Student Life
William Levy donates $42 million to Penn's College of Arts and Sciences for scholarship fund
The estate donation — which brings his lifetime contributions to Penn to $50 million — will establish the William J. Levy Endowed Scholarship Fund to support over 40 students annually.
Year in Review: The top stories that defined Penn in 2024
Interim Penn President Larry Jameson’s first year in the position was marked by heightened campus activism, labor organization, and continued administrative policy changes and fallout.
Year in Review: Penn completes two new buildings, first phase of Quad renovations
The completion of two new buildings marked significant infrastructural developments on Penn’s campus this past year, with additional construction projects set to break ground in 2025.
Students reflect on living in Axis apartment building one semester into Penn's lease
Axis, located next to Kings Court English College House, is serving as housing for second through fourth year Penn students for the 2024-25 academic year while Ware College House undergoes renovations.
Students criticize inflexibility, limited time frame of Penn's add-drop period
According to Penn’s academic calendar, the add-drop period concludes on the third Monday of the semester for both the fall and spring terms, giving students a little less than two weeks to explore courses.
Penn to renovate 1920 Commons in 'comprehensive overhaul,' reconsider all-you-can-eat format
Many of the project's details — including its duration, phases of renovation, and potential changes to walking paths on campus — are not yet finalized.
Penn to partially demolish David Rittenhouse Laboratory, build new physical sciences complex
The project will involve the demolition and rebuilding of the wing of DRL along 33rd Street and the renovation of the wing along Walnut Street.
College leadership, faculty refute ‘one size fits all’ approach to AI policy at Penn
All faculty who spoke to the DP stressed that faculty support, transparency, fairness, and creativity in AI use are key to ensuring it advances, rather than detracts, from student learning.
Penn launches master's program in applied criminology and police leadership, first in nation
The two-year program, which is housed in the School of Arts and Sciences, will be the first graduate program of its kind in the United States.
Penn students, faculty voice concerns about Penn Police raid, barricades at U. Council meeting
At the meeting, several students and professors raised concerns about Penn Police's execution a search warrant at an off-campus residence belonging to pro-Palestinian student activists in October.
Penn advises international students, faculty to return to U.S. before Trump’s inauguration
The announcement, posted on the International Students and Scholar Services website, is directed at Penn community members who hold J-1 and H1-B visas and plan to travel internationally over winter break.
Penn announces $17.8 million Fisher Fine Arts Library renovation
The renovation, which the principal architect on the project called "a noisy operation," is set to last 20 months and begin in April 2025.
Penn's Jewish Heritage Programs hosts Shabbat Unlimited to provide meals for student gatherings
By providing the resources to host a Shabbat dinner, including free meals, JHP hoped to encourage students from various backgrounds and religions to come together over food.
Penn holds Homecoming tailgate for students, alumni to celebrate 175 years of Greek life
The event, which featured a live DJ performance, food from local vendors, and interactive chapter showcases, took place amidst controversy regarding changes to normal Homecoming activities at Penn.
Fewer than half of food items served at Penn’s major dining halls are allergen-free, DP analysis finds
Across the four dining facilities, 2,724 individual menu items were counted, with the highest number of items — 1,282 items across 30 days — appearing at Hill House. 1920 Commons had the second highest number with 855 items.
Seniors report anxieties about pursuing careers in arts, government after 2024 presidential election
Students in the other 50% who spoke with The Daily Pennsylvanian voiced anxieties about the impact of Trump's election on the job market, especially for those who plan to work in government or require a visa in order to remain in the United States.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream opens first location in University City
The new University City is located at 3631 Walnut St., which was previously occupied by The Accolade on Chestnut, and marks the the fourth Van Leeuwen in Philadelphia.
Students concerned for future of Indigenous studies program a year after coordinator retires
Students expressed frustration about the lack of communication from the University, the sparse Indigenous representation among NAIS faculty, and the limited number of courses.
Penn’s latest climate and sustainability action plan prioritizes decarbonization, waste reduction
Known as CSAP 4.0, the latest initiative targets waste reduction and sustainable purchasing while highlighting a new action plan for the University of Pennsylvania Health System.