Administration
DPS unfolds new measures to increase transparency and accountability of Penn Police
The report's recommendations are based on an independent review of DPS that was previously commissioned by the University in July 2020, following the police killing of George Floyd and ensuing criticism of policing on campus.
AAUP-Penn recommends classroom safety guidelines, accuses Penn of ‘downplaying’ COVID-19 risk
AAUP-Penn is doubling down on their push for Penn to allow instructors to choose whether to teach in person or virtually.
Penn’s new admissions dean talks goals for tenure, updates to application process
In the current admissions cycle, Penn will require only one teacher recommendation instead of two. The other letter of recommendation can come from anyone who can comment on the student's character.
Penn hopeful entire semester will be in person after finding no COVID-19 classroom transmission
Penn currently has a positivity rate of 1.11%, a vaccination rate of 97% among faculty and undergraduates, and no classroom transmission has been found.
‘We will always remember:’ Gutmann honors lasting impact of 9/11 at memorial event
In her speech, Gutmann emphasized the need to recognize all those who lost their lives that day, including 16 Penn alumni.
Penn announces committee to select Gutmann’s successor
Gutmann is set to depart her role after President Joe Biden nominated her to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Germany in July.
Some students support reinstating Penn’s indoor mask mandate, others feel it’s unnecessary
Some students welcomed the reinstatement of the mask mandate, saying that it is important to protect students, faculty, and staff and the surrounding Philadelphia area from the rapidly-spreading Delta variant.
Gutmann announces plans for a new $31 million student-focused performing arts center
Plans include creating a 450-seat theater and stage, and the center will support performing arts instructors and provide rehearsal and practice spaces.
Founder of Penn LGBT Center Bob Schoenberg dies at 76
Schoenberg founded the LGBT Center in 1982 after witnessing a Penn sophomore being severely beaten and targeted on Locust Walk for being gay.
Van Pelt Library opens to Penn community, visitors ahead of in-person fall semester
Individuals no longer need to schedule an appointment or make a reservation to browse the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center's stacks or to use self-serve study areas.
Penn Museum workers to vote on unionizing, alleging poor working conditions
The Penn Museum allegedly began a campaign earlier in the summer encouraging workers to vote against forming a union. In an emailed statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian, however, the museum wrote that it “supports its employees’ rights to make an informed decision about the voting process."
A look back at Amy Gutmann’s greatest accomplishments in her 17 years as Penn president
As Gutmann awaits U.S. Senate confirmation for her ambassadorship, here's a look at her greatest accomplishments during her 17-year presidency.
Penn's former Board of Trustees chair David Cohen tapped as U.S. ambassador to Canada
The nomination comes just three weeks after Biden nominated Penn President Amy Gutmann as the next U.S. ambassador to Germany on July 2.
Penn Law students revitalize club to petition against University-sponsored travel to Israel
Penn Law Students for Justice in Palestine released a statement on July 2 discouraging students from participating in itrek, an annual academic trip to Israel for business, law, policy, and STEM students.
Students call Gutmann’s nomination a ‘great opportunity,’ but are wary of leadership change
In an email sent to the Penn community, Gutmann said she intends to serve as Penn president until June 30, 2022, as originally intended, or until the Senate confirms her ambassadorship.
Student leaders praise Penn's decision to hold 2021 pre-orientation programs in person
The five University Life pre-orientation programs were previously held virtually in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
David Cohen’s term as Board of Trustees chair comes to an end
Cohen — who served on the Board of Trustees for almost 12 years — will be replaced by 1981 College and Wharton graduate, 1984 Penn Law graduate, and investment banker Scott Bok.
Penn announces $94 million project to renovate graduate student dorm Sansom Place East
This summer, a variety of construction projects are underway, including on the Graduate School of Education, Pennovation Works, and the Class of 1949 Generational Bridge.
‘Very bittersweet’: Associate Director of La Casa Latina Kareli Lizarraga leaves Penn
2013 College graduate and Associate Director of La Casa Latina Kareli Lizarraga ended her position on June 30, making Director of La Casa Latina Krista Cortes the only remaining staff member.