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 7, 2021

Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Chair Kathleen Hall Jamieson informed SEC members of responses from Penn leaders in the division of Human Resources on two matters that were raised prior to the meeting by faculty members. Those answers, now available on the Faculty Senate website address questions related to (1) Penn’s retirement savings plans transitioning to TIAA and (2) faculty sabbaticals and city wage taxes during the pandemic.

Preview of Results from Questionnaire on Department-Level Decision-Making Practices. Ani Nenkova, Chair of the Faculty Senate Committee on Faculty and the Academic Mission (SCOF), joined the meeting. Prof. Nenkova began a discussion on three matters related to a questionnaire sent in February by SCOF to department chairs in all schools. Questions were posed on departmental voting practices (including whether votes are taken anonymously) and the extent to which various types of faculty have voices in departmental decision-making on hiring, promotion, curriculum, and related matters. SCOF will propose by way of its upcoming annual report that departments should create written bylaws if they have not already done so and make them publicly accessible. SEC members will also consider whether to issue a formal resolution to this end.

New Business. A Faculty Senate Seminar on “(FY21-22) Penn’s Endowment, Academic Budget, and the COVID-19 Impacts” will be held following the SEC meeting on May 12, 2021. The seminar is open to all faculty, and registration may be completed here.