November 6, 2020: Adopt-A-Family; First-Generation Students; & Town Halls
Spotlight
Last Chance to Sign Up for Rutgers Against Hunger's 2020 Adopt-A-Family Campaign
Today is the final opportunity to volunteer and help those in need across the state by signing up to participate in the Rutgers Against Hunger’s annual Adopt-A-Family campaign. Although only financial donations will be collected this year in lieu of in-person contributions due to COVID-19, individuals, groups, and departments can still volunteer as sponsors and help New Jersey families in need who are struggling through these challenging times. Sponsors have their choice of three ways to support families this year, including Family Match, Agency Match, and General Donation. To learn more and sign up to support a local family in need this year, individuals or a group representative must complete this online registration form today!
From the Desk of...
Chancellor Christopher J. Molloy
Dear Colleagues,
Next week, Rutgers–New Brunswick will join our nation’s colleges and universities as we celebrate the contributions and achievements of first-generation students. This event coincides with the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which opened the doors to college for millions of smart, low- and middle-income Americans by establishing need-based grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans.
I, too, was the first in my family to attend college. I attended Rutgers as an undergrad and was inspired by the staff and faculty to continue my education. I’ve found that my story is not unique at Rutgers; like me, many of our faculty and staff are first-generation. It’s one of the reasons we understand the grit of our students and are deeply committed to access. We know first-hand how education can be an equalizer.
As a land-grant institution, providing access to a premier education for those with the academic desire and talent has long been a part of our history. More than that, the shared appreciation of education is in our DNA.
Announcements
Help Envision Our Future by Joining Rutgers Climate Task Force Town Halls on Nov. 11 and 12
Join the President’s Task Force on Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience for a special, two-night town hall event on November 11 and 12, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. Task force members will present key findings from the Interim Report (PDF) and answer questions from the community about Rutgers' climate future. Each town hall—“Envisioning a Carbon Neutral Rutgers” on November 11 and “Envisioning a Climate Resilient Rutgers” on November 12—will conclude with breakout sessions based on that night’s specific theme. Get involved in this important work and register to participate in these upcoming events.
New Guidelines on Discretionary Spending Available and Encouraged Universitywide
In October, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and University Treasurer J. Michael Gower announced and encouraged the use of new discretionary spending guidance provided by University Procurement Services (UPS). PDF resources like Rutgers Discretionary Spending Quick Reference Guide, Cost-Saving Tips, and UPS Policy Reminder are now available for faculty and staff to assist with decision-making regarding the purchase of goods and services that are necessary, appropriate, and reasonable expenditures. Especially during these challenging times, working together to advance the university’s mission by exercising discretion in spending habits will help our community recover from the loss that the pandemic has imposed and move toward a more financially stable position.
RBHS Strategic Planning Town Halls
Members of the RBHS community are invited to participate in upcoming virtual town halls in and become a part of the RBHS strategic planning process. Facilitated by the RBHS Strategic Plan Steering Committee, these events will be held in November and provide a brief overview of the approach, timeline, and progress to date as well as provide opportunities to answer questions and gather feedback. All RBHS faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to submit questions or comments ahead of time. Anyone who cannot attend either of these events but would still like to be involved in the important planning process for the future of RBHS, can learn more and access the recordings of the town hall events via the RBHS Strategic Planning website following the events. See event and Zoom details below to participate in the upcoming town hall meetings.
Tuesday, November 10 (12 p.m.–1:30 p.m.)
Join via Zoom
Webinar ID: 945 0159 8747
Passcode: 554804
Wednesday, November 18 (1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.)
Join via Zoom
Webinar ID: 975 2848 0119
Passcode: 834197
Rutgers Research Champions Video
The Office for Research thanks researchers across Rutgers by proudly announcing the debut of the Research Champions video, which showcases the ongoing and extraordinary work and efforts undertaken by researchers universitywide to improve lives. Check out the video on YouTube dedicated to the discipline, persistence, and commitment of these exemplary researchers who are a testament to the excellence that Rutgers aspires to every day.
University Policy Update
The Office of the Secretary of the University announces a recent update to the University Policy Library:
View recent policy updates online. For specific questions about policy interpretations, contact the responsible office listed on each policy. For general questions, please email the Office of the Secretary of the University.
Find Expert Oral Healthcare at Rutgers Health University Dental Associates
The Rutgers community can find expert oral healthcare close to work and home at Rutgers Health University Dental Associates. At its offices in New Brunswick and Newark, faculty from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine treat patients directly in a state-of-the-art, private practice setting. In both locations, practitioners provide a full range of care, from family dentistry to complex, specialty needs. They are skilled in the latest treatment techniques and keep abreast of the best and newest evidence-based research. Locations are at 135 Somerset Street in New Brunswick and 90 Bergen Street, at the Doctors Office Center in Newark. The practice accepts most insurance plans, so call and make an appointment at either location today!
