Student Life
Students are relieved to have returned to in-person classes — but COVID-19-related concerns persist
Students largely said they were glad to be back in person and relieved that the University did not extend the virtual learning past Jan. 24.
College senior launches nonprofit creative writing program
Cosmic Writers began as Word Camp, a free summer program founded in 2020 by Miller after receiving the 2020 Kelly Writers House Kerry Prize.
Students who isolated on campus in December recount poor living conditions, communication
Penn students in University isolation housing have been forced to grapple with confusing instructions, inadequate communication, and an overall frustrating process.
Penn loosens restrictions on indoor social gatherings
The University updated its Public Health Guidance on Jan. 25, resuming indoor gatherings for attending class, studying, meetings, and events.
Three Penn students start new company to unify campus DJs
There are currently 11 DJs listed on the Penn Beats website, and they cover a variety of musical genres such as oldies, hip-hop, and progressive house.
Penn Rhodes Scholarship recipient files lawsuit against University following investigation
The investigation led to extensive national media coverage and strong reactions from the University community, drawing attention to what it means to qualify as a first-generation, low-income student in higher education.
Penn first year runs, power walks from Locust Walk to New York City
Torres ran for the first 50 miles and then, due to a foot injury, power walked for the second half.
New student-created platform encourages students to express gratitude at Wharton
As of Jan. 21, over 500 messages have been submitted through the Gratitude@Wharton form to students, professors, faculty, and members of the Penn community.
Penn's new indoor masking policy, explained
In a Jan. 7 email to the Penn community, administrators announced that all community members in campus buildings must either double-mask or wear a KN95 or N95 mask.
Penn reopens indoor dining as in-person classes resume
Students are expected to provide proof of vaccination in compliance with Philadelphia’s vaccine card mandate when dining at any of Penn's retail dining locations.
Penn Residential Services to be relocated to Sansom Place West before Stouffer renovations
Director of Residential Services Patrick Killilee confirmed that the relocation of the offices is not permanent and that they will return to Stouffer Commons following the renovations.
Penn’s political clubs look forward to reconvening in person, when COVID-19 guidelines allow
Leaders from Penn Government and Politics Association, Penn Democrats, College Republicans, and Penn Justice Democrats agreed that it is essential to follow Penn's new guidelines for campus events and gatherings outlined in their most recent statement due to the surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide. They expressed that they hope that it will be safe to return to face-to-face meetings and events in the upcoming weeks.
Meet five members of the Class of 2026 admitted via Early Decision
Penn accepted 15.63% of early decision applicants to the Class of 2026. Admission was offered to 1,218 students, comprising around half of the Class of 2026.
Here’s what you need to know about Philadelphia’s new indoor dining vaccine requirement
The new requirement applies to any Philadelphia establishment that sells food and drink for onsite consumption indoors — including movie theaters, bowling alleys, and sports venues.
Off-campus apartments face package delivery issues with Amazon
Management from HamCo and The Radian said that their properties have not experienced any significant issues with other delivery or mail services — just Amazon.
University announces students affected by delayed move-in will receive reimbursement
Postponed final exams from the fall will be made up during the beginning of the spring semester in the same format they were offered previously.
Penn Libraries extends winter break hours through virtual learning period
Most libraries are open under Winter Break's shortened hours and access is limited to only Penn community members through Jan. 23.
Penn Dining suspends indoor dining due to rising COVID-19 cases
Residential dining halls will suspend indoor dining and operate with a grab-and-go "takeout" system for the foreseeable future.
Everything you need to know about Penn’s spring COVID-19 policies
Penn will begin the spring semester with several COVID-19 mitigation measures — including two weeks of virtual learning and a new masking requirement.