University of Pennsylvania Faculty Senate
Committee on Faculty and the Academic Mission (SCOF)

Mindful that the Faculty Senate Committee on Faculty and the Academic Mission (SCOF) oversees and advises the Faculty Senate on matters relating to the policies and procedures concerning the University’s academic mission, including the structure of the academic staff, the tenure system, faculty appointments and promotions, faculty research, and faculty governance;

Considering that a recent survey by SCOF of schools and departments found that voting and decision-making practices vary widely; 

Observing that many associated faculty and academic support staff do not feel appreciated and integrated in department life and do not have a voice in important decisions related to their responsibilities; and

Bearing in mind that all faculty play key roles in their respective schools;

The Faculty Senate Committee on Faculty and the Academic Mission (SCOF):

Calls upon all University of Pennsylvania school and/or departmental faculties to formalize written bylaws and/or standing rules that address voting privileges, hiring procedures, committee appointment processes, and the rights and privileges of faculty by rank; and

Authorizes the University of Pennsylvania Faculty Senate to collect and maintain a database of these bylaws and/or standing rules accessible to all standing faculty, associated faculty, academic support staff.

Drafted and Endorsed: Senate Committee on Faculty and the Academic Mission [March 15, 2022]

Revised: Senate Committee on Faculty and the Academic Mission [April 18, 2022]

Endorsed: Senate Executive Committee [April 20, 2022]