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(09/23/96 9:00am)
Dole mingles with audience during her FridayDole mingles with audience during her Fridayspeech to the Philadelphia Women's Luncheon Elizabeth Dole has formed a distinct habit as an orator, talking and walking -- at the same time. While in Philadelphia, she entertained a ballroom filled with over 1,000 people at the Philadelphia Women's Luncheon at the Twelve Caesars on City Avenue. Although the purpose of the Friday afternoon speech was to promote Dole's agenda, she concentrated her speech on women's issues. Dole maneuvered around crowded tables while incorporating many audience members into her speech -- placing in the spotlight anyone from a 7-year-old girl to a retired businesswoman. "Bob Dole will work hard for a better America," she said. "There will be an all-out war on crime and drugs." Cherie Ryans was called upon to share her perspective on crime. On Sept. 2, 1990, Ryans' son was killed outside Cinemagic 3 Theaters, on the corner of 40th and Walnut. "The worst thing that could ever happen to a mother, happened to me," Ryans said. "And it was even more horrible when my family had to sit through four hung juries." Five years ago, Ryans founded Message of Memories Shared (MOMS), a support group aimed at reducing violence in her neighborhood. She has also formed a group in Philadelphia to help people deal with violence and its consequences. Dole said her husband will appoint judges who enforce strict penalties on murders. "I thought she was fabulous -- especially the way she addressed the various women's issues," said Wharton sophomore Vanessa Clumeck. "By having mothers speak about problems, Liz Dole brought the issues closer to home." Clumeck said she also enjoyed Dole's refusal to criticize President Bill Clinton, while "pointing out the facts" about his administration. Dole spent much of the afternoon explaining her husband's agenda. Among the key points were the plan to cut taxes, implement the voucher system for school choice and reduce crime. "Elizabeth Dole's speech profiled how Bob Dole helps women in business and the work force," said the President of College Republicans, Wharton senior Tony Andreoli. "She has already done so much for the country -- with everything from her Red Cross work to helping implement brake lights. But Elizabeth Dole will not be meddlesome in the her husband's job and in the White House," he added. Several members of the audience, which was 90 percent female, expressed concern over Hillary Clinton's role in White House affairs. "We think she will make the best role model for young women," said the President of Montgomory Council of Republican Women's Group, Ethel Fisher, who has two grandsons who attend the University. "Elizabeth Dole seems like she has two feet on the ground -- not like the way Hillary has been acting." Dole focused on the various roles of women and emphasized the importance of motherhood and supporting a family. She called being a wife "one of the most important jobs there is." President of College Democrats, College junior Adrienne Klembara enjoyed Dole's speech, but disagreed with some of her points of discussion. "Although Mrs. Dole may be trying to distance herself from Mrs. Clinton; both women are extraordinary role models for young women and have had respected careers in public life," Klembara said. "Mrs. Dole should not try to diminish her accomplishments under the guise of trying to fit into a more 'traditional' role," she added. By spending twice the allotted amount of time scheduled, Dole pleased the audience by meeting and posing for pictures with all who attended. A special group picture was taken of Dole and members of Villanova University's Delta Delta Delta sorority chapter who attended the speech to hear their alumnae. "Right now, I am committing my life to getting my husband's message out because I believe in him," Dole said. "But I will be excited to go back to my position with the Red Cross."
(09/17/96 9:00am)
Rumors that program would be eliminated prove inaccurate Successfully completing a year-long battle for funds, the Latin American Cultures Program is now offering a new major for University students. But the major's establishment has been dampened by widespread belief that the program, which already offers a minor, faced elimination. On Sunday, students received a message on Internet newsgroups saying the Latin American Studies major and minor were in jeopardy due to budget constraints. According to United Minorities Council Vice Chairperson and College sophomore Olivia Troye, officials said two weeks ago that the entire program was in danger of elimination. Now that the major has been approved, though, students are trying to sort through the recent communication problems. "Although the communication error was unfortunate, we are gratified that it was only that -- an error," said College sophomore Debralee Santos, the UMC's representative for La Asociacion Cultural de Estudiantes Latino Americanos (ACELA). "The new major is tremendous in terms of advancing the opportunity for a real study of Latin American culture and history," Santos added. Latin American Cultures Director and Romance Languages Professor Jorge Salessi said he had to overcome budget cutbacks to create the new major and continue the minor. According to Salessi, a committee of students and faculty worked throughout last year to organize and promote the new major, which received final acceptance with a vote Friday. The Latin American Studies major will be classified as a double major because it has been formed to supplement a variety of current University majors. The program is cross-listed with at least five separate departments, including History, Music and Political Science. "It is a very special major that has been designed to enrich the focus of any other discipline," Salessi explained. "Some students are using it as a double major with Anthropology, Economics or Sociology -- but there are no limitations." Twelve classes comprise the "innovative and exciting" major that goes into affect this year, Salessi said. Many students said they are excited about the new major, but some expressed concern about the uncertainty that plagued the subject throughout the last two weeks. Most students interested in the major did not find out about its permanent status until last night. "When I heard all the rumors I became very concerned, especially because I am planning on majoring in Latin American Studies," Troye said. "Of course I am very happy and relieved that the program is now on track." College senior Emmanuel Mej'a, president of El Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MeChA), said he did not know why the communication was so poor, but feels "very excited about the new initiatives." During the next few weeks, Mej'a said he hopes to "get the word out" about the Latin American Cultures major and minor.
(09/12/96 9:00am)
Along with thousands of University students, Engineering junior Enrique Parada flew home in May -- fully expecting to return for his final year on campus after a summer in Panama. But tragedy struck, making the completion of his degree impossible. On May 19, Parada died while trying to save his father, Ramiro, in a swimming accident near their home. Parada and his father, a civil engineer, were surveying property and decided to take a break to go swimming. Possibly because of strong currents, Parada's father began to struggle in the water, according to Engineering Minority Programs Director Cora Ingrum. Parada attempted to rescue his father, who had a heart attack while in the water, said Parada's former roommate Juan Roman, an Engineering senior. But Parada was also pulled down into the water. Both bodies were recovered early the next morning. "Enrique was a wonderful young man and student," said Ingrum, one of Parada's advisors. "I can only imagine how his poor mother must feel." Parada, a Systems Engineering major, was very involved with the University's Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Parada's brother, also named Ramiro, is a 1994 Engineering graduate. Roman said Parada "was one of the best people I've ever met." Beyond his engineering activities, Parada took a strong interest in others with a similar background to his own. Roman related that Parada helped a Panamanian family that could not speak English while their two-year-old child underwent cancer treatment. From talking with doctors to going grocery shopping, Parada "was like a godfather to them," Roman said. Wharton senior Juan Carlos Blanco planned to live with Parada and Roman this year. "He was an excellent human being and a dear friend," Blanco said. "I never heard anyone say a bad word about him. We miss him greatly." Many students in Parada's Engineering classes did not hear about the tragedy until the semester's start. Transportation Professor Vukan Vuchic spoke about the death during his first class last week. Students in Vuchic's class are especially close because it is a two-semester project that began last spring. "It was a very shocking and tough experience to hear that one of my classmates died," said Engineering senior Michael LaMonaca, one of Parada's former lab partners. Friends and family are planning a memorial mass September 28 at the Newman Center.
