Improving Undergraduate Education at Rutgers

March 7, 2006

Members of the Newark Campus Community:

As you know, the improvement of undergraduate education at Rutgers has been a focus of universitywide attention and discussion on all three campuses. In Newark, under Provost Steven Diner and Dean Ned Kirby, the campus is undergoing a thorough assessment of its undergraduate programs. In Camden, undergraduate initiatives have included service-learning internships, undergraduate research grants, and expanded opportunities for study abroad. In New Brunswick/Piscataway, a Task Force on Undergraduate Education proposed comprehensive changes to the undergraduate structure, and for the past eight months the community has been discussing its recommendations. 

With pride in all our efforts universitywide to improve the undergraduate experience, I am pleased to share with you my recommendations for undergraduate education in New Brunswick/Piscataway. These plans, available in full at http://ur.rutgers.edu/presidents_plan, will be presented for consideration and approval by the Rutgers University Board of Governors at a special meeting on March 10. Note that these recommendations are specific to the New Brunswick/Piscataway campus, which faces unique challenges rooted in its history and geography which are not inherent on the Newark campus.

In its own context, Newark is moving ahead with planned initiatives and new programs to enhance the undergraduate experience. The Undergraduate Assessment Committee continues its discussions, which will soon widen to include the entire Newark community. In addition, the campus's new diversity in education grants are helping faculty redesign or develop undergraduate courses. A comprehensive revitalization of instruction in English composition and basic mathematics is well under way. The new Office of Academic Technology has greatly expanded the use of computer technology in instruction. Provost Diner continually seeks ways to expand research and internship opportunities for undergraduates and to encourage faculty and students to take full advantage of the learning resources available in Newark and New York City. Please reach out to him directly if you have suggestions for improving education in Newark.

Ensuring that all Rutgers students, no matter where they attend classes, receive a first-rate education is fundamental to our mission. It must remain the guiding principle as we develop learning environments and opportunities that better respond to student needs in the 21st century.

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey