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.
Two Penn students form a club to teach the art of Chinese calligraphy
The club hosts special events around the Chinese holidays, allowing students to celebrate while trying their hand at Chinese calligraphy.
Penn sophomore Tola Nemomsa dies at 21
Nemomsa — known as "Tola" to family and friends — was passionate about public health and urban development and pursued these studies at Penn.
Students are relieved to have returned to in-person classes — but COVID-19-related concerns persist
Students largely said they were glad to be back in person and relieved that the University did not extend the virtual learning past Jan. 24.
College senior launches nonprofit creative writing program
Cosmic Writers began as Word Camp, a free summer program founded in 2020 by Miller after receiving the 2020 Kelly Writers House Kerry Prize.
Wharton professor’s viral tweet sparks national debate on income inequality
Strohminger's tweet mentioned that one student had estimated that the average salary was $800,000 per year. In reality, the average American worker only made $53,383 in 2020.
Penn's Gene Therapy Program partners with the Center for Breakthrough Medicine
GTP will receive up to $100 million through the sponsored research agreement over 15 years and have access to a 700,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility.
Penn Medicine's Drew Weissman, Katalin Karikó receive $3 million VinFuture Grand Prize
Two Perelman School of Medicine Professors were awarded $3 million dollars in Vietnam for their breakthrough mRNA research which led to the technology behind the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
Dartmouth includes international students in need-blind admissions
This change means that Dartmouth will no longer consider an applicant's ability to pay in evaluating international students, as well as U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Penn Law to begin sanctions process against Amy Wax, citing 'increasing' promotion of white supremacy
In the statement, Penn Law School Dean Ted Ruger wrote that complaints from Penn community members about Wax, who is a tenured University professor, motivated his decision to initiate the sanctions process.
Meet five members of the Class of 2026 admitted via Early Decision
Penn accepted 15.63% of early decision applicants to the Class of 2026. Admission was offered to 1,218 students, comprising around half of the Class of 2026.
Annenberg Emeritus Professor Elihu Katz dies at 95
Recognized as a distinguished sociologist, and a “founding father of the field of Communication,” Katz authored over 20 books and 175 articles and book chapters during his lifetime.
Philadelphia City Council condemns Amy Wax as Penn Law weighs sanctions
The letter criticizes Wax, who is a tenured University professor, for making generalizations that are “a betrayal of the prestigious platform granted to faculty of an Ivy-League university.”
Sitting down with Penn's new president: M. Elizabeth Magill
In a wide-ranging interview, covering topics spanning from Penn Medicine and University fundraising to fly fishing, Magill spoke to The Daily Pennsylvanian after the announcement.
Meet M. Elizabeth Magill, Penn's next president — and an avid fly fisher
Magill served as provost of University of Virginia and dean at Stanford Law School and is known for her commitment to law and leadership in higher education.
University announces students affected by delayed move-in will receive reimbursement
Postponed final exams from the fall will be made up during the beginning of the spring semester in the same format they were offered previously.
Penn Libraries extends winter break hours through virtual learning period
Most libraries are open under Winter Break's shortened hours and access is limited to only Penn community members through Jan. 23.
TIME honors Penn alumnus Elon Musk, two Penn Medicine researchers among People of the Year
TIME's Editor-in-Chief described Elon Musk, who graduated from the College and Wharton in 1997, as an “example of a massive shift in our society.”
Penn Law professor Amy Wax’s anti-Asian comments spark national scrutiny
An online petition calling on Penn to suspend Wax and reform the University's tenure policy has been signed by over 800 people.
Penn moves classes online for first two weeks of spring semester, delays campus move-in
On-campus housing move-in, which was previously scheduled to begin on Jan. 8, will begin on Jan. 15 and in-person classes will resume on Jan. 24.