Rutgers-Specific Questions

What task force recommendations are specific to Rutgers?

Noting that “For a state to be great, it must have a great state university,” the report lists nine recommendations specific to Rutgers. Among them is the suggestion that Rutgers invest strategically in areas of excellence and eliminate redundancy; that the university strive for a “robust and selective” undergraduate program that brings teaching and research together in the classroom; and that the university work more closely with the state’s business community, especially the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. The report also notes the advantage of increased enrollment of out-of-state students, which can expand diversity, improve quality, and add revenue.

Most important, the report proposes reuniting Rutgers–New Brunswick and UMDNJ’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and School of Public Health. The goal is to improve medical education and place Rutgers among the top 10 public research universities in the nation.

What recommendations does the task force make for Rutgers–Camden?

According to the task force report, the Camden Campus is integral to any long-term vision for Rutgers and makes important contributions to the corporate, legal, and family needs of South Jersey. The report recommends that Camden receive appropriate support and explore opportunities to work with other institutions in the region to expand its mission.

During its deliberations, the task force received ideas from various sources regarding a University of South Jersey. A summary of those comments is included as Appendix Q of the report. The task force does not endorse this concept and has not included it among its recommendations, but encourages further discussion on this matter.

What recommendations does the task force make for Rutgers–Newark?

The report concludes that “Rutgers–Newark must remain a vibrant component of Rutgers University and should become even more integrated into the fabric of the city of Newark.” It especially commends the campus’s community involvement and the way its diversity enhances the educational experience. It recommends that the university increase resources provided to the campus.

What say will Rutgers—its governing boards, administration, faculty, and alumni—have in these efforts?

Implementing the task force’s recommendations will require a partnership between state leadership and Rutgers, including deliberations by the Board of Governors, Board of Trustees, and members of the administration. We anticipate that there will be opportunities for members of the Rutgers community, including faculty and alumni, to participate in these discussions.