During reading days, typical Penn attire can range from shabby pajamas and sweats to swanky suits and evening gowns. Although the University bills reading period as a time for studying, it is also during these three days that many Penn student groups, especially fraternities and sororities, schedule year-end formal events.

The Undergraduate Assembly released its end of the year report yesterday, detailing projects both near- and farsighted. But the bulk of UA's work this year has involved projects that are so far unseen because they will not affect the student body until this fall.

(The reporter recounts his experiences covering the Virginia Tech tragedy in Blacksburg, Va.) After driving over six hours through the night to Virginia Tech and getting a few restless hours of sleep at the trusty EconoLodge, the idea of actually visiting the Tech campus left me with a mix of emotions.

1976 College alumnus Steve Stecklow is part of a four-person team to which the Pulitzer Prize for public-service journalism was awarded. Stecklow, a reporter for the The Wall Street Journal, worked at The Daily Pennsylvanian during his time at Penn. Since then, he continues to be involved with the Penn community and the DP Alumni Association.

When College freshman Alex Lee learned that an Asian was responsible for the 32 deaths at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, one thought crossed his mind: "I hope he's not Korean." Speaking about Cho Seung-Hui, a 23-year-old Korean who committed the massacre, Lee was one of many Koreans and Korean Americans who expressed unease with being associated with Cho's racial identity.

International applicants to American graduate schools are on the rise for the second consecutive year. The number of international applicants increased 17 percent from last year, according to a report released this week by the Council of Graduate Schools.

Over 200 students and faculty gathered on College Green last night to mourn the 32 victims of Monday's shootings at Virginia Polytechnic Institute

For the past week, about 6,100 city planners from around the country have flocked to Philadelphia to discuss the future of urban life. But even before these development gurus had packed their bags for home, they had managed to stir up controversy among the city's mayoral candidates that brings into question the economic growth of the city and Penn's plans for the future.

Think Philly's got nothing going for it? Think again. Design Philadelphia has been showcasing Philadelphia's local talent in the applied arts for the past two weeks, with over 60 events. It aims to give a platform for the city's designers, especially for the young and vibrant designers that Philly seems to specialize in.

These days, a Penn diploma will set you back a cool $180,000. Wait - make that $180,044.95. Plus tax. If members of Penn's graduating Class of 2007 want to flip their tassels at Commencement next month, they will have to wear required regalia purchased at the Penn Bookstore.

SAS officials revealed yesterday that Google was initially their first choice to replace the crash-prone Webmail server, but the school turned to Microsoft after negotiations stalled in mid-March.

Wharton senior and class president Andrew Kaplan said over 550 seniors have signed a pledge not to throw non-approved items - like eggs, ketchup and mustard - this afternoon at juniors walking down Locust Walk.

(The reporter recounts his experiences covering the Virginia Tech tragedy in Blacksburg, Va.) Standing on the edge of the crowd at Monday night's vigil, I asked Virginia Tech junior Kathryn White how she was coping with the previous day's tragedy. "It's getting easier every day," she said.

Homicides are up in Philadelphia, and though city and police leaders are working to reverse the disturbing trend, they say there is no quick fix.

The Social Planning and Events Committee elected its new executive board in a closed election on Monday night. Newly elected members are: n President: College junior Max Cancre. n Vice President: College junior Anna Raper. n Treasurer: College junior Tony Rizzo.

The controversial application for a new liquor store at 4237 Walnut St. has been denied by the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment, site owner Daniel DeRitis said yesterday. DeRitis said he will immediately appeal the decision. "We're not going to give up on it," he said.

It's Microsoft. The School of Arts and Sciences and the Wharton School chose Microsoft over the other finalist, Google, to replace the crash-prone Webmail system, with a new service to be called "Penn Live," SAS officials will announce today. The choice comes after a long negotiation process that lasted well past the final Jan.