Thursday Morning: College considers revising curriculum structure

Thursday, April 11

Good morning, Penn.

As Penn kicks off its first round of Quaker Days, The Daily Pennsylvanian is excited to welcome a new crop of students to our campus community.

The DP spoke with five newly admitted students from the Class of 2025 about their official commitment to Penn. Meanwhile, the Undergraduate Assembly's next president and vice president were elected — and the DP spoke with the president-elect about her reaction to the win and her priorities.

But first, faculty and administrators at the College of Arts and Sciences are discussing potential revisions to its curriculum for the first time in 18 years.

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TODAY'S TOP STORY

Photo by Roger Ge

College considers changes to graduation requirements

For the first time in 18 years, the College is considering restructuring its current curriculum to counteract decreasing rates of student enrollment in their humanities and social science programs. Proposed changes include revisions to sectors and foundations, credit requirements, and the College's mission statement.

The DP spoke to students, professors, and administrators in the College about how curriculum modifications might impact the framework of Penn's liberal arts education in the future.

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FIVE MORE BIG STORIES

College junior Ria Ellendula and Wharton sophomore Michelle Chen were elected as the Undergraduate Assembly's next president and vice president, and Ellendula discussed her reactions and goals.

The DP spoke with five members of Penn's Regular Decision Class of 2028 to learn about their backgrounds, interests, and reasons for committing to Penn.

College of Arts and Science Dean Paul Sniegowski will assume the presidency of Earlham College, leaving his current post over the summer.

Wharton reclaimed its top spot on the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report's Best Business Schools ranking, tying with Stanford University.

Penn is purchasing all electricity produced at two new solar facilities as part of its goal to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2042.

OPINION

Design by Insia Haque

COLUMNIST ELIZA CARROLL examines Penn’s institutional culture and how students adapt to the lack of guidelines provided by the University.

SPORTS

Penn men's basketball senior guard Clark Slajchert announced his transfer to USC for his final year of eligibility.

Penn heavyweight rowing senior and team captain Ben Rutherford is hoping to end his collegiate career with no regrets.

TODAY IN DP HISTORY

Photo by Lizzy Machielse

In 2017, the DP reported that newly elected Undergraduate Assembly leadership were developing initiatives aimed at improving students’ mental health across campus. Last night, College junior Ria Ellendula and Wharton sophomore Michelle Chen were elected as the UA's new president and vice president for the next school year.

VIDEO

According to the University, more than 65,000 students applied to Penn this year during the regular decision cycle — marking the largest application pool in Penn’s history and an increase of more than 10% from last year. On this first Quaker Day, check out how these new Quakers reacted to their acceptances.

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Click here to play today's DP mini crossword, which was constructed by Derek Wong.

Looking for today's DP crossword? Pick up a print edition to play our full-size puzzle.

FROM 34TH STREET MAGAZINE

She's on bookshelves. She's on Hulu. And two weeks ago, she was at Penn. Celeste Ng, the acclaimed author of Little Fires Everywhere, joined the Penn Asian American Studies department in conversation with professor David Eng to discuss her journey as an author. It was a riveting event, but if you happened to miss it, Street will keep you in the know.

FROM UNDER THE BUTTON

Student "Doing Work" on College Green Accomplishes Literally Nothing for Four Hours

Today's newsletter was copy edited by Nicholas Maharaj.

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