Penn First Plus (P1P) is the hub of activities and services for students who are first in their families to attend college and/or who come from modest financial backgrounds.

P1P offers an extensive living resource document to assist students with any concerns or challenges this semester or beyond.

Additional support can be found navigating:

– Academics
– Finances

Students may also seek comfort and assistance in related campus offices or organizations including:

– The FGLI Program at the Greenfield Intercultural Center
– PENNCAP
– Penn First, the student umbrella organization
– FGLIQ, for queer first-generation students

Online Learning Initiatives Hub@Penn provides comprehensive resources for the Class of ’24.

Penn is home to more than 700 registered student organizations – featured and searchable at the Penn Clubs website. Student groups continue to operate and grow remotely, following the Campus Compact and related guidelines for organizations.

Office of Student Affairs staff is available via email, and an FAQ may answer many student questions about club activity this semester.

Spring Activities Fair
Jan 26 – 28 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Jan 27 from 8:00am – 10:00am
All questions can be directed to sacfair@sacfunded.net.

Dear Students, 

It warms my heart to be in community with all of you as we enter the Spring 2021 semester. I know the past year has been very tough for so many of you. Your courage, vulnerability, and perseverance has moved me so deeply, and I am in awe of your collective and individual journeys. The past year felt very much like a calling: a calling for how we show up for ourselves and one another across the intersections of our identities; a calling for how we use our voices politically; a calling to be fully present and own our shared responsibility to racial justice; and a calling to be radical in how we love and care for ourselves fully.

A little about me… I joined the Penn community in August, as the Vice Provost for University Life. My colleagues and I are here for one reason- and that reason is you. I cherish the opportunity to serve and support your flourishing and success here at Penn. My greatest joy is working alongside all of you to co-create transformative experiences for our diverse student community. 

I cannot even imagine how last semester (and several months) has impacted you. I found myself in a set of complicated emotions- confusion, grief, optimism, guilt, and so much more. Moving into this new community with a limited opportunity to connect with new people and make new friends took a toll on my well-being. While I feel hopeful, I am deeply aware that the coming semester will still be tough. I have had to ask for help during my own transition, and I hope you know it is okay for you to ask for help, too. The most beautiful thing we can do is be present for one another right now. 

Some of you will still be working and learning from your home geographies outside of Philadelphia and, in some cases, outside of the United States. I want you to know that we are here for you, and we are committed to making sure you have access to the support services and community you need to center your well-being. Others of you may live in our College Houses or Greek chapter houses, or off campus in an apartment or house locally. I know this in-person experience will be radically different from what we have all known in the past. Thank you for your continued patience as we unfold into new ways of being in community while following the rapidly evolving public health guidelines and the Campus Compact.

In partnership with many student leaders, including the Undergraduate Assembly (UA) and the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA), we hope to provide meaningful, socially distant opportunities to socialize, exercise, and unwind in person outdoors as public health guidelines allow. While this will be a different semester, I am deeply grateful for your creativity and compassion as you to develop new routines, make friends, deepen relationships, and center your joy.

I have a tradition with my daughter that I would like to share with all of you. When I drop her off to school, I say to her, “You are my heart and soul, and I love you very much.” I want you all to know, that you all are the heart and soul of our community, and I love you very much. I look forward to the time when we can be in community together physically and in-person. 

With deep love, 

Mamta

Student Disabilities Services (SDS) works closely with students who self-identify in order to ensure equal access to all University programs, activities, and services. Staff are available by phone (215-573-9235) and by email, meeting with students via virtual platforms and (if necessary) in-person to answer questions and provide information about accessibility and accommodations for Penn students.  

Resources for Sophomores can be found at: 

– Class of 2023 Board 
– Second Year Experience, including signature events like Sophomore Day and U-Night.
 – Penn Traditions

Penn Traditions

Resources and guidance for seniors can be found on the Class of 2021 Facebook page, Instagram