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 faculty displeased with ‘predetermined’ writing seminar program, lack of curricular autonomy
Faculty raised concerns about the writing seminar’s structure and alleged restrictions on academic freedom in interviews and internal reports obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian.
Six key takeaways from the DP's interview with former Board of Trustees chair Scott Bok
Here are six key moments from the DP’s 90-minute conversation with former Board of Trustees chair Scott Bok.
Penn launches new research support tools amid federal funding changes
The tools are intended to help researchers assess the risk of their grant proposals, collaborate with other researchers, and seek out global funding opportunities.
‘A travesty’: Penn faculty, alumni express concern over proposed Fulbright scholarship funding cut
The Trump administration outlined a more than 50% reduction of the State Department budget, a restriction of Fulbright grants to students pursuing master's-level studies related to national security.
‘Too systematic’: Penn undergraduate students criticize writing seminars
A survey by The Daily Pennsylvanian of around 300 students found that only 16% found the course useful for outside work.
Penn researchers awarded Breakthrough Prize for work at Large Hadron Collider
Awarded annually in life sciences, mathematics, and fundamental physics, each prize includes a $3 million award.
How 2025-26 Penn Global Seminar courses are navigating an ‘uncertain’ international travel landscape
The Daily Pennsylvanian spoke to faculty and staff about the importance of Penn Global Seminars and the challenges they face, particularly in light of immigration restrictions enacted during the Trump administration.
Wharton School claims sole possession of top spot on 2025 U.S. News Best Business Schools ranking
Last year, the top spot was tied between Wharton and Stanford's Graduate School of Business.
Penn Engineering announces faculty recipients of 2025 Student Choice awards
The Student Choice awards honor a “dedication in teaching, mentorship and student advocacy." Penn Engineering faculty are eligible to receive five awards — each recognizing support of students and intellectual development.
Penn Faculty Senate event addresses future of higher education amid federal policy changes
The April 9 event titled “Higher Education Under Siege: The Future of the Four-Year Degree" and moderated by Provost John Jackson, invited panelists to discuss the future of higher education.
Trump memo revokes security clearances of former Penn lecturer, all University affiliates
The April 9 presidential memo directed federal agency leaders to “immediately suspend any active security clearance held by Taylor” and accused him of “possibly violating the Espionage Act.”
Five classes to lighten your fall 2025 schedule
The Daily Pennsylvanian compiled a comprehensive list of recommended courses based on data from Penn Course Review.
Author, data journalist Nate Silver speaks at annual Stephen A. Levin Family Dean’s Forum
The April 8 event — hosted at the Penn Museum’s Harrison Auditorium — was moderated by Kelly Writers House founder and Faculty Director Al Filreis.
Penn announces $5 million gift for inaugural professorship in philanthropy
The gift, made by Scott A. Wieler and Mary Baily Wieler, aims to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration between business and social innovation at Penn.
Penn Japanese Language Program invites Phila. students to Shofuso Japanese House and Gardens tour
The Penn Japanese Language Program invited students from Penn, the Community College of Philadelphia, and Lower Merion High School to tour the Shofuso Japanese House and Gardens on Friday.
Wharton announces new major, concentration in artificial intelligence
The new AI program will be jointly administered by the Statistics and Data Science Department and the Operations, Information and Decisions Department with support from the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative.
Penn collaboration with Atacama Cosmology Telescope releases images of universe's early years
The images received from this telescope are known as the cosmic microwave background, and they provide an exceptionally clear picture of the universe at about 380,000 years old.
Penn administrators, faculty discuss innovation opportunities at Penn AI launch event
The Penn AI launch event offered insight into the growing use of AI in research as well as the need for Penn to keep up with technological advancements.
Here’s how Penn professors are addressing recent federal actions, political events in their classes
Multiple professors told the DP they plan to — and often do — adjust their curriculums in order to address current events.
