Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction.........................................................................................2
Chapter 2: advising
Residential Advisors ........................................................................... 15 Peer Advisors...................................................................................... 15 Faculty Advisors ................................................................................. 15 Major Advising Program .................................................................... 18 Other Advisors ................................................................................... 18
Chapter 3: registration
Scheduling ......................................................................................... 21 Grading Options ................................................................................ 23
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Table of Contents
appendix
Advising Resources Chart................................................................... 53
Campus map
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A Roadmap to Penn
Acronyms
ABCS CCP CHAS CPCW CURF CwiC DAB EDAB ITA LPS MAP NEC OIP OSL PCR PRP SAC SCUE SNAP SPEC UA UAB VPUL WAB Academically Based Community Service Netter Center for Community Partnership College Houses and Academic Services Center for Programs in Contemporary Writing Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Communication Within the Curriculum Deans Advisory Board (College) Engineering Undergraduate Advisory Board Information Technology Assistant School of Liberal and Professional Studies Major Advising Program Nominations and Elections Committee Office of International Programs Office of Student Life Penn Course Review Penn Reading Project Student Activities Council Student Committee on Undergraduate Education Student Nurses At Penn Social Planning and Events Committee Undergraduate Assembly Undergraduate Advisory Boards Vice-Provost of University Life Whartons Dean Advisory Board
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Introduction
Introduction
Dear Class of 2016, With all the official mailings, swirling rumors, and Locust Walk flyers for you to sift through, the last thing you might want is another publication purporting to advise you on all things Penn. But before you throw this atop your heaping pile of resources (or the recycling bin), take a moment to skim through it. SCUEs The Practical Scholar: A Roadmap to Penn stands out in several ways and is a valuable handbook for those inevitable questions that arise during your freshman year and beyond. Now in its eighteenth year of publication, the Roadmap remains the only resource for academic advice made for Penn students, by Penn students. It is a useful handbook that can help you find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Penn. Youll also find that it can also open exciting new avenues, like undergraduate research or academically-based community service. Use the Roadmap as its title implies: youll need it if youre lost, but you might also discover the road less traveled. Beyond familiarizing yourself with the contents of this handbook, the best advice is, of course, to go out and talk to people. Peer advisors, faculty members, your RA or GA, and upperclassmen are all excellent resources for you. Theres no right way to navigate Penn, and everyone will have a different story to tell. Find out what people like, what they dislike, and how they have become involved in the Penn community. SCUE is the academic policy branch of student government, and we work to make Penn the best it can be for undergraduates. We know that Penn is rich in resources and centers, but they often remain invisible and under-utilized. To that end, we hope the Roadmap will help you to find your own path. And if you feel that your path may include becoming involved in academic policy, we encourage you to visit our website www.scue.org to learn more about us and find our application for membership. Good luck on your journey through Penn! Scott Dzialo SCUE Chair
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A Roadmap to Penn
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Chapter
CourSe opTionS
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A Roadmap to Penn
Seminars
We strongly recommend that you take one seminar every semester. The smaller environment of seminars provides you with a chance to interact with a professor and participate actively in discussions while also enjoying an enriching bonding experience with other students. Penn has a variety of seminars available including Benjamin Franklin, Freshman, Writing, Academically-Based Community Service (ABCS) and Graduate seminars. As a freshman, you should definitely consult the Freshman Seminar Handbook because, after all, it was designed for you! You can find a complete listing of the Freshman seminars available each semester at http://www.college.upenn.edu/courses/ seminars/freshman.php.
So I have some ideas about courses, but the descriptions in the timetable only narrowed down my 50 choices to 35. What do I do next?
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A Roadmap to Penn As helpful as these resources are, they are not a substitute for your own best judgment. Dont be afraid to shop around for courses! Though Penn does not have an official shopping period, you should feel free to attend as many classes as you can handle for the first two weeks of the semester. That way, youll be able to make as informed a decision as possible when you narrow down your options to the four or five youll actually take. Nothing not the syllabus, the course description, or other peoples opinions beats attending a class to see for yourself what its all about.
Requirements
Each year, the four undergraduate schools tweak and modify their programs to increase the quality of education at Penn. While this is wonderful for all of you, it will make it slightly more challenging for upperclassmen to advise you on the best ways to navigate the requirements for your particular class. Dont wait until youre practically done with Penn to realize that you were wrong about a good number of graduation requirements. Consult advisors, fill out the appropriate worksheet on Penn InTouch, and peruse the online resources available from your school and referred to in the sections below.
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Chapter 1: Course Options You wish to take an entirely new foreign language. Penn offers more languages than your high school ever could have and most of them can be used to fulfill the language requirement. If youre feeling adventurous, consider taking Gujarati or Zulu. If there is a language you would like to take but Penn is not currently offering it, talk to the people at the Penn Language Center or the appropriate department and ask if it would be possible to study, say, Quechua (people have in the past, so just ask it cant hurt!). For more information, go to http://www.plc.sas.upenn.edu/. You submitted an Achievement Exam score (i.e. AP or SAT II) for a foreign language as part of your application to the University AND you wish to use that score for your placement into the same foreign language. Consult your advisor for more information.
