| From the Senate Office |
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September 21, 2010,
Volume 57, No. 04
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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, September 15, 2010
Welcome and Introductions: Faculty Senate Chair Bob Hornik welcomed the 2010-2011 Faculty Senate Executive Committee and brief introductions from members in attendance followed.
Chair’s Report: Faculty Senate Chair Bob Hornik provided a brief overview of the work and role of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee (SEC). He explained that SEC is scheduled to meet once a month and will generally have two speakers at each meeting including the President and Provost twice a year. Dr. Hornik reviewed the legislative responsibilities for SEC including: SEC review when particular policies are revised in the Faculty Handbook and SEC approval for changes in faculty tracks which are stipulated in the Faculty Handbook. He noted in addition that SEC and its committees can influence University policy through its general monitoring of those policies and its ongoing discussions with officials. He reported that the Provost will speak at the upcoming October meeting and there will be a reception following the meeting at 5 p.m.
Past Chair’s Report: Faculty Senate Past Chair Harvey Rubin gave an overview to SEC on the work of the Academic Planning and Budget Committee and Capital Council. He reported that the Capital Council discussion focused on the progress of work on the Translational Research Center. He added that the Academic Planning & Budget Committee has not met yet. Dr. Rubin updated SEC on the annual Faculty Senate Founder’s Day Symposium in honor of founder Ben Franklin. He explained this year the Symposium is on Thursday January 20th and the focus will be on Individual vs. Collective Rights and their boundaries. He encouraged SEC members to send him suggestions for faculty panelists.
Discussion on the draft 2010-2011 Senate Committee Charges: Faculty Senate Chair Bob Hornik summarized the draft 2010-2011 charges. SEC members strongly supported the Senate Committee on Faculty Development, Diversity, and Equity discussion on ways to promote training for all faculty search committees on bias in hiring and their continuing discussion on the sexual harassment policy. SEC members also voiced strong support for the Senate Committee on Faculty and the Administration charge to continue to make recommendations for alternate, more flexible forms of the sabbatical leave.
Discussion on issues to shape the 2010-2011 SEC Agenda: SEC members had a robust discussion and suggested a range of topics that might be added to this year’s SEC agenda. |
