Campus Improvement Initiative

Fostering excellence through infrastructure investments

Rutgers has developed hundreds of millions of dollars in new construction across the New Brunswick campuses over the past decade. In addition, the University invests tens of millions of dollars each year in regular building and site improvements. Nonetheless, because of the scale of our campuses, faculty, staff, and students regularly identify specific facilities that require attention: from classrooms and labs, to offices and student support spaces.

In response to these concerns, Chancellor Conway has created the Chancellor's Campus Improvement Initiative, which designates an additional $5M over five years for capital improvement projects that are nominated by members of our campus community. A representative review committee will evaluate the submissions and prioritize them to ensure fairness and equity.

Members of the campus community can suggest nominations to their school deans or center and institute directors, who will review and submit those projects through the online portal below.

Submission Portal for Deans and Directors (NetID login required)

Recent Campus Improvements

For information about these upgraded spaces and other study locations, including hours of operation, please click on the links below or visit the Study Space Finder.

The Cove, Busch Student Center

Centrally located on Busch campus, the Cove in the Busch Student Center is a great place for a quick bite or to meet a friend. With updated lighting and furniture, it's also a great spot for both collaborative group work and quiet studying. Next time you're on Busch, please visit the Cove.

The Space, Livingston Student Center

An outdated retail space in the Livingston Student Center has been transformed into a multipurpose student hub, providing much needed study, meeting, and event space on Livingston campus. Looking for a place to study between classes or a rendezvous spot to meet friends? Try the Space.

The Atrium, College Avenue Student Center

In response to student requests for more and varied flexible dining options, the Atrium provides five new eateries in the heart of the College Avenue Campus. In addition to offering a variety of dining options, this newly renovated area is a great place to meet friends or study between classes.

Digital Learning Commons, Alexander Library

The Digital Learning Commons is a state-of-the-art, multimedia collaboration center in the Alexander Library on CAC. In addition to a host of individual and group study areas, the DLC also provides a "pitch room," "one-button" studios, an audio recording booth, and a computer area with printing.

Enhancing Accessibility

In addition to these capital improvement projects, the Facilities Access Council has worked with an outside accessibility consultant to create a matrix of priority accessibility improvements, and the University will be investing an additional $4.8M in accessibility projects over the next four years in our continuing effort to promote a welcoming, barrier-free campus environment.

The initial projects have already been funded and are in the design phase, and they include exterior walkways, building ramps, door operators, and accessible gender-neutral lavatories. Chancellor Conway is committed to promoting efforts to ensure that our facilities and campus environment reflect the value we place on our outstanding faculty, staff, and students.

Envisioning an Exceptional Future

The Campus Improvement Initiative is one of several strategic priorities within the Academic Master Plan, Rutgers–New Brunswick's roadmap to national leadership in higher education and excellence in research, teaching, and service towards the common good.

Explore More Strategic Priorities and Initiatives