Math Placement
Although you might have thought that you escaped math upon your admission to Penn, you should be aware that all undergraduate schools do have math requirements. Not to worry, the Penn Math Department has something for everyone, whether you discovered a new mathematical theorem in high school or swore to never use your TI-89 again. First, check out the requirements for your school. Also consider taking the internal placement exam given by the Math Department during the beginning of the academic year. See the Advice for Freshmen link on the Math Departments homepage at http://www.math.upenn.edu/ugrad for specifics regarding the placement exam as well as course descriptions.
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Chapter 1: Course Options Take a look at classes that seem fun. Study what you have a passion for, not what you want to get a job in. Every day, theater arts majors are accepted to medical school, classical studies majors are accepted to law school, and creative writing majors get jobs in consulting. That is the beauty of liberal arts education: you receive the skill set needed to succeed in any discipline regardless of your choice of major. And make sure to check out the Colleges website for Freshman Seminars (http://www.college.upenn.edu/courses/seminars/freshman. php). These classes are often about fascinating, quirky topics, and are taught by professors who are interested in teaching freshman. They also provide a great way to fulfill sector requirements rather than taking large, introductory lectures. But you only have access to them as freshmen, so make sure to take them before its too late!
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Book Purchasing
Succeeding in Courses
Now that Im taking these courses, do you have tips for doing well?
Why yes we do. The most important, simplest, and best tip is GO TO CLASS. While many professors post lecture slides online, thats not a substitute for going to lecture.
Look at the syllabus! The syllabus outlines the entire semester for
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A Roadmap to Penn you beware that many courses schedule midterms in the same one or two week span, so make sure to be aware of any conflicts ahead of time. Two midterms on the same day may seem like a lot (and it is!) but if you plan ahead it is manageable. Professors love it when students go to office hours, and you will love it too! You dont need to be having trouble in a course in order to stop by. In fact, we suggest that even if you dont have any specific questions that you go to office hours anyway. You can discuss the material in general or even learn about research opportunities. You can even just ask for advice on life in general. If you have class during office hours, just email the professor and ask to set up a meeting. Also, you can take a professor to lunch for free. Its on us! With the support of the Provosts Office, SCUE sponsors the Take Your Professor to Lunch program at the University Club in the Inn at Penn. You just need your Penn Card and your professor. See the SCUE website at www.scue.org for more information. Make friends in your courses. If you happen to miss a day, you will be able to get notes. Also, some students like to study and work in groups. Just make sure that all expectations from the professor are clear with regard to plagiarism and working on homework and projects in groups. The most important advice we can give you is take full advantage of all the academic and extracurricular activities Penn offers. These four years provide amazing opportunities for you to study esoteric topics, master a new language, do research with leading professors, stay up late with friends discussing the meaning of life, explore one of Americas great cities, and become a more mature thinker and citizen. Live it up!
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SEAS:
Engineering freshmen schedules differ throughout the various departments within SEAS. To find out more specifics about what each major suggests for freshmen schedules, go to http://www.seas. upenn.edu/undergraduate/degrees/index.php. This website also provides you with the contact information for your Department Coordinator, your primary contact person for all major-related questions. (This information is also provided in the section about Engineering advising.) Once you register for the suggested classes on the above website, SCUE suggests satisfying your writing requirement during your freshman year, and also taking a freshman seminar (see our sections on both of these subjects for more info).
Wharton:
Wharton Freshmen take either 4 or 5 classes in their first semester. Typically, all students take MGMT 100, ECON 010, and a Writing Seminar. Depending on what you already have credit for, the remaining credits may consist of MATH 103/104 or STAT 101, a Foreign Language class, or a General Education Requirement. To see a sample four year outline of the courses you will be taking, or for more information about the Wharton curriculum, check out the Wharton handbook at http://spike.wharton.upenn.edu/ugrprogram/ advising/advising/handbook.cfm.
Nursing:
First semester Nursing students usually all take the same courses. In the fall of 2011, Nursing implemented a new curriculum for incoming students. The new fall semester consists of 5 half credit classes: Biologically Based Chemistry, Cellular Biology, Microbiology, Fundamentals of Nutrition, and the Nature of Nursing Practice. Along with these fall Nursing requirements, a typical freshmen may take the required writing seminar and/or a language class. Nursing courses required for second semester freshmen year include: Cellular and Microbiology Laboratory, Integrated Anatomy, Physiology, and Physical Assessment I, and Situating the Practice of Nursing. This spring schedule also allows room to continue taking language classes and sector courses. Nursing students are encouraged to supplement their Nursing courses with electives in any of the other three undergraduate schools.
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Chapter
adviSing
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A Roadmap to Penn
Chapter 2: Advising
Wowsers, this book is great! But is there a human I can talk to?
When you have questions about your academic options, course planning, or where to get the best Philly cheese steak, the University has a wide range of advisors who are available to guide you.
Residential Advisors
Although RAs and GAs are best known for organizing floor events and planning programs that will allow you to meet other students and interact with the city, they are also a wonderful resource for those nagging questions that you have in the middle of the night. An often underutilized resource, your RA or GA can offer advice on topics ranging from course selection to what to do on a Saturday night. Theyre here for you!
