Hiring reform on the horizon

The University's review of hiring and admissions practices is nearing completion, though it is unclear what specific changes will result from the recommendations.

The review, which aims to better screen applicants and clarify background-check policies, will be shared "shortly" with Penn President Amy Gutmann and presented at a University Council meeting this fall, Penn Provost Ron Daniels said.

An exact date has not been set for the report's release, but Daniels said it will be presented "earlier rather than later in the year."

University Council meetings are scheduled for Sept. 26, Oct. 24 and Nov. 14.

The hiring and admissions review is examining background-check and self-disclosure policies for students, faculty and staff.

It was spurred by revelations in January that Kurt Mitman, an Economics graduate student, was commuting to Penn from a Bucks County prison, and that two convicted sex offenders held staff positions at the University.

A judge revoked Mitman's academic release in February, and the two staffers no longer work at Penn.

Daniels said he expects a change in policy or practice to occur by the end of the semester.

"We're substantially there in terms of policy development," he said.

University officials had initially said that they were leaning toward self-disclosure questions for faculty, and that staff positions would likely see a more uniform policy regarding background checks.

But Daniels would not confirm if self-disclosure was still the planned route, and other officials declined to discuss specific details of the review's recommendations before the report is released.

Terri Ryan, a human resources spokeswoman, said the review sector that focuses on staff positions has been completed and is currently being "reviewed at the upper levels."

The report's recommendations will be approved or changes will be suggested soon, she said.

The divisions that focus on students and faculty appear to be in a similar state. Leo Charney of the Provost's Office said the report is in its "final stages" and is undergoing review by "senior leadership."

Some policy changes have already occurred. In February, the online application for staff positions was adjusted by asking applicants who disclose a felony conviction to explain the conviction, and a sentence was added to inform applicants that "a criminal conviction does not prohibit you from employment."

Ryan said those changes have not had measurable effects at this point.

Charney said all changes in the staff and student sectors would be discussed when the final report is presented.

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