(09/10/96 9:00am)
First minority chaplain in Penn's history brings enthusiasm and a commitment to increased presence Last year, the Rev. William Gipson spent his free time cheering on the Princeton Tigers at Jadwin Gymnasium as the school's associate dean of religious life. But now the new Penn chaplain is wearing a Quakers football hat and plans to buy season tickets for basketball games at the Palestra. "My loyalty is to the Red and Blue now," Gipson said. During his initial two months as chaplain, Gipson has conveyed his enthusiasm and commitment to Penn by becoming immersed in the University community. He said he hopes to continue the work of his predecessors, but also has specific goals for his own term. "This chaplaincy is the best in the Ivy League, and University administrators and I are concerned with presenting opportunities for students," Gipson said. "There will be opportunities for diverse groups of people to become engaged in campus religious life. Then it is my job to lift up their voices." As the permanent replacement for former Chaplain Stanley Johnson, who was also previously affiliated with Princeton, Gipson said he is looking to fill a role that has undergone many changes. Though Johnson primarily developed the position during his 34-year tenure, Interim Chaplain Frederic Guyott further modified the job during the last year. Gipson, an African American, is the first minority chaplain in the University's history. But he said he that never occurred to him until the final round of interviews for the position. Race does not seem to be a major factor in Gipson's plans to "energize" the religious life at the University. But he said he looks forward to working with the University's gospel choir and celebrating cultural holidays on campus. "I hope people will flock to my office because I am chaplain," Gipson said. "There are many reasons why students could be attracted to me -- possibly because I am a Baptist, a Southerner, or maybe because I am black." Thus far, the new chaplain said he has found University students to be very spiritual. In order to reach as many people as possible, Gipson has developed three specific goals to achieve during the semester. His immediate project is learning the "history, lore and tradition" of the University. After Gipson achieves a "deep understanding," he said he will begin to schedule seminars about issues including sexuality and miracles, along with interfaith and interracial relationships. Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said she has greatly enjoyed working with Gipson on New Student Orientation activities and on a number of individual student matters. "I have found Rev. Gipson to be a warm, compassionate, thoughtful and eloquent community member who has already made enormous contributions to the Penn family," McCoullum said. "I think the search committee members gave an excellent recommendation to the president and provost and I believe they have given us a terrific new member of the family!" Gipson said he plans to continue Guyott's restructuring of the University's Interfaith Council. Gipson is gathering students to participate in the group because he feels too many administrators currently dominate the activities. Working with all University students is a goal for Gipson, who wishes to be remembered for being "there when people needed me." Already, he has organized a memorial service for a University graduate and has held meeting with various students. "One of my top priorities is meeting with student leaders and religious leaders both in the University and surrounding community," Gipson said. "The city of West Philadelphia is a major part of Penn's identity and I plan to take full advantage of it." Gipson also said he admires University community service groups and plans to become active in the city, starting by enrolling his two daughters in a city school. Gipson and his family now live in Upper Darby, Pa., but he plans to move to West Philadelphia next summer. The family is spending every Sunday "shopping" for a home church in the area. Gipson is a Baptist minister who was ordained deacon and elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His "calling" for a religious life did not come until late in his college years. Gipson attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe and majored in journalism with the intention of attending law school. He still follows the news avidly. "At Princeton I read The Washington Post and The New York Times every day, but now I read the Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer," Gipson said. "I am also a CNN Headline News junkie." The move from Princeton to rival Penn has treated Gipson well, he said. "I am so excited and happy to have the chaplain position here," Gipson said. "I think Penn should continue its tradition of taking people from Princeton."
(09/10/96 9:00am)
Ten University undergraduates have singlehandedly created the first East Coast chapter of any Asian American sorority. Kappa Delta Phi is now a fully recognized chapter on campus, thanks to the small group's countless hours of work. "We do go crazy at times, with all the work, [and] people think we're superwomen," said Rush Chairperson and Engineering junior Vinaya Valloppillil. "But everything pays off because of our closeness." The sorority promotes sisterhood, scholarship, leadership, women's issues and Asian American awareness in the University and surrounding communities, Valloppillil said. In order to achieve this goal, the 10 women have each taken on a leadership position within the sorority. The University's Theta chapter is acting as a liaison to nine other colonies, many on the East Coast, that hope to also become a part of KDPhi. Boston University, Cornell University, Penn State University and University of Michigan are among the colonies that Penn's KDPhi is assisting. The founders of Penn's chapter plan to visit many of the colonies to give advice and help with the organization of the new chapters. "Sometimes we feel like the 'mother hen' for the rest of the East Coast," said KDPhi President and College senior Jin Lee. "But we are really excited about traveling and helping form new groups. I want everyone to the experience as much as I have." Engineering and Wharton senior Charissa Huan, who is social and sisterhood chairperson for the sorority, is serving as the East Coast's "governor." Huan said her role is both "regulatory and advisory," adding that she recently attended a national sorority conference in San Francisco. Lee said she is anxious to spread KDPhi's message and ideas because they can help many Asian women enjoy a full college experience. The sorority supports all Greek organizations, but members said they have a separate role in the system. "I went through Panhel rush and knew it wasn't the place for me," Lee explained. "For Asian women, KDPhi is a place to incorporate many aspects of their life." KDPhi does not plan to become a part of the Panhellenic Council because officers feel Panhel is too large. Eventually, the sorority might become a part of the BiCultural InterGreek Council. The founders of Penn's KDPhi chapter also do not plan to purchase a house, but instead hope to concentrate on gaining new members. KDPhi will be sponsoring both a fall and a spring rush, marking the first year the sorority will have both. "It is going to be a lot of work, but past rushes were pretty successful," Valloppillil said. "Many parts of the Asian American community already know who we are, but that is a continual goal of our sorority." KDPhi will spread its ideas to the entire campus by way of community service projects. College senior Shweta Parmar, the sorority's community service chair, explained that working with Habitat for Humanity and the needy Cambodian immigrants in West Philadelphia have formed bonds with many University students outside the sorority. KDPhi also sponsors social functions like date parties, dinners, movie nights and sisterhood events. "This sorority has definitely helped me adjust to life at Penn and helped me face the things I had to do on campus," said Engineering sophomore Lyly Trinh, KDPhi's treasurer. "I feel very lucky to have such good sisters here." KDPhi was originally founded in 1990 at the University of California at Berkeley. With colonies cropping up across the country, leaders hope the sorority can continue giving opportunities to Asian women. "Almost 25 percent of Penn's campus is Asian, but until recently there were very few social groups for Asian women," Lee explained. "Kappa Delta Phi is changing that."
