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, November 1, 2017

Chair’s Report. Faculty Senate Chair Santosh Venkatesh described plans for upcoming SEC meetings. He invited SEC members to provide input on which topics should be given time for plenary discussion at future SEC meetings this year. He then reported on the planning for the Teach-In, which will be held around campus during the week of March 19-22, 2018. Multiple planning groups are developing programming on topics in diverse areas including, but not limited to, the history of science, evolution, immigration, climate science, gun violence, vaccine research, symbolism, artificial intelligence, and the role of the university in the 21st century. A website is under development that should launch by early in the spring semester. Any faculty, students, and staff who wish to get involved with the planning effort are encouraged to contact the Senate office.

Past-Chair’s Report. On behalf of Faculty Senate Past Chair Laura Perna, Prof. Venkatesh informed the group that the Campaign for Community Steering Committee has scheduled a meeting for December 7. The Campus Conversation, hosted by President Amy Gutmann and Provost Wendell Pritchett on October 30, was exemplar of the kind of initiatives underway as part of the Campaign for Community. Faculty members are encouraged to provide feedback on the Campus Conversation and the Campaign itself by contacting the Senate office.

2018 Senate Nominating Committee. SEC members voted to adopt a membership slate for the 2018 Senate Nominating Committee. The slate is published in this issue of Almanac For Comment.

Update from the Office of the President. President Amy Gutmann delivered a progress report on accomplishments derived from the Penn Compact 2022. She described the accomplishments across three categories: Inclusion, Innovation, and Impact.

Update from the Office of Penn Global. Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Ezekiel Emanuel and Executive Director for Global Initiatives Amy Gadsden shared with SEC members the “Strategic Framework for Global Initiatives, 2018-2023,” building upon a recently concluded five-year strategic plan. Three pillars for global engagement were described: Educating global citizens by preparing students for an increasingly globalized society; Catalyzing transformative ideas by strengthening Penn as a global agenda setter; and Bringing the world to Penn (and Penn to the world) by promoting healthy, inspiring, and productive lives.