At the December 4 University Council meeting, Secretary Lizann Boyle Rode updated Council members on the disposition of the issues raised at the October meeting during New Business. She noted that the request from the Muslim Student Association for more prayer space was referred to the Council Committee on Facilities to be discussed while FRES and VPUL are also working to identify spaces. In regard to the Campus Climate Survey, she mentioned PVP staffing and that Michele Rovinsky-Mayer has begun her role as the inaugural associate vice president for equity and Title IX officer. There is a series of proposals to address the issue of increased space for the cultural centers in the ARCH. She also said that Penn remains committed to the DACA students.

Maureen Rush, vice president of public safety, gave a presentation on Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. She highlighted the Alternative Response Unit which assists students with non-traumatic injuries—from sprained ankles to intoxication and other medical conditions. The alternative unit is a marked SUV staffed by a paramedic lieutenant and an emergency medical technician. Penn has agreed to cover the costs associated with the medical calls in the pilot program, therefore ensuring that students will not be charged for their treatment and transport. It operates Thursdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. within the boundaries of the Penn Patrol zone. She also explained PennReady, which includes prevention, preparation, response and recovery. Penn’s Crisis Management Plan and the Mission Continuity Program are integral components. She stressed the importance of everyone understanding the appropriate emergency procedures for a particular situation: shelter-in-place, evacuate or lockdown. There was a video explaining the approaches to staying safe.  

The remainder of the meeting was devoted to the Open Forum at which there were 10 topics presented by the speakers who were all students. Two graduate students had concerns about financial issues; two law students spoke about their concerns regarding a controversial professor there; another student spoke about fraternity life and sexual assaults on campus. There were then several speakers who addressed climate change, climate grief, carbon neutrality, Fossil Free Penn and sustainability.