Search Results
Below are your search results. You can also try a Basic Search.
(09/28/94 9:00am)
The recently released report dealing with the Reserve Officers' Training Corps will be discussed at the University Council's first meeting of the academic year today. The Committee to Review the Status of ROTC at Penn released its final report this week dealing with President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" policy and the University's non-discrimination policy. The report discussed many possible solutions, and advocated an "arm's length" arrangement that would maintain the presence of ROTC on campus, but would increase the distance between the organization and the University. The military units would be established as an outside program, instead of an "educational program or activity" or "other University administered program." Council's meeting will be the first of many meetings and discussions held to debate and consider the report. University President Judith Rodin and Provost Stanley Chodorow will ultimately make the final decision in regards to ROTC's future with the University. Council is also planning to discuss safety and security at the University. The issues have received more attention recently because of the early September murder of fifth year Mathematics graduate student Al-Moez Alimohamed, along with several other crimes during the past month. Council, which includes University faculty, administrators, students and staff, will also discuss revisions to its by-laws, which will then be voted on by mail. Debate is expected about a permanent seat on the body for a representative of the United Minorities Council. In May, Council rejected an amendment to the group's by-laws by Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Dan Debicella to give the UMC chairperson one of the UA's permanent seats on Council. In the past, the UA has voted to give one of its seats to the UMC chair. Council will meet from 4 to 6 p.m. today in McClelland Hall in the Quadrangle.
(09/27/94 9:00am)
During her first three months in office, University President Judith Rodin has yet to establish one new University committee. But she does have to deal with many committees that were established during former interim President Claire Fagin's one-year tenure, and the policies and programs that they recommended. The Commission Though the Commission on Strengthening the Community submitted their final report last spring, the administration has not made final decisions on some of the Commission's recommendations and decisions. Recommendations which have not been acted on include the development of an ad-hoc committee to deal with faculty issues, as well as increased numbers of courses that are either taught in residences or centered around multiculturalism. In addition, the report made suggestions about public safety, residential living, student activities and communication within the University. It will be up to Rodin, Provost Stanley Chodorow and their staffs to complete their assessment and decisions regarding the Commission's report. The Judicial Reform Committee The Student Judicial Reform Committee was established last year to deal with the University's judicial system -- specifically formulating the Student Judicial Charter, the Code on Academic Integrity and the Code of Student Conduct. Though the Code of Student Conduct has been approved and instituted, the Code on Academic Integrity and the Student Judicial Charter are still up for discussion and debate. In the coming months, Rodin and Chodorow will attempt to finalize and approve of any changes to the reports in their current format, and develop an end result for both. The Charter advocates more student involvement in the judicial system, through mediation and the actual judicial process. Last year former interim Provost Marvin Lazerson lent his approval to the committee's recommendation. But, it still remains to be seen whether Rodin and Chodorow will do the same. "I am in favor of a system that is as uncomplicated as possible," Rodin said recently. "I look forward to continue working with the committee and to bring it to conclusion." The ROTC Committee The Committee to Review ROTC Arrangements at Penn was appointed last year to attempt to reconcile President Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" policy with the University's non-discrimination policy. Its report is published in today's Almanac, and Rodin said she hopes to "consult broadly, take advice, be willing to make a decision, and be clear about my reasons." "I ought to see what other people's viewpoints are," she said recently. "Hard work and thinking have gone in to that report." Other Issues In the future, the administration will also confront issues ranging from academic to social. They will deal with student organizations, such as the Undergraduate Assembly and its policy paper, Project 2000, and the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education and its 1995 White Paper on undergraduate education. In addition, they will talk with administrative committees and faculty groups in order to receive consultation from a number of sources. Both Rodin and Chodorow have promised to talk with as many people as they can before making final decisions about any policy or program. And new and old committees will be an integral part of that process.
(09/26/94 9:00am)
and Jessica Toney University President Judith Rodin attended her first University Board of Trustees meeting Friday, and watched it wield its rubber-stamp. Each of the topics scheduled for discussion were met with immediate and unanimous approval from the Trustees. Their first Stated Meeting of the academic year only ran 45 minutes. The appointment of Vice President for Government and Community Relations Carol Scheman and interim Executive Vice President Jack Freeman were both submitted for final approval by Rodin, and were accepted without incident. In her remarks to the Trustees, Rodin said the beginning of her presidency has been "smooth and effective," with the exception of the murder of Al-Moez Alimohamed, a graduate student killed earlier this month. "The safety of all members of the Penn community is our absolutely foremost non-academic priority," Rodin said, adding that she hopes to develop a "broader and deeper strategy" and a comprehensive master plan in "the near future." Rodin also discussed the administration and cost containment evaluation being conducted by Coopers and Lybrand. She also noted the many personnel changes that have taken place recently. University Provost Stanley Chodorow also addressed the Trustees and said he planned to make undergraduate education his main focus this year. Chodorow said he planned to "look carefully" at the process of dean review, especially because four deans -- of the Dental, Law, Medical and Annenberg Schools -- will be up for review this year. He noted that the other main issues he will be dealing with are the Student Judicial Charter, the Code of Academic Integrity, ROTC, and the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education's proposed changes to the academic calendar. Earlier in the day, the Budget and Finance Committee met to discuss various acquisitions, purchases and insurance policies. As a result of that meeting, the Executive Committee passed resolutions to approve 16 different projects. In total, the Board of Trustees approved more than $13.6 million in expenditures. That figure includes the purchase of various off-campus buildings, the renovation of Eisenlohr Hall and the upgrade of several laboratories. The Board also approved the sale of a Philadelphia property which had been a gift to the University, valued at $150,000. The Trustees also voted for a plan geared toward placing more University staff and faculty on the University health care plan, PennCare. Currently less than half of the eligible University population is part of PennCare. Another issue discussed was the modernization of the University's accounting system. The present system is 20 years old, and a self-evaluation of the system has been in progress for several months. Departments in various schools within the University are each using different software to accomplish the same goals. The upgrading of the system will not only include new hardware but a standardization of software as well. The Trustees also heard financial and investment reports at the Stated Meeting.
