The University Council’s meeting on September 14 took place in the Hall of Flags at Houston Hall. President M. Elizabeth Magill requested a moment of silence for Sarah Katz, C’24, the undergraduate student who passed away on September 10. During her status report, President Magill also thanked council for being a model of University citizenship. 

Melissa Wilde, professor and chair of sociology, was appointed moderator for the 2022-2023 year. Vivian Gadsden, William T. Carter Professor of Child Development and Education and chair of the Faculty Senate, announced the focus issues for the upcoming year.

A proposed bylaw amendment to add a position on University Council for postdoctoral trainees was discussed. It was approved by the steering committee and the Secretary’s Office will assist with the appointment process. During the new business portion of the meeting, many leaders of student organizations expressed their support for topics such as: the Coalition to Save the UC Townhomes; the Middle East Center, which lost its federal funding; a request for expanded services on campus to address sexual misconduct; and Penn Chavurah, a new Jewish student group, requested support.

The next meeting of the University Council will take place on October 26 at Houston Hall’s Bodek Lounge.