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Explore Rutgers Day

Rutgers Day is set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., rain or shine, on the Busch Campus in Piscataway and the College Avenue and Cook/Douglass campuses in New Brunswick. Get ready for the ultimate celebration of everything Rutgers!

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Strategic Priorities and Initiatives

Rutgers–New Brunswick is leading the way toward an exceptional future through an ambitious set of initiatives under the umbrella of the Academic Master Plan and its Four Pillars of Excellence: Scholarly Leadership, Innovative Research, Student Success, and Community Engagement. Although Chancellor-priority initiatives are organized by the pillars, the initiatives can fulfill more than one of these four pillars. The initiatives also reflect the president’s vision for the university which included 1) Access and Academic Excellence; 2) Beloved Community; and 3) Common Good.

Academic Master Plan

A person reaches for a book in the library

The Rutgers University–New Brunswick Academic Master Plan (AMP), led by the Office of the Chancellor, will serve as the roadmap for the institution’s future, clarifying strategies to accomplish the university’s academic mission. The success of the plan depends on the collaboration and input from our Rutgers–New Brunswick community.

 

Pillar I: Scholarly Leadership

Faculty meet in a conference room.

Institute for Teaching, Innovation, and Inclusive Pedagogy

The Institute for Teaching, Innovation, and Inclusive Pedagogy supports effective and inclusive teaching that empowers all students to succeed while at Rutgers and in their future careers. It provides a space for collaboration, experimentation, and research on innovation in teaching and learning.

  • In Fall 2022, Chancellor Conway convened a task force to research and develop recommendations for the structure and scope of an Institute for Teaching, Learning, and Inclusive Pedagogy for Rutgers–New Brunswick to support effective teaching.

    Read the May 2023 Task Force Report

    Task Force Co-Chairs

    • Saundra Tomlinson-Clarke, Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs
    • Laura Curran, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
    • Carolyn Moehling, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education

    Task Force Members

    • Stacey Blackwell, Senior Director, Learning Centers
    • Onur Bilgen, Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering
    • Madhavi Chakrabarty, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Rutgers Business School
    • Kimberly Cook Chennault, Associate Professor, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering
    • Rebecca Cypess, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Professor, Mason Gross School of the Arts
    • Hebbah El-Moslimany, Learning Specialist, Learning Centers
    • Mary Emenike, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Anita Franzione, Associate Teaching Professor, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
    • Alex Gatten, Instructional Designer, School of Social Work
    • David Goldman, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Rebecca Greenbaum, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, School of Management and Labor Relations
    • Nicole Houser, Associate Teaching Professor, Department of English, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Nora Hyland, Associate Dean & Faculty Director of Teacher Education, Graduate School of Education
    • Samuel Jones, Assistant Dean of PTL Development in Office of Academic Affairs, Associate Professor of Teaching, School of Social Work
    • Ryan Kettler, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
    • Cameron Knight, Head of Acting, Associate Professor, Mason Gross School of the Arts
    • Julia Sass Rubin, Associate Dean of Academic Programs, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
    • Sharon Stoerger, Assistant Dean for Programs and Assessment, School of Communication and Information
    • Kristen Syrett, Associate Dean, School of Arts and Sciences Office of Undergraduate Education, Associate Professor, Linguistics and Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science (RuCCS)
    • Lily Todorinova, Undergraduate Experience Librarian/Open Educational Research, Rutgers Libraries-New Brunswick

Center for Faculty Success

The Center for Faculty Success promotes faculty success, leadership, and excellence through a variety of inclusive professional development supports and works in conjunction with campus, university, and external partners to support the growth and development of faculty throughout all stages of their careers. Its new College Avenue center opened in Fall 2023.

ScarletWell

ScarletWell is a public health and prevention-focused approach to mental health and wellness for students, faculty, and staff that provides programs, resources, and support for wellness and well-being. Rutgers–New Brunswick’s inaugural Chief Wellness Officer and ScarletWell Director are working to integrate well-being into all aspects of our campus culture and foster a healthy community.

  • In Fall 2022, Chancellor Conway convened a task force to develop recommendations for the scope and structure of the Rutgers–New Brunswick ScarletWell Initiative.