Peer Advisors
If you are a first-year student, you should have a Peer Advisor who contacted you during the summer. The system, however, is not foolproof. If you have not been contacted, or you do not know who your peer advisor is, your school office will be happy to straighten things out for you. Peer advisors are Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors who have chosen to volunteer their time to help you transition. Theyre enthusiastic about Penn and trained to help you understand the registration process, set up meetings with your pre-major advisor, and assist you with anything else that might come up. Plus, peer advisors are often matched with freshmen advisees based on the information indicated on applications. That means he or she probably shares some of your interests, knows professors in fields youre pursuing, or may have even taken courses youre considering. Ask them about their experiences because theyre here to help. And you can call or email your peer advisor throughout the summer and school year if you have any questions or want advice. Also, if you feel like youve mastered the system after a year or two, think about giving peer advising a try for yourself. Its a great way to help other people learn from your mistakes. If youre interested in becoming a peer advisor, look out for applications in the spring.
Faculty Advisors
While advising differs from school to school, the overarching goal of all of the school advising offices is for every undergraduate student
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Chapter 2: Advising to have an available human resource who can provide practical information. Some students meet with their advisors only when necessary; others develop friendships that last throughout their undergraduate career and beyond. Your relationship with your advisor can be whatever you want it to be, but its your right as a Penn student to have a competent, involved advisor. If you feel like youre not getting the attention or the help you need from your appointed advisor (he/she should at least be able to point you in the right direction, if not answer your questions personally), do not hesitate to go to your school or your department and request a change. You should contact your school directly for questions regarding school-specific advising policies but weve condensed the essential information for you here:
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Nursing
Excited about your nursing program but unsure of how to best tailor it to your needs? You will be assigned a faculty advisor, who will work with you for the next 4 years. Your advisor can answer questions on topics ranging from course selection to extra-curricular opportunities. If you would like to talk to someone else, stop by the Office of Student Services (Fagin Hall Suite M-18). There you can speak with an academic advisor regarding your plan of study, minors, dual degrees, study abroad, and any curricular pursuits. You will also be assigned a Peer Advisor, an upperclassman who can give you the inside scoop on life as a nursing student. Still unsure and want to explore more options? Attend a meeting of Student Nurses at Penn (SNAP), which holds general body meetings once a month. As a nursing student you are automatically enrolled in SNAP, and it is a great way to meet other nursing faculty and students and learn from their experiences.
Engineering
Are you an engineer with questions? Or maybe just wondering who to talk to for advice? Engineering students, you were probably contacted by your Orientation Peer Advisor (OPA!) the summer before you started Penn! You and your OPA should have talked about courses, the major, and any other questions you had about Penn Engineering in general. When you arrive at Penn, youll meet your academic advisor, a professor in your major. Youre required to meet your advisor twice per year to schedule for your courses. You can make an appointment and meet with your advisor to talk about opportunities in your major, research, and anything else, really. Another fantastic resource is your
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A Roadmap to Penn departments Undergraduate Coordinator, aka resident expert on all things about your major. E-mail him or her with any questions you might have! (Contact information can be found on the departments website. They are also all listed here: http://www.seas.upenn.edu/ undergraduate/degrees/index.php). There are walk-in engineering advising hours from 2-4 pm every Monday Thursday in 111 Towne Building. You can always make an appointment if those hours dont work for you by calling 215-898-7246. These staff advisors are there to guide you in selecting your courses to fulfill your Social Science and Humanities requirements or in choosing Free Elective courses. They can also help you explore other academic options such as study abroad, dual degrees, minors, and submatriculation opportunities in graduate programs across the University. Also, what you need to know about being a Penn engineer and a list of frequently asked questions can be found in the Undergraduate Student Handbook online at http://www.seas.upenn.edu/ undergraduate/handbook/index.php.
Wharton
College
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Chapter 2: Advising everything you need to think about while planning your academic program, as well as introduce you to Penns rich offerings as you shape your intellectual goals. Your pre-major advisor will help you navigate the course selection process and assist you in identifying resources and support. Youll meet your advisor during New Student Orientation and are required to meet with him or her during each registration period. For specific question about a major or program, contact the appropriate departments undergraduate chair. You can find links on the Majors & Minors section of the Colleges website. Some departments also have active Undergraduate Advisory Boards, who you can contact to learn more about specific programs and ways to get involved in the discipline. If you have a question about course registration, degree requirements, academic support services or University procedures, the Colleges website (college.upenn.edu) contains nearly all the information you might need, as does the various literature youve received or can pick up at the College Office in 120 Cohen Hall. For quick questions about academic rules, regulations and procedures, email the Help Desk at answers@sas.upenn.edu.
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Other Advisors
If you are an athlete or participate in PENNCAP, ROTC, the Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program (BFS), Joseph Wharton Scholars Program (JWS), and/or the University Scholars Program (US), you have another advisor assigned to you as well. Many times these advisors know a great deal more about your particular needs than any of the other aforementioned advisors. They can serve as your primary advisor or as a supplemental one. Word to the wise: SEE THEM!
