The University Council met on April 2, 2025 in the Hall of Flags in Houston Hall. After a greeting from President J. Larry Jameson, Provost John L. Jackson, Jr. introduced Michael Mann, who gave a presentation called “Penn: An Institution Founded on Principles and Practices of Environmental Stewardship.” Dr. Mann is the inaugural vice provost for climate science, policy, and action; a presidential distinguished professor of Earth and environmental science; and director of the Penn Center for Science, Sustainability, and the Media.

Dr. Mann talked about Penn’s legacy in climate and sustainability, which dates as far back as its founder. Benjamin Franklin’s scientific accomplishments and environmental activism included a fight against manufacturing pollution, the invention of a cleaner burning stove, and the first depiction of the gulf stream.

Many different schools, centers, and institutions contain different components of climate and sustainability science, policy, action, mitigation, or adaption/resilience. Work is underway to synthesize and synergize those components to create a whole that is greater than its individual parts.

Those components include:

• Climate change, extreme weather, and human health
• Artificial intelligence, big data, and climate change: the promise and the peril
• Bridging the partisan divide
• Public engagement and action

Dr. Mann elaborated that AI can be used for research, but cautioned that AI-driven computers are linked to greater energy usage. AI is also weaponized to generate misinformation and disinformation. He also related each discussion point back to Penn’s strategic framework, In Principle and Practice, emphasizing that it is not too late to take action and prevent truly catastrophic climate change. “The antidote to doom is doing,” Dr. Mann said.

Shelbi Long, director of campus recreation, gave a focus issue presentation entitled, “Promoting Wellness with Penn Campus Recreation.” Ms. Long discussed the programs available at Penn’s recreation facilities, including fitness and well-being classes, competitive sports, adventure, and aquatics, and the link between this programming and various other Penn initiatives. Current membership includes 9,685 undergraduates, 11,445 graduate students, 1,205 faculty/staff, and 816 other Penn affiliates. Human Resources offers discounted memberships to eligible faculty, staff, and postdocs.

Recently, Penn Campus Recreation has undergone several facility enhancements and hired an adventure coordinator, and will launch a campaign called “More than Just a Gym” during the fall 2025 semester.

Associate Vice President and Associate University Secretary Lizann Boyle Rode addressed topics presented during the open forum and new business portions of the March 5 meeting (Almanac March 18, 2025). The concerns have been shared with the relevant campus resources.

During the new business portion of the meeting, topics raised included:

• A call for the revision of the process for reappointing lecturers
• A call for a show of unity from University Council
• A call for support for Weingarten Center staff members
• An invitation for all to attend the Take Back the Night rally and march on April 3
• Increasing the number of undergraduate seats on University Council

The next meeting of the University Council is scheduled for April 30, 2025.