The Compact expects students to adhere to a set of public health and safety measures, including practicing strict physical distancing and using facial coverings for two weeks before returning to campus before classes start on Sept. 1. 

The "COVID-19 Return to Campus Guide for Penn Faculty and Staff," released in mid-July, was developed by a 20-member committee comprised of faculty and staff from various University departments.

Students unable to return home were able to fill out an online form requesting to remain on campus. Approximately 450 students received approvals, while thousands of other residents rapidly left campus en masse.

University spokesperson Stephen MacCarthy declined to say whether Penn is considering a change to a fully online semester or not.

The study found that the majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients who suffered strokes had preexisting conditions that put them at higher risk for strokes to begin with.

The dynamic and unpredictable nature of the virus creates an ever changing set of problems for the University to try and solve.

Over 240 health professionals, including 11 Penn faculty members, have signed the letter, which was titled "Shut it Down, Start Over, Do it Right" and addressed to "America's decision makers."

In order to limit the spread of COVID-19, visitors will be required to wear facial coverings and remain six feet away from those who are not in their household groups. 

Seeing my father suffer, cry, and fight the COVID-19 through a window is undoubtedly one of the most shocking memories I will have to carry with me forever.

About 14% of admitted students to the Class of 2024 classify as international students who come from 98 countries, placing over 450 admitted international first years at risk under the restrictions.

After determining how they can be most effective to the communities they partner with, student groups such as A Moment of Magic, Camp Kesem, and West Philadelphia Tutoring Project all decided to operate virtually this fall.  

After receiving their fall assignments on July 17, many students felt it was unreasonable that they only have until July 31 to confirm their housing assignments without facing additional charges. 

Peer institutions like Cornell, Emory, and Purdue already made attempts to answer student questions through virtual town halls, giving Penn a blueprint from which to work. 

Professors also expressed concerns about their children's safety, as students in the School District of Philadelphia will return to school in person two days a week this fall.

David Fox, director of NSO and the Penn Reading Project, said Convocation may be run in a similar form to the Class of 2020's virtual commencement this spring. NSO will be held primarily through Thrive at Penn modules on Canvas.

Don’t take a gap year out of fear or discomfort with the chaotic state of the world. It’s our new normal and will continue to be in the foreseeable future. 

As some immunocompromised students prepare to return to campus despite the health risks posed by the ongoing pandemic, they worry that their peers may not take the threat of the virus seriously — potentially endangering their lives.