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A Roadmap to Penn It can do you a lot of good. Finally, many of the cultural centers throughout campus are a great resource for support and advising. For more information, consult the websites for the individual centers. Keep in mind that advising at Penn is a multi-faceted program and that no one person will have all the answers to all your questions. Much as you might want someone to tell you what to do with your life, there are some things you just have to figure out on your own. For less esoteric or philosophical questions, make sure youre asking the right people your questions. Want to know about the requirements for a major? Go to the departments office or check out its website. Curious about how to improve your Econ grade? Visit the Penn Tutoring Center or the Weingarten Learning Resources Center. If its information on fellowships and research opportunities you seek, make an appointment with the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF). Looking for a summer internship or a life plan? Career Services will be happy to help. And, of course, sometimes the best advisors are the ones you find on your own: a professor whose class you liked, an upperclassman who always knows whats up, or a mentor you meet along the way. Upperclassmen are great resources for advice on courses, teachers and ways to get involved outside the classroom. That kid sitting next to you in class, at a club meeting or on the sports field has a unique perspective to share. Dont be afraid to ask a question or strike up a conversation; theyve been through it all, so learn from their mistakes. Appreciate and take advantage of the resources offered at a place like Penn. If youre enjoying a class, stop by the professors office hours to chat. SCUE Lunchroom (http://www.scue.org/initiatives/ scue-lunchroom/) is a program that lets you take a professor out to lunch for free. Many departments and student groups also sponsor special events and discussions that let you interact more closely with faculty. Those relationships can blossom into advising and research opportunities as well as friendships Need an abridged version of the resources that are out there? See the back appendix for a comprehensive chart.
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Chapter
regiSTraTion
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A Roadmap to Penn
Chapter 3: Registration
Scheduling
Keep course times in mind when planning your schedule and take courses that match your personal routine. If you are a morning person, embrace 9 AM recitations. Many students prefer not to have class on Fridays but be realistic. Dont write off a course simply because of when it meets. Classes do not last the entire time allotted. The university allows ten minutes for students to walk to their next class. Thus, a one hour class that starts at 1:00 PM actually ends at 1:50 PM. A one and a half hour class that begins at 10:30 AM would end at 11:50, and so on and so forth! Therefore, it is possible to take classes back to back to back (if you so desire). Though some people like to have a block of classes as opposed to spacing them throughout the day, watch out that you dont get stuck running from one side of campus (aka DRLB) to the other (aka Huntsman).
Penn InTouch
During advance registration you will have two weeks to enter your requests for courses through the Penn InTouch system. This can be accessed through Penn Portal or directly at https://medley.isc-seo. upenn.edu/penn_portal/intouch/splash.html. Rest assured however, that the system allows you to enter your courses at any point during advance registration. Therefore, signing into Penn InTouch at 7:01 AM on the first day of Advance Registration will not increase your chances of getting into that Freshman Seminar on Music theory that you really want to take. It is usually best to sign up after some planning but before the last minute, just in case you still want to make some changes later. Also keep in mind that Penn InTouch has a limit to the number of students who can be logged in at once. If you wait until the last minute, you might not be able to log in.
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Chapter 3: Registration You can search by simple search parameters such as the course code (the four letter, three digit identifier of any course at Penn, e.g. BIOL101) or instructor. Or, if youve narrowed your interests down a bit, you can search by what requirement a class fulfills, the type of activity (lab, recitation, seminar, etc.), or what audience the class is geared towards (check out Freshman-Friendly courses). Hit the Find Courses button and a list of classes that fit your search terms will appear. You can click on any of them to find out more information about them, including the official description, and each courses respective syllabus. Once you click Add To Cart for a number of classes, you can click on Mock Schedules in the blue column on the left to open a spreadsheet showing all the classes you were interested in taking in nice pastel time blocks, allowing you to iron out the conflicts in your schedule. You can test potential class combinations by adding or removing them from the list on the right. Some additional important resources that are not included in the summaries for each class can be found in the blue column under Other Links, including Penn Course Review (see chapter 1).
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Ok, I know what courses I want to take and, by the graces of the Registrar, they dont conflict either. But how do I register?
Although registration and add/drop can seem very confusing at first, youll become a pro in no time. Follow these tips to complete advance registration quickly and painlessly. It is important to prioritize your course selections. You should sign up for seminars, recitations, popular professors, and smaller courses first (i.e. as your first and second course choices) because they fill up very quickly. Large lectures should be saved as your final selection because they are open to many students. Dont forget to register for recitations or labs when you are required to. You wont get into a course if you are not registered for all of the components. If advance registration does not work out so well for you, dont freak out. You will have plenty of time to add and drop different courses to your schedule. When possible, add a course before you drop one. Its better to have too many courses than too few. You can always get rid of a course later, but once you drop one, you might not be able to get back into it. A good way to do this is to raise your desired course load (one of the Penn InTouch options) as high as your school allows. For example, even if you intend to take four courses, enter your credit load as 5 credit units and sign up for 5 courses. Then,
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A Roadmap to Penn after you check them all out during the first week of the semester, drop the one you like the least. If you do not get into that course you just had to take, dont panic. Professors are usually very accommodating, and after an email or a visit during office hours, they will most likely help you out if they can. For the most part, if you keep trying to add the course, eventually you will find that a space has opened for you. If you should find yourself blocked by Penn InTouch and get the big red stop sign, chances are youre in one of the following situations: You are a College Freshman and you have not seen your advisor before advance registration in November and April. You are a Nursing and/or Engineering student and you havent spoken to your advisor before advance registration. (This applies at all times during your undergraduate career.) You have an outstanding balance on your bursar bill. If this is the case, go to the first floor of the Franklin Building at 3451 Walnut Street. You do not have up-to-date insurance or insurance records. If you have problems, contact the Student Health Insurance Office located at 3535 Market Street. You forgot to fill out your immunization forms. See Student Health to solve this problem. You are a second semester sophomore in the College and havent declared your major. If you have this problem, get a clue and if you want, an advisor in the College office (120 Cohen Hall) to help you out. In cases where you are planning on taking fewer than four credits in one semester, you dont need special permission. However, be sure to confirm that your change in course load will not jeopardize your financial aid, visa, or athletic eligibility status.
