SENATE From the Senate Office |
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November 19, 2013, Volume 60, No. 14
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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 Vicki Hewitt, executive assistant to the Senate Office, either by telephone at (215) 898-6943 or by email at senate@pobox.upenn.edu
Faculty Senate Executive Committee Actions
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Chair’s Report: Faculty Senate Chair Dwight Jaggard could not attend, so Faculty Senate Past Chair Susan Margulies delivered his report and chaired the meeting. She briefly updated SEC on the activities of the Faculty Senate Committees. She reminded the committee that the December meeting will have one guest: Dawn Bonnell, Vice Provost for Research. She asked committee members to contribute suggestions for topics for her presentation. Suggestions can also be emailed to senate@pobox.upenn.edu
Past Chair’s Report: Faculty Senate Past Chair Susan Margulies reported that she has been attending Capital Council meetings and reminded the Senate Executive Committee that she is bound by a confidentiality agreement not to discuss the work of Capital Council outside of the committee.
Update from the Executive Vice President: Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli explained the organizational structure of Penn’s central administration and identified the areas of the University that he was responsible for: Audit, Compliance and Privacy; Budget and Management Analysis; Business Services; Facilities and Real Estate Services; Finance; Human Resources; Information Systems & Computing; the Office of Investments; and Public Safety. He described how the central administration works with the schools to support the academic mission of the University. He identified four strategic initiatives his office was working on: campus development and operations; operational efficiency; economic development and neighborhood initiatives; and financial stewardship and management. He asked for the Senate Executive Committee’s input on how better to communicate with the faculty about the areas under his purview.
SEC members and the Executive Vice President then discussed the following topics: the Health Advocate program, the administration of Penn’s health insurance, Concur, wellness initiatives, the relationship between the University and the Hospital System, reimbursement spending limits and new faculty orientation to the University.
Vote on the 2013-2014 Senate Nominating Committee Chair Ballots: SEC members voted for the chair of the 2013-2014 Senate Nominating Committee.
Vote on the Proposed Faculty Handbook Change requested by the School of Engineering and Applied Science: The Senate Executive Committee discussed the proposal from SEAS to raise the current limit on the number of Practice Professors to 10% of the number of Standing Faculty, from the cap now set at 5%. The committee voted unanimously to approve the proposal.
Vote on the Proposed Faculty Handbook Change requested by the School of Design: The Senate Executive Committee discussed the proposal from the School of Design to clarify that the Practice Professor track in the School of Design was a part-time position. The committee voted unanimously to approve this proposal.
Update from the Office of the Ombudsman: Associate Ombudsman Marcia Martinez-Helfman explained the role of the Office of the Ombudsman in assisting to resolve conflicts and disputes throughout the University. She suggested several areas where faculty might benefit from the services offered by the office, either for themselves or as a resource to recommend to others.
SEC members and the Associate Ombudsman then discussed the following topics: confidentiality concerns, the office’s designation as an agent of notice for the University and possible liability issues.
Update from the Vice President for Public Safety: Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush presented to SEC on Public Safety’s Emergency Response Team and advised faculty on how to deal with an active shooter situation on campus. She gave an update on the Penn Alert system and how Penn communicates to the community in emergency situations.
SEC members and the Vice President for Public Safety then discussed Penn Alert notifications, Penn’s efforts to deter gun violence and further training opportunities for faculty on this topic.
Related: Senate Nominating Committee
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