SENATE From the Senate Office

The following is published in accordance with the Faculty Senate Rules. Among other purposes, the publication of SEC actions is intended to stimulate discussion among the constituencies and their representatives. Please communicate your comments to Kristine Kelly, either by telephone at (215) 898-6943 or by e-mail at kellyke@pobox.upenn.edu.

Senate Executive Committee Actions

Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Chair’s Report: Faculty Senate Chair Charles W. Mooney, Jr., updated the committee on the Senate Chairs’ discussions with the President and Provost. It was agreed that the Senate Chairs would meet with the Budget Steering Committee on an annual basis before budget guidelines are announced. It was also agreed that the previous year’s Past Chair would also attend the meeting.

Next Professor Mooney updated SEC on the Ad Hoc Committee put in place to review the Penn Police incident discussed at the previous month’s meeting. The Ad Hoc Committee is being chaired by Interim Provost Peter Conn and has already met twice.

Professor Mooney informed SEC that Arthur Caplan (Bioethics) needed to step down from the Penn Social Responsibility Advisory Committee (SRAC), which advises the University Trustees and makes recommendations to the Trustee Proxy Voting Subcommittee of the Executive Committee. Dr. Caplan suggested his colleague, Charles Bosk, as a replacement for him on the committee. SEC approved this substitution.

SEC was also updated on the Senate’s Oral History Project. The goal is to have six oral histories completed per academic year.

Past Chair’s Report on Academic Planning and Budget and Capital Council: Academic Planning and Budget and Capital Council have not convened since the last SEC meeting.

Nominating Committee Election: Present SEC members voted for the 2005-06 Nominating Committee.  Senate Chairs will contact those elected to serve, and will present a ballot at the February SEC meeting to the Executive Committee for the selection of the committee chair.

Update by Les Hudson, Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives: Leslie Hudson updated SEC on the work of the Office of Strategic Initiatives. Dr. Hudson reviewed the Center for Technology Transfer’s Revenue and Expenses for FY’04, Leading Edge Indicators for FY’05 (Disclosures, Patent Applications, Commercial Agreements, and Start Up Companies), and Revenue Projections for FY’05.  He also updated SEC on Penn’s Corporate R&D Relationships, and Economic Partnerships.

Dr. Hudson also informed the Committee that an Intellectual Property Committee for the Medical School has been created. 

Update by Craig Carnaroli, Executive Vice President: Craig Carnaroli updated the Committee on his office’s priorities for the coming year, which include: finding resources for President Gutmann’s strategic initiatives, working collaboratively with the Office of the Provost, and making data available and information known to all University constituencies. Mr. Carnaroli also discussed emerging issues, including benefits costs and retiree medical benefits.

New Business: Senate Chair Charles Mooney led a discussion on the University’s Chapter of the American Association of University Professors.