Grading Options
You may be surprised to find that unlike your high school grading scheme, the letters you will receive on your Penn transcript are not limited to that A through F range. You may receive a P, I, S, U, or W.
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Chapter 3: Registration
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Pass/Fail
Most of your major-related and General Requirement courses must be taken for a grade; however, you have the option to take some courses pass/fail. When you exercise this option, the professor will issue a letter grade for you but the computer will convert the grade to a P (or an F as the case may be). This may be extremely advantageous when you are interested in taking an elective outside your school in a subject with which you are not familiar (e.g. youre in Wharton with a Finance concentration and you want to give Environmental Studies a whirl). The number of pass/fail courses that you can take depends on your school, so refer to your schools handbook for your exact requirement. As a general rule, it is impossible to open up a grade and change it to the grade you would have received had you not taken it pass/ fail. However, there is one case when this can be done: if you took a course pass/fail before declaring a major that requires that the course be taken for a grade. Remember that this procedure is rare, but if you think you have an exceptional case, inquire at your schools office.
Auditing
If you are interested in a course for which you dont need any credit, think about auditing. Audited courses do not appear on your transcript; its all about learning for learnings sake. However, each school has a different policy governing audits so be sure to check your home schools policy before auditing any courses.
Incomplete
If you find yourself in a little jam after its too late to drop or withdraw from a course, you can ask for an incomplete and finish it the next semester. Remember, merely asking for an incomplete does not require that the professor grant you one. You should also be aware that after the first four weeks of the next semester, your I will be changed to an F unless you have finished the incomplete coursework and allowed the professor enough time to grade your work by the end of the fourth week. Upon completion, the I will revert to a letter grade. Each department has scheduled make-up exams during the beginning of the next semester. The schedule is available online. It would be advisable to mark this down in your calendar for the next year because some departments arent very lenient when it comes to making up make-up exams. If you have any further questions or need clarification, your schools handbook has additional details.
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A Roadmap to Penn
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
In certain situations where you get one grade for two semesters worth of work (for example, if you are writing an honors thesis), you can take an S for satisfactory work (or a U for unsatisfactory work, as the case may be) until you finish it up the following semester. When you receive your final grade, it will replace the S/U on your transcript.
Withdraw
Dropping a course by the drop deadline will result in no record of the course appearing on your transcript. If for some reason it is necessary for you to drop a course after this date, you will get a W which will remain on your transcript even if you retake the course for a grade during a different semester. We recommend that you carefully weigh your decision to withdraw from courses and that you utilize this option only under extenuating circumstances.
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Chapter
CurriCular opTionS
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Other Resources
There are course major dinners in Hill College House throughout the year. Also many departments hold receptions periodically, where you can meet professors and learn about their upcoming courses. Undergraduate Advisory Boards (UABs) are also a great resource and many hold major-related functions. See your department for information on how to join its UAB.
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Chapter 4: Curricular Options The College You must declare before advance registration ends in the spring of your sophomore year. Contact the office of the department in which you are interested and make an appointment. They should lead you from there (we hope). Do keep in mind that there are some majors that require you to fulfill prerequisites before you can apply (i.e. Communications and International Relations). Check the department website for more information. If you get stuck at any point during this procedure, go to an advisor in the College office (120 Cohen Hall). Engineering You must declare a major by fall semester of your sophomore year. You can do this by filling out the appropriate form in Towne 109, the undergraduate office of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Nursing Simply by matriculating, youve declared a major in Nursing. Wharton Concentrations must be declared before graduation; however, priority during registration for courses is given to those who have declared a concentration. Thus, declaring your concentration sooner rather than later can only benefit you. Besides, if youre sick of Finance and decide that Health Care Management is more to your liking, you can change at any time. You can declare your concentration by filling out the appropriate form in the Wharton Undergraduate Division. Alternatively, you can simply set up a meeting with a Wharton advisor in the Wharton Undergraduate Advising Office (JMHH G95) and they can declare a concentration on your behalf while you are with them.
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Double Majors/Concentrations
A double major/concentration is another option if you feel your interests span two areas within one school. Each major/concentration must be applied for separately. Remember, pursuing this option restricts the flexibility you have in your electives, and this is something to seriously consider when you are piling up majors and concentrations on your transcript. For some people, a double major is the best decision. But dont feel pressured to fulfill two majors just because all of your friends are. Many a successful Penn undergrad has graduated with only one major (we knowgasp!).
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A Roadmap to Penn out http://www.college.upenn.edu/majors/engineering/index.php. For SEAS students interested in pursuing a College major, contact Towne 109 for more information.
Dual Degrees
If your interests truly span two different schools, and you are looking for a very challenging curriculum with relatively few elective opportunities, a dual degree might be for you. Keep in mind that your school does allow you to take a certain number of courses in the other three schools, so it certainly is not necessary to be dual degree to follow this path. If you make a decision to do this, we recommend that you inquire about it ASAP because it is a competitive process, sometimes with prerequisites, and you need as much time as possible to begin your second degree. You should seek advice from advisors in both schools to help in planning both degrees.
