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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 Senate Chair Neville Strumpf at (215) 898-8802, or by e-mail at strumpf@nursing.upenn.edu.

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Actions

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Minutes: Members reviewed and approved minutes from both the November 16, 2005 and December 14, 2005 Senate Executive Committee meetings.

Presentation by John Zeller, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations: Penn’s Development and Alumni Relations operation is one of the largest in the nation, with over 400 staff members. In recent years, we have been moving towards a work method known as “prospect management,” which is the industry standard in donor relations.

In fiscal year 2005 (FY 05) Penn ranked third among its peers in the amount of dollars taken in: $394 million. Total gifts and pledges in FY 05 were $443 million.

Penn’s current campaign began its “quiet phase” in 2005, with a tentative goal of $3 billion dollars, and with approximately $1 billion slated for building the endowment. The “public phase” is expected to begin in July 2007, and will probably conclude in 2012.

In recent years, donor gifts have been approximately apportioned as follows: 11% for capital;  9 % for faculty support; 16% for student aid; 3% to be determined; 55% for programs and research; and 6 % unrestricted.

Penn has roughly 285,000 alumni, 63% of whom are men and 37% women.  Of this group, 52% are undergraduate alumni.  Of particular interest is that 51% of the alumni pool graduated in the last 20 years.

Obviously stewardship of donors and potential donors is extremely important.  More emphasis will be placed on this in the future—donors like to know what Penn is doing with the money that has been given or will do with it in the future.

Chair’s Report: Members received a schedule illustrating the percentage of the budget that is allocated to standing faculty salaries and benefits from Craig Carnaroli, the Executive Vice President.  The Parking Violations Board, also known as the Towing Board, has a vacancy due to the death of Paul Korshin.  The Chair solicited nominations to fill this vacancy.

In February, SEC will discuss the Minority Equity Report and campus safety. The Chair will invite President Gutmann, Provost Daniels, and EVP Craig Carnaroli to return in March. Willis J. Stetson, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, will be invited to speak to SEC in April.

Past Chair’s Report: The Academic Planning and Budget Committee heard from Willis J. Stetson, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions. The numbers from the Early Decision program were outstanding. The rate of admission this year was 28%, and the applicant pool was extraordinarily diverse.

Capital Council did not meet recently.

Presentation and Discussion of Family Friendly Policies with Janice Bellace, Deputy Provost: Last spring the Deputy Provost began meeting with the Associate Deans and selected faculty from the four largest schools to discuss family friendly policies and issues of career-family balance.  Because of the decentralized nature of the University, each school publicizes and applies the policies differently, but there are also philosophical issues involved. In reviewing these policies, the goal is fairness, consistency, and improvements in the lives of faculty.

Three major issues are addressed by the policies: leaves of absence; parental policies; and extension of the probationary periods that apply to the granting of tenure or promotion to associate professor.

With minor edits, all of the policies were unanimously approved. Overall, the policies underscore consistency and fairness in a gender neutral fashion. As policies are implemented, there will no doubt be ongoing review and discussion. The policies will be voted on at the next meeting of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, and should be in effect by March 1, 2006. Once approved, policies will be published in Almanac. It was noted that Deans, Administrators and HR Personnel need to make faculty aware of these policies and that they need to be readily available and accessible.

Consultation: Members suggested three topics for discussion at upcoming consultation by the tri-chairs with the President and Provost: continuing faculty concern over health benefits for retired faculty; strong support for application and dissemination of family friendly policies; and recruitment and retention of faculty.

 

  Almanac, Vol. 52, No. 19, January 24, 2006

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS: