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, May 15, 2019

Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Chair Jennifer Pinto-Martin reported that SEC constituents with expiring terms will hold elections pursuant to the Senate Rules during early June.

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

Issues Requiring a Vote. SEC members ratified the slate of four faculty representatives on the 2019-2020 University Council Steering Committee.

Senate Committee Reports. SEC heard and briefly discussed annual reports given by the chairs of Senate Committees. Senate committee reports can be found in the May 14, 2019, issue of Almanac.

Faculty Handbook Amendment: Parental Leave Policy. SEC members discussed proposed revisions to the Parental Leave Policy forwarded for consideration by the Vice Provost for Faculty. A list of questions and concerns regarding practical implementation of the revised policy parameters were developed and will be forwarded to the Vice Provost.

Discussion and recommendations for SEC’s 2019-2020 agenda. Faculty Senate Chair-Elect Steve Kimbrough invited Standing Faculty members to write the Senate Office over the summer months to recommend issues that SEC should consider during the upcoming academic year.

Passing the Torch. Dr. Pinto-Martin recognized Dr. Venkatesh for his three years of service as a Tri-Chair to the Faculty Senate. She also recognized the service of the chairs of the Senate’s Standing Committees: Robert Ghrist, Carmen Guerra, Lea Ann Matura, Dominic Sisti, and Herbert Smith. Dr. Pinto-Martin yielded the floor to Dr. Steven Kimbrough, and SEC members welcomed him as Chair of the Faculty Senate for the 2019-2020 year. Dr. Kimbrough introduced Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, who began her term as 2019-2020 Chair-Elect of the Senate.