An open discussion followed the numerous speakers as audience members voiced their opinions and asked questions directly of administrators.
By Andrea Ahles
The Daily Pennsylvanian
Microbiology Professor Helen Davies serenaded more than 100 people, expressing the idea that a class on infectious disease should be a mandatory part of Penn's curriculum, as part of the English Undergraduate Advisory Board's third annual forum.
University President Judith Rodin was the keynote speaker at the forum -- entitled "Strengthening the University's Intellectual Community" -- which was held yesterday in Bennett Hall's Penniman library.
Rodin said the forum was the ideal setting for discussing the challenges of a research university. She also commented on the "silly articles in the Inquirer" that had criticized the University for its rate of administrative hiring.
"The articles failed to focus on what is critical for Penn, which is why we are different from a standard liberal arts college," Rodin said.
Other speakers included Provost Stanley Chodorow, faculty and students who addressed issues regarding the University community, technology, curriculum and the undergraduate experience.
An open discussion followed the numerous speakers as audience members voiced their opinions and asked questions directly of administrators.
"We got a discussion going that will hopefully continue outside of this forum," English UAB chairperson and College junior Christy Goralnik said.
One student asked how administrators hoped to mold Penn's image.
Chodorow responded that a redesign of the University's publications is underway to convey the multiple communities that are in development at Penn.
Inter-disciplinary programs and increased cooperation between undergraduate and graduate schools were also discussed. Another focus was the overabundance of extracurricular activities at the University.
"It's very easy to get overwhelmed here, so it is essential that the University helps students find their voices at Penn," College junior Alyssa Carlberg told administrators during the open discussion.
Rodin and Chodorow were also questioned as to the practicality of instituting more inter-disciplinary programs for students to explore.
According to Chodorow, while these programs are feasible, they cannot be created in a short period of time. He added that four programs are currently in development, and final proposals on them w ill be made early next year.
Chodorow also praised the newly implemented Writers House as a part of University life where students can "gather and have a life, or get a life" outside of the classroom.
College sophomore Amanda Karsten said she found the forum to be an enlightening experience.
"I think people who are here for learning need to know that there are more people out there that are like them," Karsten said.
But College freshman Carolyn Strom felt that while the forum was informative, several issues were not addressed.
"These people were very positive about the kind of Penn community they want to create," Strom said. "But the fact remains that it isn't here now."
Photos by KAREN YIU/The Daily Pennsylvanian