Reengineering: Executive Vice President John Fry indicated that present reengineering projects are highly dependent on technology
procurement, computing, research administration and public safetyand reminded that all project reports are appearing in
Almanac [see this week's insert on Research Administration]
.
He cited the Barnes & Noble bookstore venture as an example of perhaps "half a dozen" such outsourcing ventures, using the external market to
improve the quality of service through a partnership that leverages capital. In each instance, Penn will seek a partner with a "world-class reputation...so
they have something to lose if they don't perform" and "progressive human resources practices."
Internally, he expressed disappointment that managers are not taking full advantage of vacancies to restructure workloads, noting that that there
are 700 to 900 vacancies a year which pre-sent opportunities for restructuring through internal promotion. He reiterated a commitment to staff
development and training as part of reengineering, citing his area's plan to conduct training via the Wharton School. In conclusion, he said that the
monthly sessions that he has with the leadership of PPSA are "fruitful."
Finance: Vice President Steve Golding said Penn is "out front" with its conversion to FinMIS. He advised that the July 1 conversion will be followed
by a period of training and adjustment, and that anyone who has questions about the transition should call his office at any time. He said encumbrances
will be closed out rather than rolled over into the new system.
Facilities: Vice President Art Gravina recapped major capital projects: IAST's Phase I, slated for fall occupancy; BRB II, which will take about
two years to build and is the last of the major construction on the old PGH site; and continuing work on College Hall (toward a 1998 completion date).
Logan Hall's exterior is finishedand has won state awards, to be announcedand the interior is expected to be finished next year. The Perelman Quad
will involve reconfiguring the interior of Irvine Auditorium to improve the acoustics, eliminating side wings but maintaining the main chamber's height.
An upcoming project will be the replacement of all of Locust Walk's bluestone, which has deteriorated many years ahead of schedule. Hastings paver,
the stone used on the 38th Street Bridge's surface, has been chosen as a "better stone" that is also less costly. Mr. Gravina commended the landscaping
crew who did "an enormous job of clearing large amounts of snow from the campus in the winter."
Benefits: Dave Smith, manager of employment, explained two major redesign projects: the Classification Study and a Benefits Study, being done
concurrently. The Classifications project will use new methodology to classify jobs which have not had a systematic look since 1981. "No staff will
have their salary reduced as a result of the project," he said. The Benefits project is an attempt to make Penn "market competitive" in
total compensation, he stressed. He also said Penn is looking into trends such as flexible hours and telecommuting, in the interests of "pursuing broad-based reengineering
to move toward a family/friendly environment."
Public Safety: Managing Director Tom Seamon called for input on the Public Safety Strategic Plan published in
Almanac March 26. He said that one of Public Safety's goals is to strengthen investigative capability, especially where crimes against people are involved. He specifically asked for
feedback about proposals to use closed-circuit television in public areas.
Expanding on issues in community interaction, he said Penn should be getting better service from the City government, and that the University is
in an exploratory phase to determine whether or not the area is right for a "special services district" comparable to the Center City District, where
economic development is a concomitant of safety planning. Such a district would include other institutions in the area such as Drexel, CHOP, the Post
Office, Amtrak, and PCP.