News from Across the EVP Division

Spring 2012  

Message from EVP

I tend to make my way around campus as meetings and appointments take me south to Spruce Street, north to Market, south to 30th and West to 40th. It offers the opportunity to see the campus in action, as well as providing the chance to bump into so many colleagues and enjoy a variety of conversations. It is great way to informally keep up with a place as large and varied as Penn. 

We are undoubtedly a big institution employing tens-of-thousands of employees, educating 20,000 students, managing what is akin to a small city; all the while advancing knowledge at impressive rates. It is what it means to be a world class research university.

But at the risk of sounding corny, I am seeing the many ways Penn is like a small company; or in some regards even like a family - which is to say, a unit of people who accept the role of looking out for each other. 

And lately, as I have been reflecting on some events that make working at Penn so remarkable, and I wanted to share them with you:

• Last December, a beloved SAS professor suffered a heart attack on campus, and his life was saved by the quick work of his colleagues who were trained in using the AED technology supplied by the Division of Public Safety.  This dramatic event played out a second time when the men's basketball trainer suffered a similar attack and he too was saved by this technology. It was a combination of quick action, but also the proper resources, that led to both of these men being saved. And while for almost all of this, rapidly responding to such a dramatic event is a once-in-a-lifetime event, our Division of Public Safety professionals are prepared every minute of every day to care for the faculty, students and staff of Penn, and is something none of us should take for granted. 

• It was recently brought to my attention that one of our long time employees, who has been renting a home in University City for 20 years, has through the Penn Homeownership Services program been able to fulfill the American dream of purchasing their own home. As many of you know we have had homeownership programs in place for several years, and have seen the great impact it has had on the local neighborhood. But again, we should never lose sight that while it falls outside the traditional mission of a university, Penn offers unique benefits, specific to this community, that remind me what a special place this is to work.

• As we head into the spring, my thoughts turn to commencement and the special time of year when we graduate those students who have toiled in the classrooms, libraries and labs to earn their degrees. I was reminded recently of the many employees who take advantage of our tuition benefits for themselves, and their dependents, and what the gift of education means. Many assume it is not in their future to earn a degree, for whatever obstacles may have been laid before them.  Perhaps because we are an educational institution it is easy to miss the forest for the trees, but we should always remember that some Penn students are also our friends, colleagues, and their dependents.

Penn can be more than just a job, and we see ourselves as more than just an employer. We can support the betterment of ourselves and each other, and in doing so know the potential for deeper and richer compensation and reward.  

My best wishes for a great spring,

Craig

 News You Can Use

University Policies Resource

Penn has many resources to support ethical and responsible behavior, including this new online resource devoted to University policies. All members of the EVP Center community are expected to understand their obligations and rights to raise any question or concern. With these established resources and with the active participation of our community, Penn's pride in its honesty, integrity, and commitment to doing the right thing can continue and grow.

A new web page http://www.upenn.edu/services/policies.php - has been created as a single location from which to access University policies on a wide variety of topics: student and academic life, research and sponsored programs, international and administrative operations. This resource also leads with critical links to Penn's Principles of Responsible Conduct, Non-Retaliation Policy, and other universally applicable and priority policies. The new webpage can be found at

As a reminder, to support compliance with University policies, Penn also provides a hotline and website where anyone can anonymously report suspected violations of Penn policies or inquire about Penn policies. See www.upenn.edu/215pcomplyor call 215-PComply (215-726-6759).

Benefits Open Enrollment 2012-2013

The 2012-2013 Open Enrollment period runs from April 9-April 20. Click here for the latest details, including what's new for the 2012-2013 plan year, upcoming information sessions, and more.

Care for Your Future with Long-Term Care Insurance

This April, full-time faculty and staff will have a special opportunity to enroll for long-term care insurance with Penn's new vendor, Genworth Financial. The enrollment period runs from Monday, April 2-Friday, April 27. Join us for an upcoming information session to learn more about long-term care insurance and whether it's right for you. Click here for more information.

Sharpen Your Professional Edge with Performance Appraisals

It's time to evaluate your career growth-and performance appraisals are a key part of the process. Join us for an  upcoming workshop on April 26 to help you make the most of your performance appraisal meeting. Appraisals for all regular staff members are due by June 1. Click here for complete details.

