Announcements

After reviewing more than 61,000 applications, today we are delighted to welcome our newest group of Quakers admitted through Regular Decision.Every year, we have the privilege of getting to know an extraordinary range of students through the stories they share with us. And every year we’re reminded that a Penn class is shaped not only by achievement, but also by the perspectives, curiosity, and sense of purpose students bring to our community.

Penn’s commitment to open expression is a bedrock principle of our campus community and central to our institutional mission.

As our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I have been reflecting on its profound opening words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Our history reminds us that the promise of those words has not always been fully realized. For many, the starting line is set back and the path forward is uphill.

We want to share an update on the University’s financial position, and the key considerations guiding our approach, as we begin budget planning for the coming fiscal and academic years.

A reminder of University policies and procedures regarding weather-related campus operation suspension or modification and resulting class cancellations.

As we return to classes, you will notice new blue banners featuring Benjamin Franklin on display around campus. These commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary and Penn’s significant ties to that revolutionary era. Throughout 2026, the Penn community and Philadelphia will mark the anniversary in a variety of ways, like interactive programming on 52 Weeks of Firsts that prominently features Penn and our founder.

To the University Community:I was devastated to learn of the tragic shooting on the Brown University campus last night. While details are still evolving, our hearts go out to their entire community during this profoundly difficult time.Our Penn leadership team is following this closely and we remind you that support and wellness resources are available, if needed.

A message of gratitude to the Penn community.

To the Penn Community,As I communicated to you on October 16, 2025, we sent a letter to the Department of Education in response to their request for limited, targeted feedback about the proposed Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.Since then, many of you have requested access to the actual letter and in the spirit of transparency, I share its text with you below.

To the Penn Community:For 285 years, Penn has been anchored and guided by continuous self-improvement, using education as a ladder for opportunity, and advancing discoveries that serve our community, our nation, and the world.