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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 Lance Donaldson-Evans, Box 12, College Hall/6303, or Kristine Kelly at (215) 898-6943, or by e-mail kellyke@pobox.upenn.edu.

Senate Executive Committee Actions

Wednesday, February 18, 2004

1. Chair's Report. Faculty Senate Chair Lance Donaldson-Evans reported to the Senate Executive Committee that the investigation into the Rui DiSilva incident will most likely be completed within the next month.

2. Past Chair's Report on Academic Planning and Budget and Capital Council. Past Chair Mitch Marcus was unable to attend SEC, and therefore no report was given. It was suggested and agreed by SEC that if the past chair is unable to attend future meetings, he or she should send a written report to the Chair.

3. Provost Robert Barchi and Dr. Tukufu Zuberi. The Provost and Dr. Zuberi updated the Executive Committee on their work with minority student groups on campus. The Provost outlined and discussed the students' four areas of concern: 1) Campus Security; 2) Cultural Center Resources; 3) Undergraduate Recruitment and Retention; and 4) Educational Programs. The Provost also suggested to SEC that it meet with the minority student leadership at a future meeting.

Professor Zuberi shared his views on the academic environment at Penn and its role in facilitating diversity and racial sensitivity at the University. Professor Zuberi believes the racial climate at Penn is a cultural problem, and the actions of the faculty would go far in transforming the culture. 

A discussion followed about what steps the Faculty Senate could take to help create a better, more diverse environment. 

4. Omar Blaik, Senior VP for Facilities and Real Estate.Vice President Blaik presented to SEC the plans for Penn's eastward expansion.

5. New Business. Debra Leonard, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Faculty Development, presented SEC with a revised Faculty Development Committee Charge. The charge was approved by SEC and will now be submitted to Almanac for final approval by the Faculty-At-Large.