(09/23/94 9:00am)
University President Judith Rodin and Provost Stanley Chodorow will attend their first Board of Trustees' meeting today, and both plan to speak to the members about their goals for their opening term. In the first Stated Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Trustees this academic year, the body is expected to approve Carol Scheman as vice president for government and community relations, a position which Rodin created. Scheman was appointed by Rodin as a liaison between the University and the local, state and federal communities and governments. The Trustees' Budget and Finance Committee will discuss and take action on several issues including computer network infrastructure enhancements, the purchase of a radiation oncology capital item for the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and a Mass Spectrometer for the School of Medicine. They will also discuss the acquisition of various properties in Philadelphia. In addition, they plan to take action on several facilities issues, including Eisenlohr Hall, the Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe History of Art Building, several halls within the Law School and laboratory space in the School of Veterinary Medicine. The Trustees will also hear from interim Executive Vice President Jack Freeman in a financial report. The Executive Committee of the Trustees will discuss the appointment of Paul Williams to the Board of Overseers of the School of Arts and Sciences and Carole Haas to the Board of Managers of the Morris Arboretum. An investment report and a health system report will also be given. The Budget and Finance Committee is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. in the Tea Room of the Faculty Club. The Stated Meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in the same place.
(09/14/94 9:00am)
In one of her first acts as University president, Judith Rodin created a new administrative position to link the University with federal, state and local governments. Carol Scheman, U.S. Food and Drug Administration's former deputy commissioner for external affairs, will fill the new position, called vice president for government and community relations. Scheman, who has had extensive involvement in government, worked for the FDA developing policy and directing programs connecting the agency to Congress, as well as to local, state, and foreign governments. In that capacity, she also worked with the media and consumer associations. While with the FDA, Scheman directed the offices of public affairs, legislation, consumer and industry outreach, women's health and AIDS and special health issues. In addition, Scheman spent 13 years with the Association of American Universities (AAU) as vice president and director of federal relations. In that position, she worked with 54 universities who are members of AAU in an attempt to identify the major opportunities and needs of higher education institutions. Rodin said Scheman's experience with government combined with her work in higher education makes her a "remarkable woman," who is very qualified for the new position. "She had this combination that I thought was so unusual," Rodin said. "She stood out and was well recommended." Deputy to the President Jean Morse said Scheman was chosen from a "large" pool of candidates, though she did not divulge the exact number of original applicants. According to Rodin, two of the candidates held similar position at other universities. "She's perfect for us," Morse said. "We were very lucky to get her [since] she was our first choice." The new position will combine existing University resources to form one office that will deal with issues and concerns affecting the University's various constituencies. "All of us are mindful of how important our relationships are with governments and the community," Rodin said. "Keeping our resources scattered is not a good way to keep our relationships solid." Scheman said she is looking forward to "the challenge that this new position offers." Scheman is expected to move next week to Philadelphia from Maryland, where she currently resides. At that time she will immediately assume her new position.
(09/13/94 9:00am)
While most freshmen have unpacked their boxes and are now settled in their new homes, University President Judith Rodin has yet to spend a night at Eisenlohr Hall, the traditional home of the University's top official. And according to Vice President for Facilities Arthur Gravina, Rodin may not move into the mansion at 3812 Walnut Street until late fall. Rodin's move-in day depends on when renovations and repairs to Eisenlohr are completed. That could be as late as "early spring," said Interim Executive Vice President Jack Freeman. It is "hard to predict [when it will be finished]," Freeman said yesterday. In the meantime, Rodin and her family are living out of boxes in a rented home located at 21st and Delancy streets. Rodin herself is paying the rent and other costs associated with the temporary housing. "We're living in a small space," she said yesterday. "We're sharing bathrooms and we have stuff in storage. It's just crazy right now." Eisenlohr has not been physically updated since former University President Sheldon Hackney moved into the residence in 1981. In mid-August, the University hired Unkefer Brothers of Philadelphia to complete the project, which will cost more than $800,000. The project originally was slated to cost more than $1 million, Freeman said, but Rodin decided to cut back on certain "extras," such as the building of a back staircase for private use. "When we saw the price, I immediately vetoed it," Rodin said. "Everyone would have their fantasy but I'm not going to have anything redone unnecessarily." According to Gravina, the heating and cooling system of the house need a complete overhaul, including pipe removal and thermostat additions. The other major problem was asbestos found in Eisenlohr's basement, which has already been removed. Gravina said the asbestos was sealed and contained, and in an area where individuals never went, but was removed because it surrounded the pipes of the old heating/cooling system. The contractor will also repair the roof, and paint the inside of the house and outside window trim. But many of the renovations are associated with the change in residents of Eisenlohr. Unlike the past two sets of residents, Rodin will be bringing a family to the house, including her husband, son, stepson and a first year University Law student. Since Rodin's family wants to use the third floor of Eisenlohr as living quarters, that also needs renovation, since it has been used as an attic and storage space in the past. A partition will be added to the second floor to separate private areas of the house from public ones, Freeman said. The last two occupants, Interim President Claire Fagin and Hackney, lived in Eisenlohr only with their respective spouses. Hackney's cousin also lived with him during his tenure as president. Rodin said that she "can't wait" to move on campus. "I walk by [Eisenlohr] longingly," she said. "I would really like to get settled."
