RUTGERS UNIVERSITY SENATE 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

MINUTES 

June 5, 2026

MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrews, Asch, Boxer, Davis, Haley, Kiss, Pierce, Purcell (Vice Chair),, Schwartz, Scott, Ntiwunka-Ifeanyi,  

ALSO ATTENDING: T. Cooper (University Senate Executive Secretary), R. Gigliotti (Chief of Staff, President’s Office-Rutgers), S. Sheppard (2026-27 RBHS Student Executive Committee Representative), M. Smith (University Senate Administrative Assistant), L. Gremillion (Associate Vice President for Advancement and Special Assistant to the President), B. Everett (BOG), T. Knievel.  

The regular meeting of the University Senate Executive Committee (EC) was held on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 12:05 p.m. remotely via Zoom.  

Chair’s Report– Wendy Purcell, Senate Vice Chair 

Vice Chair Purcell called the meeting to order at 12:0 p.m. as Chair Foster was unable to attend the meeting due to an orientation event. Vice Chair formally provided thanks to Chair Foster for her role as Chair and exemplary service to the University. Vice Chair Purcell also thanked the outgoing EC members and welcomed new EC members who were in attendance of the meeting. Vice Chair Purcell also noted the circulation of Henry Velez’s response letter to heating and cooling inquiry in university buildings. It was reported that the work on the Free Expression Guidelines will continue with OGC under the new Senate leadership after July 1. A note was received by chairs within the School of Engineering, expressing concern about the resolution that was passed by the EC in May. They requested a meeting with the EC, to which Chair Foster responded asking for a list of their concerns prior to setting up a meeting.  

Secretary’s Report– Taryn Cooper, Executive Secretary 

• Approval of Agenda: A motion was made and approved to add new business by Senator Davis regarding a new charge titled: Rutgers Conflict of Interest Standards, Nepotism Practices, and the Appearance of Impropriety. 

• Approval of the April 10, 2026 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes 

• Approval of the April 24, 2026 Senate Organizational Meeting Minutes 

• Approval of the April 24, 2026 Senate Meeting Minutes 

• Approval of the May 12, 2026 Special Executive Committee Meeting Minutes  

• Administrative Responses:  

• Resolution for the Improvement of Bus Transportation at RU New Brunswick 

• Communications 

• New Senator Orientation being held on September 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.  

Welcoming New Executive Committee Members, and Thank Old Members – (12:05-12:20pm) 

Vice Chair Purcell expressed appreciation for the outgoing EC members and welcomed new members, with a reminder to the new members that they will be unable to vote during today’s meeting as their terms do not begin until July 1.  

Identifying Membership of Senate Budget Subcommittee – (12:20 – 12:30 p.m.) 

The EC agreed that Senator Haley and the Executive Secretary shall put out a call to the full Senate to participate in the subcommittee once the incoming Chair (Senator Haley) takes office on July 1, as this is a Senate committee and not an EC subcommittee with the Executive Secretary and Administrative Assistant to the Senate as ex officio members.  

President Tate Response Letter – (12:30 – 12:45 p.m.) 

The EC agreed that too much time has passed since receiving President Tate’s letter for a response at this point to be appropriate. The incoming Chair (Senator Haley) will use the current letter draft as a theme for future relationship building conversations with the President’s Office.  

Rutgers Health Reporting Structure Letter  – (12:45 – 12:55 p.m.) 

Vice Chair Purcell presented the letter from interim Chancellor Johnson to Chair Foster regarding reporting structure changes across the schools at Rutgers Health. Vice Chair Purcell highlighted concerns received from faculty within Rutgers Health and confusion on reporting structures. The EC agreed for a response letter to be sent by Vice Chair Purcell that acknowledges the information, provides clarity to the Senate’s advisory role, and emphasizes that Rutgers Health Senators will be canvased to provide feedback to the Senate and administration.  