(09/09/96 9:00am)
Though former Greenfield Intercultural Center Director Lawrence Burnley had hoped the University would select his replacement by this fall, the search for a new director is still underway. Finalists have been selected from a pool of 100 applicants, according to search chairperson Scott Reikofski, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. According to GIC material, the director's mission will be to "lead intellectual discourse on multiculturalism and diversity." Acting Assistant GIC Director Karline Burrell is taking on interim duties until the search is complete. But nonetheless, Burnley said he is concerned that the search for a new director will result in a lack of advertisement for the center. "I was hoping that a new director would be in place at the beginning of the term," Burnley said. "We have so many resources that don't deserve to go unnoticed." Burnley is following a "calling" to Cleveland, Ohio, as secretary for racial and ethnic constituency education and development for the Common Global Mission Board of the United Church of Christ. "I did not plan to leave Penn so soon," Burnley said. "I greatly enjoyed being here -- but I missed being able to work with spirituality." Burnley said his new appointment threatens the "home-like" atmosphere he has strived to achieve during his two-year term at the University. According to Burnley, many students are not aware of GIC's resources. Provost Stanley Chodorow said the ongoing search will find a replacement for Burnley as soon as possible. Wharton junior Eric Lee is Reikofski's co-chairperson for the search, and the search committee also includes Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta, faculty, staff members and three other students. "The search is going very well and I believe that we'll be interviewing finalists shortly," Moneta said. The GIC, located at 3708 Chestnut Street, is a center of cultural resources that stimulates intergroup dialogue and discussion and advocates the needs of minority students. Burnley said there is a common misconception that the GIC is only for minorities. As a result, they are the primary students that utilize the facility. Since the United Minorities Council is based at the GIC, the problem is worsened, he said. The GIC's location on the outskirts of campus also concerns Burnley. "We are not near the center of campus activity," Burnley said. "It's really sad, but we have a huge part of the University that continues to miss out on this resource." The GIC includes lounges, study areas, computer labs and televisions for student use. Also, every UMC constituent group, along with Programs for Awareness in Cultural Education, has office space there. Burnley said the GIC is "bustling" most evenings with movie nights, rehearsals, meetings and discussions. He added that he believes the center can play a critical role at the University. "I think that Larry Burnley did a great job of putting the center 'on the map'," Moneta said. "I am sure the new director and staff will continue to do so."
(08/30/96 9:00am)
As a result of outsourcing and restructuring, the University has removed 160 employees from their positions in the past year. The summer months saw considerable anxiety on campus as a result of widespread fear of further downsizing. The apprehension resulted in an increase in union meetings for many employees. Executive Director of Hospitality Services Donald Jacobs and other Dining Services officials said they have no idea if or when the University will bring in an outside company to take over their services. But this uncertainty is exactly what concerns many employees. Dining Services employee Tony Crosby, a union member for 26 years, said he is concerned about the possibility of outsourcing. "My daughter graduates from high school next year. I have earned benefits by working here for all these years for her to go to college," Crosby said. "If they outsource Dining, my benefits will be jeopardized." In order to become more efficient, the University will continue to restructure departments, Fry said. But he plans to make the transition slowly. "People are a very big part of any process," Fry said. "Everyone counts in this business." Fry has denied outside companies' claims that the University has entered into negotiations with them in conjunction with outsourcing efforts. Aramark, a Philadelphia-based food services company, already serves 350 colleges and universities -- and Penn may be next on their list. "I have visited Penn at least once a month for the last five or six years to discuss our involvement in the University's services," said Aramark's Vice President for Marketing Development Bill Dillon in June. "We definitely have an ongoing dialogue, especially concerning dining." But Fry disputes this, saying there are no such dialogues. When contacted in August, Dillon stated that he was advised by the University to no longer speak about the negotiations. Marriott officials have also said they were involved in discussions with the University. The company runs dining and dorm services for about 500 colleges and universities. "We already deal with Penn for concession services," said Marriott's Director of Human Resources Jim Chnect. "In the future our company would like to expand the food service deals and look into facilities management and residential living." During the beginning of summer, Undergraduate Assembly President Tal Golomb, a College junior, and other UA members expressed concerned over the apparent lack of student involvement in the process. As a result, Fry met several times with Golomb throughout the second half of the summer. Fry said he plans to continue his relationship with the UA. "I have offered Tal a seat on the Dining Services Task Force committee," Fry said. "I plan to work very hard to involve the campus." To that end, Fry said he also plans to work with University Council, Graduate and Professional Students Association and several other organizations.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
Operating expenses see no increase from last yeatr's budget The University's 1997 operating budget will be $1.128 billion, the Board of Trustees announced in late July. There will be no increase in expense growth for the budget plan, according to the Executive Director of Budget and Management Analysis Michael Masch. But this system of measuring expense growth excludes transfers from the University Health System to the Medical School. "Having zero expense growth is neither positive or negative," Masch explained. "It is necessary because it has to be done on the spending side, given our revenues." Masch said there was growth in portions of the revenue, with losses in other sections -- leaving the University in a situation similar to last year's. Masch said the budget produces a better university. He explained that Penn will continue all necessary expenditures and also fund new capital projects including The Book Store, computing, public safety and the Perelman Quadrangle. "Penn will have zero percent expense growth, but definitely not zero percent improvement in the University," Masch said. Excluding health services, the University's two largest sources of revenue are tuition with 30.9 percent and the sponsored programs category that accounts for 27.3 percent. Masch said that for the past several years, the University has committed to decreasing the rate of tuition increase. He described Penn as "quite successful" in that aspect of the budget. Also, the University's charges for room and board have not increased since 1995, according to the new plan. "There are determined limits on the rate of revenue growth from year to year," Masch said. "And if sources are not growing fast enough, the only way to fund new initiatives is to become more efficient, reducing costs." Masch said that the University must become more efficient, but the primary objective is not to restructure or outsource. Including Health System funds, the University's operating budget increased 3.5 percent from 1996. The consolidated operating budget is $2.169 billion, an increase of 4.5 percent over the previous year. One aspect of the budget that could eventually become a problem for the University is the federal government's decrease in indirect cost recovery. The decrease in funds is affecting all universities throughout the country. Masch said Penn's rate will decrease from 63.5 percent to an effective recovery rate of 61 percent in 1997. The University's 1996 fiscal year ended June 30, but Masch said many records will not be completed until the beginning of September.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