(09/13/94 9:00am)
University President Judith Rodin announced yesterday that she is employing an outside firm to research the University's methods of administrative management and cost containment. In a letter printed in today's Almanac, Rodin said her ultimate goal is to develop an "action plan with practical recommendations that can be implemented on a realistic timetable." In doing so, she will increase efforts begun by her predecessor, former Interim President Claire Fagin, who first retained Coopers & Lybrand, a professional services firm, on a smaller scale. By early November, the new firm will submit a detailed report to be considered and discussed by the University community, Rodin said. "This will not be just 'another study'," she said. "This process will have an aggressive timetable for review, decision-making and implementation." Rodin said that Coopers & Lybrand will spend the fall considering "all of [the University's] business and administrative processes in a broad range of functions and activities." The Cost Containment Oversight Committee, which includes Provost Stanley Chodorow and interim Executive Vice President Jack Freeman as co-chairpersons, will work directly with the services firm. The committee is made up of 14 people, including deans from the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Wharton School, the School of Nursing and the School of Dental Medicine. Fagin said last night she was "pleased" with Rodin's decision. "It is very rewarding," she said. "I think it's terrific because they will use their expertise and knowledge for the University's benefit." Rodin said Coopers & Lybrand will base their recommendations on a central idea of "reallocating money from administrative functions to academic pursuits."
(09/09/94 9:00am)
Executive Director Linda Hyatt announced yesterday that she will depart the University on November 1, becoming the third person to leave the president's office in two months. Hyatt will be the new executive director of the Landmark Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Norfolk, Virginia. The Foundation is part of the Landmark Communications Corporation, which owns newspapers and television stations in the southeast and Las Vegas. In her new role, Hyatt will oversee the awarding of grants to the various newspapers and television stations in the area. "It is an incredible opportunity where I can make decisions about bold, new initiatives," Hyatt said. "My position at Penn has been exciting and incredibly rewarding, but it is not the kind of job one holds onto indefinitely." The announcement follows the August resignation of former Executive Vice President Janet Hale, who was replaced by Jack Friedman. Friedman is filling the position until a permanent selection can be made. Assistant to the President Nicholas Constan also left his position on July 1, after serving in the administrations of Claire Fagin and Sheldon Hackney. Constan is still serving as an adjunct professor of Legal Studies at the University. Hyatt said her decision was partly based on the change of administrations that occurred this summer. "I think it is very important to make the move now," Hyatt said. "It obviously is going to be most helpful to the president if she can construct the kind of team that she wants to help her fulfill her agenda to Penn." She added that she and President Judith Rodin "enjoyed working together," but that this was the logical time "for me to live many different parts of my life." Hyatt plans to move from her home in the Quadrangle to Norfolk. Hyatt was originally from Virginia, before she came to the University eight years ago. Her husband, Political Science Professor Will Harris, will stay in Philadelphia, as Senior Faculty-in-Residence in the Upper Quad. Harris said he will also keep his current course load and his position as director of the Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program. He hopes to commute to Virginia to see his wife on a regular basis. And Hyatt said her workload will be "more flexible" so she will be able to spend a fair amount of time at the University. Though officials in the President's Office said they will be sorry to see Hyatt go, they congratulated her and wished her luck in her new position. "It sounds like a fabulous opportunity for her," Provost Stanley Chodorow said last night. "They're going to be delighted down there to have her." Chodorow said Hyatt helped him in his first months in office by preparing for meetings and by providing information. "She has done a good deal of work of a non-specific sort here -- work that isn't really assigned to anyone," he said. "I have always found her effective?and she is very thorough." Assistant to the President Steven Steinberg said Hyatt is an "extraordinary colleague" whom he has worked "very closely with for many years." "I am delighted for her that she has found a professional challenge opportunity that is commiserate with her exceptional skills and abilities," he said. "I wish her all the best but I will miss her." Rodin did not return phone calls placed to her office yesterday.
(09/08/94 9:00am)
In 30 years, members of the Class of 1998 may not remember the first time they gathered as a class at Sunday night's convocation, held in Irvine Auditorium. But University President Judith Rodin remembers her first convocation. "I remember thinking: Is this place going to live up to my expectations?" Rodin, a 1966 graduate of the University, said in her opening remarks to the freshman class. "Those recollections are especially strong as I welcome you." Rodin, who began her freshman year as the University's president this summer, said she and the Class of 1998 share a special bond in that both are starting anew. In her speech to the incoming class, Rodin concentrated on issues of free speech and diversity. "Here, various cultural and intellectual styles can happily coexist," she said, adding that debate and free expression add to the "search for new ideas." "I ask for your help to make Penn a place where such debate is welcome," she said. "Individuals and groups who see things differently should communicate across boundaries." Rodin also cited vivid contrasts within the University environment, and the community surrounding it. She discussed the art museums and cultural events "within a five-mile radius of campus," and contrasted them with the run-down homes and frequent drug use found in other areas of Philadelphia. "Make Philadelphia your playground," she said, inviting students to take part in the city's entertainment and educational opportunities, along with helping to find "solutions to urban dilemmas." And in her closing words, Rodin asked the freshmen class to be "committed." "You are beginning the 255th year of this University," she said. "And we do so with you --- ready to take our place as committed freshmen." Following Rodin's remarks, Provost Stanley Chodorow, who is also entering his first year as a University administrator, spoke about academics. "The education we want to give you at Penn will submerge you in theory," Chodorow said, citing Ben Franklin's discussion of ornamental, or theoretical education, versus practical teaching. "The lure of the practical is very powerful but it has pitfalls." Chodorow added that the University and the new administration is setting "very high standards." He also advocated a "self-making" education where "you will be working on yourself." Along that line, Chodorow placed great emphasis on the importance of academic integrity, honesty and truth. "We want to reform undergraduate education and provide a unified undergraduate experience," he said. "Academic integrity is at the heart of [that]." Despite his self-proclaimed "serious" discussion of academics, Chodorow's comments led to titters from the freshmen class at several points. "Though part of my job is dealing with student affairs, I don't organize the parties," Chodorow said to a spattering of laughter. "I don't think you'd like the kind of parties I'd want." As is tradition for the annual convocation ceremony, Irvine Auditorium's organ was used, the Glee Club sang, and Rodin mentioned highlights about the incoming class during her address. And as usual, the ceremony concluded with the freshman class's first attempt at singing "The Red and Blue." But the traditional introduction of the class's flag by the senior class president was omitted from the ceremony. Rodin said later that the omission was accidental.
