Penn health experts highlight need for equitable vaccine distribution during virtual event

The healthcare professionals expressed a general sense of optimism towards the Biden-Harris administration's pandemic response. 

Sorority rush sees drop in turnout amid virtual recruitment

This spring was the second in a row that sororities reported a drop in recruitment numbers. Fewer than 450 students rushed a sorority this semester, down from 550 last year.

Some Greek chapter houses reopen for residence, but events will remain virtual

With Penn welcoming students back to campus this semester, about half of on-campus Greek life chapter houses will open at reduced capacity, 

Alumni urge Penn to revoke Trump’s degree after Capitol riot, with some withholding donations

Some alumni believe Wednesday's Capitol riots should be the final straw in pushing Penn to revoke Trump's degree, with some citing the University's unique silence on his actions as reason to cut their donations. 

Professors and international students praise long-awaited Econ reclassification

The reclassification, which will go into effect spring 2021, will allow international students majoring in economics to apply for a two-year work extension in the U.S. under the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students.

Ezekiel Emanuel, Biden COVID-19 advisor, to teach Penn course on Benjamin Franklin in spring

Despite his newfound responsibilities to the Biden presidential transition effort, Emanuel said he will be fully engaged in his Penn teaching duties. His course PHIL 118: Ben Franklin & His World will examine controversial aspects of Franklin’s life such as his participation in the slave trade.

Penn extends housing cancellation deadline to Dec. 1 following student backlash

Wary of last-minute changes as seen with Penn's decision in August to close on-campus housing for the fall, students criticized the original Nov. 20 deadline to confirm on-campus housing without incurring the $500 cancellation fee.

As Penn plans for campus reopening, here’s how the Ivy League has handled COVID-19 on campus

Here's how these colleges are handling the pandemic from COVID-19 testing, case numbers, and campus life — offering a window into what the upcoming spring semester could look like for Penn students.

Professors turn to platforms like Slack and Slate to connect with students virtually

To make up for the loss of in-person services like “Take Your Professor to Lunch,” professors have shifted to platforms like Slate, Slack, and Gather Town, citing difficulties engaging with students through Canvas.

Penn students use digital platform Gather to imitate in-person office hours

Gather, also known as Gather.town, simulates buildings and classrooms on campus where students, professors, and teaching assistants can interact with one another through personal avatars during office hours. 

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.

Penn hit with two ‘Zoom bombings’ last week, prompting profs. to increase class security

Last Wednesday, BIOL 101: Introduction to Biology A and CRIM 100: Criminology were 'Zoom bombed' — a term used to refer to hackers invading video meetings on Zoom.

Some STEM profs. report triple the workload to run fully online courses this fall

Math professor Robert Ghrist said the Math department has replaced infrequent, high-stake midterms with weekly quizzes, tripling the workload for professors to generate assessments every week.

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 partners with medical device provider to develop new healthcare technology

The partnership aims to develop new technical solutions for health care challenges including critical care, diabetes, mental health, and cardiology

A virtual brotherhood: Greek life changes for fall 2020

While some fraternity members are living off-campus together, IFC fraternities plan to hold fall recruitment online with hopes for in-person rush this spring.

Here’s what the Ivy League is deciding for fall 2020

In early August, four Ivy League institutions backtracked on their initial plans for a hybrid fall semester and on-campus living.

Penn researchers find disparities in telemedicine use at Penn clinics

Though telemedicine has been touted as a tool to equalize access to healthcare, the study found disparities at the local level.

Students opting to stay home this fall cite health concerns and campus restrictions

Some students are not satisfied with the University's preventative methods to reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as contact tracing, testing, and restrictions on social gatherings over 25 people.

Penn students to host free, virtual pre-med conference in August

The event is available to all students — undergraduate and postgraduate — who wish to pursue a career in medicine and endeavor to become a competitive candidate for medical school and other medical programs.