University President Amy Gutmann, Provost Ron Daniels, faculty and student leaders met yesterday afternoon in Bodek Lounge for the year's first meeting of the University Council.
The Council discussed which issues the Steering Committee would focus on when developing Council agendas for the upcoming year.
Penn professor Larry Gladney, chairman of the Steering Committee, proposed various topics for Council members to select, with a cap on four items to cover over the academic year.
Among the topics discussed were a full analysis of mental health issues on campus, comprehensive plans for campus and community emergencies, the climate of diversity and pluralism on campus, communicable diseases, Penn community initiatives, Penn Connect and the status of international students at the University.
Student leaders and faculty voiced their opinions on which should be chosen before voting at the end of the meeting.
Although the results of the vote won't be known until the Steering Committee's next meeting on Oct. 10th, the most discussed items were a full analysis of mental health issues and an emergency plan for the campus and community.
"Safety and security are the most important issues that the University can cover," said College senior and Undergraduate Assembly chairman Jason Karsh, who voiced his support for focusing on campus emergency planning.
