For now, no set path for hiring reform

The University's review of hiring practices came closer to an end last week with the Faculty Senate's decision to not include a statement disclosing criminal background as a prerequisite for faculty employment.

For now, it's unclear what direction the hiring-practices review will take following the Faculty Senate's decision. The review was scheduled to be completed last fall but was delayed by the Faculty Senate's deliberations.

However, officials said there is not a definite timetable for moving forward with the review, which was initiated by the Provost's office last January following the discovery that at least three convicted sex felons were employed by or taking classes at the University.

Associate Provost Vincent Price said that, even with the Faculty Senate's decision to not impose a criminal-background question, prospective faculty members would face similar application procedures across departments and schools.

"Although the University decided against adopting a uniform self-disclosure policy," Price said, "we'll be working with each one of the schools and departments to ensure that their practices continue to not only bring us outstanding scholars but also maintain a certain unity."

Another section of the hiring-practices review dealt with staff members. That sector, according to Human Resources spokeswoman Terri Ryan, has been completed for some time.

Staff hiring procedures will continue to include background checks that are pertinent to the extent of an individual's employment by the University, Ryan said.

Thus far, the review, which had originally sought to create more uniform procedures across the University, has resulted in a mixed bag of policies.

While undergraduates and University staff have to disclose criminal backgrounds, the faculty will continue to hire instructors through the same method they did prior to the review's beginning.

There are no plans slated to further discuss hiring practices in the Senate Faculty, according to Senate Faculty chairman Larry Gladney.

At least one group has spoken out in opposition to the Faculty Senate's decision.

"I think students are inclined to support a self-disclosure clause for faculty members, regardless of the Faculty Senate's findings," said Wilson Tong, the Undergraduate Assembly vice chairman for external affairs.

Tong plans to bring the issue to the UA steering committee at its April 1 meeting. Tong said that he plans to draft a resolution reflecting the sentiment of Penn's student body and bring it to a UA vote sometime in mid April after following up with the Faculty Senate.

"I think it's important for the UA to take a stance on this issue and we need to gather a lot more input before offering a resolution," he said.

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