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, April 17, 2019

Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Chair Jennifer Pinto-Martin reported the Wellness Big Idea Pitch Event, which will be held at Houston Hall’s Bodek Lounge on Thursday, April 25, 4:30-6 p.m.  Fourteen semifinalists will be given three minutes each to pitch their ideas. The audience will use an app to vote live during the session. The judging panel will announce the finalist(s) at the end of the event. For a complete list of semifinalists and to register to attend the event, please visit https://bigidea.pennmedicine.org/wellness

Past Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Past Chair Santosh Venkatesh reported on the work of the Provost’s Academic Planning and Budget Committee.

Update from the Office of the President. President Amy Gutmann discussed a recent panel discussion she moderated at a gathering of the Association of American Universities on ethics in college admissions practices. Dr. Gutmann described her fundraising priorities as part of the Power of Penn campaign, services to be offered to first-generation and low-income students by the newly established Office of Penn First Plus Students, and the forthcoming launch of the Paideia, a five-year pilot program underwritten by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation that will foster programming in civil discourse, civic engagement and leadership for undergraduate students.

Moderated Discussion. Following a number of revisions to its wording, SEC members voted to endorse a statement on gender-neutral campus bathrooms. The statement will be forwarded to University leadership together with a note of endorsement from the Senate Executive Committee that encourages the University to adopt the statement as policy.

SEC members also discussed a proposal to develop and maintain an “Engaging Ideas Program” within the Senate in order to develop programs or promote existing programming in an annually identified theme area (e.g., climate change and sustainability). The purpose of the Program would be to improve the flow of information about vital issues between the University and the community sector and to create opportunities and favorable conditions for University-based contributions to the greater community.