SENATE From the Senate Office: |
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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 Andreana Thomas, 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, May 13, 2015
Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Chair Claire Finkelstein reported on activities of the Senate Committees since the last Senate Executive Committee (SEC) meeting, and asked present SEC members to nominate a faculty member from their designated constituency for the 2015-2016 Nominating Committee. She also reported back on the Provost’s February clarification of the Tenure Probationary Clock, and referred faculty with further questions to the Faculty Handbook and to the Vice Provost for Faculty.
Past Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Past Chair Dwight Jaggard reported that the Academic Planning and Budget & Capital Council have met. He explained that schools have access to Century Bond Funds to be used on applicable infrastructure projects.
Senate Committee Reports. SEC heard and briefly discussed annual reports given by the chairs of Senate Committees. Senate committee reports can be found in the May 12, 2015 issue of Almanac (https://almanac.upenn.edu/archive/volumes/v61/n34/pdf/051215-supplement.pdf).
Issues Requiring a Vote. SEC members voted on the following items: selection of SEC representatives to the 2015–2016 University Council Steering Committee; two previously proposed changes to the Faculty Senate rules, one allowing Emeritus faculty members to serve on Senate committees, the other electing the Past Chair of the Faculty Senate to sit ex officio on the Nominating Committee; and proposed changes to the Teaching Reduction Policy.
Discussion of Faculty Advocate. SEC discussed the possibility of creating the role of Faculty Advocate.
Discussion of Mental Health Wellness Ambassador Initiative. SEC discussed the SCSEP proposal to create a Mental Health and Wellness Pilot Program to improve the response of faculty to students experiencing psychological distress. SEC members voted to recommend that the Administration develop this proposal.
Passing the Torch. Remarks were given by the Faculty Senate Tri-Chairs thanking Dwight Jaggard for his service as Past Chair, thanking Claire Finkelstein for her service as Chair and welcoming Reed Pyeritz as the 2015-2016 Faculty Senate Chair. |