Congratulations to This Year's Models of Excellence Winners

From connecting health professional training to services for underserved populations to helping the Penn community overseas to enhancing the grants process in one of Penn's largest schools, see who captured a  2012 Models of Excellence Award. And be sure to join us this month as we celebrate these individuals and their accomplishments. The Models of Excellence Awards Ceremony and Reception will take place on April 24 from 4pm-6pm in Irvine Auditorium.

Take Charge of Your Health with a 5K Walk

Spring is in full swing-and we can help you kick-start your health as you welcome the season. Join the Penn Walking Program on April 27 for a 5K (3.1-mile) walk. You'll burn calories and trim your waistline while embracing the sights and sounds of the Penn community.  Click here for complete details and to register.

Inspire Your Child with a Day of Fun and Learning at Penn

Bring your child to Penn for a day of education and exploration! Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day will be held on Thursday, April 26. We'll inspire your kids with over a dozen learning activities, like to make your own book, what it takes to be a millionaire, and an insider's look at law enforcement careers. Registration begins on April 16.  Click here for complete details.

ISC's Service Catalog Now Available

ISC recently launched a web-based Service Catalog that provides a new way to access and request information about ISC's services. The Service Catalog gathers, in one location, information about all the services and resources ISC provides.  

http://www.upenn.edu/computing/home/news/2012/0302isccatalogavl.html 

SRFS News!  Electronic Transcripts Now Available

As of February 7, 2012 the University Registrar began issuing electronic transcripts.  The option is being provided in response to the growing demand from students, alumni, employers and other universities for the change.  Current students and graduates now have the option to order official transcripts through Penn InTouch for fast, secure delivery in the form of a certified electronic file. Penn has contracted with Avow Systems, Inc. to distribute secure official transcripts via certified PDF, which automatically validates to recipients that the documents were authored and sent by The University of Pennsylvania and that the contents have not been altered.  The typical electronic delivery will occur within a few minutes, much faster than the standard processing time of two business days plus mailing time. Electronic delivery is the easiest, most secure and environmentally friendly way to obtain an official copy of the transcript. 

Campus Design and Construction

A number of major campus building projects have recently been completed, are ongoing in design and construction phases, or are anticipated to begin construction in the coming months. Academic based projects include the Singh Nanotechnology Center, Golkin Hall with Sansom Street utility upgrades, High Bay BLAST Research Labs, and Vance Hall renovations; student life based projects include the Rare Book and Manuscript Library in Van Pelt, the Education Commons, Steinberg Hall- Dietrich Hall Addition, and Hutchinson Infill renovations; infrastructure and open space projects include Locust Walk improvements, Shoemaker Green, and Spruce Street Plaza. For brief news updates on these projects, descriptions, and images, go to the  FRES Design and Construction Announcements.   

For scope on all major capital projects and how they fit into the strategic vision for campus development, visit the  Penn Connects website.      

40th Street Enjoys a Successful Expanded Summer Series

The 40th Street Summer Series returned in 2011 with a monthly night of free programming and an additional September event this year near the intersection of 40th and Walnut Streets. Produced by University City District, The Rotunda, Penn's Division of Public Safety, and FRES, the series of free performances provide an inviting, livable and entertaining neighborhood atmosphere. The Series also features craft fairs, modern dance performances, prominent Philadelphia ensembles, and many other unique artists and activities that were enjoyed by hundreds of participants. Four monthly events are currently being planned for this upcoming summer. Visit the UCD website for more details.  

Creating Canopy: Free Trees for Penn Staff and Faculty

Penn's spreading roots for a greener region!  This spring, Penn is partnering with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation for a tree giveaway. Building upon the pilot Creating Canopy tree giveaway from last year, more than 400 free trees will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis to interested Penn staff and faculty who pre-register through the appropriate links.  Employees who reside in the PA, NJ, and DE suburbs will work with PHS to help 'Plant One Million', while those who live within the city limits will join with Parks and Rec to help 'TreePhilly'.    

