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Campus & Community
A virtual Convocation for Penn’s newest students
Defined by their mission-driven grit and unity as a community, the Class of 2024 is welcomed with open arms—and inspired to ‘make the impossible possible’—during such an unprecedented time.
Campus workers deliver a ‘team effort’
As Penn settles into Phase II of research resumption and the fall semester gears up, essential workers keep the campus running. Penn Today spoke with three workers about their “new normal.”
COVID-19 testing site for Penn students up and running
Easy, quick, and safe testing is just one of several public health measures the University is undertaking to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus on—and off—campus.
A virtual online platform for campus groups, clubs, and Greek life
In order to help students safely engaging and consider extracurricular opportunities, students and staff have designed new ways for students to connect through virtual events.
Penn’s Student Campus Compact, explained
In a Q&A, Gary Purpura of the Office of the Provost discusses the Student Campus Compact and behavioral expectations of students on campus in the fall semester.
Zoë Ryan appointed director of the Institute of Contemporary Art
Zoë Ryan has been named as the Daniel W. Dietrich, II Director of the ICA, effective Nov. 5. The announcement was made today by Provost Wendell Pritchett.
Summer construction: Despite pandemic setbacks, progress continues
Campus construction during the pandemic has proven challenging but manageable, with 390 active construction projects.
Penn Public Safety Review and Outreach Initiative centers on community input
The newly established Initiative seeks input through virtual hearings and public submissions as part of a comprehensive review of public safety at Penn.
Primary care, delivered
Class of 2019 alumni, in collaboration with Sayre Health Clinic, bring housing and food insecure people in Philadelphia primary care through a medically outfitted van.
Phase II of research resumption expands on-campus activities
An update about the second of Penn’s three-part reopening of research with Vice Provost for Research Dawn Bonnell.
In the News
Testing, testing, and more testing on college campuses this spring as coronavirus concerns remain
Chief Wellness Officer Benoit Dubé said Penn has budgeted $20 million for COVID-related safety measures, including testing. The University plans to conduct 40,000 saliva-based tests per week.
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This man has given away 500 free pizzas. He lowers them from his apartment window
Wharton School graduate student Ben Berman has been raising money for local nonprofits by raffling off homemade pizzas. “This is something positive that I can do from my own apartment,” he said.
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NCAA Division I Council delays vote on transfer rules and name, image and likeness
Athletics Director M. Grace Calhoun released a statement about the NCAA’s decision to delay voting on changes to Division I rules that would allow student athletes to profit off of their own names, images, and likenesses. “The Council remains fully committed to modernizing Division I rules in ways that benefit all student-athletes,” she said. “Unfortunately, external factors require this pause, and the Council will use this time to enhance the proposals.”
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The composer Tyshawn Sorey enters a new phase
Tyshawn Sorey of the School of Arts & Sciences was profiled for his accomplishments as a musician, composer, and academic.
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NCAA grants blanket waiver to transfer athletes, most of whom can play right away
Athletic Director M. Grace Calhoun spoke about the NCAA’s Division I Council’s lenience amid the pandemic. “The Council continued its trend of voting in favor of maximum flexibility for student-athletes during the pandemic,” she said. “Allowing transfer student-athletes to compete immediately will provide additional opportunities to student-athletes during this continued difficult time and perhaps allow games to be played that otherwise might not have been.”
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