Rodin to give annual 'State of the U.' talk

University President Judith Rodin and Provost Robert Barchi will deliver their annual "State of the University" addresses at today's University Council meeting in the Quadrangle's McClelland Hall. The speeches, mandated by Council's bylaws, are traditionally given in October or November and are intended to update students, faculty, staff members and other administrators about some of Penn's most pressing issues. "It's an opportunity for them to tell us all about the wonderful things that have been happening? and some of the problems they've been having," said Faculty Senate Chairperson John Keene, who is also the head of Council's steering committee. "I think most people don't know much about what's going on at the University," added Keene, a professor of City and Regional Planning. Rodin's speech could include mention of the recent financial problems of the Penn Health System, a progress update on the various construction projects around campus and a discussion of both the Wharton School and Law School dean searches, according to Keene. "I hope it's informative," Keene added. "Some people will have more of an idea what they're talking about than others." Barchi said his speech would focus on some major academic issues currently confronting the University. "I will provide an update on the core academic mission of the University and strategic planning as it relates to that mission," Barchi said. "My report will include highlights of our most recent academic accomplishments and our goals going forward." The last "State of the University" addresses were given in October of 1998. This year, however, the October meeting was devoted to a lengthy presentation and discussion of Penn's financial aid policy. Also on today's agenda is a five-minute update on the Charitable Giving Campaign by Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Carol Scheman. Scheman was unavailable for comment yesterday. The chairs of three of Council's 13 standing committees -- Research, Personnel Benefits and Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics -- will also give their 1998-99 year-end reports at the meeting. Today's meeting is the third of the academic year for Council, a University-wide advisory board comprised of 92 students, faculty and staff members and administrators that meets monthly to discuss relevant issues to the Penn community. Next month's meeting will be the annual open forum, at which any member of the University community can address a question, complaint or issue in front of the entire body.

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