Announcements

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.’

Penn’s 271st class will be comprised of 2,400 students across Penn’s four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Wharton School, and the School of Nursing.