(06/30/94 9:00am)
Glen Rock High School '93 Glen Rock, N.J. Last January, 60 student leaders came together to discuss race relations on campus and to create a one year plan to ease racial tensions. But some have questioned the summit's success, since a one year plan was never formulated and several student leaders say the conference itself was riddled with division and difficulties. Before the summit, organizers and participants alike were enthusiastic about attempting to make a dent in the University's recent problems with race relations. "We have to take into consideration how important our position [as student leaders] is," co-organizer and College senior Jessica Mennella said. "We can come up with a plan so we are all comfortable here." But two months after the conference, students who were involved had mixed feelings about the summit. "We thought other people would spread the message, but that's been a lot smaller than we thought," co-organizer and Wharton senior Lawrence Berger said. Nine working groups were established to discuss and work on issues ranging from the Revlon Center and social get-togethers to diversified group projects and a required class on racism. A social party with the theme of "Culture Shock" was sponsored by forum participants in April. Over 200 people came to the party, held at Chestnut Cabaret on 39th and Chestnut streets. The party cost the University $2,500. Some participants said they were unable to speak their minds during the conference and had to worry about what other attendees would think. "One of the participants disrupted and undermined the conference," College junior and Undergraduate Assembly member Dan Schorr said. Schorr, a former Daily Pennsylvanian columnist, wrote a column earlier in the year about the summit and its problems. "A lot of people, including myself, felt that students had a right to know why the summit they had paid for was not as successful as it could have been," he said. But others felt the column breached the confidentiality of the summit and prevented any kind of real progress. Some student leaders said the conference was a success in that student leaders were able to get together and talk about race relations for the first time. But many agreed the summit was not worth the $24,000 price tag. "I question whether it was necessary to travel out to Sugarloaf to deal with these issues," said College junior Stephen Houghton, co-chairperson of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Alliance and former DP columnist. "I loved the food and my T-shirt, but I'd rather see something more come out of the money that was spent."
(06/30/94 9:00am)
Glen Rock High School '93 Glen Rock, N.J. A Student Judicial Charter is in the making which advocates sweeping changes for the University's entire judicial system. The proposed changes will involve a Student Judicial Council, which will include 17 students and a hearing board of four students. Additional students will be involved in other parts of the process as well. The current system allows for no student involvement in the judicial process itself. Another large section of the Student Judicial Charter is devoted to "mediation and resolution." "The outcome of mediation will influence if and how the case proceeds through the judicial system," said College junior Beth Hirschfelder, the co-chairperson of the Student Judicial Reform Committee. The Student Judicial Reform Committee also put together drafts of the Code of Conduct and the Code of Academic Integrity. The final draft of the Code of Conduct has been sent to Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson and will then go on to Interim President Claire Fagin for ultimate approval and institution. Hirschfelder and College senior Kirsten Bartok, along with many other students, began the entire process last fall, as members of the Student Task Force on Academic Integrity. According to Vice Provost in the Provost's Office Kim Morrisson, the Student Judiciary Charter's purpose is to "insure fair and efficient determinations on questions of possible student misconduct." Faculty will serve in each part of the proposed system. The Judicial Advisor, the current Judicial Inquiry Officer, will be in charge of the Mediation Center and will hear all minor cases. The Judicial Officer will also serve as the settlement officer in those minor cases. Hirschfelder said she hopes the new system will increase mediation, expedite hearing processes, and allow for the possibility of dismissing charges before they materialize. The final draft of the Student Judicial Charter will be ready this fall and the new administration will be responsible for approving and implementing it.
(06/30/94 9:00am)
Glen Rock High School '93 Glen Rock, New Jersey The College of Arts and Sciences and the Vice Provost for University Life offices will change places this fall as the College moves into Houston Hall and the VPUL offices go to the Mellon Bank Building. The College offices, currently located on the mezzanine level of the Mellon Building, will move into suite 200 of Houston Hall, where the VPUL offices are currently located. The VPUL offices will move into the College's current location. Student leaders and administrators in the Office of Student Life, Activities, and Facilities are worried about the move, and concerned it might disturb student office and meeting space. Though that space is remaining in tact, OSL Director Francine Walker said "tradeoffs" will be involved in the move. "I am sorry that the VPUL is going to move," she said. "I think they add something very important to the building." The other problem will occur during the summer transitional period. Until that move happens, the College will use the Houston Hall Bowl Room for additional space. The lounge currently houses a large screen television and several art displays, along with general lounge space. "Those activities in the Bowl Room will either have to be put someplace else or temporarily suspended," Walker said. Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said renovations to the current VPUL office are needed before the College can move. The VPUL offices will probably move temporarily to 3609-11 Locust Walk, the other vacant location on the Walk, she added. "Because so many students use the College office now, the VPUL will be the one to move temporarily," McCoullum said. She added that the moves are beneficial to both the College and the VPUL. "The SAS deserves a campus area," outgoing SAS Dean Matthew Santirocco said. "With Logan Hall, Williams Hall, College Hall, and now Houston Hall, it will be appropriate that the SAS be located in its own precinct." McCoullum said the VPUL move is part of the plans for a "Revlon precinct" with the long-awaited Revlon Center playing a central role. "We want to create a new, livelier north campus," she said. "The Houston Hall Board, VPUL representatives, and College representatives made the decision," she said. "I'm glad that students participated and that one way or another, a decision has been made." If all goes according to plan, the moves should be completed by the fall, McCoullum said.
