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, October 26, 2016

Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Chair Laura Perna provided updates on the next two Senate Executive Committee (SEC) meetings. In November, SEC will discuss the role and contributions of the Associated Faculty and Academic Support Staff at Penn in advancing Penn’s teaching and scholarly missions as well as governance and representation issues of these groups. In December, Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush will host SEC at her office and provide a briefing on public safety topics. Dr. Perna also reported that, following expressed interest from some SEC members, SEC will form an ad hoc committee to review the draft of the 2018-2019 University Academic Calendar.  Findings and recommendations of that committee will be reviewed and considered for approval by SEC before they are shared with administrators. She also responded to a request for information from the previous meeting regarding common information technology resources.  A website exists that tracks those resources: http://www.upenn.edu/research/computing/htm Most resources are provided at the school level and faculty members are encouraged to direct inquiries to their Local Support Providers (LSPs).

Past Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Past Chair Reed Pyeritz reported that the Academic Planning and Budget Committee and Capital Council had met. He also reported on the work of the Campaign for Community, which is currently accepting applications for event proposals up to $3,000 each. He noted that the Campaign will not reimburse honoraria for speakers. He encouraged faculty members to collaborate with students and staff members to submit proposals, which are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Update from the Office of the President. President Amy Gutmann delivered a progress report on accomplishments derived from the Penn Compact 2020. She described the accomplishments across three categories: Inclusion, Innovation and Impact.

Update from the Office of the Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Senior Vice President and General Counsel Wendy White reported on matters of pertinence to the Standing Faculty, and a discussion followed.

2017 Senate Nominating Committee. Pursuant to the Faculty Senate Rules, the members of SEC were asked to submit a nomination of a member of the Standing Faculty to appear on the Nominating Committee ballot.