Planned tree plantings on Penn's campus from 2008 through 2015 are estimated at more than 1,700.  The University wants to engage the staff and faculty in this greening effort, enabling them to plant trees in their own yards.  Our sponsorship of this program will make a great impact on our campus, the city, and the region in expanding our environmental outreach and working towards our sustainability goals.  For more information on the Creating Canopy program and to reserve a free tree, go to www.upenn.edu/sustainability/treegiveaway.html.   

Green Fund Projects Spur Growth of Sustainability at Penn

Eight new sustainability projects from the Fall 2011 application pool were selected to receive grants from the Penn Green Fund. The new projects will be implemented over the remainder of the year and join the list of creative sustainability initiatives conceived by Penn students, faculty, and staff since the release of the Climate Action Plan in September 2009.

 Click here for descriptions of the Fall 2011 Green Fund projects.

  Visit the Green Fund webpage for updates on past projects.

Retail Openings

Check out the latest additions to Penn's retail portfolio:

Axis Pizza on 36th Street between Market and Ludlow; 

 Piper Boutique on 34th Street between Walnut and Sansom Streets;

 Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Philly Pretzel Company, and Wholly Cow Chocolates at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine on Civic Center Boulevard;

 Doc Magrogan's Oyster Houseis anticipated to open this spring at 3432 Sansom Street; 

 Harvest Seasonal Wine Bar & Grill is anticipated to fill the retail space on the corner of 40th and Walnut

The new iPad from Apple is now at the Computer Connection!

The latest technology from Apple, Inc has arrived and is in stock now at the Penn Computer Connection. The new iPad features a high resolution Retina Display with sharper text and more vibrant colors, an iSight camera with video recording in 1080p, and available connectivity to 4G LTE networks around the world, whether you're on AT&T or Verizon. Prices starts at $499 for the new iPad, and at $399 for iPad2 models.

Morris Arboretum: A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

Celebrating its history and beauty, the Morris Arboretum of the University of Philadelphia has chronicled its past with the publication of a book of photographs by Arboretum's director Paul W. Meyer. The 96-page book, "Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania: Through the Lens of Paul W. Meyer," is a collection of Meyer's best photos throughout the past 10 years.  Meyer, a self-taught photographer, culled his collection of more than 30,000 images to 500. The book, which presents an array of beautiful pictures of trees, gardens and other flora, is available at the Arboretum's gift shop and at the Penn Bookstore. For more information, go to  http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/visit_theshop.shtml  

The Penn Bookstore offers lots of ways to honor your special Penn Graduate

Commencement will soon be here, a time when we welcome new members to the University of Pennsylvania's 290,000 alumni - an accomplished group that shares a lasting bond.   If you want to celebrate this special occasion for any of your Penn colleagues or friends, visit the Penn Bookstore for some unique fine quality Penn keepsakes.  From the latest Penn branded apparel, to the custom products re-crafted from the original Palestra hardwood flooring to exclusive silver jewelry by LAGOS, you're sure to find a special way to celebrate their achievement.   Or visit the Penn Bookstore website  www.upenn.edu/boosktore 

Houston Market now offering Saturday Brunch

Houston Market is now serving an extensive brunch menu every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. With menu items such as made-to-order vegetarian or protein omelets, eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, hot breakfast cereals, soups, salads, Panini sandwiches, and fruit smoothies, the weekly brunch has an option for every guest. As always, the brunch is prepared from scratch, and features fresh, local foods.

Divisional Updates

Business Services Division

Business Services has recently launched the following new initiatives:  

Penn Home Ownership Services:

Home*Buy*Now : Penn Home Ownership Services has joined with Philadelphia Home*Buy*Now to provide matching grants up to $4,000 to eligible Penn University and Health System employees for the purchase of a home.  Home*Buy*Now is an employer assisted housing program which provides matching grants to partnering companies employees, for the purchase of a home. Philadelphia Home*Buy*Now grants can also be used in conjunction with Penn's Enhanced Forgivable Loan (EFL) and Closing Cost Reduction (CCR) programs for additional financing. Information regarding both the EFL and CCR loans can be found at www.upenn.edu/homeownership 

For more information about Philadelphia Home*Buy*Now, contact Christopher Waters at 215-851-1955 orcwaters@uac.org.