Gets two months inGets two months injail $5,000 in fines The former United States postal employee who plead guilty to three charges of mail theft and three charges of delaying mail last April will be sentenced today. The sentencing hearing is scheduled to be held at the U.S. federal court in room 5C, beginning at 9 a.m. Gerald Ricca is the postal worker who is allegedly responsible for many of the University's mail thefts. He was a clerk at the 30th Street Post Office until he was arrested for removing three letters from the mail stream. Two of letters were placed there as part of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service. The letters were addressed to 3700 Spruce Street, the Quadrangle's address, and contained a total of $130. Ricca did indeed attempt to steal the letters. "The purpose of the upcoming hearing is to give the judge a chance to determine how severely [Ricca] should be punished," said United States Postal Inspector Lou Recchilongo. "The judge will listen carefully to the clerk's side and then victim's side. A proper decision will be made." Ricca was originally charged with only one count of mail theft, but additional counts were filed when Recchilongo sent additional evidence to the U.S. Attorney's Office in March. He retired late last month after working with the Postal Service for 30 years. "The fact that the investigation was so complete influenced his desire to retire," Recchilongo said. He added he is satisfied that Ricca is no longer a threat to the Postal Service and the mail, especially mail that goes to the University. Residential Services Director Nancy McCue, who has handled more than 1,400 University mail complaints since 1992, said she was also relieved that Ricca pled guilty. "It's gratifying to see the justice system at work," McCue said last April. "This solves a very large piece of the troubles we have with mail." But Recchilongo said he could not directly blame Ricca for all of the University's past mail problems. He added that University officials will be given a chance to explain the difficulties and frustration they suffered. According to the U.S. Postal Code, the maximum sentence for each count of mail theft is five years in jail, a $2,000 fine or both. Although he is uncertain what Ricca's sentence will be, Recchilongo said he most likely will not get the maximum sentence because he has no criminal record. Both Recchilongo and McCue will attend today's hearing at the courthouse.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
Private companies could take over Dining Services and Residential Living as part of ongoing efforts to cut costs on campus, Executive Vice President John Fry said this summer. Fry said he will consider every department at the University as a possible candidate for outsourcing, though he will focus his efforts this year on meals and dorm services. Outsourcing departments involves contracting private companies to perform their duties. Already, Barnes & Noble has been running The Book Store since July 1. The underlying philosophy behind outsourcing holds that the University's resources should be devoted to things only a university can do, like teaching classes and conducting research. If outside companies could better perform other duties, hiring them to do so saves the University money. Throughout the two years Fry has spent at the University, he has scrutinized its inner workings. Outsourcing can allow the University to get "a real bang from its buck," he says. Administrators are doing market analysis to further understand the needs of students, faculty and staff, while evaluating their satisfaction with University services. "The process is not reflective -- we are gathering a lot of information before any decisions are made," Fry said in June. "I need to look into out-sourcing everything because I need to know what my options are." Currently, Fry is examining 12 outside companies, looking for a third party to evaluate Dining Services. In surveys, the company will concentrate on quality, service and finances. Fry said he will select a third party by mid- or late September. After the survey has been completed, he will decide whether Dining should be outsourced. "At the end of the first semester we will have reached a fork in the road," Fry explained. "Then I will decide whether to have the University continue to operate Dining or whether it would be more efficient to bring in a third party." If Fry determines that the more efficient option is outsourcing, he will use test marketing between January and May to find a company to take over Dining Services. He added that he is very committed to incorporating student input into every aspect of the decision. Toward the end of the year, Fry plans to tackle Residential Living by working with Provost Stanley Chodorow and Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum. Chodorow and McCoullum will report to Fry during the second semester. He will then follow through on their recommendations with financial issues in mind. "First we are going to determine if Penn has the right number of beds," Fry said. "Then we will move on to look at the project holistically, with a variety of financial options." Fry said he believes the University needs a more specific plan for the use of finances in facilities -- and said he will have one by the end of the school year. He will also carefully consider adding conveniences to the housing systems to produce a more "hotel" atmosphere. Fry said he will look into coffee shops, exercise complexes and other services to increase student satisfaction in dormitory life. The most prominent possibilities for outsourcing within the Residential Living realm are maintenance and housekeeping. Thus far, the only major outsourcing that the University has completed is its partnership with Barnes & Noble to build a "superstore" on campus that will serve as the University's bookstore. Fry said the new bookstore will provide increased revenue to the University of at least $1 million annually. The groundbreaking for the store will take place toward the beginning of this academic year, Fry said. During future outsourcing planning, Fry said he will take into consideration the University's history while looking at Penn in light of comparable schools. He added that the University would only deal with "reputable" companies. Fry has eliminated certain departments and areas within the University from outsourcing consideration because of their nature. For example, financial aid -- and therefore Student Financial Services -- must be handled by the University because of privacy considerations. "While selective outsourcing will continue to be pursued as one restructuring strategy, many of Penn's administrative operations will never be outsourced," Fry said. "They will, however, be scrutinized regularly to make sure they are serving the campus community well and aggressively managing costs." In the meantime, Fry said he will keep waiting for "the right deal" to save the University money.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
As a result of outsourcing and restructuring, the University has removed 160 employees from their positions in the past year. The summer months saw considerable anxiety on campus as a result of widespread fear of further downsizing. The apprehension resulted in an increase in union meetings for many employees. Executive Director of Hospitality Services Donald Jacobs and other Dining Services officials said they have no idea if or when the University will bring in an outside company to take over their services. But this uncertainty is exactly what concerns many employees. Dining Services employee Tony Crosby, a union member for 26 years, said he is concerned about the possibility of outsourcing. "My daughter graduates from high school next year. I have earned benefits by working here for all these years for her to go to college," Crosby said. "If they outsource Dining, my benefits will be jeopardized." In order to become more efficient, the University will continue to restructure departments, Fry said. But he plans to make the transition slowly. "People are a very big part of any process," Fry said. "Everyone counts in this business." Fry has denied outside companies' claims that the University has entered into negotiations with them in conjunction with outsourcing efforts. Aramark, a Philadelphia-based food services company, already serves 350 colleges and universities -- and Penn may be next on their list. "I have visited Penn at least once a month for the last five or six years to discuss our involvement in the University's services," said Aramark's Vice President for Marketing Development Bill Dillon in June. "We definitely have an ongoing dialogue, especially concerning dining." But Fry disputes this, saying there are no such dialogues. When contacted in August, Dillon stated that he was advised by the University to no longer speak about the negotiations. Marriott officials have also said they were involved in discussions with the University. The company runs dining and dorm services for about 500 colleges and universities. "We already deal with Penn for concession services," said Marriott's Director of Human Resources Jim Chnect. "In the future our company would like to expand the food service deals and look into facilities management and residential living." Despite these claims, Fry maintains that there are no ongoing negotiations. During the beginning of summer, Undergraduate Assembly President Tal Golomb, a College junior, and other UA members expressed concerned over the apparent lack of student involvement in the process. As a result, Fry met several times with Golomb throughout the second half of the summer. Fry said he plans to continue his relationship with the UA. "I have offered Tal a seat on the Dining Services Task Force committee," Fry said. "I plan to work very hard to involve the campus in decisions." To that end, Fry said he also plans to work with University Council, Graduate and Professional Students Association and several other student and faculty organizations.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
