EDITORIAL: University departures

With three University officials leaving to pursue offers elsewhere, Penn administration is left with several gaps to fill.

One problem with these vacancies is that no replacements have been named for Dean Ira Schwartz, Vice President of Campus Services Larry Moneta or Director of Fire and Occupational Safety Harry Cusick. Filling these positions requires time and money so the University should make it a thorough and expedient process.

By not appointing new officials in a timely, yet careful manner, the Administration will lose momentum -- thus, making the transitions even more difficult.

This issue is of the most concern to the School of Social Work, who needs to replace Dean Schwartz before they find themselves in a situation similar to that of the School of Nursing. Nursing has been without a permanent dean for more than a year now, with Associate Dean Linda Brown having resigned recently, as well. A year is far too long to let a school operate with interim personnel. It does not allow the organization to run smoothly and concentrate on its main focus -- academics.

This same occurrence was also seen with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Division for Public Safety, who waited about a year before announcing permanent head officials.

Penn should look to schools, such as Princeton, Brown and NYU, who have appointed new presidents in less time than we name new deans. By following their lead, Penn can work to fill high level positions quickly and efficiently. Permanent officials are a vital part of the University -- strong leadership helps establish a clear course of action and stabilize the internal working environment.

The University should first concentrate on finding permanent deans for both the School of Nursing and Social Work in order to prevent internal administrative problems, as well as complications regarding their academic integrity. Strong leaders are key in any institution, especially in one as comprehensive and diverse as Penn.

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