For many new students, living at Penn is their first extended experience away from the security and comforts of home.
Luckily, there are many resource centers on campus to which freshmen can turn, whether they need help with writing their papers or just need to talk to someone.
• Counseling and Psychological Services
133 S. 36th Street, 2nd Floor Mellon Bank Building
(215) 898-7021
CAPS offers a wide range of services, including individual and group counseling, therapy, crisis intervention, structured workshops, psychological testing, medication reviews and consultations. The staff at CAPS consist of psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers. All services are free to Penn students.
• Reach-a-Peer Helpline
(215) 573-2RAP
The RAP Line is a peer support telephone service established by and for Penn students to provide information, peer support and referrals. It is open to all students, confidential, anonymous and free.
Students can also visit RAP-Line Online, accessible at www.upenn.edu/rap-online.
• Albert M. Greenfield Intercultural Center
3708 Chestnut Street
(215) 898-3357 or 898-3358
The GIC aims to serve as an intercultural resource on campus, particularly by assisting students, staff and faculty in implementing intercultural programs.
• African American Resource Center
3537 Locust Walk, Suite 200
(215) 898-0104
The mission of AARC is to enhance the quality of life for administrators, faculty, staff and students at the University of Pennsylvania, with a particular focus on those of African descent.
• Makuu
3601 Locust Walk -- The Arch
(215) 573-0823
Makuu's purpose is to create and increase resources for students by serving as a cultural hub for campus activities, activism and personal, professional and academic growth. The Center aims to support all students, with emphasis on students of African descent.
• Pan-Asian American Community House
3601 Locust Walk -- The Arch
(215) 746-6046
PAACH is a resource for advising students and student organizations, with a particular focus on students of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage.
• La Casa Latina
3601 Locust Walk -- The Arch
(215) 746-6043
La Casa Latina: The University of Pennsylvania Center for Hispanic Excellence is devoted to developing greater awareness of Latino issues, culture and identity on Penn's campus. La Casa Latina provides a supportive environment where students are welcome to discuss and understand issues of importance to them.
• Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center
3907 Spruce Street
(215) 898-5044
The LGBT Center works to support Penn's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, staff, alumni and faculty and increases the general community's understanding and acceptance of its sexual and gender minority members.
• Penn Women's Center
3643 Locust Walk
(215) 898-8611
The Women's Center is a multi-service resource and advocacy center focusing on female students, faculty, staff and community members. The PWC provides advising, advocacy, counseling, educational programs and more.
• Writing Advising
This resource is available from both undergraduate and graduate advisers. These advisers can help with formulating a thesis, organizing thoughts, structuring a paper or putting ideas into words. Students can drop in, with or without a paper, to ask for advice or suggestions.
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