    Read the May 2023 Task Force Report

    Task Force Members

    • Laura Curran (Co-Chair), Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Rutgers–New Brunswick, School of Social Work
    • Carolyn Dellatore, Assistant Vice President of Workplace Culture, University Human Resources
    • Peter Economou, Assistant Professor, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology and Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness, Rutgers University Athletics
    • Judith Harrison, Associate Professor of Special Education, Educational Psychology, Graduate School of Education
    • Arpana G. Inman (Co-Chair), Dean, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
    • Lara Fougnies, Vice President, Rutgers University Student Assembly
    • Ralph Gigliotti, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Programs, Office of University Strategy and Director, Center for Organizational Leadership
    • Joshua Langberg, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Center for Youth Social Emotional Wellness, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
    • Francesca Maresca, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs—Health and Wellness
    • Salvador Mena (Co-Chair), Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Rutgers–New Brunswick
    • Kelley Moore, Director, Center for Psychological Services, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
    • Noa'a Shimoni, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Health and Wellness Rutgers NB, Associate Vice President for Student and Wellness, Rutgers University
    • Peggy Swarbrick, Research Professor, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology and Associate Director of the Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies
    • Saundra Tomlinson-Clarke, Senior Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs, Rutgers–New Brunswick, Graduate School of Education
    • Kerri Willson, Associate Dean of Students, Rutgers–New Brunswick

Find additional Scholarly Leadership initiatives

Pillar II: Innovative Research

close up of beakers in a laboratory

Chancellor Challenge

The Chancellor Challenge invites Rutgers–New Brunswick faculty, staff, and students to propose innovative ideas that catalyze exploration, collaboration, concept-testing, and risk-taking, and advance the goals and objectives of the Academic Master Plan. Recent Chancellor Challenge awards have established new initiatives on data science and artificial intelligence, climate change scholarship, and more.

A New Strategy for the Life Sciences

The Office of the Vice for Research is developing a new strategic framework to re-envision STEM research, particularly in the life sciences, across Rutgers–New Brunswick and in partnership with Rutgers Health. This new approach will foster interdisciplinary collaborations, new opportunities for joint research and external funding, and stronger relationships with government, nonprofit, and industry partners.

Learn More About the Task Force All Provost Strategic Task Forces

Publicly/Community Engaged Scholarship and Research

The Chancellor's Office established a task force of Rutgers–New Brunswick faculty to develop recommendations for implementing a policy outlined by the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs to facilitate the tenure and promotion process for those who do publicly engaged/community engaged scholarship.

  • The task force produced a comprehensive report on Publicly/Community Engaged Scholarship (P/CES) that establishes a guiding definition of P/CES and includes recommendations for the Office of the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs pertaining to the modification of universitywide tenure and promotion materials so they include P/CES elements.

    Task Force Report

    Task Force Members

    • Denise Hien, Co-Chair, Senior Vice Provost for Research, Office of the Chancellor
    • Saundra Tomlinson-Clarke, Co-Chair, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Office of the Chancellor
    • Emily Allen-Hornblower, Associate Professor of Classics, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Classics
    • W. Steven Barnett, Board of Governors Professor of Education, Graduate School of Education, Senior Co-Director, National Institute for Early Education Research
    • Brittney Cooper, Associate Professor, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
    • Laura Curran, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Office of the Chancellor
    • Sara Elnakib, Chair/Program Leader, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Department of Family and Community Health Sciences
    • Nichole Garcia, Assistant Professor of Higher Education, Graduate School of Education, Educational Psychology
    • Alexander Guerrero, Professor, School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Philosophy
    • Andrea Hetling, Provost Leadership Research Fellow, Office of the Vice Provost for Research
    • Radha Jagannathan, Professor, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
    • Brooke Maslo, Associate Professor, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources
    • Sheila Borges Rajguru, Director for Research Development and Strategy, Office of the Vice Provost for Research
    • Saul Rubinstein, Professor, School of Management and Labor Relations, Labor Studies and Employment Relations Director, Center for the Study of Collaboration in Work and Society
    • Todd Wolfson, Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies, School of Communication and Information, Co-Director of the MIC Center

Find additional Innovative Research initiatives

Pillar III: Student Success

Group of students walking on campus

Discovery Advantage

Discovery Advantage is reimagining the student experience—from enrollment to retention and graduation—ensuring students are supported in their belonging and well-being, and are best prepared to succeed in their academic and co-curricular pursuits and life after graduation. The Discovery Advantage Final Report includes an analysis and list of recommendations. Feedback is welcome.

