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.
Students praise Penn’s plan to hold class in person this fall
Some students were optimistic that a return to traditional learning will be beneficial for their social and mental health.
Penn Graduate School of Education earns No. 1 spot in U.S. News ranking
The latest rankings mark the first time that Penn GSE was ranked No. 1 and the sixth consecutive year that it was ranked in the top five.
Penn will offer over 100 undergraduate courses virtually this summer
The University will offer completely virtual classes this summer, and the roster will have more variety and seats available than in a typical year.
Penn senior, alum awarded Churchill Scholarship to study at Cambridge University
College senior Adam Konkol and December 2020 College graduate Abigail Timmel were two of 16 people across the country who were awarded the scholarship.
Penn Nursing ranked No. 1 in the world by Quacquarelli Symonds for sixth straight year
Penn topped the nursing rankings with 95.5 total quality points, outperforming the nursing programs at King’s College London and Johns Hopkins University, which placed second and third, respectively.
Asian American Studies prof.’s departure reignites concern over lack of support for program
The impending departure of David Eng, a professor of the Asian American Studies Program, is leaving community members with a sinking feeling about the entire future of Asian American Studies at Penn.
Students report no decrease in workload despite two days off this week
Despite the shortened two-day spring break taking place this week, some students reported that they have assignments due on days where no classes will be held.
College modifies natural sciences sector requirement to foster interdisciplinary approach
The new sector, Natural Science Across Disciplines, will take effect for students in the entering Class of 2025, but all current students may choose from the new list of courses.
Penn delays advance registration for fall courses as it mulls modes of instruction
The advance registration period for fall courses will now be held from April 13 through April 23, instead of the previously scheduled March 22 through April 4.
Penn in Washington plans for tentative in-person programming this fall
A semester-long program, the Penn in Washington Program affords a cohort of about 25 students the opportunity to work part-time as interns in D.C., while also taking four course credits taught by Penn professors in Washington.
Penn panel on racism in education discusses barriers to success for students of color
Panelists discussed the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on students of color and low-income students who may not have access to resources crucial to remote learning.
Wharton will offer new entrepreneurship and innovation concentration in fall 2021
The new concentration will be administered through the Management Department, and will provide course offerings spanning seven departments, including Healthcare Management; Marketing; Operations, Information, and Decisions; Legal Studies; and Real Estate.
Penn-founded advocacy campaign uncovers racial and gender discrimination in CIS department
Sixty percent of survey respondents who identified as African American or Black reported that someone once claimed their racial identity unfairly contributed to their acceptance to the Engineering School, in comparison to 7.81% of Asian and 7.58% of white respondents.
Four seniors and one 2019 graduate named 2021 Thouron Scholars
Each year the award is given to four to six graduating seniors, recent graduates, professional students, or current graduate students at Penn to fund two years of graduate study in the United Kingdom.
Some Ph.D. students forced to delay graduation as COVID-19 disrupts research abroad
The disruption has prompted financial concerns for students who may now require additional semesters of funding.
Faculty, students deem Penn Global Seminar’s new virtual format a success
While Penn Global Seminars include an abroad component either during winter break, spring break, or summer break, where students visit the country they learn about in class, the courses now follow the Collaborative Online International Learning format.
Black Penn students allege pattern of racism in Chemistry dept. on viral Instagram page
Multiple posts levy accusations against Penn’s Chemistry Department, leading the department to apologize to certain students for their "negative experiences" related to the department, but the University as a whole has taken no such steps.
Students learning in isolation cope with warped sense of time, concentration issues
Many students experienced fatigue, struggles with time management and concentration, and stress as a result of confinement and the illness itself.
St. Joe’s and University of the Sciences announce potential plan to merge next year
The possible merger is part of a broader trend in higher education, as universities have lost out on room and board money during the COVID-19 pandemic.
