Goals and Priorities for the New Academic Year

As Chair of the Faculty Senate, it is my privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the 2016-2017 academic year. Established by the Trustees in 1952, the Senate comprises the approximately 2,600 standing faculty in Penn’s 12 Schools. As stated in the Faculty Handbook, the Senate Executive Committee (SEC) is an elected body with 58 members that meets monthly during the academic year to discuss issues of importance to the faculty; to make recommendations to the President, Provost and Trustees; and to pass resolutions. SEC also oversees the Senate’s nine standing committees and coordinates with the University Council and its seven committees. I consider it an honor to serve as an officer of the Senate along with my fellow Tri-Chairs Reed Pyeritz (Past Chair) and Santosh Venkatesh (Chair-Elect). Reflecting Penn’s long-standing commitment to shared governance, the President and the Provost meet biweekly with the Tri-Chairs to discuss current and emerging issues. The President and Provost, as well as Vice Provosts and other senior administrators, also consult with the faculty through their participation at SEC and other committee meetings.

The Tri-Chairs greatly appreciate the engagement of the faculty who volunteer their time to serve as members of SEC and who chair and serve on Senate committees. Effective shared governance depends on the willingness of faculty to contribute to the often time-consuming processes of setting academic policy and reconsidering current policies in light of emerging challenges and a changing world. Among other accomplishments, in recent years the Faculty Senate has contributed to efforts to launch the Faculty Wellness Ambassador program in the undergraduate schools, ensure that the Ombudsman is a “confidential” informant, revise the Patent Policy for faculty, create and launch the Campaign for Community (C4C), establish an Ad Hoc Grievance Committee to improve the grievance process for faculty and identify barriers to the use of sabbatical leaves. 
Senate committees will this year consider a number of important issues, including:

• Results of the 2015 Faculty Climate Survey, especially as they relate to women, faculty of different racial/ethnic groups and LGBTQA faculty;
• The final report of the five-year Action Plan for Faculty Diversity and Excellence;
• Implementation of conflict-of-interest policies;
• The effectiveness of the University Research Foundation’s funding process;
• The ongoing development of online delivery of educational programs;
• Communication about the availability of mental health services and the implementation of the Faculty Wellness Ambassador program; and
• The economic status of the faculty in terms of salaries and selected benefits.

Senate committees will also be inviting faculty to engage in discussions about other critical issues, including effective strategies for enhancing faculty diversity, the future role of faculty (including Associated Faculty and Academic Support Staff) and ways to ensure a welcoming environment for all students—including students who are first in their families to attend college and students from low-income households. We will share more information about these discussions over the coming months, with the hope that many faculty will participate. To learn more about the agenda for SEC meetings, as well as committee charges and members, please refer to the Senate’s website, http://www.upenn.edu/faculty_senate/

As you set your goals and activities for the new academic year, we urge you to consider ways to contribute to our University’s shared governance processes. We encourage you to share your perspectives with your elected SEC representative(visit http://www.upenn.edu/faculty_senate/sec_members.html for a complete list of names and email addresses). Reed, Santosh and I are also eager to hear your suggestions and concerns, as well as your interest in becoming more involved in the Senate’s work or serving on a committee. Institutional service produces a range of benefits and can be personally rewarding. As I approach this year as Chair, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with and learn from the wise perspectives of Claire Finkelstein, who concluded her service as a Tri-Chair this past spring. The Faculty Senate also benefits from the excellent work of Patrick Walsh, the Senate’s executive assistant. We all welcome your suggestions, advice, concerns and questions. You may reach us at senate@pobox.upenn.edu or by phone at (215) 898-6943. I also invite you to contact me directly at lperna@upenn.edu

Best wishes for a terrific year of teaching, learning, creating knowledge and serving our University community.

—Laura Perna