  • Discovery Advantage Chair

    • Kathleen Scott, Professor of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, School of Arts and Sciences

    Discovery Advantage Executive Steering Committee

     

    • Brian Ballentine, Senior Administrator, Office of the President
    • Andrew Baker, Faculty, School of Arts and Sciences (Spring 2023)
    • Stacey Blackwell, Staff, Rutgers Learning Centers
    • Melissa Blake, Staff, R-Comm (Fall 2023)
    • Wendie Cohick, Staff, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences/New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station
    • Barbara Cooper, Faculty, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Alberto Cuitiño, Senior Administrator, School of Engineering
    • Jason Geary, Senior Administrator, Mason Gross School of the Arts
    • Ann Gould, Senior Administrator, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences & Academic Affairs
    • Paul Hammond, Senior Administrator, Technology and Instruction
    • Martha Haviland, Faculty, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Jennifer Hollingshead, Senior Administrator, R-Comm (Spring 2023)
    • Charles Keeton, Senior Administrator, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Susan Lawrence, Senior Administrator, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Laura Lawson, Senior Administrator, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences/New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station
    • James Masschaele, Senior Administrator, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Tara Matise, Faculty, School of Arts and Sciences (Spring 2023)
    • Courtney McAnuff, Senior Administrator, Enrollment Management
    • Salvador Mena, Senior Administrator, Student Affairs
    • Carolyn Moehling, Senior Administrator, Undergraduate Education
    • Thu Nguyen, Senior Administrator, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Mark Robson, Faculty, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
    • Stuart Shapiro, Senior Administrator, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
    • Peng Song, Senior Administrator, School of Engineering
    • Saundra Tomlinson-Clarke, Senior Administrator, Academic Affairs
    • David Wilder, Faculty, School of Arts and Sciences (Fall 2023)
    • Paula Voos, Faculty, School of Management and Labor Relations

    Advising and Academic Support Workstream

    Co-Chairs

    • Ann Gould, Senior Administrator, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences & Academic Affairs
    • Carolyn Moehling, Senior Administrator, Undergraduate Education

    View full list of workstream members

    Curriculum Workstream

    Co-Chairs

    • Susan Lawrence, Senior Administrator, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Saundra Tomlinson-Clarke, Senior Administrator, Academic Affairs

    View full list of workstream members

    Enrollment and Marketing Workstream

    Co-Chairs

    • Wendie Cohick, Staff, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences/New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station
    • Courtney McAnuff, Senior Administrator, Enrollment Management

    View full list of workstream members

    Living-Learning Communities Workstream

    Co-Chairs

    • Salvador Mena, Senior Administrator, Student Affairs
    • Mark Robson, Faculty, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences

    View full list of workstream members

    Administrative and Financial Structure Workstream

    Co-Chairs

    • Melissa Blake, Staff, R-Comm (Fall 2023)
    • Jennifer Hollingshead, Senior Administrator, R-Comm (Spring 2023)
    • James Masschaele, Senior Administrator, School of Arts and Sciences

    View full list of workstream members

    Data Core Workstream

    Co-Chairs

    • Paul Hammond, Senior Administrator, Technology and Instruction
    • Tara Matise, Faculty, School of Arts and Sciences (Spring 2023)
    • Thu Nguyen, Senior Administrator, School of Arts and Sciences (Fall 2023)

    View full list of workstream members

Graduate Education and Student Support Initiative

The Graduate Education and Student Support Initiative seeks to improve the graduate student experience through enhanced coordination of recruitment, enrollment management, scholarships, academic support, and support for graduate student life. 

