Budget and Finance Committee (BFC) Response to Charge S-1103 on Information Technology and IT Services at Rutgers - The BFC has been charged as follows:

Information Technology and IT Services at Rutgers: Evaluate aspects of information technology services at Rutgers including whether systems communicate effectively with each other, incorporate user experience levels and feedback, are user-friendly, improve data flow, and enhance coordination among information technology personnel. Explore ways that the Office of Information Technology can more efficiently provide services to users. Identify opportunities for Rutgers to centralize or take a more distributive approach to various information technology functions, and investigate the advantages and disadvantages of deploying more open software. If developments during the time of deliberations warrant it, consider the ramifications of a reunification of Robert Wood Johnson Medical with Rutgers New Brunswick on the above.

Research, and Graduate and Professional Education Committee (RGPEC) Response to Charge S-1107 on Publication Repository and Supporting Documents: Open Access Factsheet and Open Access Presentation- The RGPEC has been charged as follows:

Publication Repository: Examine the possibility of a Rutgers-specific, centrally driven publication repository for published papers and books. Provide data about similar services at peer and aspirant universities.

Proposed Charge to Student Affairs Committee (SAC) on Campus Study Areas for Commuter Students submitted by Senator Joseph Cashin: Investigate and determine the opening of a study area on each campus for commuter students.  Investigate, if there was a study area opened prior to the libraries opening at around 7:30, commuter students interest on using this area.  If there is an interest, determine each campus's ability (both financially and available areas) to go forward with this study area.  This is not a recommendation for a 24 hour study area.

Continue, Drop, or Modify Charge S-1205 on Academic Freedom at Rutgers/South China University of Technology Joint Venture: Investigate and consider the extent to which academic freedom and students' right to free speech and assembly will be the standard at the new, joint venture that Rutgers is undertaking with South China University of Technology. Investigate the profile of the expected faculty, detailing what proportions will be tenured, tenure-track, and non-tenure-track, and full-time or part-time. Consider the need for any initiative to which Rutgers attaches its name and where Rutgers faculty may be affiliated to maintain all the protections and freedoms associated with employment here in the United States. Make recommendations on how to best ensure that Rutgers' name and faculty are protected with regard to academic freedom, tenure, and freedom of expression and assembly.  Respond to Senate Executive Committee by December 2012.