Trustees converge on Penn for annual summer meetings

In light of their last several meetings -- when food truck controversy, tuition hikes and dining outsourcing dominated the agenda -- this week's gathering of the University Trustees promises to be much less contentious than any in recent memory. The Trustees meet three times a year -- once each during the fall and spring semesters and once again over the summer -- to discuss and vote on matters of importance to the University. As in years past, the Trustees will spend much of their time mulling over administrative appointments, facilities planning and budgetary policy. Yet, there will not be the same fireworks as when the Trustees tackled the controversy spurred by the investigation into the University's crime-reporting methods or the debate over outsourcing facilities management -- both topics of discussion at recent Trustees meetings. The 2 1/2 days of festivities kicked off last night with a series of committee meetings and will conclude with the all-inclusive Stated Meeting of the Trustees at 2 p.m. Friday in the Faculty Club. Of all the meetings and events this week, only the gatherings of the Budget and Finance, Student Life and Academic Policy committees -- in addition to the Stated Meeting -- are open to the public. Administrative appointments will figure heavily into the Trustees' agenda. Managing Director of Public Safety Tom Seamon is expected to take the new post of vice president of public safety, while, following a successful review of her first term, Nursing Dean Norma Lang's term will be renewed for another five years. The Trustees also plan to honor two members of the University community by the dedication of campus landmarks. University Trustee and 1964 Penn Law graduate Henry Silverman will have his name emblazoned on the Law School's new Silverman Hall. His $15 million gift four months ago was the largest single ever made to an American law school. Additionally, the new road leading into the north end of Sansom Common, between 36th and 37th streets, will be named Murray's Way in memory of former Vice President for Business Services Steven Murray, who died on April 15 at the age of 51. The roadway will bisect the plaza area that had stood between Graduate Towers A and B, facilitating deliveries to the new retail and hotel complex. Also on the table is the University's operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Although University Budget Director Mike Masch could not reveal any budgetary details before his presentation to the Trustees, the academic budget in the last fiscal year topped $1 billion. However, the Trustees will not deal with work alone during their time on campus. Along with the University community, they will commemorate tonight the opening of the Bob and Penny Fox Student Art Gallery on the ground floor of Logan Hall at 249 S. 36th Street. The gallery was established by a $500,000 gift from the Foxes, both of whom are University alumni. According to University President Judith Rodin, the summer Trustees meeting serves as a time to "look back" on the accomplishments of the last academic year. "This has been an extraordinary year for Penn," she said, citing new faculty hiring, a competitive admissions class and increased fundraising among the University's successes.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.