Scarlet Guarantee

This signature Rutgers–New Brunswick program aims to make college more accessible and affordable, offering a "last dollar" financial aid award that covers the cost of in-state tuition and mandatory fees. The Scarlet Guarantee is a supplemental program to the Garden State Guarantee.

15+ to Finish

Students can graduate on time and minimize their educational costs if they complete 15 or more credits per semester. The 15+ to Finish initiative helps students get there by connecting them with academic, wellness, and career support services, and opportunities for experiential learning and involvement.

Nontraditional Learners

The Chancellor appointed a committee to investigate the feasibility, need, and scope for a Rutgers–New Brunswick school for nontraditional learners—a group that may include veterans, working students, part-time students, returning students who seek to change majors/careers, students who took time off to work or volunteer, professionals, and/or others. This idea, and the committee’s thorough analysis and conclusions, remain under review.

  • The committee convened in Spring 2023 to review existing research related to its charge and compiled its recommendations into the summary analysis report.

    Summary Analysis Task Force Report (2018)

    Committee Members

    • Deborah Silver, Director, Professional Science Master’s Program, Rutgers University, and Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering
    • Deepa Bhalla, Associate Vice Chancellor, Division of Enrollment Management
    • Stacy Blackwell, Senior Director, Learning Centers
    • Dana Britton, Professor and Chair, Labor Studies and Employment Relations, School of Management and Labor Relations
    • Barbara Fiorella, Associate Vice President, Degree Completion Programs, Division of Continuing Studies
    • Zoran Gajic, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, School of Engineering
    • Hae Chang Gea, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering
    • Gary Gigliotti, Professor, Economics, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Lisa Klein, Distinguished Professor and Department Chair, Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering
    • John Kolassa, Distinguished Professor, Statistics, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Michael Lawton, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Biology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
    • Kevin Lyons, Associate Professor of Professional Practice, Rutgers Business School–Newark and New Brunswick
    • Jason Moore, Director, Office of Transfer and Non-Traditional Students
    • Richard Novak, Vice President for Continuing Studies and Distance Education
    • Tom Prusa, Professor, Economics, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Mark Gregory Robson, Associate Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies
    • Hal Salzman, Professor of Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and Senior Faculty Fellow, John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development
    • David Shernoff, Associate Professor, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, and Director, Rutgers Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education
    • Lars Sorensen, Assistant Teaching Professor, Computer Science, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Mathew Stone, Professor, Computer Science, School of Arts and Sciences
    • Paul Takhistov, Associate Professor, Food Engineering, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
    • Ann Treadaway, Director, Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services
    • Jaideep Vaidya, Distinguished Professor, Computer Information Systems, Rutgers Business School, and Director, Rutgers Institute for Data Science, Learning, and Applications
    • Michelle Van Noy, Director and Associate Research Professor, Education and Employment Research Center, School of Management and Labor Relations

Transfer Policies and Practices

The Committee on Transfer Policies and Practices was charged with conducting a self-study of existing  Rutgers–New Brunswick transfer policies and practices to develop recommendations and strategies to better meet the evolving needs of Rutgers–New Brunswick’s transfer student population.

  • In May 2023, the committee drafted its recommendations and strategies to better meet the evolving needs of  Rutgers–New Brunswick’s transfer student population, with the goal of improving transfer persistence, retention, and graduation, as well as connection to our beloved community.

    Self-Study Report

    Committee Members

    • Jason A. Moore, Director for Access and Academic Strategy, Undergraduate Education (Chair)
    • Robert Ciervo, Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Education/Academic Services, School of Engineering
    • Robin Diamond, Assistant Dean and Director of the Transfer Center, School of Arts & Sciences
    • Daaimah Etheridge, Assistant Dean for Transfer Programs, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
    • Kevin Ewell, Assistant Dean for Student Services, School of Communication and Information
    • Carlos Nazario, Director for Recruitment & Outreach, Undergraduate Admissions
    • Felicia Norott, Assistant Dean for Juniors, Seniors and School to School Transfers, Rutgers Business School
    • Christina Torian, Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
    • Paula Voos, Director of Undergraduate Programs, School of Management and Labor Relations
    • Scott Walker, Executive Director of Academic Services, Rutgers Athletics

     

Find additional Student Success initiatives

Pillar IV: Community Engagement

Students and children work in a community garden

Brandt Behavioral Health Treatment Center and Retreat

Rutgers University in June 2024 held the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Brandt Behavioral Health Treatment Center and Retreat, New Jersey’s first youth mental health facility backed by a university or college. The Brandt Center strives to fill a glaring need in the ongoing crisis of youth mental health. It is the centerpiece of the Rutgers Youth Behavioral Health Initiative and a partnership that includes Rutgers–New Brunswick, RBHS, and the Rutgers University Foundation in collaboration with cross-disciplinary units like the Center for Youth Socioemotional Wellness.

