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, by email at senate@pobox.upenn.edu.

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Actions
Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Reports from Constituencies. Faculty Senate chair Kathleen Brown invited three SEC members to offer reports from their constituencies.

Update from the Office of the Provost. Provost John L. Jackson, Jr., offered updates on the Penn Forward initiative, forthcoming strategic plans from the Vice Provost for Arts and the Vice Provost for Climate Science, Policy, and Action; concerns about a proposed rule change by the US Department of Homeland Security regarding duration of status for F and J non-immigrants; continued efforts by Penn researchers to diversify their funding portfolios, and commitments to protecting academic freedom. He also addressed questions about the proposed Open Expression guidelines and heard from SEC about their interest in providing faculty input.

Proposed Revisions to the Policy for Reviewing Alleged Misconduct in Research. Professor of neurology and chair of the Senate Committee on Faculty and the Administration (SCOA) Geoffrey Aguirre detailed the review performed by SCOA of the policy draft, which was created jointly by a working group appointed by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel. Forthcoming changes in federal regulations catalyzed the draft’s creation, but the process was used as an opportunity to clarify definitions and procedures in the policy. Upon motion made and seconded, SEC members voted unanimously (with one abstention noted) to accept the proposed policy.  The policy draft will be published for review in a future edition of Almanac.

Resolution in Support of Penn’s Administrative Response to the EEOC Complaint. SEC members reviewed the text of a proposed resolution. Upon motion made and seconded, and following amendments, SEC members voted unanimously to adopt the resolution, which is presented in this issue of Almanac.