Council Coverage
The first University Council meeting
of the year was so well attended last Wednesday that President Judith
Rodin commended the Council members for the "terrific attendance."
She then appointed Dr. Larry Gross to serve as moderator, for the
second year in a row and University Archivist Mark Frazier Lloyd
to continue as Parliamentarian for his 12th year. President Rodin
also noted "the passing of a great friend of this University--Walter
Annenberg" (see
article here).
The
four remaining 2001-2002 year-end reports of Council committees
were presented by the chairs of the committees.
After
Dr. Dennis DeTurck presented the Admissions and Financial Aid report
(Almanac
October 1), Dr. Rodin commented that Penn's efforts to
recruit more broadly and to provide financial aid to students who
are not from North America, is made possible with the help of the
Alumni Clubs in various countries which support students from their
locale. She also added that while the early decision debate is an
interesting issue, it is one that the Ivy Presidents cannot discuss
due to antitrust agreements.
Dr.
Ellis Golub presented the report of the Libraries Committee (Almanac
October 1) which deals with digital vs. print issues, such as
the acquisition of online journals; authentication improvements
and an information literacy center in the library.
The
Facilities Committee report (Almanac
July 16) which was presented by Dr. John Sabini included such
issues as support for classroom maintenance, the Campus Development
Plan, as well as traffic, pedestrian and bicycle safety. Dr. Sabini
also added that he hoped a creative use will be made of the former
Mellon Bank Building' to make it an "interesting
and vital place."
Provost
Robert Barchi said that he has met with the subcommittee on classrooms
and he has agreed to double the funding from $1 million per year
to $2 million per year to maintain and upgrade classrooms. There
will also be an effort on the part of Facilities to consolidate
money in the Facilities Renewal Fund and focus on the needs of a
particular building each year.
Dr.
Noam Lior commented that parking costs are rising at a higher rate
than raises.
When
a student asked about speed limit signs along Walnut Street, Police
Chief Tom Rambo replied that the Police's speed trailer which
has been set up, increases compliance and results in less traffic
and pedestrian accidents.
The
Research Committee report (Almanac
October 1) was presented by Dr. Bruce Shenker who discussed
the cost of doing research and the issues associated with clauses
in contracts for sponsored research that restrict access based on
citizenship, especially post 9/11.
Dr.
Ilene Rosenstein, director of Counseling and Psychological Services
(CAPS), explained CAPS's mission and services they provide
to help students in need including individual and group counseling,
consultation, crisis intervention, workshops and career and psychological
testing for students. CAPS has recently produced brochures: What
Can I Do?, a guide for faculty and staff who want to help a
student in distress; How to Help a Friend, for students,
and How to Support Your Child at Penn, a guide for families.
She also noted the new Involuntary Leave Policy now in effect (Almanac
October 1).
This
is Mental Health Awareness Week (October 7-10) and events will be
held on campus.
No focus issues were raised by
Council members in what Dr. Gross described as one of the "arcane
rituals of Council."
Almanac, Vol. 49, No. 7, October 8, 2002
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