A University Council meeting was held on Wednesday, December 1 in Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall. President Amy Gutmann welcomed attendees and introduced Interim Provost Beth Winkelstein. Dr. Winkelstein provided an update on the University’s work to related to the Omicron COVID variant and noted that a University notification on the topic had been sent earlier that day.

Lizann Boyle Rode, associate vice president in the Office of the University Secretary, read responses to topics raised by council members at the November University Council meeting.

Senior Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations John Zeller reported on The Power of Penn campaign. He described campaign highlights, discussed donor engagement, and highlighted new buildings  and  renovation  projects it made possible. Mr. Zeller stated that 41,000 alumni made first-time gifts during the campaign and announced Penn’s post-campaign strategy.

During the open forum portion of the meeting, eight speakers addressed the following topics: transfer student housing; support for Greek life at Penn; making Election Day a University holiday; mandatory consent education and centralization of resources to prevent sexual assault; strengthening Penn’s climate action response, including a complete divestment from fossil fuels; creation of a cultural center for Native and Indigenous students; climate action as a means to support international students; and the enhancement of climate courses. Responses from the administration will be provided at the next University Council meeting in February.