Opinion Columns
Jessica Gooding | The opt-in Pass/Fail deadline needs to be extended until after finals
We need to revamp the current opt-in pass/fail grading system to reflect our ever-evolving reality and to ensure the best possible outcomes are accessible to everyone.
Lark Yan | In the midst of pandemic, America has much to learn
Rather than disparaging Asian nations, President Trump should instead start to learn from their responses to the disease.
Varun Saraswathula | The only way out is through, and the only way through is together.
I truly believe that taking time for ourselves, pursuing our passions, and prioritizing the relationships we have in our physical and virtual spaces will guide us as we make our way through, and eventually out, of this era.
Isabella Glassman | Decision day shouldn’t be May 1st
In a time when Penn has been forced to make numerous difficult decisions, here is a chance to make the right one. Push back the May 1st deadline and give the high school seniors the time they deserve.
Ton Nguyen | Lessons Learned from COVID-19 for Penn and Beyond
In this time of distress, let’s find solace in knowing that there are still good people out there and remember that there is more work to be done in the future. Until then, rest for better days to come.
Sophia DuRose | Penn's dining hall workers deserve better
Penn should be doing the right thing without student intervention, and that means not laying off 140 hard workers in the middle of a global crisis.
Alfredo Praticò | Our campus community is at the breaking point – it’s up to us to keep it together.
In the face of this forced disconnection, it is up to the Penn community to help each other stand tall and live up to our reputation as the social Ivy.
Varun Saraswathula | Penn must provide more information on its response to coronavirus
Across the University, the sentiment is that Penn was not only late in communicating its message, but also incredibly unreasonable in creating the timeline.
Sophia DuRose | Penn service workers cannot be forgotten
Penn has over a 14 billion dollar endowment. If a killer pandemic isn’t the perfect time to use some of it, I don’t know when is.
Letter from the President | Inside The Daily Pennsylvanian's response to coronavirus
We have decided to run a final print edition of the DP this Saturday, focused on how the coronavirus has changed life at Penn. After, we will pause print editions of the DP and 34th Street for the first time since World War II.
Tejaswi Bhavaraju | Penn students must rethink learning in an era of rapid industry change
Considering the ways in which industries are evolving and requiring new skills from the workforce, there is an urgent need for Penn students to review the role/application of AI in our studies much more clearly.
Lark Yan | Penn needs to be more transparent in why and how they increase tuition
As the ones paying the bill, it seems only right that students receive at least more information and price transparency on how and why these decisions were made.
Tyler Larkworthy | Penn must stop raising tuition
Under the new tuition rate, Penn’s incoming class can expect to pay their school over $300,000 by the time they graduate. That is absurd.
Jessica Gooding | Penn students and post-docs need access to on-campus childcare
For student parents, not having access to adequate child care can erode the opportunity to obtain the education of your dreams.
Alfredo Praticò | An open letter to Erika James, from a College student
When you start in July, Penn will ask you to be a trailblazer. We ask you to be a trailblazer for all 20,000 of us.
Harrison Selznick | Penn should allow concealed carry on campus
Presently, the University of Pennsylvania bans the use and possession of firearms on campus, thereby making Concealed Carry Weapon Permits moot.
Surayya Walters | What incoming Dean Erika James represents for higher education
As a young Black woman who is a Wharton student, times like this make me feel a little prouder and more at peace with myself in this environment.
Sophia DuRose | Take time to understand eating disorders this week
A failure to understand that eating disorders are mental illnesses, where a rejection of food is merely a symptom, is literally a matter of life or death.
Varun Saraswathula | We’re motivated, but do we know why?
I urge you to put the books down for a minute, step away from your laptop, and introspect. Consider what motivates you. Is it passion or interest? Is it a career prospect? Is it money?