| SENATE From the Senate Office |
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May 26, 2009,
Volume 55, No. 34
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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 Sue White, executive assistant to the Senate Office, either by telephone at (215) 898-6943, or by e-mail at senate@pobox.upenn.edu.
Faculty Senate Executive Committee Actions
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Chair Sherri Adams acknowledged and thanked outgoing SEC members and welcomed incoming Chair-Elect, Professor Robert Hornik. Dr. Adams reported that the 2009-2010 Senate Committees are all populated and the Tri-Chairs will be developing Senate committee charges this summer.
Past Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Past Chair Larry Gladney reported on Capital Council discussions which included the economic health of the institution.
Environmental Sustainability at Penn. Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC) member Professor Marsha Lester presented the academic recommendations ESAC developed that include: a new interschool minor in sustainability and environmental management that will draw together courses in Wharton, Engineering, and Arts and Sciences; develop online syllabi to help students navigate courses in environmental sustainability across the University; Center for Teaching and Learning workshops to encourage faculty to use sustainability in their courses; addition of more community service courses; support research-in-action courses, distinguished seminars, and lectures; and support basic research at all levels in sustainability.
Vice President for Facilities and Real Estate Services, Anne Papageorge presented Penn’s environmental and sustainability efforts consisting of: Penn’s sustainability strategy; the President’s Climate Commitment; and carbon footprint, greenhouse gas survey, and building performance assessment tool developed in collaboration with faculty from the TC Chan Center. Ms. Papageorge discussed the facilities recommendations ESAC developed that include: utilities and operations carbon emission reduction target goals; built environment goals such as LEED Silver minimum for new construction; waste and recycling goals; transportation goals; and education and communication tactics to shift behavior patterns. SEC questions focused on the specifics of the new minor in sustainability and environmental management and ways to encourage faculty to conserve.
Vote for faculty members for University Council Steering Committee. SEC members voted for four faculty members to be on the 2009-2010 University Council Steering Committee.
Senate Committee Reports. SEC heard and briefly discussed annual reports given by the chairs of Senate Committees. Senate committee reports were published in the May 12 issue of Almanac. The Senate Committee on the Economic Status of the Faculty 2007-2008 revised report is targeted to be published in the July issue of Almanac and can be previewed on the Senate website: www.upenn.edu/faculty_senate/announcements.html.
New Business. Faculty Senate Chair Sherri Adams reported that the Tri-Chairs have asked for an early meeting with the new Provost and urged SEC members to bring any topics of concern to their attention.
Dr. Adams thanked Past-Chair Larry Gladney and presented a gift to show appreciation. Dr. Adams turned the meeting over to the new Senate Chair, Dr. Harvey Rubin.
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