 

Diversity Strategic Plan

The aim of the Diversity Strategic Plan is to adopt the means for the cohesive, coherent, and collaborative integration of diversity and inclusion into New Brunswick’s shared pursuit of excellence.

Rutgers Distinction

Rutgers–New Brunswick proudly connects students with hands-on, experiential opportunities for research, internships, and public service. Inspired by the success of the Rutgers Summer Service Internship Initiative, the new Rutgers Distinction Initiative will focus on expanding industry and community partnerships.

Innovation and Economic Prosperity

Rutgers–New Brunswick strives to serve the common good as a driver of economic opportunity and community engagement. Through the Innovation and Economic Prosperity initiative, the university has been recognized by the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University, a designation that demonstrates the institution's commitment to creating and growing sustainable economic opportunity in the region.

  • Leadership Team

    • Margaret Brennan-Tonetta, Ph.D., Director of Resource and Economic Development and Senior Associate Director, NJAES
    • Jacqueline McGlynn, Director of Administration, Office of the Chancellor
    • Lori Dars, M.B.A., Associate Director, Economic Development and Innovation, NJAES
    • Amy Mandelbaum, Senior Program Administrator, NJAES Office of Resource and Economic Development

    Rutgers Representatives

    Douglass Residential College

    • Leslie Danehy, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs

    Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy

    • Carl Van Horn, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Director, John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development

    Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology

    • Lara Delmolino Gatley, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Administration and Strategic Operations; Director, GSAPP’s Applied and Academic Autism Services; and Executive Director, Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center

    Graduate School of Education

    • Representative to be named

    Honors College

    • Andrea Rydel, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Professional Development and Alumni and Corporate Engagement

    Mason Gross School of the Arts

    • Rebecca Cypess, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Musicology

    Rutgers Business School – New Brunswick

    • Gary Minkoff, M.B.A., Assistant Professor of Professional Practice

    School of Arts and Sciences

    • Robin Davis, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Education and Professor, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience
    • Thu D. Nguyen, Ph.D., Dean of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and Professor, Department of Computer Science
    • Chris Scherer, Director, Office of External Engagement and Partnerships

    School of Communications and Information

    • Mark Aakhus, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Communication

    School of Engineering

    • Wade Trappe, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research and Academic Programs and Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

    School of Environmental and Biological Sciences

    • Richard Alomar, Ph.D., Associate Director, Office of Urban Extension and Engagement and Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Landscape Architecture
    • Brian Schilling, Ph.D., Director, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Associate Extension Specialist in Agricultural Policy and Senior Associate Director, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station

    School of Graduate Studies

    • Representative to be named

    School of Management and Labor Relations

    • William Castellano, Ph.D., Professor, Human Resource Management, Executive Director, NJ/NY Center for Employee Ownership

    School of Social Work

    • Mark W. Lamar, M.B.A., M.S.W., Executive Director, Office of Field Education, Associate Professor of Professional Practice

Find additional Community Engagement initiatives

Operational Excellence

Old Queens in the fall

Campus Improvement Initiative

Through the Campus Improvement Initiative, the Chancellor's Office has committed to investing $5M over five years for infrastructure repairs and upgrades. Students are a top priority in this effort, which includes the development of collaborative and innovative spaces.

Operational Excellence Listening Tour

The Operational Excellence Listening Tour explores our successes and challenges as well as the ways in which we can continue to improve the ways Rutgers–New Brunswick’s units interact with the administrative offices—including Human Resources, Planning and Operations, Finance and Administration, Research, and Information Technology—to achieve our shared goals.