Students praise Penn’s plan to hold class in person this fall

Some students were optimistic that a return to traditional learning will be beneficial for their social and mental health. 

Penn will hold in-person commencement for Class of 2021 with no guests allowed

Only seniors who have participated in Penn's asymptomatic testing program this semester and who have not had housing or access to campus revoked because of a Campus Compact violation will be eligible to participate.

Penn Athletics cancels Penn Relays for second year in a row

If pandemic conditions improve, the Penn Relays plans to hold a local collegiate-only track and field meet on April 24.

Graduates largely praise switch from alumni database QuakerNet to MyPenn

Penn replaced QuakerNet with MyPenn as its alumni database system in late October, improving search functions and engagement features.

A not-so-quiet Quiet Period: First years seen partying, breaking Penn’s COVID-19 guidelines

Students and RAGAs reported that some first years are gathering in large groups, violating the Quiet Period. Chief Wellness Officer Benoit Dubé confirmed that Penn has intervened with some students who have violated these guidelines, but added that no COVID-19 clusters among students are currently known.

Penn undergrads living outside U.S. cannot hold work-study or TA positions in spring 2021

One CIS professor described the loss of TAs as a “major headache” for the CIS department, predicting more crowded office hours.

Less than 95% of Wharton MBA graduates receive job offers for first time in a decade

The Oct. 28 report also found that 2020 MBA graduates receive a median base salary of $150,000 — the same figure earned by the Class of 2019 the previous year.

Wharton Alumni Program helps over 200 MBA students virtually network with alumni

Students who have been matched with at least one Wharton graduate said they were previously unaware of the program and pleasantly surprised when alumni reached out to connect.

Penn Med students form ‘penn pals’ with students in China to practice medical Mandarin

Medical and dental students in the U.S. are paired with a student from West China Hospital in Sichuan and communicate via Chinese messaging and social media app WeChat, Skype, and other video conferencing platforms.

Annenberg creates task force to support its international students amid COVID-19 pandemic

International students called on administration for more support at a town hall meeting with Annenberg Dean John Jackson last spring after the pandemic amplified concerns about visas, traveling abroad, and the unstable job market. 

Wharton MBA students petition for lower tuition to offset limited in-person networking

Many students said the remote semester greatly diminishes the MBA experience where students can no longer network in-person or take advantage of Wharton-sponsored traveling and co-curricular activities.

Grad students and professors demand funding transparency after SAS pauses Ph.D. admissions

For the past four months, Graduate Employees Together — University of Pennsylvania, the union of graduate and professional students at Penn, has been demanding a one-year extension of funding for all doctoral students.

Vegan, vegetarian students say 1920 Commons food lacks variety and freshness

Students said hot vegetarian and vegan meals such as vegan soup, pizza, and pasta tend to run out quickly, and many of the pre-packaged meals lay outside without being replaced for up to a week.

Students and faculty honor life of biochemistry program ‘mom’ and poet Leslie Shinn

Eighty-eight current and former Vagelos MLS students and faculty convened over Zoom on Sept. 6 for a virtual memorial service.

RAGAs living in first-year college houses must relocate during first week of classes

RAGAs were instructed to stay in their previously assigned rooms without fully unpacking their belongings for the two-week self-isolation period before relocating to their new dorm.

With the fall semester just days away, RAGAs are still confused about job responsibilities

Off-campus housing for RAGAs will not be subsidized if worsened COVID-19 conditions prompt Penn to de-occupy campus further and force RAGAs off campus. 

Some RAs and GAs plan to quit after housing admin. silence their fall concerns in meeting

During a meeting with Deputy Provost Beth Winkelstein, RAGAs said they were given little opportunity to voice their concerns.

Over 135 RAs and GAs demand a fair contract, hazard pay in letter to administration

Penn's Resident Advisors and Graduate Associates are demanding fair treatment from the University as the fall semester looms closer, calling for a clear outline of their job expectations and increased compensation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Penn professor wins inaugural $80,000 prize to develop rapid COVID-19 breath test

Carlos de la Fuente anticipates his testing model will be produced at cheaper costs and offer faster results than current tests.  

Former criminology students call on department to discuss race in curriculum

The letter also called on the Criminology department to diversify its current faculty members and future Master’s cohorts.