NSO targets community-focused events after Penn task force recommendations

With Penn set to welcome over 2,400 students to campus for New Student Orientation, NSO organizers are incorporating several new events intended to build community among the incoming class. 

This year's NSO programming, which runs Aug. 21-26, will include a new location for the class introductory session, a visit to the National Constitution Center, and a session focused on community relationships and discourse. The program's changes are part of Penn's efforts to respond to recent campus events, according to New Student Orientation and Academic Initiatives Director David Fox. 

“I think this year obviously has been very complicated and, in some ways, a difficult year for the campus," Fox said. "We are really trying to emphasize some of the important ideas that come out of the President's Commission [on Countering Hate] and the Task Force on Antisemitism, and center those within a very positive framework, which we're calling 'Building the Penn Community.'"

The University task forces, which were formed last year to strengthen community on campus amid concerns of antisemitism and Islamophobia, shared their final reports in May. These recommendations included a redesign of NSO to highlight topics such as engaging in productive dialogue, understanding Penn's open expression policies, and "becoming a Penn citizen."

One major change is the relocation of class introductory sessions, which are typically hosted in Irvine Auditorium or the Annenberg Center. This year, the presentations will take place in the Palestra, and program leaders will address the entire Class of 2028 in a central location.

“[Holding it in the Palestra] is a very different feeling and will allow the class to be together from the very beginning,” Fox said. “We want to emphasize the excitement and celebratory nature of that.” 

In the afternoon, students will attend a mandatory "Building the Penn Community" session, where they will hear perspectives from various community members about "citizenship, inclusion, respect, and thoughtful communication."

Another addition to the agenda is a visit to the National Constitution Center at 525 Arch St. The center offers a vast array of interactive exhibits, theatrical performances, and informational programs centered around civic education. The NCC recently announced that it will host the 2024 presidential debate on Sept. 10. between and Vice President Kamala Harris and 1968 Wharton graduate and former President Donald Trump.

Fox said that the trip will help introduce students to Philadelphia's rich historical and cultural offerings, while also highlighting civil dialogue. 

“[Students] are members of the Penn community and also members of the Philadelphia community, and we love to show off the resources of the city," Fox said. "The Constitution Center is also very much a center for discussions of speech and interaction discourse, so I think it will also reinforce those values.”

Despite the introduction of new events, NSO will preserve many of the program’s most popular traditions, such as the Class of 2028 photo at Franklin Field. This year’s program marks the 21st year that NSOAI will hold the gala event at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, traditionally one of the highlights of the week for first-year students.

Noah Milad, a College junior and NSOAI intern, said that the team understands that starting college can be overwhelming, so their goal is to keep students engaged and connected throughout the week.

"We want to keep students active, meeting new people, and building connections," Milad said. "Our whole thing is just trying to welcome new students, make them as comfortable as possible and just feel, you know, welcomed." 

Fox said that — despite the trepidation that new students may feel arriving to campus — he hopes that they will begin their time at Penn with a sense of joy. 

"Come with an open mind and an open heart and ready to jump in," he said.