Traditions | From Homecoming to Hey Day

Penn has accumulated a number of traditions over its 271 years. Some are dignified, others are more whimsical, but you can hardly consider yourself a true Quaker until you’ve booed the Princeton Tigers on Franklin Field during a football game or eaten fried Oreos during Spring Fling. For those new to campus, here is a rundown of what to look forward to over the next four years:

Convocation: Sept. 6

In this ceremony, members of the incoming freshman class and transfer students are officially welcomed to the University.

Convocation is one of the only three instances during your time at Penn when your entire class will come together as a group (Hey Day and Commencement are the other two).

The event features speeches by Penn President Amy Gutmann and Provost Vincent Price, and performances by several a cappella groups and the Penn Band.

The Line: Early October

One of the great Penn basketball traditions, The Line is when students stake out overnight in the Palestra for season tickets to the men’s basketball games. Although season tickets can also be purchased without participating in The Line, students who spend the night in one of the most historic gymnasiums get premium seats in the lower level of the student section.

Econ Scream: The night before the first Economics 001 midterm

At midnight on the eve of the first Economics 001 midterm, students let off steam by gathering on the Quad’s Junior Balcony and screaming their stress away.

Besides the hoards of loud freshmen, if you’re lucky, you’ll witness several more adventurous upperclassmen streaking through the Quad.

Homecoming: Nov. 5

Homecoming brings alumni back to the halls of their alma mater.

Many will head over to Franklin Field to watch the Quakers face off against the Princeton Tigers ­— and of course, to throw toast onto the field at the end of the third quarter after they finish a rousing rendition of “Drink a Highball.”

Spring Fling: April

Described by some as one of the nation’s best college parties, this weekend gives students a chance to trade studying for eating fried Oreos and funnel cake.

Besides organizing the carnival in the Quad, the Social Planning and Events Committee also hosts a large concert. Last year’s concert featured performances by Lupe Fiasco, Ratatat and Flo Rida.

Hey Day: Last week of classes

On the last day of classes, juniors march through campus with styrofoam hats and canes to mark the official start of their senior year.

Historically, seniors have thrown ketchup, flour and even rotten eggs at the juniors on Locust Walk, but two years ago, administrators and student leaders worked together to provide a cleaner and safer experience. Initiated three years ago, the annual Final Toast on College Green is an event during which seniors toast juniors as they pass by.

Commencement: May

Seniors say farewell to Penn as they receive their diplomas and words of wisdom from a guest speaker at Franklin Field. Last year, actor Denzel Washington delivered the keynote address.

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