Announcements

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.

To the Penn Community:As extensively reported in the media, Penn is one of nine universities that recently received a proposal from the Secretary of Education and other senior leaders in the U.S. administration titled, “Compact for Excellence in Higher Education.” We have been asked to provide feedback by October 20, 2025.

Today, we announce the launch of Penn Forward, a University-wide strategic planning initiative to shape Penn’s future.Since its founding in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania has continuously innovated in education, scholarship, and service. That constant self-improvement is part of what makes Penn such a practical institution, able to address current challenges and emerging opportunities.

As a student and then a faculty member, I have been privileged to spend most of my life on university campuses. Learning, teaching, and leading in higher education has been deeply fulfilling for me. I can always find joy at Penn and in our amazing community.

To the Penn Community:Yesterday, Penn and the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) resolved a February 2025 investigation into Penn's compliance with Title IX for women’s athletics. This is a complex issue, and I am pleased that we were able to reach a resolution through the standard OCR process for concluding Title IX investigations.