Announcements

For nearly 300 years—we are looking forward to our 268th Commencement in June—Penn has created knowledge, shared it for good, and educated the next generation. With everything I have, I believe in the power and importance of our mission. It must continue, and it will continue. But this is a dark and difficult time for the world. And it is a dark and difficult time for Penn.

I write today to announce Penn’s Action Plan to Combat Antisemitism, our dedicated commitment to counter this evil on our campus and beyond. I also want to update you on additional steps Penn is taking on the related challenges of other forms of hate.

Message prioritizing the safety of our campus community

  Dear Penn Community, With heavy hearts, we write to share that Michael Gavin ’26, an undergraduate in the College of Arts and Sciences, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Michael was a native of West Chester, Pennsylvania. He attended the Hun School of Princeton and the Haverford School, where he was a deeply respected member of both institutions’ academic communities and athletic programs.

In the past few days, more than 50 current and emeritus Trustees gathered for two, virtual conversations. These were not formal board meetings, which require public notice and are held in a public forum with current voting Trustees, but rather opportunities for President Magill to update and seek guidance from Penn's leadership volunteers, past and present.  

Penn's response to recent events and support for our community.

A message from President Magill and Provost Jackson on supporting our community.

More than two dozen events are scheduled for the Penn community to participate in climate events throughout the week.

The Palestine Writes Literature Festival, a multi-day event featuring Palestinian writers, filmmakers, and artists, will take place on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus later this month. This public event is not organized by the University. As is routine in universities, individual faculty, departments and centers, and student organizations are engaged as sponsors, speakers, and volunteers at this conference intended to highlight the importance and cultural impact of Palestinian writers and artists.

President Liz Magill and Provost John L. Jackson Jr. said, ‘In these first hours following the release of these rulings, we have two messages. First, we are studying the Court’s opinion to ensure that we admit students in compliance with the law. Second, we remain firm in our belief that our academic community is at its best when it is diverse across many dimensions.’