1999 Year in Review: The Year Ahead 2000

Dean searches: Despite nearly year-long searches, both the Law and Wharton schools remain without permanent deans. Neither searches have target end dates, but administrators are believed to be close to naming a successor to Thomas Gerrity as head of Wharton. Dorm/Dining Overhaul: As part of the University's massive dormitory and dining overhaul, the patio area between the Class of 1920 Commons and Harnwell College House will be enclosed and the dining hall's interior will be redesigned. The Quadrangle will see another summer of construction, and plans will be finalized for the Superblock renovations. Health System: The Health System's financial woes have snowballed out of control over the past several months, forcing top officials to implement sweeping layoffs and other drastic cost-cutting measures to restore some form of stability to the beleaguered system. Another round of layoffs, which officials promise will be the last, is scheduled for the spring. Meanwhile, executives hope that the cuts will not hurt patient care or affect UPHS's reputation for excellence and innovation. Perelman Quad: Several years in the making, the $82.5 million Perelman Quadrangle student center that links Irvine Auditorium with Williams, Logan, Houston and College halls is scheduled for completion in the spring. After three years, Houston Hall, the oldest student union in the country, will finally reopen. Philadelphia: Mayor-elect John Street, who narrowly won election last month, will step into office, filling the large shoes of Ed Rendell. The Republican Party will hold its national convention in Philadelphia in August, bringing an estimated 45,000 people and millions of dollars to the area. The city will also try again to come up with financing for new stadiums for the Phillies and Eagles. Pilot Curriculum: The School of Arts and Sciences will begin the process of changing its core curriculum for the first time in a decade, with 200 incoming College freshmen getting the chance to try a new General Requirement that mandates just four classes rather than 10. If deemed successful by the faculty after a five-year trial run, the curriculum will be implemented across the College. Presidential election: The country will choose a leader to succeed President Clinton, and Penn students will no doubt take an active interest in choosing between a slate of varied candidates. Though Pennsylvania's April primary will likely have no effect on who wins their party's respective nominations, the state will play a huge role in the general election -- particularly if the Republican nominee picks Gov. Tom Ridge as his running mate. Officials are holding out hope that a presidential debate could take place right here on campus. Public school: Penn's impact on its West Philadelphia neighbors will become starkly visible this year, as construction begins in the spring on the Penn-supported public school at 42nd and Spruce streets. A decision is expected early in the year on who will get to attend the school, which is slated to open in 2001. Sports: Following a successful season in which the men's basketball team won the Ivy League titled and earned an NCAA Tournament berth, the word "repeat" is on everyone's mind. Similarly, the women's basketball squad and the wrestling team are both favored as Ivy League champions. And the women's squash team is ranked No. 1 in the nation.