Occasional Parking

This new program, which is launching April 9, is designed to allow commuters who normally use Public Transit, Vanpooling, Carpooling or Biking as their primary commute mode to be able to drive to campus when necessary. Occasional parking is available at PennPark and provides two free uses per year with up to 10 additional uses priced at 50 percent of the daily maximum rate, currently $8 (which means passes will cost $4). Passes will be available for purchase, by payroll deduction only. Participants must have a valid driver's license, proof of participation in transit, vanpool or carpool programs and not be a current Penn Parking permit holder. Bikers would be required to register their bikes with the Division of Public Safety property registration in order to qualify. For additional details visit the  parking website. 

Carpool Parking

Current Penn parking permit patrons can take advantage of discounts based on occupancy and location choices by teaming up to form a Carpool. Registration is on an annual basis and each carpool member will receive a pre-tax deduction via payroll. Carpool discounts: 25% for a two person car pool; 50% for a three person car pool; 75% for a four person car pool. The program starts April 9. For additional details visit  www.upenn.edu/parking. 

Penn Transit has Moved its Stops

In an effort to enhance bicyclist and pedestrian safety around campus, the University is working cooperatively with the City of Philadelphia to create dedicated transit stops and loading zones for Penn Transit shuttles and buses to safely pick up passengers. These changes will not only increase the security for Penn commuters but also eliminate traffic congestion in dedicated bike lanes.

As a result of this effort, Penn Transit has moved six of its stops to accommodate the new loading zones. The stop at 40th and Walnut was moved to 40th Street in front of the entrance to Fresh Grocer. All other stops, with the exception of DRL, the Bookstore, Johnson Pavilion and Levy Tennis Pavilion, were moved approximately 20 feet. Riders will still be able to wait in nearby secure indoor locations and can track the arrival of a Penn Transit Vehicle on their computer or smart phone using PennRides.com. PennRides provides real-time information about the locations and expected arrival times of Penn Transit buses and shuttles, vehicle capacity and traffic alerts, such as emergency route or schedule changes.

1920 Commons Renovations

Penn's largest dining facility, 1920 Commons, will be receiving a major makeover this summer. Renovations include an expanded grocery store with a market feel; an updated look including new furniture and fixtures and a fireplace, a beautiful courtyard for social events and outside BBQs, expanded hours and late night options new dining concepts including a full-service deli, seasonal self-serve salad bar, grab and go options, an artisanal bakery, brick oven pizzeria, and a rotating selection of healthy take out meal options such as rotisserie chicken and braised short ribs.

Browse For a Home

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, you may want to consider the Penn Home Sale Forum. The Business Services Division created the forum as a website to connect University faculty, staff, students and Health System employees looking to buy or sell homes in the West Philadelphia area. The site is designed to provide an easy venue to list and search for homes for sale in West Philadelphia (from Haverford Avenue, 52nd Street, Woodland Avenue and the Schuylkill River). A PennKey is required to access the site. As the site is new, we are currently looking for individuals willing to list their homes. To visit the site go to: https://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/forsale/  

Penn Ice Rink

Sustainable Operations: The Penn Ice Rink was awarded a grant from Penn's Green Fund for the installation of a water density system that will reduce the rink's energy usage and provide an improved ice product to customers. In addition to the new system, called Real Ice, the rink has also purchased a 1999 propane-fueled Olympia ice-resurfacer, equipped with the latest emissions-reducing technology, to replace an inefficient 1970 Zamboni and has replaced an aging gasoline-powered edger with a battery-operated, zero-emissions model that smoothes the outside edges of the ice, where the larger machine can't reach.

http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/icerink/about-us/news-and-events/10-penn-ice-rink-becomes-more-sustainable.html

Division of Public Safety  

PennCycle  

 The Division of Public Safety is proud to be a part of PennCycle, the first campus-wide, student run,  bike share program. This initiative is the product of over a year's worth of planning and collaboration between students and many offices and organizations throughout the University, including Public Safety and Risk Management.  The kick-off event was held on March 16th at Hill Field where Penn community members were able to test ride the new PennCycle bikes, sign-up to participate in the program, and enjoy free food from our local restaurants.  Additionally Penn Police were present to register property, particularly bicycles,  on CampusExpress. The pilot program is open to all faculty, staff and students.  To rent bikes go to  www.penncycle.org  

Vice President Rush is very supportive of the Penn Cycle Program for crime prevention as it is the number one crime challenge on college campuses today, Penn included. The Penn Cycle Program allows students to rent bicycles when they want to leave campus.

