Governors' forum hears community concerns
Archived article from Dec 4, 1998
By Douglas Frank
The Board of Governors began a series of open forums Nov. 15 with the goal of fostering an exchange of ideas among faculty, staff, students, administrators and board members. The forums will focus on directions for the university's future as Rutgers begins implementing its strategic plan, as well as on general concerns of the university community.
The session was conducted by the Committee on Educational Planning and Policy, which is responsible for the general oversight of the educational program of the university. The committee consists of members of both the Board of Governors and the Board of Trustees. Also participating were President Francis L. Lawrence; Joseph J. Seneca, university vice president for academic affairs; and Joseph P. Whiteside, senior vice president and treasurer.
At the initial session held in Winants Hall, 14 student and faculty speakers addressed the committee on a variety of matters in often spirited exchanges.
Some speakers brought individual problems to the committee's attention, while others addressed broader issues, either for themselves or for a campus constituency they represented. Many speakers thanked the committee for holding the open forum and encouraging dialogue.
Dean Paranicas, EP&P chair, said forums will also be held on the Newark and Camden campuses. "It's important for us to hear from the community. The university is a marketplace of ideas and this forum is a testament to that."
Issues raised during the forum included remuneration and recognition for part-time lecturers; academic quality and admissions standards; intercollegiate athletics; and money for faculty research.
"Even if we don't agree with every syllable that someone has to utter, it is useful to exchange these ideas," commented Board of Governors Chair Richard A. Levao. "This is a tremendous institution with an enormous potential and is critically important to the state." He added that he hoped "people of good will can talk about these things openly and work to a even better level of distinction."
"There's been a lot of commentary about people willing to extend themselves and to develop a dialogue in future," said board member Kevin J. Collins. "Nothing's perfect; we all know that. But if we all look on this as an opportunity to perform collegially, the university will benefit that much more."
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