| Penn Today

2026-02-10

The Political Work of Musical Classifications

Music theorist and ethnographer Anna Yu Wang will discuss the consequential yet still underexamined political implications of Anglo-American music theory’s relatively rigorous, descriptive vocabulary. Attendees will be invited to consider how these patterns and classifications can reflect the limitations and propensities of a given music analyst’s own sociopolitical positionality. Free and open to the public.

5:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Penn Music Building, 201 S. 34th St.

2025-12-09

The Past, Present & Future of Ethics in Clinical Research

Christine Grady, former chair in the Department of Bioethics at the NIH Clinical Center and widely published senior investigator, will discuss a framework developed 25 years ago to help investigators, reviewers, and others interested in the design, implementation, and evaluation of ethical clinical research. Free and open to the public. Register to attend.

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Hybrid; Richards Medical Research Laboratory, 3700 Hamilton Walk

2026-03-19

Health and Well-Being

Part of SP2’s series The Politics of Well-Being, this conversation will examine health as a cornerstone of well-being. Panelists representing the fields of social work and public health will explore how health policy reflects political priorities and ethical commitments, as well as assess the challenges and innovations shaping health equity today. Open to the public. Register to attend.

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics, 133 S. 36th St.

2026-02-19

Place and Well-Being

Part of SP2’s series The Politics of Well-Being, this session will explore the geography of well-being: how neighborhood infrastructure, environmental justice, urban design, and housing access shape physical and mental health. Speakers will discuss how place-based policies can foster or undermine equitable outcomes—and how communities reclaim agency over space. Open to the public. Register to attend.

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Perelman Center for Political Science and Economics, 133 S. 36th St.

2025-12-13

Conifers Tour

Participants will explore the wide variety of conifers—both evergreen and deciduous—on display at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens. These notable specimens provide multi-seasonal interest with an array of forms, foliage, bark, and cones. Free with Penn ID.

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.

2025-12-06

Penn Glee Club Sings Holiday Classics

The Penn Glee Club will sing their repertoire of holiday classics next to the Holiday Garden Railway at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens. Attendees will meet at the Sugarman sculpture. Free with Penn ID.

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.

2026-01-31

CultureFest! Lunar New Year

Originating as a time for respite from agricultural work and togetherness with loved ones, Lunar New Year is observed by various Asian communities—including those of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Tibetan descent—involving customs such as feasts, gift exchanges, lantern lighting, and offerings to deities and ancestors. This family-friendly festival will feature various Lunar New Year traditions, such as storytelling, artmaking, live music and dance performances, and a traditional Lion Dance finale. Free with Penn ID.

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Penn Museum, 3260 South St.

2025-11-22

Native North America Gallery: Opening Day

Developed in partnership with eight Indigenous consulting curators, the new Native North America Gallery will explore the political, religious, linguistic, and artistic self-determination of Native peoples across the United States who are still thriving. Free with Penn ID.

10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Penn Museum, 3260 South St.

2025-11-07

First-Gen Celebration Week: Student & Alumni Mixer

Undergraduates studying and socializing in the Penn First Plus office

Students can join Penn First Plus (P1P) staff and P1P Alumni Association board and alumni for a casual networking reception to kick off Homecoming Weekend and First Gen Celebration Week at Penn. Participants are welcome to arrive and leave at any time during the event. Light refreshments will be provided. Register to attend.

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

College Hall

2025-11-07

First-Gen Celebration Week: Networking Workshop

Part of the 2025 Penn First Plus First-Gen Celebration Week event series, this workshop will prepare students to make a lasting impression before, during, and after in-person networking events, and leave with a personalized elevator pitch that highlights their story and strengths. Register to attend.

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

College Hall