Student Life
Students hesitate to trust Penn’s spring reopening plan after fall reversal
Citing Penn's reversal of its fall 2020 plans just weeks before the start of the semester, students now doubt that the University will follow through with its current reopening plan for the spring.
Penn will open on-campus housing for spring semester and hold most classes remotely
Undergraduate students will be required to be tested twice weekly for COVID-19 and to enroll in PennOpen Pass as well as receive a flu shot before returning to campus.
Performing arts groups produce prerecorded, virtual content in light of COVID-19 restrictions
In August, the Performing Arts Council and the Platt Performing Arts House announced that students cannot congregate in-person to produce content this semester because campus was still closed.
New UA Executive Board looks to increase student accessibility and uplift marginalized groups
The UA elected College and Wharton junior Janice Owusu as speaker, Wharton sophomore Carson Sheumaker as secretary, and College and Wharton junior Nikhil Gupta as treasurer.
Here's everything you need to know about Penn's COVID-19 contact tracing program.
The contact tracing program has been in place for years to deal with mumps outbreaks. The University expanded and reworked the program to make it more efficient in the larger-scale pandemic.
Penn's religious organizations adapt to COVID-19 with socially distanced in-person services
While some organizations have resumed some in-person services, student representatives from various religious groups say they are still struggling to maintain a sense of togetherness as operations remain largely online.
Concerned about COVID-19, only 6% of RAGAs participate in pilot indoor dining program
Six RAGAs participated in the pilot program, though there are around 95 of them currently living on campus. The program used an an app to regulate students as they dined during 30-minute time slots at 1920 Commons.
New Vice Provost for University Life begins job, prioritizes meeting students virtually
This semester, VPUL Mamta Motwani Accapadi hopes to provide students with the resources they need to vote in the upcoming presidential election and help the Penn community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disorientation Guide for first years critiques Penn’s impact on students, staff, and Phila.
The guide, published annually, was written by various student groups including Penn Community for Justice, Police Free Penn, the Penn Slavery Project, Fossil Free Penn, Philly Jobs with Justice, and the Coalition Against Fraternity Sexual Assault.
New Penn club launches to inform students about SPACs, the newly popular business venture
Penn SPAC, a new student organization, launched this semester to inform students about a business venture rising in popularity: special purpose acquisition companies.
Students slam Penn’s decision to slash spring break, brace for future schedule changes
Penn administrators wrote that the decision to modify spring break was made in an effort to "discourage travel during the pandemic," similar to the reason they canceled fall break this semester. But students want more time off during the spring semester to recover from a heavy courseload.
Dissatisfied with Penn’s tutoring services, three seniors launch their own
Through StudyRev, which fully launched this semester, tutees can request help when they need it and tutors can work as their schedule permits.
First years create book club, Penn Reads, to bond with peers while away from campus
After choosing a book to read together, the club meets virtually every Thursday for a discussion that may include politics, personal experiences, and other topics the books may inspire.
Despite absence of 2024 Class Board, first years find other ways to connect with classmates
First years said they are not overly concerned about the absence of student leaders to represent their class, due to alternative ways to meet people through clubs and organized meet-ups virtually or outdoors.
'Like the apocalypse': Penn students recount tragedies of West Coast wildfires
Penn students from the West Coast — many of whom remain at home due to the coronavirus pandemic — began the fall semester from areas with the most dangerous air quality on Earth right now.
Penn students ring in Jewish new year with socially distanced Rosh Hashanah celebrations
Despite the virtual and socially distanced Rosh Hashanah celebrations, students and spiritual leaders said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a greater meaning to the holiday, which signifies a fresh start and new year.
Some Greek organizations reduce chapter dues this fall in light of lost in-person experience
Chapters such as Phi Gamma Delta, commonly known as FIJI, and Sigma Kappa are only charging partial dues, while Sigma Delta Tau is waiving chapter dues entirely this fall.
Penn students mourn Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, brace for Trump's Supreme Court nomination
Students fear the political consequences of her death under the leadership of Trump — who is expected to nominate a justice just weeks before the election.
Penn students found club to boost representation of women in startups
Only 13% of Penn founders are women and raise just 6% of venture capital, according to Wharton Alumnae Founders & Funders Association.