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 Patrick Walsh, 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 16, 2016

Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Chair Laura Perna did not provide a report but requested that SEC begin its meeting with new business.

New business: Consideration of a statement responding to racist statements sent to Black Penn students. A draft statement was circulated by email to SEC members prior to the meeting. Following a discussion, a modified statement was called to question and approved (25 in favor, none against, and four abstentions). Professor Perna invited SEC members to participate in the Walk of Solidarity for the Penn community, organized in opposition to racist messages targeted at Black Penn students, immediately following the meeting’s conclusion.

Past-Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Past Chair Reed Pyeritz reported that the Academic Planning and Budget Committee and Capital Council continued to meet and that the Campaign for Community Steering Committee is planned to meet on November 29.

Discussion and vote on proposed amendment to GSE Practice Professor Track. The Senate Committee on Faculty and the Academic Mission (SCOF) reviewed and unanimously approved a proposal from the Graduate School of Education (GSE) that seeks to eliminate the two-term limit for the positions of Practice Professor and Associate Practice Professor in that school. Following discussion, SEC members voted unanimously to approve the proposal.

Discussion on the Role and Representation of the “Non-Standing Faculty” at Penn. Because of time constraints, the discussion was postponed to a future SEC meeting.

Update from the Office of the Provost. Provost Vincent Price began by reinforcing the commitment of his office to supporting Penn students in challenges they are experiencing following the recent national election. He then reported on a number of ongoing activities. The Campaign for Community is continuing to accept applications and he encouraged faculty to submit proposals for programming aimed at fostering an inclusive community at Penn. The final report on the Action Plan for Faculty Diversity and Excellence will be released in spring 2017. A recent gift from Keith and Kathy Sachs will launch an arts innovation program that provides support to integrate arts programming at Penn in a variety of manners. A Task Force was recently launched that aims to promote a healthy and respectful campus environment. A new space in Van Pelt Library will open in January that will house the Weingarten Learning Resource Center, the Center for Learning Analytics and the Center for Teaching and Learning, among others. He described ongoing work by the Perry World House, Penn Center for Innovation, Pennovation Works and the Pennovation Center. He then responded to questions from SEC members.

2017 Senate Nominating Committee. SEC members voted to adopt a membership slate for the 2017 Senate Nominating Committee. The slate is published in this issue of Almanac for comment.