Switching Schools
Since all four undergraduate schools at Penn are part of the One University concept, it is possible to transfer from one school to another. You should be careful though as different transfers may have different requirements and GPA application minimums. Consult an advisor in your home school to learn more.
Individualized Major/Concentration
While Penn prides itself on its individualized major and individualized concentration options, you must be prepared to confront the rigorous challenges you will face in getting your major or concentration approved. For those of you who wish to create your own major/concentration or who feel that the majors or concentrations currently available do not adequately represent your interests, the option of the individualized
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Chapter 4: Curricular Options major or concentration exists for you. If this is something that interests you, consult one of the advisors in your schools undergraduate advising office.
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Minors
If a dual degree or double major/concentration sounds too intense, but you have a significant interest in a second discipline, pursuing a minor may be ideal for you. Some schools even allow you to minor in one of the other three undergraduate schools. Through programs known as Interschool Minors, you can also pursue a minor that involves interdisciplinary study between two of Penns Colleges or Schools. When your minor interest resides in another school, things become more complicated; check with your school office for more information. For a list of minors, go to http://www.college.upenn. edu/minors/index.php.
Switching Majors/Concentrations
Just because youve selected a major/concentration does not mean that it is etched in stone. You may switch majors or concentrations at any point, granted that you have enough time to complete the requirements of the new major or concentration. If you are unhappy with your initial choice, by all means do not be discouraged from altering your academic path.
Community Involvement
I want to get involved in the community. Are there any opportunities for me to do this within the curriculum?
Were so glad that you asked! In fact, many consider Penn to be the civic Ivy, and Penn continues to stay on the cutting edge of urban university community relations. Service learning courses, known as Academically Based Community Service Courses (ABCS), are sponsored through the Center for Community Partnerships (CCP). These courses integrate theory learned in the classroom with practice and application out in the field. There are ABCS courses offered in most departments, and many are generously cross-listed. The program is constantly growing, so watch out for new and experimental ABCS courses being developed in all departments and schools of the university. This style of learning develops real-world problem-solving skills, while allowing students to take their learning outside the lecture halls. These classes tend to center around a universal problem manifested locally. The group, usually less than 25 students, works collaboratively to understand and wrestle with the problem.
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A Roadmap to Penn ABCS courses involve a wide variety of community activities centered on societal issues such as health, environment, the arts, and education. Penns unique position as an urban university has allowed for the continual advancement of this program through the numerous opportunities presented in the West Philadelphia community. So if youre wondering what really lies beyond 40th Street, Market Street, or Baltimore Avenue, you may want to take an ABCS course! As Ben Franklin, the founder of Penn, stated, The great aim and end of all learning is to serve mankind. A list of current ABCS courses may be found on the CCP website at http://www.upenn.edu/ccp.
Civic House
Of course, there are many ways to get involved with civic engagement and community service outside of the classroom, as well. Civic House is the Universitys hub for student-led community service and social advocacy work. Civic House promotes mutually beneficial collaborations between the Penn and West Philadelphia communities and beyond. Penn students have numerous opportunities to get involved! The Civic House Associates Coalition is comprised of many groups; youre sure to find something to match your interests. Through education, community connections, and other resources, Civic House will prepare you for responsible and effective civic engagement and leadership. As Gandhi said, Be the change you wish to see in the world. Stop by Civic House at 3914 Locust Walk and get involved! Deans Advisory Boards (DABS) and Undergraduate Advisory Boards (UABS) Deans Advisory Boards and Undergraduate Advisory Boards within the individual schools and departments have also worked to initiate and implement various academic reforms. Each DAB serves as a council of students in frequent touch with the Undergraduate Dean of its school. The College, Engineering, Wharton, and Nursing schools have their own DABS. The UABS do everything from tackling departmental or school specific curricular issues to organizing events that are important to specific majors and student interests. Together, DABS, UABS, and SCUE make sure that Penn will continue to improve and cater to students needs. Check out our website at http://www.scue.org/ for information on how to get involved in these student groups.
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Chapter
aCademiC opTionS
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Submatriculation
Many of the University graduate schools offer undergraduates the opportunity to earn both a Bachelors and Masters degree in four or five years. This is an excellent opportunity to accelerate your studies. Besides, is four years in West Philadelphia really enough? Submatriculation allows you to save time and money while earning a graduate degree. Although you still need to fulfill all of the standard admissions requirements for the particular graduate school in which you are interested, submatriculation often simplifies the process of applying to a particular graduate school within Penn. Many students also find it more convenient to continue their education with familiar faculty members. If this is your intention, it is highly suggested to begin planning early because some courses may be counted towards both your Bachelors and Masters degrees. This is the ultimate double-counting experience!
Independent Study
Are you tired of depending on your professor for things like determining curricula, preparing syllabi, and giving lectures? Then maybe you should break free and enroll in an independent study. This is an excellent way to pursue individual interests that do not fit into formal courses. Independent study is allowed and encouraged within all four schools. The schools have different procedures for approving such projects, but credit (in-major and elective) is generally awarded for those that are supported by a faculty sponsor. Faculty members will sometimes lead an intimate reading group for students with a particular interest. Check with your respective academic offices and faculty advisors for additional information.
