Rutgers Council of AAUP Chapters

American Association of University Professors - American Federation of Teachers

Resolution passed by the Executive Council of the Rutgers Council of AAUP Chapters, AAUP-AFT on April 19, 2006 in support of full funding for Rutgers University:

Whereas: The percentage of State appropriations for higher education has been in decline for 30 years.

Whereas: New Jersey is the second richest state in the nation, yet it ranks 39th in per capita spending on higher education and 47th in spending on higher education per $1000 of personal income.

Whereas: The lack of appropriate State support seriously threatens the ability of Rutgers to continue to provide students with an outstanding education at an affordable cost.

Whereas: Years of under funding by the State, culminating in the recently proposed budget cuts, have led to decreases in the number of tenured faculty, increases in the number of contingent faculty, larger classes, enrollment caps, physical deterioration of a number of facilities, and substantial increases in tuition.

Whereas: Rutgers University is a powerful engine for economic prosperity returning five dollars to the New Jersey economy for every dollar invested.

Be it Resolved: That the Rutgers Council of AAUP-AFT Chapters is fully committed to working with the Rutgers administration, students, alumni, and with all friends of public higher education to obtain the resources essential for quality higher education.

Be it Further Resolved: That we will initiate and pursue lobbying efforts, letter writing campaigns and join others in public demonstrations of support for higher education including the April 27 Rally in Trenton currently planned by Rutgers students.