Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The overall objective of Discovery Advantage is to support students in their belonging, well-being, and success at Rutgers. This includes preparing them to learn and work in diverse communities across disciplinary differences so they can make a positive impact on the world.

Discovery Advantage is a top priority for President Holloway and Chancellor Conway. Discovery Advantage Chair Kathleen Scott, a longtime faculty leader in undergraduate education, will oversee the workstreams, which will be led by experts from across the university appointed by President Holloway and Chancellor Conway.

The university realizes that there are other academic institutions that execute components of Discovery Advantage well, and site visits by cross-departmental committees will be planned. The incorporation of university analytics is a top priority, and a specific workstream has been included in the planning process to ensure objective data informs future decisions. In addition, input and suggestions from the Rutgers–New Brunswick community will be welcomed.

While work is underway and planning began in September 2022, full implementation is expected to take several years.

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Discovery Advantage is intended to be an inclusive process that will solicit and welcome feedback, comments, and suggestions from our entire Rutgers–New Brunswick community, including all students who take New Brunswick courses as part of their curriculum. Opportunities to participate, weigh in, and contribute to the planning and implementation of Discovery Advantage will be many and significant.

Both the Chancellor Challenge and Discovery Advantage have their origins in the Rutgers–New Brunswick Academic Master Plan, and both are expected to enhance the success of our students. In contrast to the six-part course of action laid out for Discovery Advantage, the Chancellor Challenge is an invitation to the campus community to propose innovative ideas that will challenge the status quo across the Academic Master Plan’s four pillars of Scholarly Leadership, Innovative Research, Student Success, and Community Engagement by contributing to cross-functional work.

The university is committed to a transparent process. President Holloway and Chancellor Conway shared details and officially launched planning for Discovery Advantage during a town hall for the university community on September 28, 2022. Additional information can be found at the other tabs near the top of this page.

Watch the Launch