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

Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Chair Laura Perna reported that the Wharton Undergraduate Division will convene a workshop on “Whites Confronting Racism: A Training for Change” from June 13-15. All Penn faculty and staff are welcomed to participate, by registering at http://tinyurl.com/kpe9nw4  She provided an update on the Ad Hoc Committee on Government Engagement’s work to prepare for a University-wide “teach-in,” notionally planned for the week of January 22, 2018. This committee plans to continue its work over the summer and welcomes additional faculty to join by writing the Senate office.

Past-Chair’s Report.  Faculty Senate Past Chair Reed Pyeritz reported that the Academic Planning and Budget Committee and the Capital Council recently met. The Campaign for Community reviewed at least 36 applications this year, of which more than half received funding from the Campaign for their proposed events.

Information Security Initiatives. University Information Security Officer Josh Beeman informed SEC members of a one-time password reset initiative to meet current cryptographic standards. This initiative will be rolled out in stages.  SEC members inquired about other security initiatives. The system for two-factor authentication for PennKey access is in the process of being rebuilt to improve user friendliness. Two-factor authentication is currently optional but will be required once the renovation is complete.

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 9, 2017, issue of Almanac.

Issues Requiring a Vote. SEC members voted for the faculty representatives on the 2017-18 University Council Steering Committee. Amy Sepinwall, chair of the Senate Committee on Faculty and the Academic Mission (SCOF), reported that SCOF reviewed and unanimously approved a proposal from the School of Engineering and Applied Science to eliminate Principal Lecturers in the school (an unused track) and to extend the Professor of Practice track to include Assistant Professors of Practice. Under the proposal, the ratios of non-Standing Faculty in the School would be adjusted to a cap of 10% for Senior Lecturers and 10% for Professors of Practice in total across all three ranks. The total number of Senior Lecturers and the three ranks of Professors of Practice will not exceed 20% of the total Standing Faculty in the school, a ratio that remains unchanged from what is prescribed under the cap currently in place. Upon motion made and seconded, and following discussion, SEC members voted to approve the proposal by a vote of 27 in favor, one against and two abstentions.

Discussion and recommendations for SEC’s 2017-2018 agenda. SEC members recommended a number of topics be considered by SEC in the coming year, including sexual violence prevention, divestment from fossil fuel industries, availability of childcare, and implications of the growth in the Associated Faculty and Academic Support Staff.

Passing the Torch. Dr. Perna announced that Jennifer Pinto-Martin will serve as Chair-Elect of the Senate for the 2017-2018 year and recognized Dr. Pyeritz for his service. SEC members thanked Reed Pyeritz for his service as Past Chair, thanked Laura Perna for her service as Chair, and welcomed Santosh Venkatesh as the 2017-2018 Faculty Senate Chair. They also recognized the service of the chairs of the Senate’s Standing Committees: Regina Austin, Susan Margulies, Pamela Sankar,  Amy Sepinwall, Dominic Sisti and Robert Stine. SEC members also expressed appreciation to Provost Vincent Price for his outstanding service and leadership and for his steadfast commitment to shared governance at Penn.