(06/30/94 9:00am)
Glen Rock High School '93 Glen Rock, N.J. The Undergraduate Assembly elected its new body in March, amidst confusion, malfunctions, disheartened old members and hopeful new ones. The previous UA was often divided, especially over issues such as the so-called "speech code" and the Commission on Strengthening the Community's preliminary recommendation to completely randomize housing for freshmen. Towards the end of that body's term, even more difficulties occurred, as it was too divided to vote on the issue of delaying Greek rush until sophomore year, another preliminary recommendation of the Commission. At one meeting, the UA debated the support of an open letter to the Commission denouncing the postponed rush plan. An amendment advocating second semester freshman year rush was made, and the original advocates of the letter withdrew their support. A complicated set of parliamentary procedures, motions, debate and amendments ensued. No vote was taken on the letter and no resolution was made. This meeting, along with several other factors, led to a low number of members seeking re-election -- only 12 of 33. "A lot of people saw the UA as too divided," former UA chairperson and College junior Seth Hamalian said. "They didn't want to put their time and effort into an organization which was distraught with apparent, but not necessarily actual, division." A low number of students declared candidacies for the UA. Only 18 students vied for the 15 spots available to College of Arts and Sciences students, and nine candidates ran for six UA positions from the Wharton School of Business. No Nursing School students ran for the one position available and two candidates from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences ran for three openings. But students conducted write-in campaigns before the election, and both vacant positions were filled. During the elections themselves, the Nominations and Elections Committee, which controls the UA elections, several problems occurred at various polling locations. Computers used to check the eligibility of voters shut down frequently, and walkie-talkies used by NEC members to communicate malfunctioned. Cold weather was cited as the main reason for the technological difficulties by NEC Elections Chairperson and Engineering junior Jim Strangio. Many problems were corrected during the second day of voting. After election results were announced, the 25 new UA members expressed hope for change in the upcoming year. And during the annual transition meeting to elect the new steering board, candidates for almost every position said they wanted to stop unnecessary debating and start taking concrete action. At that meeting, Wharton sophomore Dan Debicella was elected UA chairperson and College sophomore Tamara Dubowitz was elected as vice-chairperson. Eight positions on the UA are saved for freshmen. The members are selected during freshmen elections in early October each year.
(05/26/94 9:00am)
While students may fetch coffee for law firms or bask on sun-drenched beaches, teachers who stand on the other side of the lectern have very different plans for their summer vacations. For those like Psychology Professor Paul Rozin, who will spend his summer days serving as a visiting professor at a university in Australia, the hiatus is anything but a break. While teaching in the Land Down Under, Rozin said he "will be studying how children deal with issues such as contamination." He said the summer will give him a chance to "concentrate on the research I love most that I don't have time to do over the year." Statistics Professor David Hildebrand said he, too, will remain busy, since he will be "writing books with both hands and the third one with my nose." Since Hildebrand will be on leave next year, he will write or revise three textbooks. "I will keep myself off the streets and out of trouble, and out of the Faculty Senate too," he said. Most professors have similar plans, hoping to complete personal projects they did not have time to finish during the academic year. "I will be hanging out in Philadelphia, doing research and trying to write a book on literary prizes," Assistant English Professor James English said. He added that he might break the stream of research for a few weeks to vacation in France and Italy. But due to his workload, English said, "I'm not sure if I can do that or not." English, who said he also will lead a dissertation workshop for graduate students in the English Department, said he wished "the break started two weeks ago." He said he enjoys doing research over the summer because he puts a great deal of time and energy into teaching and other campus activities during the academic year. Biology Professor Andrew Binns will work in the laboratory doing research on plant cells and molecular biology throughout the summer. "Typically, biology professors who don't do field work stay put," he said. "Most biology faculty can't take long periods of time away from the lab because we have to be there to guide the work and carry out experiments. "I'm running a full-time research lab that has to produce," he added. But, even for professors, the summer months are not just for working. Binns said he may take a week off to go to the shore with his family. And Hildebrand said he will be "out watching the sunset in a little boat." "I'm going to go fishing," Hildebrand said. "It's a good thing to do."
