Office of the Secretary of the University

Kimberlee M. Pastva is the Secretary of the University (secretary), reporting directly to the president. This office is primarily responsible to support the activities of Rutgers’ Board of Governors and Board of Trustees by managing the work of the Boards and serving as the liaison between the boards and the university administration. In consultation with general counsel, the secretary ensures that board actions are in compliance with legal requirements. Both the Board of Governors and Board of Trustees elect the secretary and associate secretary. This office also coordinates University Commencement and maintains the University Policy Library.

In addition, the secretary has the role of secretary of the corporation, signing and accepting official documents and keeping the university seal. Members of the academic community may request letters of introduction for academic research abroad by contacting the secretary’s office.

Key responsibilities:

• Supporting the activities of the Rutgers’ Board of Governors and Board of Trustees
• Coordinating University Commencement, and the Honorary Degrees Nomination Process
• Maintaining the University Policy Library
• Accepting service of legal process [PDF] on the university’s behalf and forwarding legal documents to general counsel
• Directing the use of the university seal [PDF] and attesting to the signatures of university official documents
• Preparing letters of introduction [PDF]
• Directing the procedure for lowering flags to half-staff [PDF]
• Report the passing of a Rutgers community member