Dear Benny,

I am a new employee at Penn and am curious about the University Club. Can I become a member? What sorts of meals and other specials come with membership?
—Members Only

Dear Member,
Yes, membership at the University Club, located on the second floor of the Inn at Penn, is open to all faculty, staff, alumni, graduate students, emeritus faculty, and retired staff. An added bonus for you since you’re new to the University: The membership fee is waived for the first year for new faculty and staff.

Otherwise, annual membership runs $65 for faculty, staff, alumni, graduate students, and associate members. Emeritus faculty and retired staff pay just $50 a year.

According to Dennis Daly, coordination liaison for Hospitality Services, membership includes a host of niceties, including complimentary coffee and breakfast refreshments every morning; private event space available, free-of-charge, for breakfast, lunch,
and afternoon meetings (a minimum food purchase is required); evening events; a 10 percent discount at Penne and the bar at the Living Room at the Inn at Penn; and access to more than 100 faculty clubs in the Association of College and University Clubs.

This semester, the University Club also has a host of new amenities. Patrons can now gain access to afternoon meeting space and a la carte service from 2 to 5 p.m., featuring a cheese plate, soup and sandwich, or warm cookies and milk. The cost ranges from $4 for desserts to $9.65 for a meal.

In addition, this spring, members can also sign up for exclusive private wine education dinners with Penne restaurant’s Master Sommelier Marco Avigo. Each dinner will be limited to 12 people, and will feature four courses with four related wines, as well as a discussion led by Avigo.

For more information on University Club memberships, go to www.businessservices.upenn.edu/universityclub.