Dean Griffin Class Size Letter – Senator Paul Boxer (12:55 – 1:05 p.m.)  

Senator Boxer discussed this item as a point of information and will consult with Camden Senators in the fall regarding their concerns with this matter. Senator Knievel updated that Dean Griffin has rolled back the details of the letter.  

School of Social Work Dean Review Volunteers – (1:25 – 1:30 p.m.)  

The EC approved the four members listed for the SSW Dean’s Evaluation Committee.  

Standing Committees/Panels 

Committee Report and Recommendations (1:30 – 1:40 p.m.) 

Report of the 2025-26 Committees  

Vice Chair Purcell reviewed reports from the committee chairs on their work this academic year and outstanding charges the committees will continue to work on next year. A few committees were missing their reports, which are still requested.   

Proposed Charge (1:40 – 1:50 p.m.) 

Undergraduate Financial Aid Eligibility Reduction- Ryan Park, Non-Senator 

Charge: Eligibility for institutional undergraduate need-based financial aid has been reduced from $100k AGI to $65k AGI, specifically the Scarlet Guarantee and Tuition Assistance Programs. Look at why the University is implementing these directions to One Stop, and whether the University will reverse such policies. 

Rationale: Here is the relevant link to the Scarlet Guarantee along with this link to the Rutgers budget announcement. Focus on where the Scarlet Guarantee eligibility is from 0 to 65K AGI and also where Rutgers will cover tuition gaps that the state no longer covers through the state Garden State Guarantee program for the 25-26 year. The senate should research and make recommendations because if enacted, will increase debt and financial strain upon students, and paying off such increased debt because of the lack of support from Rutgers administration will be detrimental towards alumni’s cost of living with additional loan burden. Costs are already high due to current events and many may not be able to afford such an increase in net cost, which students will have to resort to taking debt to cover. This policy change will also be detrimental to the financial stability of many students here, because many students commute in order to pay little in tuition and fees, but will have to pay significantly more in cost due to cuts in financial aid. Many students also rely on the Basic Needs Center and other food assistance programs to get by and a cost increase is going to be a significant cost burden to them. Research and recommendations should be made because while the context of the decision aforementioned is understandable, it is not an excuse to the deliberate decision to end financial aid support for students.  

Outcome: The SAC was charged with a deadline of February 2027. 

Proposed Charge (1:50 – 2:00 p.m.) 

Exploratory Discussion of Physical Working Conditions Across Rutgers Work Locations- Senator Susan DeMatteo, Staff-RBHS 

Charge: The Executive Committee is requested to consider creating and assigning, as appropriate, a charge to the Faculty and Personnel Affairs Committee to explore ways the University Senate might better understand physical working conditions for all Rutgers University employees across all physical work locations within the four Chancellor‑led units. This exploratory discussion may consider high‑level approaches, such as a Senate‑led survey, to identify general patterns that could inform future Senate discussion, with reference to commonly recognized standards including OSHA, New Jersey PEOSH, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This request is advisory only and does not constitute an audit or compliance review; any communication to the full Senate may be shared in any format deemed appropriate. 

Rationale: Equitable physical working conditions are a key component of workplace climate and institutional fairness across Rutgers University. Given differences in campus location, facility age, and infrastructure, an exploratory discussion would allow the Senate to consider whether it has sufficient high‑level awareness of how working environments vary across locations and align, in general terms, with minimum standards related to safety and accessibility under OSHA, New Jersey PEOSH, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This inquiry is intended to promote awareness and informed dialogue in support of the Senate’s advisory role. 

Outcome: The EC declined to charge to a committee due to the nature of the charge being too broad but acknowledged the importance of the question. They suggested that the Senator resubmit with a more narrowed focus for the charge.  

Proposed Charge (2:00 – 2:10 p.m.)  

