Academics
There’s always something new going on at Penn’s four undergraduate schools and 12 graduate schools. Look here for information on upcoming academic initiatives, new classes and research conducted by professors and students.
Wharton Behavioral Lab now running in-person studies from newly renovated lab space
The WBL resumed in-person studies in its upgraded lab space in the fall 2021 semester, with sample sizes of 150 to 200 participants per study.
Penn Violence Prevention Director Malik Washington leaves post, sparking national search for new director
Associate Vice Provost for University Life Sharon Smith and PVP Associate Director Reema Malhotra are currently leading PVP, according to VPUL's Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives Michael Elias.
Penn senior Erin Hayes awarded scholarship to study astronomy at University of Cambridge
Hayes is the 33rd Gates Cambridge Scholar from Penn since the program's inception in 2001, and she will begin her studies at the University of Cambridge this October.
Over 150 Penn faculty rebuke U.S. government for racial profiling of Chinese academics
The China Initiative was unveiled in 2018 during the Trump administration under the guise of preventing economic and technological espionage by — or for the benefit of — the Chinese government.
Kelly Writers House holds book launch for Penn professor Weike Wang's new novel
The event took place on Feb. 7 at the Kelly Writers House’s Arts Café and was hosted by Penn Artist-in-Residence Piyali Bhattacharya.
Temple University Professor Xiaoxing Xi seeks reinstatement of lawsuit against FBI
Lawyers representing Xi and his wife asked a Philadelphia appeals court to reinstate his lawsuit against the United States government in a brief filed Monday.
Yale University creates committee to investigate donation policy
While the committee will provide recommendations, it is unclear if it will have the authority to modify Yale's policy.
Participants deem first Penn Global Seminar in two years a success — despite COVID-19 cases
When the class arrived in mainland Ecuador, eight group members tested positive for COVID-19, and completed their quarantine in Guayaquil while the remaining seven returned to the United States.
Former Penn professor and Grammy-winning composer George Crumb dies at 92
Considered an accomplished avant-garde composer, Crumb gained public recognition as a talented composer in the 1960s and 1970s.
Path@Penn to replace Penn InTouch on March 14 ahead of advance registration
Path@Penn, which was created by Next Generation Student System, will be a renovated version of Penn InTouch and offers many changes that students have been asking for.
New SNF Paideia program course on political empathy screens dialogue-based documentary
The 60-minute documentary brought together twelve individuals on different areas of the political spectrum in order to test whether it was possible to bridge their ideological divides.
Penn professor submits map for Pennsylvania redistricting using computational strategies
The map, submitted by a team of 12 mathematicians, was created using computational redistricting methods, meaning computers were used to test options for potential congressional maps that comply with the legal requirements, according to Gressman.
Penn Student Federal Credit Union has opened applications for its $1000 annual scholarship
The scholarship — which closes on March 31 — is open to all Penn undergraduate students who receive financial aid or have outstanding student loans.
Students studying abroad in spring 2022 balance health and learning amid COVID-19
Penn has been working with the Committee on International Travel Risk Assessment to review study abroad programs and ensure safety among student travelers amid COVID-19.
Two Penn students form a club to teach the art of Chinese calligraphy
The club hosts special events around the Chinese holidays, allowing students to celebrate while trying their hand at Chinese calligraphy.
Penn sophomore Tola Nemomsa dies at 21
Nemomsa — known as "Tola" to family and friends — was passionate about public health and urban development and pursued these studies at Penn.
Students are relieved to have returned to in-person classes — but COVID-19-related concerns persist
Students largely said they were glad to be back in person and relieved that the University did not extend the virtual learning past Jan. 24.
College senior launches nonprofit creative writing program
Cosmic Writers began as Word Camp, a free summer program founded in 2020 by Miller after receiving the 2020 Kelly Writers House Kerry Prize.
Wharton professor’s viral tweet sparks national debate on income inequality
Strohminger's tweet mentioned that one student had estimated that the average salary was $800,000 per year. In reality, the average American worker only made $53,383 in 2020.