Coming to a block near you in September -- MTV's "Choose or Lose" van, on a tour of college campuses to encourage students to vote. As part of a joint Drexel University/Penn "Rock the Vote" event, presidential candidates and celebrities may join the festivities, which will emphasize the importance of voter registration. Several parking lots and 33rd Street from Market Street to Chestnut Street will be closed September 30 for a block party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drexel junior Jim Maloney said he is trying to organize a major band, food booths and several rides and games to produce a carnival atmosphere for the event. "I think many Penn students will become involved in this event because the campus is pretty opinionated," said Penn's Social Planning and Events Committee Treasurer Gil Beverly, a Wharton senior. "The many political groups here are going to have a big surprise in the fall. I'll just jump on them." The Penn and Drexel "Rock the Vote" program was a late addition to MTV's tour, which was previously scheduled to visit only sites on the West Coast. Because of the last-minute planning, no one knows yet which politicians and celebrities will attend. From September 19 to 30, major voter registration drives will take place to precede the "Rock the Vote" program. MTV will broadcast from the site of the block party. Drexel Student Activities Director Adam Goldstein said presidential candidates would probably attend, barring last minute campaign emergencies. "We want to make this event a fun experience for everyone," Maloney said. "The day can't consist of people wandering around with a few booths and MTV's Winnebago." An organizational meeting was held in early August to coordinate the voter registration campaign. Approximately 20 people attended the gathering -- including Beverly and Assistant Director of Student Life Kim Allen, representing Penn. During the meeting, Drexel representatives outlined their plan to increase student, faculty and community awareness in the voting process. Drexel junior Dan Bahar, one of the event planners, presented an idea to attract voters with a slogan targeting apathy in "Generation X." Bahar suggested that the plan could easily be adjusted to fit the needs of the Penn community. One of the main emphases of the meeting was how Penn and Drexel will cooperate, especially to fund the day. Assistant Vice President for Government Relations Joseph Cascerceri requested that Beverly and Maloney work on ways to raise the $50,000 necessary to fund "Rock the Vote." Though University President Judith Rodin has decided not to sponsor the event because it is "too political," SPEC will provide funds for the event. "I think the University feels the event is too risky," Beverly said. "But we will do fine without the money, although we might have to cutback in some areas, such as the concert." But Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Carol Scheman said she wants the event to receive student activity funds instead of those from the University since the student activity budget "is large enough to handle the expense." "The money in that budget should be used for something as important as this," Scheman said. "From past experience, I know it is really important to reach out to students to register like this." Allen explained that Penn is definitely committed to the event, despite the funding situation. "Because there are so many workers and over 50,000 in a 10-block radius, we can obtain a great amount of leverage from this event," Cascerceri said. "If every group donates a small amount of money, both schools will become more powerful in the eyes of politicians." Another point discussed was the possibility of rain. Since the site has already been approved by MTV, Goldstein said he would "pray for sunshine" and look into the prices of tents. "Everything has been going great so far, but it is now time to turn the event over to the student leaders at Drexel and Penn," he explained. "This has the potential to be a very large and fun event." MTV's "Choose or Lose" van will have only one week to travel from the West Coast to Philadelphia. "Rock the Vote" visited Penn in 1992 and brought actress Elizabeth Shue.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
A new dining alternative called the QuakerCard will be competing to serve University students this fall. The debit card is administered by University Students Services, Inc., a company founded by four Wharton seniors in conjunction with 11 local restaurants. The so-called meal plan operates seven days a week. Throughout the summer, Dining Services and Penn Student Agencies have received dozens of phone calls from students and parents who mistakenly believed the QuakerCard is University-affiliated. The Office of the Registrar has posted an official statement on Penn InTouch notifying students that the card is in "no way affiliated, sponsored by, nor endorsed by Penn." Chris Cononico, Jon Guljord, Matthew Levenson and Michael Vaughan conceived the idea for a management project but "took it way past the class," according to Cononico. The QuakerCard was developed using the seniors' personal connections -- including parents and friends. "We have put all our money and time into this business," Cononico said. "It's like a dream come true for us." University students will be able to choose from five different plans that permit money to be deposited on the card for use at designated restaurants. Students have the entire semester to use their balances and the remaining amount is entirely refundable. Money that is deposited by students will be put into a trust account with a Great Neck accounting firm, L.H. Romoff. A mother of one of the founders, whose name the students would not reveal, is an accountant at the firm and is acting as the account's trustee. "The QuakerCard is a completely reliable service, as will be proven in the months to come," said Vaughan. "The trustee account guarantees the safety of the customers' money." Cononico added that University Student Services is "like a family business." He explained that most of the founders' parents are involved with stuffing envelopes. Billybob's, Genji, My Favorite Muffin, Cool Peppers, Smokey Joe's, Hong Kong Cafe, Domino's, Abner's, Chili's and Cosimo's Pizza are the current designated restaurants. Several other eateries at The Food Court and Wawa are negotiating with the corporation, according to the founders. Cononico said that he and his colleagues will respond to students' dining preferences. He added that the corporation's name was not meant to mislead students or parents. But Penn Student Agencies has received many phone calls from parents who have confused the QuakerCard with the Student Advantage Card, which is a discount card for food, entertainment and travel. "PSA is in no way affiliated with the QuakerCard," said Summer Office Manager Elizabeth Scanlon, a College junior. "Many parents have mistaken the dining service for an University sponsored organization." Dining Services Meal Contracts and Marketing Coordinator Adam Sherr had similar concerns. His office has also received phone calls from students and parents who believe the QuakerCard is sponsored by the University. "Most people are disturbed when they find out the QuakerCard is not affiliated with Penn," Sherr explained. "We are receiving more calls everyday." Sherr said he does not believe University Student Services will significantly affect students' University meal contracts. "The card can definitely fill the weekend void," Sherr said. "But all the restaurants have been there before." General Counsel Shelley Green said the University is investigating the corporation. She explained that when something is presented to the public to create the false impression that it is sponsored by the University when it really is not, there could be a problem. "It would depend on how the information is presented -- whether they use the Penn name is not the only factor the court would look at," Green said. "If people are getting the wrong impression about a product, it would be of interest to the University." Cononico maintained that the QuakerCard's non-affiliation with the University is clear. He added that it is clearly a service to students for safety reasons. The University Student Services office is located in the Christian Association building, at the corner of 36th Street and Locust Walk. The founders of the company plan to have representatives promoting their card throughout campus during the initial weeks of classes. "This service is long overdue, and it is finally here," Vaughan said.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
