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From the Senate Office: Faculty Senate Executive Committee Actions Wednesday, April 12, 2017

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 Faculty Senate co-sponsored two symposia, one on Online Learning held April 4 and second on Inclusive Classroom Practices held April 7. The latter was held in conjunction with the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). A document detailing best practices for inclusive classroom practices is posted on the CTL website.  On April 18, the Faculty Senate is co-sponsoring with the Annenberg School a panel discussion with two journals and Penn faculty: Do Facts Still Matter? The event will be live-streamed on Annenberg’s Facebook page beginning at 5 p.m.,

Past-Chair’s Report. On Past-Chair Reed Pyeritz’s behalf, Professor Perna informed SEC members that Capital Council, the Academic Planning and Budget Committee and the Campaign for Community all continued their work.

Discussion on Upcoming Senate Activities. The Ad Hoc Committee on Government Engagement continues to meet. One planned activity for fall 2017 is a “teach-in” on the importance of research and data. Faculty members—particularly from the humanities and law—are encouraged to join the committee by writing the Senate office. Vice Provost for Research Dawn Bonnell emphasized the importance of the topic and encouraged faculty participation in “Supporting Science” via a memo circulated to SEC members.

Graduate Student Unionization. Senior Vice President and General Counsel Wendy White along with Graduate Education and Initiatives Executive Director Anita Mastroieni updated SEC members on the status of a petition for graduate student unionization. The current petition did not receive the minimum required number of signatures and as such cannot be submitted to the National Labor Relations Board in time for a vote before the end of the spring semester. Ms. White predicted that the organizing group would likely continue to seek signatures on a similar petition through the summer and that a vote may occur in the fall. She encouraged faculty members to discuss their personal views about the topic to inquiring graduate students so long as those views are not expressed in a threatening or intimidating manner. A statement with the views of the Penn administration may be found at the website of the Vice Provost for Education.

Update from the Office of the Executive Vice President. Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli informed SEC members about the characteristics of the newly admitted class of 2021. He described Penn’s ongoing efforts to enhance the diversity of Penn staff, particularly in mid- and senior-level administrative placements. Industry-sponsored research dollars at Penn have tripled since 2010. A PennKey password reset project is underway across the campus and will be rolled out gradually across schools and centers through the fall.  A research compliance shared governance board is being established to collaborate on standards and identify tools and best practices for compliance issues. Membership will be broadly representative of Penn’s schools and centers. A Human Capital Management effort to improve payroll, onboarding and HR functions is also under way. SEC members discussed with Mr. Carnaroli the impact of federal and state funding concerns, University City growth, changing workforce dynamics and the effects of the uncertain political climate on Penn’s operations.

Faculty Awareness of Textbook and Supply Costs. Associate Vice President for Business Services Chris Bradie described efforts to curb student costs related to textbooks and supplies. Students cite book costs as a factor in selecting courses. He encouraged faculty members to be aware of these cost concerns and to take steps toward curbing costs when possible. A tip sheet on textbook affordability was distributed. SEC member Robert Ghrist also encouraged faculty members to read his blog entry on how and why he self-published a low-cost text for a course he teaches.

Update from Penn Global and International Student and Scholar Services. Penn Global Executive Director Amy Gadsden and International Student and Scholar Services Director Rudie Altamirano updated SEC members on the impact on international members of the Penn community of recent Executive Orders. Penn Global established a case management system to handle affected individuals. External legal counsel was brought in on an ad hoc basis to provide pro bono legal services to affected scholars. Penn encourages travelers to enter the US via PHL airport, as Penn has established direct connections with PHL airport staff who can assist with any potential detainments or denials of entry.

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