Incoming freshmen are often overwhelmed by the endless stream of new faces, the high volume of information and the myriad of academic and extracurricular choices, but luckily, many student resources exist to help both new and old students adjust and thrive during their years at Penn.
The following are resources to help students:
Counseling and Psychological Services, 133 S. 36th St., 2nd Floor Mellon Bank Building, (215) 898-7021
CAPS staffers provide a wide range of services including consultations, individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, structured workshops, psychological testing and medication reviews. Additionally, career counseling, couples and family therapy, eating concerns treatment, and alcohol and drug screening and intervention are offered. The CAPS staff consists of psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers. Services are free of charge for Penn students, and all discussions are confidential.
Reach-a-Peer Helpline, (215) 573-2RAP
RAP-Line is a peer assistance telephone service that provides free information, support and referrals anonymously and confidentially. The line is operated by Penn students, with guidance from the Office of Health Education. Calls can be made between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. every night, and a 24-hour letter-writing service is available, as well.
Greenfield Intercultural Center, 3708 Chestnut St., (215)898-3357/8
The GIC serves the needs of Penn's students of color and promotes understanding and interaction among students of all backgrounds. Business office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
African-American Resource Center, 3537 Locust Walk, Suite 200, (215) 898-0104
AARC serves to enhance the quality of life of Penn administrators, faculty, staff and students, with a particular emphasis on those of African descent. AARC provides advocacy, information and referrals, consultations, workshops, counseling, support groups, conflict mediation and assistance with unfair treatment in the workplace. These services are free and confidential.
Makuu Black Cultural Center, 3601 Locust Walk, ARCH Building, (215) 573-0823
Makuu seeks to foster integration and promote intellectual, cultural, social and leadership experiences at Penn. In addition, Makuu attempts to weave together resources from different organizations and educate the University community about the African Diaspora.
Pan-Asian American Community House, 3601 Locust Walk, ARCH Building, (215) 746-6046
PAACH is a community center that provides guidance to students and student organizations, with a focus on students of Asian-American and Pacific Islander heritage. PAACH fosters participation in Pan-Asian leadership and community service activities, and serves as a liaison to the University on Pan-Asian issues.
La Casa Latina: The University Center for Hispanic Excellence, ARCH Building, 3601 Locust Walk, (215) 746-6043
La Casa Latina develops greater awareness of Latino culture, identity and issues on campus. Both Latinos and non-Latinos are welcome to use the organization's resources, including a library.
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center, 3907 Spruce St., (215) 898-5044
The LGBT Center supports the Penn LGBT community and increases understanding and acceptance of sexual and gender minorities in the greater University community. In addition to hosting discussion groups, workshops, mentoring programs and other events across campus, the LGBT Center engages in advocacy and research. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
Penn Women's Center, 3643 Locust Walk, (215) 898-8611
The PWC's mission is to ensure that Penn is responsive to women's concerns in all activities and at all levels. Services to individuals, educational programming, policy development and networking are provided.
Penn Writing Center, several tutoring sites on campus (see www.writing.upenn.edu/critical/)
Writing tutors provide help with papers and other critical writing assignments by appointment, on a walk-in basis or online. A description of the assignment and two hard copies of the paper should be brought to the appointment. Advising for creative writing assignments is available at the Kelly Writers House on Sunday or Tuesday nights. In addition, the Writers Circle provides group feedback on Wednesday nights.
Language Direct, 255 S. 36th St., (215) 898-6039
Language Direct offers peer tutoring in Spanish, Italian, French and German. The tutors are undergraduates supervised by graduate students. Help is available by appointment or online.