- New Brunswick: 732-235-5050
- Newark: 973-972-2444
Contribute to New Jersey Employees Charitable Campaign
Every year, Rutgers partners with the New Jersey Employee Charitable Campaign (NJECC) to provide opportunities for employees to make contributions to their choice of approved and registered charitable organizations (PDF) in the state. With this year’s focus on COVID-19 relief, employees can help support a wide variety of impactful endeavors both locally and globally by contributing to these organizations. Employees can elect to make donations throughout the year through biweekly payroll deductions or as a one-time payment. Every donation, big or small, can make an impact on the communities Rutgers serves, so review NJECC’s step-by-step online giving PDF guide to learn more about donating or renewing contributions for the 2021 calendar year.
More to Know
Ballad of An American Uniquely Illustrates the Life of Paul Robeson
A novel retelling of the narrative of Paul Robeson’s life and lasting legacy, Ballad of an American: A Graphic Biography of Paul Robeson, has been published and is available to members of the Rutgers community at a 30% discount through Rutgers University Press. Edited by Paul Buhl and Lawrence Ware, this new and unique graphic novel features illustrations by artist Sharon Rudahl and was published in conjunction with Rutgers University's Paul Robeson Centennial Celebration in commemoration of Robeson’s 1919 graduation from the university. For bulk orders, please contact a University Press sales representative directly.
Personal Training Available with Rutgers Recreation
Members of the Rutgers community are encouraged to meet all their personal training needs with Rutgers Recreation! Choose from in-person training, online live training, or written workout plans. Visit recreation.rutgers.edu for more information.
Ask Us Anything
How can I do more to help fight COVID-19 in New Jersey while still protecting my health and privacy?
All state residents are encouraged to join the local fight against the pandemic by downloading the COVID Alert NJ app on their phones. Designed to assist in the contact tracing process, this free mobile app, securely and anonymously alerts users if they have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and provides users access to a user-friendly symptom checking tool and up-to-date information. Read the COVID Alert NJ app FAQ and download the app today!
What's Happening
Rutgers Jewish Film Festival Will Run Virtually
Tickets are now available to the Rutgers and local community for the 21st annual Rutgers Jewish Film Festival, running November 8 through November 22. Presented online using Zoom this year, the festival's new user-friendly format will make it easy to watch a diverse array of dramatic and documentary films from Israel, the United States, and Germany, all from the comfort of your own home. Additionally, many screenings will feature Q&A components with filmmakers, scholars, and special guests. Find out more about pricing and reserve tickets today!
Rutgers and Tel Aviv Universities' Joint Scientific Symposia
On November 9, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., join Rutgers and Tel Aviv Universities' Joint Scientific Symposia: COVID-19 Research, Response, & Lessons, and explore the research, response, and lessons learned from the global COVID-19 pandemic with leading experts from both institutions. Following introductory remarks by President Jonathan Holloway and Tel Aviv University's President Ariel Porat, expert speakers including RBHS Chancellor Strom will present and facilitate Q&A sessions with participants. Although this special event is open to all, registration is required, so find out more now!
SC&I Hosting Online Information Sessions for Graduate Programs
The School of Communication and Information (SC&I) will be hosting a number of one-hour, information sessions online for its graduate programs beginning November 10 at 6:30 p.m. The sessions will cover the master of communication and media, master of health communication and information, and master of information programs. Sessions are open to all and registration is required. Review upcoming schedule details and register today!
Center for Literacy Development’s Webinar, Making a Case for Reading Joy Face to Face and Online
On November 17, from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., the Center for Literacy Development at the Graduate School of Education will be presenting the second to last installment of its fall webinar series. Join speaker Donalyn Miller, award-winning Texas teacher and author, for Making a Case for Reading Joy Face to Face and Online. This series is open to all, but registration is required.
Awards & Honors
Residence Life Wins Four Awards at International Marketing Showcase
Residence Life has received international recognition, winning awards across multiple categories in the Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I) Marketing Showcase for recent marketing and communication campaigns. Part of Rutgers Student Affairs, Residence Life received awards in four separate categories for their different campaigns, including “Overall Marketing and Communications Campaign," “Interactive Marketing,” “Website,” and “Marketing Specialty/Other.” Check out all of their 2019-2020 marketing awards and highlights and congratulations Residence Life!
On The Move
Francine Conway Appointed Provost of Rutgers–New Brunswick
In a campuswide message, Chancellor Molloy announced the appointment of Francine Conway, dean and Distinguished Professor at Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, as provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs of Rutgers–New Brunswick. With her wealth of experience and expertise as a leader in a variety of roles during her tenure at Rutgers, Conway is especially well qualified to fulfill the responsibilities and exceed expectations in her new role. Please join Chancellor Molloy and all of Rutgers–New Brunswick in congratulating and welcoming Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Conway and reading her message to the New Brunswick community.