ASSEMBLY HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERS SEEK QUICK ACTION ON RUTGERS ATHLETICS REFORMS Lawmakers Want Progress Report from RU President Within 90 days, Suggest New Chief Operating Officer Post to Ensure Accountability(TRENTON) – Assembly Higher Education Chairman Patrick J. Diegnan and Vice Chairwoman Pamela R. Lampitt today asked the Rutgers University president to report within 90 days on progress made toward changing how the university operates after a special audit found it has mismanaged its athletics department. In a letter to Rutgers University President Richard L. McCormick, the lawmakers wrote that they want to be kept abreast of reform efforts and suggested the university create a new chief operating officer and hire someone with a business background to fill the post. The lawmakers wrote the new position shouldn’t require additional expenditures. “Such a position should be created with the intention of putting in place standard practices and procedures that will ensure tax dollars and tuition are spend prudently,” wrote Diegnan (D-Middlesex) and Lampitt (D-Camden). They asked McCormick to submit a report to the committee within 90 days on the progress of his response. They also want to meet with the university’s new compliance officer within 30 days to discuss his plans. “This challenge should be utilized as an opportunity to bring about needed changes to Rutgers’ business practices and procedures,” they wrote. “Your student body and the taxpayers of New Jersey deserve no less.” On the Net: www.assemblydems.com