For the last 20 years, food and drinks have been available just steps off Locust Walk -- making the Quaker Shaker food truck almost a University landmark. But after tomorrow the popular truck now located on 37th Street and Locust Walk will be forced to battle for customers on the street or close its business altogether -- over the summer the University informed owners Tim Dever and Mark Gosik they had to leave their spot. But the owners said they won't leave quietly. University officials said the move is necessary due to construction and a future master plan to reorganize vendors in the campus area. The current construction near the food truck is at the former Theta Xi fraternity house -- now the site of the Penn Women's Center at 3643 Locust Walk. But Gosik said he believes the sudden change is unnecessary and will disturb many students and faculty. "I have always felt as if the Quaker Shaker was an ambassador for Penn," Gosik said. "We don't deserve to be forced out after serving the University for so long." The owners of the food truck said they received a letter on July 15 that terminated their monthly lease. Gosik said the letter was the first information the Quaker Shaker received about moving. But Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Carol Scheman said the University told the Quaker Shaker about the lease termination "many months ago." "I'm not sure why this came as a surprise to the vendor," Scheman said. "The University had planned to reclaim this space as a staging area for adjacent construction." Scheman added that the food truck would be included in a future plan for vendors in the campus area. Gosik said the University is not considering how the termination will affect the Quaker Shaker and its employees. "I have three kids to take care of and many other families will also be affected," Gosik explained. "We will be out of business for three months before the new vendor plan is completed." The owners of the Quaker Shaker said they do not plan on competing with street vendors, especially since they have been stationed on campus since 1976. Gosik said many students, faculty and workers will miss the food truck's presence on campus. "They can't take away the Quaker Shaker," said 1996 College graduate Paul Pimentel. "The people in Annenberg won't have anything to eat!" Several signs announcing the departure, as well as a petition that already has a long list of signatures, are posted on the truck. Gosik said he believes that once the full student body and professors return to campus, the administration will receive complaints about the move. To facilitate that, Quaker Shaker employees are handing out Scheman's office number and will begin to distribute form letters within the week. "On September 1, the Wharton professors that we serve donuts and coffee to every day are going to be looking for us," Gosik said. "We also donate a significant amount of food and money to the University in various functions." The Quaker Shaker regularly caters for the Penn Crew team and various Wharton School functions. Gosik said he believes that an additional reason for the truck's closure is the pretzel stand across the street from them. He claims the stand was violating health regulations and was previously forced to close by the University. "The pretzel stand owned by former State Senator Milton Street was really shaky," Gosik said. "They had several propane tanks and had no running water for example." Gosik said Street and his brother John, a city councilman, influenced the University to ban the Quaker Shaker, since it is the only other vendor on campus. "The University decided to essentially shut down a business which employs a few people because they did not want political problems," said 1996 Wharton graduate Eric Sachs in response to Gosik's claims. But Scheman said the lease termination had nothing to do with the pretzel vendor operated by Street.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
University alumnus Leonard Lauder donated $10 million to the University in late July, to be earmarked for the Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management & International Studies. University President Judith Rodin announced the gift from Lauder, who is president and chief executive officer of New York-based Estee Lauder Companies, Inc., during a June 27 meeting of the University trustees. The Lauder Institute, established in 1983, is an joint Master of Business Administration/Master of Arts program in management and international studies between the Wharton School and the School of Arts and Sciences. The gift will enable the Institute -- currently the only dual MBA/MA degree program of its kind at a major business school -- to set new standards in global management education by further developing the international studies, foreign language and cross-cultural aspects of the curriculum. The Institute was founded by brothers Leonard and Ronald Lauder -- 1954 and 1965 Wharton graduates, respectively -- and their sister Estee Lauder. The three siblings initially donated $10 million for the Institute in honor of their father, Joseph Lauder, co-founder of Estee Lauder Companies. The total gift of $20 million makes it the largest endowment of any international management program of its kind in the world. Lauder said he hopes his contribution will ensure the University's leadership in the future of the field. The new endowment will provide a sequence of new courses for the international studies area, fund new high-level language programs, and develop the program's language and cross-cultural studies area. In addition, the money will provide for endowment of the director's position at the Lauder Institute.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
Coming to a block near you in September -- MTV's "Choose or Lose" van, on a tour of college campuses to encourage students to vote. As part of a joint Drexel University/Penn "Rock the Vote" event, presidential candidates and celebrities may join the festivities, which will emphasize the importance of voter registration. Several parking lots and 33rd Street from Market Street to Chestnut Street will be closed September 30 for a block party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drexel junior Jim Maloney said he is trying to organize a major band, food booths and several rides and games to produce a carnival atmosphere for the event. "I think many Penn students will become involved in this event because the campus is pretty opinionated," said Penn's Social Planning and Events Committee Treasurer Gil Beverly, a Wharton senior. "The many political groups here are going to have a big surprise in the fall. I'll just jump on them." The Penn and Drexel "Rock the Vote" program was a late addition to MTV's tour, which was previously scheduled to visit only sites on the West Coast. Because of the last-minute planning, no one knows yet which politicians and celebrities will attend. From September 19 to 30, major voter registration drives will take place to precede the "Rock the Vote" program. MTV will broadcast from the site of the block party. Drexel Student Activities Director Adam Goldstein said presidential candidates would probably attend, barring last minute campaign emergencies. "We want to make this event a fun experience for everyone," Maloney said. "The day can't consist of people wandering around with a few booths and MTV's Winnebago." An organizational meeting was held in early August to coordinate the voter registration