(05/13/94 9:00am)
Members of the University Council recently voted down two proposed amendments to the group's by-laws which would have given the United Minorities Council a permanent seat on Council. The move follows a vote by the Undergraduate Assembly to give the UMC chairperson one of five additional Council seats recently allocated to the group. Next year, 15 undergraduates will sit on Council, as opposed to only 10 this year. At its last meeting of the year, the UA spent over an hour discussing the allocation of those five positions. The UA had planned to give three of the remaining seats to its members and one to the University representative to Ivy Council, an organization which is made up of Ivy League student government representatives. The remaining seat would be given to the UMC chairperson. The vote was a controversial one, requiring six ballots before the measure was passed. The revised Council by-laws, which will be approved in the fall, state that "15 undergraduate students elected as members of the Undergraduate Assembly" can be Council members. This wording would not allow for a non-UA member to fill one of those 15 seats. UA Chairperson and Wharton sophomore Dan Debicella introduced an amendment to change the word "as" to "by" to indicate that the UA should decide who can represent the undergraduates, but Council members do not have to be on the UA. "The UA wishes to decide how the seats will be chosen," Debicella said. After UA member and College sophomore Eden Jacobowitz explained the UA's vote on the UMC position, held three days before the Council meeting, discussion ensued on the issue of who should represent the undergraduates. "If [the by-laws] remain, every undergraduate has a vote," Finance Professor and Council member Morris Mendelson said. "If it is changed, only the members of the UA would have a vote." Debicella responded, saying that 13 of the positions would be filled by representatives directly elected by undergraduates. UA member and College freshman Josh Gottheimer said the amendment would give the UA too much power. "This is giving permission for the UA to decide as they will," he said. "The chair of the UMC is not elected by the undergraduate student body." UA member and College junior Dan Schorr agreed. "I don't want to undermine the UA," he said. "But it has major changes from year to year and you are giving future UAs too much power." Schorr asked Council moderator and Political Science Professor Will Harris to elaborate on a section of Council by-laws which state that all elections must be "democratic in both principle and practice." Harris said a UMC seat would not violate that statement. Council members defeated the amendment in a fairly close vote. Debicella then introduced a second amendment which explicitly states that one position would be allocated to the UMC chairperson and the other 14 to UA members. UMC Chairperson and College senior Jun Bang said the group's chair person has "held a seat before, just not technically or legally." After someone suggested that the UMC chairperson could run for the UA, College sophomore and UA Vice Chairperson Tamara Dubowitz said the time committment would be too great. Former UA Chairperson and College junior Seth Hamalian said he advocated the UMC position because "the amount of information and viewpoints provides for greater representation." Despite the voices of support, this amendment failed as well, but also by a very close vote. Debicella said after the meeting that the UA would change its by-laws to include a statement saying that the Ivy Council representative must be a UA member so that he can be a University Council representative. Debicella added that the UA would address and finalize the issue in the fall.
(05/13/94 9:00am)
Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson announced his final proposal for the Revlon Center at the May 4 University Council meeting. This proposal will be brought to the University Board of Trustees at their meetings next month. After several attempts at cutting down the cost of the center, Lazerson announced a proposal which will cost $36 million to build. "It's going to be a little smaller, but will have most of the things people believed were necessary," he said. The newest addition to the previous proposals is the inclusion of mailboxes for every residential student. Lazerson said recent mail problems may be alleviated if all mail to be delivered on-campus comes to one place -- the Revlon Center. "It is a small bite at what seems to be an impossible problem," he added. The Center will contain an auditorium and a black box theater, as well as a box office, six music practice rooms and two large rehearsal rooms. "Performing arts were deemed to be a critical part of the Revlon Center," Lazerson said. Nine meeting rooms, a 24-hour study lounge, a periodical room, a music listening room and student offices for all undergraduate and graduate sections of student government will be included. The center will also include a food area whose format has yet to be specified. Lazerson said it will not be like the current food court at 3401 Walnut Street. Finally, a full service bookstore will be part of the Revlon complex and will be funded by The Book Store's revenue. Between now and the Trustees' meeting, Lazerson said he will request proposed drawings from the architects involved. Statistics Professor and past Faculty Senate Chairperson David Hildebrand said the inclusion of student mailboxes is a "superb" idea. But English Professor Robert Reagan said problems could arise for students who live far away from the Revlon Center. "Would students in Hill House want to go out on a really rainy day just to get their mail?" he said. Lazerson said the University currently has $11 million in hard secure pledges. "We think we can conservatively raise $20 million more -- maybe $25 [million]," he said. "But we do not have a designated source for operating expenses and that's extremely hard to get." Lazerson said a reallocation of University funds may be necessary. "The Campus Center is of sufficiently high importance over the next few years," he added.
(05/13/94 9:00am)
While University Law student Aaron Freiwald's new book may not yet be as famous as Thomas Keneally's Schindler's List, it is certainly attracting attention. Freiwald's book, entitled The Last Nazi, tells the story of S.S. Officer Josef Schwammberger. The book, released earlier this month, details the atrocities Schwammberger committed during the Holocaust and the years leading up to his 1992 trial. As the most recent Nazi to be prosecuted for war crimes, Schwammberger was found guilty on 25 counts of murder and 641 instances of accessory to murder. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. The book examines Schwammberger's life before, during and after World War II, along with the reasons for the long delay in finding Schwammberger and putting him on trial. Freiwald, who has written on national politics and law for several publications, including The New Republic, Philadelphia Magazine, The American Lawyer and Legal Times, said his writing interest combined with a "tremendous personal interest" in preparing the book. "I was extremely conscious that this would be an extremely personal experience," Freiwald said, adding that he first began reporting and writing at The Columbia Spectator, the student newspaper at Columbia University, where he graduated in 1985. After his undergraduate work, Freiwald worked in Washington and covered law and politics in the Justice Department and at the Supreme Court. "It was there that I first became aware of our government's continuous efforts to prosecute Nazis," he said in an interview on campus last week. The fact that Schwammberger "was one of the last major Nazis to be brought to trial" is another motivation behind Freiwald's decision to write the book. "I see him as a symbol for a lot of what has happened in the last 50 years since the Holocaust," Freiwald said. "He is a symbol of the unreconciled past." When he began his research, Freiwald said, he found little documentation and relied on testimony, interviews and visits to Poland and Germany. "The book is informed by a lot of my first-hand impressions," he added. Freiwald is completing his first year of law school, but is not sure what type of law he will specialize in. Eventually, he said, he hopes to combine his law background with his interest in writing. Freiwald said his hopes for the readership of his book are similar to those expressed by the author of Schindler's List. "One reason to remember is to preserve the truth," he said. "I wrote the book very much with the person who doesn't know about the subject in mind." Freiwald added that he wants the book to "be provocative, tell a dramatic story and provide some historical background in the process." "This is history that continues to have such relevance for all of us -- Jews and non-Jews," he said. Freiwald is currently making several speaking appearances throughout the area though, he says, "it's not exactly good for my studying for finals, but I'll make it through."
