SENATE From the Senate Office
The following statement is published in accordance
with the 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 Senate Chair Vivian Seltzer or
Executive Assistant Carolyn Burdon, Box 12 College Hall/6303,
898-6943 or burdon@pobox.upenn.edu.
Actions Taken by the Senate Executive
Committee
Wednesday, October 8, 1997
1. Academic Planning and Budget Committee and Capital Council. Past Faculty Senate Chair Peter Kuriloff noted that membership
on the committee binds the Past Faculty Senate to strict confidentiality.
He can report to SEC the issues discussed but not substance, with the exception
that he can share substance with the Chair and Chair-elect of the Faculty
Senate. The committee meets every week and the first meeting covered a full
explanation of responsibility center budgeting.
Capital Council has looked at pieces of projects
that have been approved and shifting them around.
A former Academic Planning and Budget Committee
member expressed concern about the change in confidentiality rules which
affects bringing issues to the faculty for discussion and input. Previously,
confidentiality in the Academic Planning and Budget Committee was applied
only to specific issues, whereas now it is blanket confidentiality.
2. Senate Nominating Committee. The list of nominees submitted by
SEC members was considered and the deadline for further nominations was
extended until the start of business October 9. A mail ballot will be sent
to SEC members and the ninth member will be chosen from SEC at the next
meeting.
3. Facilities Management. Faculty Senate Chair Vivian Seltzer announced
administration action regarding outsourcing Facilities Management to Trammell
Crow which occurred earlier in the day. Discussion followed.
4. Intellectual Property. SEC discussed the Senate Chair's column
(Almanac
October 7, 1997) and the issues arising from it.
5. Educational Policy. Chair of the Senate Committee on Students
and Educational Policy David Williams verbally introduced a document pertaining
to faculty activity in formulating educational policy. SEC expressed its
support.
6. Faculty Club Plans. Vice President Steven Murray presented the
current plans for the Faculty Club move to the Inn at Penn in the Fall of
1999. Provost Chodorow and Executive Vice President John Fry were also present
to respond to questions and suggestions. Mr. Murray reviewed the history
of the Faculty Club from its organization in 1959, to the caveat of a 50-year
rent-free lease in Skinner Hall, to concern over the growing deficit and
the recent two-year long-range discussions on the club's future. He stated
the administration is committed to a Faculty Club and the primary goals
of the Faculty Club are: a place of community, an upscale restaurant, a
cafeteria, and maintaining the club's identity. Under current plans the
Inn at Penn will have about 256 rooms, banquet facilities and meeting space,
the Faculty Club with its restaurant and a cafeteria (off the main entrance
from Sansom Street), and a restaurant, bar and library open to the general
public. The operator of the Inn at Penn will work under Penn guidelines
and Penn departments will have priority in reserving spaces.
Extended discussion centered on: hours of operation
exclusively reserved for members; changes in money flow and continued affordable
pricing; concern about the Faculty Club employees; ease of access to and
reservation of banquet and meeting space; future use of Skinner Hall; extent
of consultation with representatives of the faculty; the decision process
for any future increase or reduction in the space allocated; and the significance
of the Faculty Club as a community center.
7. Faculty Liaisons to Trustee Committees. Discussion was deferred.
Return to: Almanac, University of Pennsylvania, October
14, 1997, Volume 44, Number 8 |