In additional to working with the Penn Cycle Program the Division of Public Safety will be working with the Undergraduate Assembly and the Graduate and Professional Student Assemblyon a Bicycle Safety education campaign, which will include information on avoiding head trauma through the use of helmets;  bike security  through the proper locking devices, U-Locks; and registering your bike and ALL of your personal possessions through the CampusExpress Program.

With Spring just around the corner, DPS looks forward to working with all bicycle enthusiast in creating a safe and enjoyable biking experience at Penn.

ASIS LEAN Awards  

The Division of Public Safety is pleased to announce that Penn Police Officers Derrick Howard and Thomas Devorereceived the American Society for Industrial Security Law Enforcement Appreciation Night (ASIS LEAN) Award for their above and beyond performance with the Penn Police Department in saving the life of a faculty member in cardiac arrest through the use of an AED.  These Officers were honored on March 21st at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. ASIS LEAN is an annual event in which nominated officers and law enforcement officials are honored for their bravery, acts of heroism and going above and beyond their call of duty. 

Spring Commendations

The Division of Public Safety's will be holding its spring Commendation Ceremony on April 19th, in collaboration with the Undergraduate Assembly/Graduate and Professional Students Assembly.  It is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the work of our dedicated law enforcement and Public Safety professionals. Commendations of merit and commendatory letters will be presented to members of the University of Pennsylvania Police Department, the PennComm Center (Communications Command-Control Center), Fire and Emergency Services Department, and AlliedBarton Security. Letters of recognition are also given to outside law enforcement agencies, such as the Philadelphia Police Department, to Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), and to various citizens from the community.  Please join us in at 6pm at the Perelman School of Medicine, 421 Curie Boulevard, to honor these men and woman for their dedication, commitment and outstanding service in keeping University City a safe place to learn, work and live.

Facilities & Real Estate Services

New Section of FRES Website Created for Penn Community

The new "Penn Community" section of the FRES website provides a vast amount of resources and information for Penn staff, faculty, students, building administrators, and FRES employees, including Utility information, Project Information and Forms, and Operations Information. Click here to access the page directly. Please share the link with your customers and use this section as a valuable resource.

Facilities and Real Estate Services Annual Report

 This report captures the highlights, progress, and accomplishments of the FRES team in partnership with colleagues throughout 2011 on a multitude of projects and initiatives as we work together for a sustainable tomorrow.

Grants, Awards and Recognition

Several Penn building projects and sustainability initiatives have been recognized over the past few months. For a full list, visit the  FRES Awards and Recognition site. 

Human Resources

Administrative Center Forecaster Award

Bronwyn Gurley, Business Administrator in Penn's Division of Human Resources, was awarded the 2011 Administrative Center Forecaster Award for her outstanding fiscal expertise and efforts to maintain a sound budget for the division. Bronwyn helped Human Resources maintain fiscal excellence through superior financial judgment and careful analysis of multiple budgets. She was also recognized for proactively addressing financial challenges within the division and sound management reporting practices.

Information Systems & Computing

Penn Hosts BICSI Northeast Region Conference

Approximately 160 people from Maine to Washington D.C. attended the BICSI Northeast Region Conference held this Spring on Penn's campus. (BICSI is the professional association for those working in the information technology systems development and design industry.) Information Systems & Computing hosted the conference, the largest of BICSI's five U.S. regional conferences.

 http://www.upenn.edu/computing/home/news/2012/0303bicsiconf.html 

  "Death of the Desktop"

ISC's Technology Support Services predicts 2012 marks the beginning of the end of the traditional desktop or notebook being used by 100% of the Penn community.    

ISO Certification Continues for ISC Computer Operations

Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance (LRQA) conducted an internal audit of ISC's Computer Operations to validate continued certification for ISO 9001:2008 and to validate NIST Compliance, as required annually for Penn Medicine computer systems. http://www.upenn.edu/computing/home/news/2012/0305isocert.html