(04/22/94 9:00am)
and Lisa Levenson The recent rash of anti-Semitic incidents in the Quadrangle and at the Penn Hillel Foundation bears a striking similarity to the racially-motivated events which occurred at W.E.B. DuBois College House last October. On the University's campus, where the issues of student self-segregation, free speech and civility continue to arouse strong feelings, it seems that students from different racial and religious groups are only finding common ground in incidents which demonstrate hatred and intolerance. But, according to visiting Sociology Professor Paul Root Wolpe, a University alumnus, the existence of racial tensions on campus does not indicate pervasive racism. "There is an enormous focus on identities which divide us, rather than commonalities which unite us," he said. "You're always going to have people who exploit that climate to express their own biases." Last fall, these tensions erupted when anonymous harassing phone calls and bomb threats were placed to African American DuBois residents. At the time, recipients of the calls said they were outraged by these invasive, "intolerable" acts. They urged the entire student body, regardless of race, to stand together in opposition to the incidents. This past Tuesday night and Wednesday, the Penn Hillel Foundation received at least 10 harassing phone calls, including two calls threatening the detonation of a bomb in the building Wednesday afternoon. And during the six weeks prior to the threats against Hillel, five anti-Semitic incidents occurred in Community House, a section of the Quadrangle. Nursing freshman Bonnie Sherman, and her roommate, College freshman Jennifer Burke, discovered three swastikas and two signs reading, "The Jewish God Eats Human Shit," taped to a fire door on the first floor of Cleemann. The reaction of students and administrators to the recent anti-Semitic signs and phone calls resembled responses to the DuBois incidents. Jewish and non-Jewish members of the campus community were urged to support those affected by the incidents. According to Lubavitch House Director Rabbi Ephraim Levin, the Lubavitch House has also received three harassing phone calls during the last several days. The latest one was in German and came yesterday at approximately 5 p.m. The text of the call was translated by a University Police officer. "It basically said, 'Kill the Jews,'" said Levin, who was hesitant to comment further due to fear that "the person who's [behind the calls] will want exposure." As the frequency and seriousness of the anti-Semitic threats have increased, Community House residents say they are feeling more uncomfortable and frightened, even when in their own rooms. "It makes students more insecure because they have no idea who these acts are coming from," Sherman said. Students who live in DuBois said they understand the emotions Community House residents are currently experiencing. "You want to feel secure where you live, especially in DuBois House where you are trying to get away from a lot of things," said Wharton sophomore Jamal Powell. "Home is where your friends are, so you want to feel comfortable there." Black Student League President Robyn Kent, a College junior, said the appearance of swastikas in the Quad does not surprise her. "What's happened is disheartening and tragic," she said. "It's as if nothing was learned from October." "I see the two incidents as being related," she added. "It just goes to show that Penn isn't immune to what goes on in the larger society." Interim Director of Victim Support Barbara Cassel said the University community should respond to the incidents in a unified manner. "It's not just Jewish students and it's not just African American students," she said. "It should be all students who show concern and distress, offer support, and discuss how these incidents really hurt everyone." Rabbi Howard Alpert, executive director of Penn Hillel, said the harassment is not affecting the daily lives of Jewish students on campus. "Whatever the intent is, the Jewish life on campus just goes on," he said. Kent agreed. "We're just going to have to deal with it," she said. Wolpe said the recent incidents highlight the complexities of a multicultural campus, which are central to a course he has taught called "Deviance and Social Control." "Hate-mongering is an ancient way of protesting," Wolpe said. "Racism is expressing anger in a very maladaptive way." Wolpe dismissed the idea that racial sensitivity classes deter harassing behavior. "Racial tolerance grows through daily interaction and honest dialogue," he said. Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum also advocates discussion of the "horrible" episodes, but admits this dialogue has a paradoxical effect. "It both builds and breaks the ties between people," she said. "That's the sad thing."
(04/22/94 9:00am)
and Andrew Rafalaf Administrators and faculty from the University of California at San Diego said yesterday they will miss Dean of Arts and Humanities Stanley Chodorow, who will leave the school to become the University's next permanent provost. But the seven students from various campus organizations who were contacted last night each said they had never heard of Chodorow. President-elect Judith Rodin announced Chodorow's appointment, effective July 1, at a press conference in Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge Wednesday. Chodorow, who also serves as UCSD associate vice chancellor and a medieval history professor, was praised for his administrative skills, his teaching and his devotion to the improvement of education. "Stan Chodorow is a distinguished scholar, an innovative teacher and a first-class administrator," UCSD Chancellor Richard Atkinson said Wednesday night. "It is hard to find people who so effectively combine these qualities." While Chodorow's departure was lamented by his peers, Atkinson and others from UCSD expressed pride over Chodorow's most recent accomplishment. "We've all enjoyed working with him and we are very sad to see him go," UCSD History Department Chairperson Michael Bernstein said. "We are very happy for him -- our loss is your gain." Chodorow's colleagues also reflected on his dedication to higher education. "[Chodorow] has been the front runner on the campus for improving and monitoring education," Marjorie Caserio, vice-chancellor of academic affairs, said. "He is like a ball of energy." Because of his success as a professor, Chodorow became the first dean of arts and humanities when the deanship system was created in 1983, UCSD Associate Chancellor Tracy Strong said Wednesday. Strong offered a number of examples of Chodorow's repeated commitment to the academic lives of students. "When [our] fifth college came on line, he was intricate in setting it up," Strong said. "He was not only terrific in setting it up, he did marvelously well as a teacher and as an administrator." Strong also noted Chodorow's involvement in the maintenance and expansion of the Theater Department, as well as the on-campus Lahoya Playhouse, which he said won a Tony Award for best regional theatre. Strong also gave full credit to Chodorow for the success of the Judaic Studies Program, which he said now has three of the top scholars in the country. Many, including Bernstein, were also quick to compliment Chodorow's teaching skills and his close relationship with his students. Bernstein said Chodorow was rated highly as a lecturer and was "very involved in the introductions of new teaching techniques." Graduate students who have worked with Chodorow remain loyal to their mentor, Bernstein added. The UCSD students who were contacted last night said medieval history was a "very small" section of the history department. UCSD junior Gabriel Speyer said he had "never heard of the guy." "If he's getting a promotion, more power to him even though I don't know who he is," Speyer said last night. "The only people who know him are probably those who took his courses, and the department is really small." UCSD sophomore Tony Lee, who also did not recognize Chodorow's name, said he does not remember "reading anything in our school newspaper about him." Staff members of The Guardian, UCSD's student newspaper, were unavailable for comment last night. In a press release yesterday, Atkinson said all of Chodorow's colleagues wish him well in his future "academic, intellectual and administrative pursuits." "Although he will be sorely missed at UCSD, I am confident that he will make important contributions to academia from his post at Pennsylvania and will excel in the position of provost," Atkinson said.
