CAMPUS BRIEFS: Thursday, February 18, 1999

Trustees converge on U. for annual winter mtgs. The Trustees, who convene fully three times a year, are holding their winter meetings from February 17 to 19 at the University to discuss academic and financial planning for the semester. According to Jason Horger, executive assistant to University Secretary Rosemary McManus, 55 of the 90 Trustees are present for this month's meeting. Over the next two days, the Trustees -- both as a whole group and divided into smaller committees -- will discuss issues such as academic policies, the budget and financing and campus planning with University administrators. McManus said that "the overall theme for the meeting is Penn's undergraduate experience." The Trustees will examine "what's unique about education at Penn," McManus explained, noting that they will also discuss student research opportunities and service projects. The meeting will close on Friday with the stated meeting of the Trustees, where the Trustees will approve resolutions -- on faculty appointments and University financing -- recommended by the approximately eight committees. The Board will also elect Ronald Perelman -- a 1964 Wharton graduate and current Trustee -- to be a new Charter Trustee. Charter Trustees serve in their positions until age 70, unlike Alumni Trustees, who serve five-year terms. According to Horger, Charter Trustees are "the most distinguished Trustees." -- Catherine Lucey