A Charge to Allocate University Obstetrics and Gynecology (OGBYN) Services to Alumni- Senator Tesia Yachimovicz, Student- New Brunswick 

Charge: Produce a resolution pushing Rutgers University to adopt the following policy measures proposed by the RoUndTable Collective, a group of Rutgers alumni pursuing improved collective wellbeing by advocating for the university to extend its OB/GYN services to recent alumni: (i) establish an Alumni OBGYN Access Program under the auspices of Rutgers Student Health, whereby any undergraduate alumni within twelve (12) months of their graduation date shall be eligible for up to four (4) OBGYN visits at any participating campus health center; (ii) eliminate insurance as a barrier to entry by ensuring that proof of insurance is not required as a condition of access so long as the recipient provides identification as a Rutgers alumna within the past year, with a sliding-scale co-pay structure made available to ensure affordability; (iii) implement a proactive notification system so that graduating seniors are notified of their eligibility in writing at or before the time of graduation, with updated program information maintained on student and alumni affairs web portals; and (iv) conduct a process and effects evaluation annually to ensure accountability and allow for program refinement, with an annual report submitted to the Office of the President detailing utilization rates, demographic data subject to applicable privacy statutes, and any recommended program adjustments. 

Rationale: Upon graduation, Rutgers alumni are losing access to critical reproductive healthcare the moment they toss their caps into air, which is why the Senate should push to extend Rutgers University’s existing Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) student health services to undergraduate alumni for a period of twelve (12) months following their graduate date, permitting up to four (4) covered visits during that window. For enrolled students prior to graduation, healthcare coverage under Rutgers University enables students to schedule OBGYN visits with medical professionals trained to provide reproductive care, with routine services that may include but are not limited to: a thorough review of the student’s medical history; a discussion of symptoms or problems (such as irregular periods or vaginal discharge); an assessment/screening for the need for contraception; and an examination (usually including an STI panel, urinalysis, cancer screenings, pelvic exams, and an annual pap smear). By amending existing legislation regarding access to healthcare services, Rutgers will provide a stepping stool for its graduates, many of whom may be uninsured or underinsured following graduation, while bettering the health of Rutgers alumni and strengthening the relationship between the alumni community and Rutgers University as the alma mater to support continued interaction post-graduation. 

Outcome: The EC declined to charge to a committee, but suggested that the Senator connect with the other student groups across campus as well as Rutgers Health administration on ways to expand on the idea. The EC also agreed that this idea should be expanded to a wide variety of wellness services besides OBGYN.  

Proposed Charge (2:10 – 2:20 p.m.) 

Clarifying use of Executive Committee action on behalf of the full University Senate- Senator Brian Everett, Staff- Camden 

Charge: Provide clarification about when it is permissible for the Executive Committee to act on behalf of the entire University Senate during the traditional academic calendar and/or university senate year. Similarly, provide clarity on the ability for emergency senate meetings to be called for during the academic calendar year / university senate year. 

Rationale: In the 2025-2026 academic year, the University Senate’s Executive Committee acted on behalf of the entire university senate on March 6th and on May 12th. On March 6th, a resolution related to the university budget was passed by the Executive Committee without consulting the Senate at larger nor the Budget and Finance Committee. On May 12th, the Executive Committee acted on behalf of the entire university senate and passed a resolution which included the censure of a dean instead of calling for an emergency senate meeting. Both instances result in headlines suggesting the entire University Senate did these things, even though it was only the Executive Committee. 

Outcome: The EC declined to charge to a committee but discussed the possibility of creating an ad hoc committee to clarify language in the bylaws.   

Open Charge Request (2:20-2:25)  

FPAC requests an extension on:  

S-2333-1: Cost Cutting and Budget Deficits – Due June 3, 2026 

Outcome: S-2333-1 was assigned a deadline of November 2026. 

Open Charge Request (2:25 – 2:30 p.m.)  

BFC requests an extension until November 4, 2026, on:  

S-2206-2: Socially Responsible Investment – Due September 2, 2026 

Outcome: S-2206-2 was assigned a deadline of November 2026. 

