Academics
There’s always something new going on at Penn’s four undergraduate schools and 12 graduate schools. Look here for information on upcoming academic initiatives, new classes and research conducted by professors and students.
Penn senior Tathagat Bhatia receives Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Bhatia will pursue a master’s degree in history and philosophy of science at Cambridge, after majoring in science, technology, and society with a concentration in energy and the environment at Penn.
Penn clarifies instructors won’t have to teach for 10 extra minutes under new block schedule
Several faculty members reported unclear communication from administrators about whether they would be required to teach for extra time, and if so, whether they would be compensated.
Penn junior named one of 16 Beinecke Scholars to receive funding for graduate study
The scholarship program is open to college juniors at approximately 135 different colleges and universities, and each university nominates a single student for a potential scholarship.
Here are the College courses that double count for fall 2021
Advance course registration for fall 2021 opens Tuesday and ends April 23.
Penn instructs students to ignore ‘online’ course designations during advance registration
The University is planning to hold all courses in person, regardless of their current location listing on Penn InTouch — some of which are currently listed as "online," and others as "in-person."
From mathematicians to aspiring journalists, meet five members of the Class of 2025
Penn released decisions for regular decision applicants on Tuesday, offering admission to 3,202 students and recording its lowest ever acceptance rate of 5.68%.
Penn accepts record-low 5.68% of applicants to the Class of 2025
This year marked Penn's largest application pool in history, with 56,333 — a 34% increase from last year. Penn offered admission to 3,202 of these applicants
Students praise Penn’s plan to hold class in person this fall
Some students were optimistic that a return to traditional learning will be beneficial for their social and mental health.
Penn Graduate School of Education earns No. 1 spot in U.S. News ranking
The latest rankings mark the first time that Penn GSE was ranked No. 1 and the sixth consecutive year that it was ranked in the top five.
Penn will offer over 100 undergraduate courses virtually this summer
The University will offer completely virtual classes this summer, and the roster will have more variety and seats available than in a typical year.
Penn senior, alum awarded Churchill Scholarship to study at Cambridge University
College senior Adam Konkol and December 2020 College graduate Abigail Timmel were two of 16 people across the country who were awarded the scholarship.
Penn Nursing ranked No. 1 in the world by Quacquarelli Symonds for sixth straight year
Penn topped the nursing rankings with 95.5 total quality points, outperforming the nursing programs at King’s College London and Johns Hopkins University, which placed second and third, respectively.
Asian American Studies prof.’s departure reignites concern over lack of support for program
The impending departure of David Eng, a professor of the Asian American Studies Program, is leaving community members with a sinking feeling about the entire future of Asian American Studies at Penn.
Students report no decrease in workload despite two days off this week
Despite the shortened two-day spring break taking place this week, some students reported that they have assignments due on days where no classes will be held.
College modifies natural sciences sector requirement to foster interdisciplinary approach
The new sector, Natural Science Across Disciplines, will take effect for students in the entering Class of 2025, but all current students may choose from the new list of courses.
Penn delays advance registration for fall courses as it mulls modes of instruction
The advance registration period for fall courses will now be held from April 13 through April 23, instead of the previously scheduled March 22 through April 4.
Penn in Washington plans for tentative in-person programming this fall
A semester-long program, the Penn in Washington Program affords a cohort of about 25 students the opportunity to work part-time as interns in D.C., while also taking four course credits taught by Penn professors in Washington.
Penn panel on racism in education discusses barriers to success for students of color
Panelists discussed the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on students of color and low-income students who may not have access to resources crucial to remote learning.
Wharton will offer new entrepreneurship and innovation concentration in fall 2021
The new concentration will be administered through the Management Department, and will provide course offerings spanning seven departments, including Healthcare Management; Marketing; Operations, Information, and Decisions; Legal Studies; and Real Estate.