Madai Poole NB Staff

Charge: As a demonstration of diversity and inclusion in our beloved community, should Rutgers University update the Rutgers Supplier Management portal (PaymentWorks) with multiple language options?

Background: In September of 2019, University Procurement Services launched “PaymentWorks”, a new supplier portal to improve and streamline the way we onboard suppliers and manage supplier information, and help ensure that the university is compliant with federal and state laws and regulations. As a global institution doing business worldwide, Rutgers employs the services of vendors from around the world and is hailed as an international institution that recognizes the critical need for inclusion and diversity. However, we fall short when international suppliers are expected to utilize our English-only portal in order to process payment for services rendered. Rutgers can easily enlist the help of Rutgers Global to identify and contract translators to help facilitate this initiative. Could the solution be found by incorporating reliable translation software to easily translate existing content and digital assets for use in overseas markets?

Unfortunately, the burden currently falls on unit administrators to flounder through varying channels to seek support and resolution. Rutgers can demonstrate its commitment to diversity and inclusion by facilitating the official translation of the PaymentWorks platform across multiple languages. https://procurementservices.rutgers.edu/for-suppliers/become-a-supplier https://finance.rutgers.edu/financial-services/tax-and-compliance https://www.rutgers.edu/magazine/fall-2020/beloved-community https://community.paymentworks.com/payees/s/ https://www.techradar.com/best/best-translation-software

The proposed charge was discussed by the Executive Committee, and it was decided it will not be charged at this time. It was also suggested that Chair Oliver reach out to Procurement to see if this is already has been implemented.

5. New Business

• • Discussion of Senator Kevin Schroth being appointed as the new co-chair of University Structure and Governance Committee

The Executive Committee discussed this under great consideration, and it was decided to nominate Senator Schroth and the new co-chair of the University Structure and Governance Committee

• • Discussion of potential resolution on Race, Gender and Critical Race Theory in higher education

            Members of the Executive Committee voiced that they needed more information on the topic to have proper discussion

• • Discussion of appointment of a Vice Chair Pro Tem

Senator Schwartz and Senator Simonds were both contenders for the Vice Chair position. The EC voted and decided that Senator Adrienne Simonds will serve as the Vice Chair Pro Tem

• • Discussion of ways the Senate is going to honor the late Peter Gillett

6. Old Business

There was no old business

7. University Senate January 21, 2022 Agenda
   • Regular Senate Meeting via Zoom
   • Administrative Report by University President Jonathan Holloway
   • Presentation by Josh Harraman from RUAA
   • ASRAC Report S-2101 Units of Credit

8. Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 1:37 p.m.

Minutes written and submitted by,

Morgan Smith

Interim Executive Secretary of the University Senate