campaign. Approximately 20 people attended the gathering -- including Beverly and Assistant Director of Student Life Kim Allen, representing Penn. During the meeting, Drexel representatives outlined their plan to increase student, faculty and community awareness in the voting process. Drexel junior Dan Bahar, one of the event planners, presented an idea to attract voters with a slogan targeting apathy in "Generation X." Bahar suggested that the plan could easily be adjusted to fit the needs of the Penn community. One of the main emphases of the meeting was how Penn and Drexel will cooperate, especially to fund the day. Assistant Vice President for Government Relations Joseph Cascerceri requested that Beverly and Maloney work on ways to raise the $50,000 necessary to fund "Rock the Vote." Though University President Judith Rodin has decided not to sponsor the event because it is "too political," SPEC will provide funds for the event. "I think the University feels the event is too risky," Beverly said. "But we will do fine without the money, although we might have to cutback in some areas, such as the concert." But Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Carol Scheman said she wants the event to receive student activity funds instead of those from the University since the student activity budget "is large enough to handle the expense." "The money in that budget should be used for something as important as this," Scheman said. "From past experience, I know it is really important to reach out to students to register like this." Another point discussed was the possibility of rain. Since MTV has already approved the site, Goldstein said he would "pray for sunshine" and look into the prices of tents. "Everything has been going great so far, but it is now time to turn the event over to the student leaders at Drexel and Penn," he explained. "Rock the Vote" visited Penn in 1992 and brought actress Elizabeth Shue.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
Get two months in jail $5,000 in fines The former United States Postal Service employee who claimed responsibility for many of the University's mail thefts will serve two months in jail. Gerald Ricca, who was a postal clerk at the 30th Street Post Office, pled guilty to three charges of mail theft and three charges of delaying mail in April. He faced Judge Stewart Dalzell in U.S. District Court in July. Ricca will be incarcerated for two months, with three years of supervised release, $5,000 in fines and $300 special assessment fees. The judge also assigned 300 hours of Penn community service to the former clerk. "It is not possible for me to give restitution to the many victims at Penn," Dalzell said. "I feel the service hours are a modest gesture to the Penn community." Dalzell is a University graduate and Law School alumnus. He said he has sentenced many postal employees from the 30th Street Post Office over the past two months. Postal Inspector Lou Recchilongo explained that approximately 25 postal employees from the Philadelphia site are arrested for tampering with mail each year. There has been a 95 percent reduction in complaints from the University since Ricca was arrested last February, according to Assistant Director of Services and Residential Living Nancy McCue, who supervises mail to dorms. "During the school year, I had to deal with 60 to 70 complaints of rifling or tampering every time I visited Penn," Recchilongo said. "Now when I visit every two weeks, there are only about six or seven problems waiting for me." Dalzell said the harsh ruling against Ricca is meant to act as a deterrent to other unruly postal workers. Ricca, 55, testified that he had an unblemished record and has worked two jobs throughout most of his career in order to support his family. Several family members and friends of the clerk were present to provide touching descriptions of his character. He was described by several friends as leading the "good basic American life." "I have no idea why I did it," Ricca said. "I know it caused a lot of embarrassment. All I can do is say I'm sorry to the postal service and the University of Pennsylvania." Dalzell said part of the problem resulted from the extremely large size of the 30th Street Post Office. He said that a "B-52 could easily fit in the lobby." As a result, the judge feels temptation played a key role in the crime. Ricca was arrested after he removed three letters from the mail stream, two of which were placed there as part of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service. The letters were addressed to 3700 Spruce Street, the Quadrangle's address, and contained a total of $130. As a result of the investigation, Ricca retired in March after working for the Postal Service for 30 years. McCue, who has handled more than 1,400 University mail complaints since 1992, said she was relieved that Ricca plead guilty. "It's gratifying to see the justice system at work," she said. "This solves a very large piece of the troubles we have with mail." According to the U.S. Postal Code, the maximum sentence for each count of mail theft is five years in jail, a $2,000 fine or both. "We were surprised by the sentencing," McCue said. "None of us expected that Ricca would receive time in jail." Recchilongo added that even though the deterrent effect is a crucial factor, Ricca is receiving the just punishment for the crime.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
A large-scale project is underway to make a new debit card system more user-friendly for the University community. Representatives from Dining Services, Residential Living and area retailers are working with students and a four-person administrative team to make Penn one of the first universities to use a student identification card that contains an integrated computer chip. As part of the plan, the PennCard is also being revised in order to make the debit card system possible. Beginning this fall, all newly issued PennCards will use computerized pictures, said Telecommunications Director Laurie Cousart, who is also project leader for the investigative PennCard team. The new IDs will use plastic cards, making alterations almost impossible, according to the Director of Student Financial Services Operations John De Long. "The new card will prevent a lot of shady business from happening," De Long said. The search is currently underway for a company to provide the University with a cost-efficient integrated chip for use in the PennCard. De Long said the chip could be used as early as November or December of this year. The PennCard can be used as an electronic cash card, with access to vending and laundry machines, copy machines and Penn Student Agencies commissaries, he said. Differing from the first proposed debit card with a magnetic strip, the card with a chip would not require machines around campus to be wired. "The first debit card was almost impossible to implement because of all the expensive wiring," Cousart said. "The card with the chip is much more practical." She added that using the chip will make it possible to provide the same services both on and off campus, without charging wiring fees. Cousart said it will therefore be easier for both the University and vendors. Eventually, the PennCard with a chip will be used in other innovative ways. "When we have everything working properly, students should be able to swipe their cards at residences and have their computerized pictures appear on a screen for the guards," De Long said. "This type of process will make it so much easier to apprehend unwanted visitors." Students will not be required to possess the new PennCards. All cards issued beginning this fall will have computerized pictures and De Long said that the chip will probably follow later this year. In order to avoid crowds, the PennCard committee is planning to organize separate registration booths once the chip card is implemented. Cousart said she is very excited about the new technology. "I think it will be really cool," she said. "This is really new stuff and we are right on it." Currently the University of Florida and Michigan State University are the only two schools that use an ID card with a chip.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
