Opinion Columns
Anni Paradise | Death to the GPA
Columnist Anni Paradise argues that the American GPA system hinders students’ ability to develop genuine passion for their work and hobbies during college, through this intense and not necessarily useful way of measuring academic progress.
Fiona Miller | Congratulations, but you might hate it here
Columnist Fiona Miller reminds students, new and old, of the importance of gratitude in aligning Penn expectations with reality.
Liala Sofi | Penn Dining workers deserve better
Columnist Liala Sofi argues for Penn to conduct worker satisfaction surveys that guarantee anonymity to effectively tackle issues surrounding its relationship with dissatisfied workers
Keshav Ramesh | Pay attention to the Philly mayoral election
Columnist Keshav Ramesh asserts that Penn students should pay attention to this year’s Philadelphia mayoral race prior to the primary in May.
Riane Lumer | Teaching and research are not mutually exclusive
Columnist Riane Lumer critiques the prioritization of research over teaching among Penn’s faculty.
C.H. Henry | Goodbye green space
Columnist C.H. Henry critiques the current flurry of construction which prioritizes erecting new buildings over enhancing the old ones.
Benjamin McAvoy-Bickford | In Praise of Quechua Minors and Chichewa Certificates
Columnist Benjamin McAvoy-Bickford argues that Penn should expand its minors and language certificates to cover more languages.
Isabella Glassman | Pass/fail it, unless you’re in the College
Columnist Isabella Glassman compares the unequal general education and pass/fail policies across schools which leave students in the College less freedom to pass/fail and more classes to take.
Aksa Choudhry | Rethinking needles: how Philadelphia’s exchange programs are changing the narrative
Columnist Aksa Choudhry argues that Philadelphia’s needle exchange programs have proven to be an effective means of harm reduction despite stigma.
Vinay Khosla | Blinded by privilege: the homelessness prejudice at Penn
Columnist Vinay Khosla argues that the general wealth of Penn’s student body blinds them to the nuances of homelessness and perpetuates discriminatory stereotypes.
Cathy Li and Fiona Miller | The politics of public transit
Columnists Cathy Li and Fiona Miller discuss how complexities like race and gender play into the conversation about public transit.
Zara Tena | International students bring a unique openness to campus culture
Columnist Zara Tena explores how international culture at Penn seems to be friendlier than American culture, and how students can change that.
Brett Seaton | Take advantage of the venture ecosystem at Penn
Columnist Brett Seaton addresses the opaque world of venture funding and what macroeconomic movements in the capital markets that Penn students need to know.
Lexi Boccuzzi | Redefining the “silent majority”
Columnist Lexi Boccuzzi debunks the characterization of conservative views as extreme or alien and asserts that they may be closer to home than you expect.
Andrew Lou | Laundry room etiquette, anyone?
Columnist Andrew Lou argues for the importance of mutual conscientiousness, especially when it comes to shared campus spaces.
Cathy Li | Ask better, not smarter questions
Columnist Cathy Li writes about how asking better questions could facilitate a better learning experience and understanding of a subject.
Mia Vesely | Black history is your history too
Columnist Mia Vesely argues that Black history is crucial for everyone to connect with regardless of race.
Riane Lumer | Give Tik Tok’s “Lucky Girl Syndrome” a try
Columnist Riane Lumer explores how affirmations can empower you to navigate your life through a growth mindset.
Ace Dahyeon Choi | No Devices Beyond This Point
Columnist Ace Dahyeon Choi calls on Penn professors to integrate electronics use into their courses.