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Chapter 5: Academic Options If you are unsure about your responsibilities, the University Honor Council can clarify any issues for you. These undergraduates are here to help you and answer any questions you may have. Remember, its your personal responsibility to abide by the Code of Academic Integrity, which can be found at http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/osl/ acadint.html.
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Research
Everyone keeps telling me that Penn is a research University. How can I get involved?
First and foremost, research does not just mean lab coats. Research is not only for science majors, but for those in the humanities and social sciences as well. There is a huge variety of roles that an undergraduate can have in a research project, and most of those do not require you to discover the next big idea. Furthermore, the research a student engages in does not necessarily have to be restricted to a subject matter within his/her major. The best way to get involved with research is to speak with professors whose work interests you. Essentially, almost all of the professors on campus are doing research, and many would love some help. They may not be able to pay you, but any research experience will be well worth the time you put in. Dont forget about the professors in the graduate and professional schools as well, and the numerous interdisciplinary centers on campus also offer potential research opportunities. You may be asking, No, really, where do I begin? First, make a list of the courses you have taken and the names of professors that you have either met or that sound familiar. Think about the different fields that you have enjoyed learning about, even if it was just from a one hour lecture. Then, send out an individual email to each professor to explain your preliminary interests and find out his or her office hours. Ask for names of authors, books, and other professors to investigate. Thats just one of the many ways that you can begin figuring out what you would like to research. If you have a work-study grant, then the Student Employment Services office located in the Franklin Building may be able to help. Students who have an interest in research might be able to land a work-study position thats a little more interesting than a typical campus work-study job. You can check the Student Employment Offices website at http://www.sfs.upenn.edu/seo/ for a list of available research focused positions in all sorts of departments.
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A Roadmap to Penn So why would you do research anyway? We think the question might be more like, why wouldnt you? For many students it is one of the most rewarding experiences they have at Penn. It allows you to pursue your interests outside the classroom and work closely with professors. When you think research on campus, one acronym should come to mind CURF.
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Writing Center
If never you learned to right good in skool, youre not a loan. The Writing Center is available to help with all of your writing deficiencies. It is staffed by undergraduate and graduate students who can answer questions, revise content, and assist you with stylistic problems. Writing advisors have evening walk-in hours at many on-campus locations. You can also set up an appointment online at http://www.writing.upenn.edu/critical/help/about_tutorials.html. If your interests in writing go beyond your assigned research papers, check out the Kelly Writers House across from the Class of 1920 Commons for creative writing courses, literary clubs, publications, and speaker series. For a complete list of programs and services provided at the Kelly Writers House go to http://www.writing. upenn.edu/~wh/.
Tutoring Center
Drop by the tutoring centers exam files to see if your professor has placed prior exams on file. Believe it or not, some of the exam questions are the same semester after semester, alas, in which case he/she probably didnt take the effort to submit them. Almost all departments (but not all courses) have exams on file for students to access. You can also sign up for a personal tutor if youre having trouble with a specific subject. (This service is free to you!) Requests for tutors are usually answered within 48 hours. You get 1 hour of free solo tutoring per week, and if you can get a group of 2 or more students in your class to join you, you can get 2 hours per week of tutoring for free. Details regarding tutoring services can be found
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Chapter 6: Services and Resources through the Tutoring Centers website at http://www.vpul.upenn. edu/tutoring/index.php.
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Study Spots
Now that I have the tools needed for studying, where should I study? Some of our favorite places on campus to study are: 1. Van Pelt Rosengarten: Penns most socially correct study area, this is the place to go when your five-page paper is preventing you from going out, but you still want to see and be seen. You can always go to the stacks on the upper floors for quiet time. Good Points: Open 24 hours a day, computer lab, Marks Caf Bad Points: In Rosengarten, a.k.a. Van Party, a.k.a. Rosenparty, dont plan on getting too much work done (unless you can work with an iPod turned up all the way). 2. Fisher Fine Arts Library: Made from sandstone and very beautiful. Really, really quiet (and often cold...or warm, depending on the day). Good Points: Shakespearean mottos etched in glass windows. Good chance of running into Tom Hanks during the filming of Philadelphia II. Bad Points: Sometimes too quiet. Have to trek to Starbucks or Houston Hall for closest snack. Closes somewhat early. Watch out if you sneezeseriously...
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A Roadmap to Penn 3. The Rare Book Room (6th Floor. Van Pelt): Decor similar to Fisher Fine Arts. Also really quiet. Good Points: No one knows about it (at least until now). Bad Points: Closes at 5 PM and during most weekends. Definitely no food. 4. Silfen Study Center: Located on the first floor of Williams, its quiet and near the Caf. Good Points: Open late on weeknights. Close to the Quad, but not in the Quad! Bad Points: Can be a bit nippy. 5. Bio-Med Library: Looking to marry a med-student? Heres where to get your head-start. With moveable stacks eight floors below ground, you can explore the very bowels of Penn! Good Points: Bonus for nearby Quad-dwellers. Learn about interesting medical information years before you have to. Bad Points: Not in the center of campus. Hypochondria? 6. Huntsman: 24/7 and professional. Good points: Amazing amount of study room (all classrooms, the Forum, 1st and 2nd floor lounges can all be used for studying). For study breaks and snacks, Huntsman contains two Au Bon Pains (1st and 2nd floor) and is close to Wawa. Bad Points: Many computers and private study rooms require Wharton login to access. Sporadic cell phone service. 7. Penn Bookstore: Great location. A place to get away from crowds of undergrads. Good points: Nice for talking and group work, caf, still has a lot of textbooks (shhh!) Bad Points: Tough to find tables near outlets. Alternative Study Sites: Towne Building - Open 24/7. Lots of computers. Lots of engineers. Houston Hall - You dont have to go far for food breaks. The Hall of Flags is open all night during finals with free coffee. A good groupstudy environment.
