Penn will conduct fall 2020 on campus with hybrid of online and in-person instruction

Penn will invite students back to campus on Sept. 1 for a hybrid fall 2020 semester with a mixture of in-person and virtual instruction. The remainder of the semester will be conducted online after Thanksgiving break.

Penn to stop buying Phila. Police Foundation fundraiser tickets, conduct review of U. police

Following backlash from thousands of students, alumni, and faculty regarding the University's relationship with local police forces, the University has also commissioned an independent review of its Division of Public Safety.

More than half of surveyed Penn students prefer on-campus, hybrid instruction for fall 2020

The DP surveyed undergraduates to gauge what students hope to see and are currently most concerned about regarding fall 2020. Over half of the 1,000 respondents prefer a hybrid model of in-person and online instruction, while only 9% preferring an entirely remote, online option. 

Thousands petition U. to cut ties with Philly PD, reform militarized campus 'police state'

More than 9,600 people have signed a petition demanding that Penn cease its institutional support of a "racist, fascist police state" that has led to continued violence against Black people. After decades of postwar gentrification, the petition also asks the University to open its campus to West Philadelphia and pay PILOTS.

After 35 years of operation, Penn's Computer Connection retail store will close by June 30

Computer Connection, a technology retail store located in the Penn Bookstore, will permanently close due financial impacts from larger businesses, fewer product releases, and tight margins. 

Thousands of activists march through Philadelphia protesting police murder of George Floyd

Although Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said police would be respectful of protesters, activists were met with tear gas and pepper spray hours into the demonstration, shortly after protesters began breaking into police vehicles.

Mapping U.S. colleges' fall 2020 plans

In real time, these interactive maps are tracking the fall reopening policies of over 315 colleges across each of the 50 states. Double click to zoom into the maps.

Penn outlines four possible scenarios for fall 2020, will finalize plan by end of June

The four scenarios include a hybrid of in-person and online instruction, a shortened in-person semester, more robust summer 2021 course offerings, and entirely online learning.

Here’s how Ivy League universities are changing admission requirements for the Class of 2025

College Board and ACT testing agencies canceled and postponed multiple test dates in response to the pandemic, prompting many universities to change standardized test requirements for future applicants.

What would it be like studying abroad, from home?: Fate of fall abroad remains uncertain

Although Penn Abroad said it would announce the fate of fall study abroad programs by May 15, the decision for many programs has been delayed once again because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Off-duty Penn security guard arrested and charged with assault in April shooting

Brandon Ferguson was arrested and charged with four counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person.

While colleges struggle to fill Class of 2024, Penn has not yet increased waitlist admissions

Admissions experts say schools are anxious about international students possibly not being able to arrive on campus for the fall semester, and about domestic students who may choose to take a gap year instead of enrolling amid the coronavirus.

Student sues Penn for tuition refunds, but U. says lawsuit is ‘wholly without merit’

A Penn graduate student filed a class action lawsuit against the University on April 30, demanding tuition and fee refunds for the remainder of the spring semester after on-campus operations shut down in March. 

Penn for Bernie becomes Penn Justice Democrats, a leftist group for progressive activism

The group hopes to diversify what it feels is a dominant pre-professional atmosphere on campus by fostering electoral engagement and progressive activism. 

NCHW construction remains on schedule for fall 2021 occupancy despite coronavirus pandemic

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf ordered many construction projects and “nonessential” businesses to immediately shut down, but NCHW construction has been approved to proceed in order to stabilize and weather-proof the site.

CAFSA cuts ties with Penn Dems after it endorsed Biden, who faces sexual assault allegation

CAFSA, an on-campus organization officially founded in September 2019 to combat rape culture and support historically underrepresented identities, removed Penn Dems from their coalition after they endorsed presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.

Penn reminds incoming international students of gap year option as coronavirus spreads

Because U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services suspended routine visa services at all embassies and consulates due to COVID-19, it is unclear if new international students will be able to secure visas in time for the fall semester.

Instead of endorsing Biden, Penn for Bernie will form a new on-campus progressive coalition

Penn for Bernie's directors sent out a survey form on Friday to over 200 members seeking input about the future of Penn for Bernie.

Penn to reimburse on-campus housing and dining costs for remainder of spring semester

Penn students on dining plans will now receive refunds for their remaining spring semester meal plan balance, and departed College House residents will receive pro-rated reimbursements in May on their student billing accounts.

Despite Biden's youth vote struggles, Penn Dems hopes the left will unite come November

While Penn Democrats officially endorsed Biden in late March, Penn for Bernie said their group has no plans to support Biden’s campaign unless he adopts leftist policies that address issues pertinent to younger voters.