Rutgers Board of Trustees Acts to Improve Governance; Bylaws and Legislative Changes Would Reduce Membership From 59 to 41

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – The Rutgers University Board of Trustees today approved governance changes recommended by a task force of members of the university’s Board of Governors and Board of Trustees that would reduce the size of the Board of Trustees from its current 59 members to 41 members and would eliminate dual office holding by members of either of the two boards.

“Today’s actions demonstrate the full commitment of the Board of Trustees to make the changes it needs to help Rutgers maintain and improve its positon among the world’s finest research universities,” said Sandy J. Stewart, the chair of the Rutgers University Board of Trustees.

“The changes embraced by the Board of Trustees today are the result of a 16-month self-assessment of the university’s governance structure. These changes respond directly to the needs identified by our Joint Task Force on Governance, chaired by the Rev. William Howard, to improve the effectiveness and the efficiency of the Board of Trustees as well as its interaction with the university’s Board of Governors and the university administration,” Stewart said.

“The importance of the Rev. Howard’s work and the work of the trustees and governors who made the findings and recommendations cannot be overstated. The task force spent enormous time and effort to conduct a comprehensive and unvarnished review of current governance and the best ways for Rutgers to self-improve. Their efforts have brought us to a place where we are poised to make the changes that will help this board meet the challenges of the 21st century,” Stewart said.

A copy of the resolution and bylaws changes is available here.