Simeone, Airall leave U. as housing epartments merge Though the Department of Housing and Residence Life was just established this summer, major shakeups have already hit its offices. Gigi Simeone, who served as Residential Living director for almost 10 years, and Zoila Airall, associate director of staff and programming, have both left the University. At the end of last semester, Simeone was selected to serve as interim director of the newly created department, which merged Residential Living and Residential Maintenance. Associate Director of University Life Larry Moneta said both Simeone and Airall understood the changing direction of the department and decided to leave when the opportunity arose. Simeone has chosen to take a position at Swarthmore College while Airall will be working at Bryn Mawr College. As a result of the latest personnel changes and department combinations, "major, detailed" formal reviews of all residential operations will orient the next steps for the department. The consulting firm Biddison Hier has been retained to conduct that review. Prior to the upcoming study, neither Simeone nor Airall's positions will be filled. A director for the newly combined entity will also not be chosen until the review is completed. The search will most likely not begin until next semester at the earliest. Instead, the holes in the department will be filled by several employees still there, including Director of Academic Programs in Residence Chris Dennis and former Residential Maintenance Director Lynn Horner. Dennis will supervise residential living and programming while Horner will oversee all operational services. "The two experienced people will be governing the new department with [Vice Provost of University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum] and I as consulting executive sponsors," Moneta said. "The goal is not to continue this operation for long, but rather to have the review results by the end of the fall semester." According to Moneta, the future of college houses has nothing to do with this residential department review. But the study may focus on devoting future funds to major maintenance projects. "We have an aging physical plant and that is why the president and the provost are so committed to capital enhancements to make student facilities as exemplary as the distinguished quality of Penn faculty and students," McCoullum said. "After years of limited institutional deferred maintenance funds, they have made a very important commitment to turn the corner on facilities issues during a time of real fiscal challenges at Penn." Moneta explained that when working with 100-year-old structures like the Quadrangle, investing key money in the residences is crucial. He added that brick and stone buildings are, in particular, very difficult to maintain. The repair of Hill College House's roof is just one example of projects on tap for this year. Many of the residences are now in disarray, though maintenance employees have had the summer months to do repairs. Many maintenance and other residential workers said they are frustrated by the confusion within the department. "Residential Maintenance right now is simply a chaotic bureaucracy," said a maintenance employee who works daily in University residences but asked to remain anonymous. "Laziness is prevalent in every aspect of the department, as is procrastination." Moneta described most current residences as "terrible." But McCoullum defended the maintenance employees who she said have committed themselves to their department and the University. "The entire residential community -- including faculty members, advisors and the vast majority of staff members have been putting in countless overtime hours to get the facilities in as good of shape as possible for the students," McCoullum said. "But a problem that is decades in the making cannot be solved overnight." Biddison Hier is conducting interviews with focus groups to evaluate the student market. The firm plans to continue to gauge student satisfaction throughout the semester. The consultants will focus on utilizing current buildings, capital needs, current market conditions and student preferences. Provost Stanley Chodorow is leading the surveys that will ultimately decide the future of University residences for the next 20 years. And Executive Vice President John Fry will determine the financing of whatever decision is made by the provost. Both Moneta and McCoullum said they are highly committed to working with students through the entire process.
(08/30/96 9:00am)
Handprint, fingerprint recognition, systems under consideration This year, students' unique physical characteristics might be used for more than just attracting attention -- they could be an access ticket to the Quadrangle and eventually all Residential Living locations. The University is in the market for futuristic identification technology including hand prints, iris scans, and fingerprint recognition. Officials are currently in a preliminary design phase to add a higher degree of security technology for many access control areas on campus. A long-term contract was approved last month with Sensormatic, the company that handled all security issues for the Olympic Village during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, according to Executive Vice President John Fry. Security Director Chris Algard said the multi-million dollar contract will make improvements in the police department and campus security. Improvements will include new buildings, lights, cameras and alarms. But the most unique aspect of the plans concern implementing new ways of combining personal verification with electronic, biometric devices in residential dorms. "These are the technologies we're looking at positively to uplift or upgrade dorm security," Algard said. "The new systems are the wave of the future. Penn can either catch on now or later." The technology is meant to improve access control by being more effective and efficient. Biometric readers verify the person's identification and controls tailgating at an entrance. Algard is considering a portal system where a student would use card identification to pass through an initial gate. Once inside the chamber, a biometric device would be used to positively identify the person and a second door would open. Penn would be the first university to use the biometric portal system. The entire process takes approximately eight seconds. New York University currently uses hand geometry, but does not have the chamber system yet. Portals are currently being used at NASA, General Motors and several residences located in urban cities. "All biometric identification has great promise for the future," George Schneider, a senior consulting engineer for NCR Corporation, said in a statement. "It will have widespread use within the next few years." Algard said his next step is to work closely with the Quad's Residential Faculty Council, the Residential Advisory Board and Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum to gauge what students and faculty want out of the new system. He stressed that he is looking for feedback from the entire University community. "Since security is a top priority at Penn, any improvement is important," said RAB Vice Chairperson and Undergraduate Assembly member Josh Rockoff, a College junior. "It is awesome that the technology we see on Mission: Impossible could come to our campus so quickly." Rockoff said the new system would secure the residence halls from unwanted visitors, providing a "truly safe" environment. Algard hopes to test some of the new technology as early as this fall. Possible prototypes include the Quad, King's Court and Modern Languages College House. Algard is giving his initial presentation on the new security to McCoullum's office in September. There are no definite plans yet, but the Sensormatic management is currently working with University officials to create options. "At first I wanted to tackle the Quad first since it will be the greatest challenge," Algard said. "But the 4,000 transactions a day may be too much. I think the [Modern Languages College House] will most likely be our trial." With the new system, residential guards will patrol assigned areas instead of remaining in one place. Algard predicts that the force might eventually shrink to half its present size, but will involve higher quality guards. He said it will no longer be possible for guards to sleep or slack during their shifts. Visitors will be permitted into residence halls until a scheduled time and guards will be patrolling to assist visitors who need their help. During peak hours, like lunchtime, Algard said there is a chance that the portal system will not be used. Security guards might use observation control during extremely busy hours. "Our single largest security risk is giving out keys to people who are locked out of rooms," Algard explained. "Under any new system, guards will physically unlock doors instead of handing out keys." Algard said he hopes to have fewer but more effective guards in connection with the new technology. "We are just putting the technology on the table," Algard said. "We all have to decide together what is best for the University community."