Rutgers Edge Presentation – Louis Gremillion Jr., Associate Vice President for Advancement and Special Assistant to the President (2:30 – 3:10 p.m.) 

A presentation was given about what the Rutgers Edge means. The presentation was given to leadership teams across the various campuses, and has received positive feedback. Questions were asked during the session including:  

• How do we expand the growth, in concrete terms and how do we do this amidst having a budget crisis? 

• A point was made regarding imperative equitable treatment of all Rutgers CLU’s and engaging the feedback from those who are doing the direct work.  

• A point was made about how there should be a shift away from university rankings and more towards being an affordable institution willing to fight for its values and principles.  

• Are dual credit programs going to be highlighted and expanded on?  

• What is the next phase from a practical standpoint?  

• Can the full Senate participate in the next Rutgers Edge presentation to get more feedback? 

• There was a proposal to mention Rutgers being the first campus in the state to be tobacco free.   

• There was a proposal for the Rutgers Camden campus specifically; being the most rail accessible campus in all of South Jersey.  

Open Charge Request (3:10 – 3:15 p.m.)  

USGC requests an extension until January 6, 2027, on:  

• S-2309-2: Increased Representation of Graduate Students and Lecturer Faculty in the University Senate – Due September 2, 2026 

• S-2316-1: University Senate Representation on Formal Governance Boards – Due September 2, 2026 

• S-2318-1: Increasing Student Representation on the Rutgers University Senate Executive Committee – Due September 2, 2026 

• S-2405: Teaching Faculty Inclusion – Due September 2, 2026 

• S-2406: Senate Role in Shared Governance – Due September 2, 2026

Outcome: All charges were assigned a deadline of January 2027. 

Old Business 

New Business 

Charge Title:  Rutgers Conflict of Interest Standards, Nepotism Practices, and the Appearance of Impropriety- Senator Siatta Davis  

Charge Description: To examine whether current Rutgers University hiring, supervisory, and budgetary oversight practices provide sufficient safeguards to prevent actual or perceived conflicts of interest, nepotism, preferential treatment, including requirements that employment opportunities be administered fairly, competitively, and without favoritism and undue influence when family members are employed within the same department, administrative unit, reporting structure, or budget line.  

 Rationale: In accordance with University Policy 60.1.1, members of the same family or household may not be selected for faculty or staff positions if selection would create a supervisor/subordinate relationship between family and household members; would have the potential for creating an adverse impact on work performance; or would create either an actual conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.  Further, no family or household member shall have hiring authority over another family or household member nor shall vote, make recommendations or in any other way participate in the decision of any matter that may directly affect the appointment, tenure, promotion, demotion, salary, or other status or interest of a family or household member.  Employees are expected to voluntarily recuse themselves from participation in personnel decisions in which a family or household member is involved. 

The following circumstances give rise to Senate review.  Concerns have been raised about two current Rutgers University employees.  Employee A is in a management position.  Employee B is the spouse of Employee A.  Employee A’s spouse was hired within the same department/unit.  Employee B’s position is funded, in whole or in part, through the same departmental budget line, grant, allocation, operating account, or funding source associated with Employee A.  Concerns have been raised regarding the hiring process, budget approval processes, supervisory relationships, participation in employment decisions, potential preferential treatment, and/or nepotism.  These circumstances may create an actual conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest in accordance with University Policy 60.1.1 Employment of Relatives. 

Outcome: The EC declined to charge to a committee, as it relates to an HR process and is not under the purview of the Senate.  

Senator Scott provided an informational update from the Policy Approval Committee. He reported that the Policy on Policies will be reviewed, amended, and changed this year. Senator Scott will provide more information on this matter during the September EC meeting.   

Adjournment 

The Executive Committee adjourned at 2:52 p.m.  

Minutes prepared by: Taryn Cooper, Executive Secretary of the University Senate