(04/21/94 9:00am)
and Stephen Sanford The Penn Hillel Foundation and surrounding buildings were evacuated for nearly an hour yesterday, after a call placed to Hillel threatened that a bomb would detonate inside the building at 4 p.m. Both University and Philadelphia Police responded to the scene, sealing off the area around Hillel, but were unable to locate any explosive devices. No one was hurt in the incident, which Interim President Claire Fagin called "awful and reprehensible." Yesterday was also Adolf Hitler's birthday. Last night, University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said no one has claimed responsibility for the threats to Hillel. Kuprevich also verified that call tracing is being used by the police as one of their "investigative tools." The turnaround time on call traces is usually a day, though, Kuprevich added. The bomb threat was one of a series of at least 10 threatening and anti-Semitic calls received at Hillel all day yesterday and the night before, Hillel Director Jeremy Brochin said last night. According to Hillel Executive Director Rabbi Howard Alpert, the calls over the last 48 hours all came from the same "young male." The Hillel bomb threat and harassing calls come after a series of other anti-Semitic incidents which took place in Community House, a section of the Quadrangle. Over the last six weeks, two signs reading "The Jewish God Eats Human Shit" and three swastikas have been found taped to the fire door on the first floor of Cleemann. Although Kuprevich said he cannot yet conclude that the incidents are related, he said the possibility of a connection is certainly not being ruled out. And Brochin said he thinks the two situations are probably connected. "It seems awfully coincidental," he added. "But I have no evidence." College freshman Kathy Frenck said she answered the telephone in the first floor Penn Hillel office when the second of two bomb threats was made at about 3:15 p.m., minutes after the first was called in. Frenck said that the caller stated, "There is a bomb that will detonate at 4 p.m. Kill all Jews. Kill all Israelis. Kill the bastards. Happy Israeli Independence Day." Just before Frenck took the call, the offices of Hillel of Greater Philadelphia, which occupy the third floor of Penn Hillel, also received a phone call threatening a 4 p.m. bomb detonation. The call was answered by Office Manager Joyce Michaels. Ten minutes before that call was received, Michaelson said the same person called and stated, "Jews suck," before hanging up. Frenck said she informed her office supervisor, Mary Ann Needs, after receiving the threat. Needs then alerted Brochin, who immediately began evacuating the building's approximately 30 occupants. University Police arrived "in two or three minutes," Frenck added. After the bomb threat, at least three more harassing calls were received at Hillel. Penn Hillel Assistant Director Rabbi Sharon Stiefel said the latter was from a caller who said, "Jews suck, they are going to die." Brochin said he answered one of yesterday's harassing calls himself, and also thinks it is the same individual who made the earlier calls. Rabbi Bonnie Goldberg, a Hillel of Greater Philadelphia staff member, picked up the phone on the third floor Tuesday night and heard someone say "Jews suck," Michaelson said. After the call was received, Michaelson said office workers were instructed to turn on the answering machine in case any additional calls came in. When Michaelson returned to the office the next morning and played back Tuesday night's messages, she heard a message from the same person, saying on tape "This is Hitler -- Jews suck." Hillel staff reacted strongly last night to the rash of threatening and harassing calls placed over the last two days. "This is not a bigot, this is a sick person," Brochin said of the caller. And Alpert said if the perpetrator is found, "Hillel will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law." Brochin said, after making a report to University Police yesterday morning about the anti-Semitic message left on the machine, the police came to Hillel and took the tape as evidence. Though Kuprevich said last night he would not comment on the specifics of the investigation, he added that the tape is considered a piece of evidence and can be used to "substantiate or prove something" later in the investigation. Before the bomb threat was received yesterday, a person who said he was looking for the bathroom inside Hillel set off the basement burglar alarm, Michaelson said. Hillel's Food Service Manager Scott Sueker investigated the basement alarm and "chased the man out," Michaelson added. The Hillel incidents have evoked feelings of pride and community from both Jewish and non-Jewish students. "The only way we can better ourselves is by standing together in solidarity and unity," said Engineering junior Marc Johnson, chairperson of the Hillel Executive Va'ad, the Hillel student government. College freshman David Chalom said he is "sort of glad" the episodes occurred. "[They] enlighten the whole student body about the anti-Semitism that is present not just on this campus, but around the world," he added. Fagin said the University administration will continue to "show the students how supportive we are." Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum will be speaking Friday night at Hillel, where more than 250 students pray and eat, Alpert said. Staff Writers Jeremy Kahn and Peter Morrison contributed to this article.
