February 24, 2003

Dear _________________:

The Rutgers University Senate is a university-wide deliberative and advisory body consisting of over 200 members representing the alumni, faculty, students, and administrators of Rutgers.  It meets monthly to give voice to its constituencies’ thoughts and concerns regarding issues affecting Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.  It has convened in this manner for the past 50 years.  As the only such university-wide deliberative body at Rutgers, the University Senate strives to represent the best interests of Rutgers from the standpoint of its 320,000 living alumni (about 170,000 of whom live in New Jersey), 50,000 students, as well as its employees.

At its regular meeting on February 21, 2003, the Rutgers University Senate approved the enclosed Report and Resolution in Opposition to Proposed and Continued Budget Cuts, and in Support of Excellence in Higher Education in New Jersey.  At the Senate’s instruction, I am sending this report and resolution to you as a member of the New Jersey State Legislature, in hopes that you will consider its message as you work to improve the quality of higher education in our state, to deal with current budgetary and economic issues, and to lead New Jersey into the future.

Respectfully,

Kenneth W. Swalagin
Executive Secretary of the Rutgers University Senate