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Chapter 6: Services and Resources Coffee Houses - Cosi, Green Line 1&2, Starbucks, Saxbys, Lovers and Madmen, Capogiro. The University Museum - A great place to study, especially on warm days when you can sit in one of the internal courtyards. Other libraries: Annenberg, Biddle Law, Chemistry, Math-PhysicsAstronomy, and the Vet School. If youre interested in learning the wonders of electronic research, the Library of Congress Classification System, or the Inter-Library Lend-Lease Act, check each individual library for scheduled tours/info sessions. Weingarten Learning Resources Center especially convenient for Quad dwellers, this study space located in Stouffer Commons is a great escape. All three high-rises have beautiful rooftop lounges. Your room (duh!).
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Philadelphia
When you come to Penn you are welcomed into new communities; not only do you become part of the Quaker family, but you gain access to all that Philadelphia has to offer as well. You probably know about Philadelphia as a historical cityespecially one sweltering summer in 1776but as a Penn student you can find out what its like in 2012. The city has a number of exciting neighborhoods which are all accessible by SEPTAthe citys public transportation. You and your friends can buy tokens in your college house and begin your exploration. Grab a cheesesteak on South Street; run up the steps and then go visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art; explore the Constitution Center and Independence Hall; cheer on the Phillies, Flyers, 76ers, or Eagles; see a concert at one of Philadelphias music venues; explore Reading Terminal Market where theres something for everyone; welcome to Penn, and welcome to Philly!
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Chapter
STudy opporTuniTieS
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Penn in Washington
I love politics, and the Penn Democrat and College Republican debates arent enough for me. Where can I get my fix?
As it turns out, Penn has a program for a semester in Washington, DC. If you are a budding politician, and spending some time in Washington sounds right up your alley, then the Washington Semester is for you. Youll still be taking courses with Penn Professors, but youll have the opportunity to work at a government organization or private agency in the nations capital! For more information, contact the Fels Institute of Government or visit the Penn in Washington website at http://piw.sas.upenn.edu/.
Study Abroad
Americas okay, but I really like other countries. Does Penn offer study abroad options?
Does it ever! Penn has a number of different programs just for you. So, you want to get out of Philadelphia? Have you been smitten by a case of wanderlust? Then prepare yourself for what just may be one of your best semesters at Penn. Thats right, studying abroad can be one of the highlights of your undergraduate education. It will give you a chance to see a new part of the world, perfect your Swahili, learn Vietnamese history, and eat croissants though maybe not all at the same time. Interested? Make your life easier and start planning now! You may think that the first semester of freshman year seems early to think about junior year,- which is when most students go abroad-- but then youd be wrong. If you dont speak Italian but want to study in Florence, you can prepare yourself if you start studying freshman
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Chapter 7: Study Opportunities year. While there are some programs that actually do not require you to know the language of the country in which you are studying, it definitely helps to begin thinking about the process early. To find out more about specific programs, you should make friends with the Office of International Programs (OIP). Located at 37th & Chestnut, OIP is responsible for administering study abroad programs and processing your application. Find the advisor responsible for the countries that interest you. The OIP website (http://www.upenn.edu/oip/) lists Penn-sponsored study abroad sites by country. The website has a great step-by-step guide, which can be found at http://sa.oip.upenn.edu/ under the Getting Started section. There are literally hundreds of options to choose from; but thinking about your major, your language skills, and which areas of the world interest you will narrow your choices. Your time abroad should enhance your studies, so location and course offerings should be your primary considerations. If you are worried about your less-than-fluent foreign language skills, dont fret because there are many abroad programs that dont require you speak a foreign language when you arrive but will teach you one while youre there.
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Fellowships
Ive been hearing about fellowships recently. What are they and who can apply?
You have probably heard about some of the major fellowships such as Rhodes and Fulbright, but there are many additional fellowship opportunities for study, travel and research. Each fellowship has specific requirements and some you even apply for as a sophomore or junior. Just because you dont have a 4.0 or havent cured cancer doesnt mean you cant win fellowships but you definitely cannot win one without applying. The best resource for learning about fellowships is through CURF. The website, http://www.upenn.edu/curf/fellowships/ fellowships-directory lists many of the common fellowships as well as deadlines for applying. If youre considering a fellowship, you should go to CURF and speak with one of the advisors.
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Chapter 8: Life Beyond Penn is a good idea to try to encapsulate your four years at Penn onto one sheet of paper. Five years from the time you graduate, you might not remember that you were the rugby teams social chair and that you were a subject for medical testing. If youre having trouble, Career Services has examples to help you along the way. They also have individuals who can assist you by critiquing your rsum and offering friendly suggestions; check them out for additional information. Sample rsums, organized by school, can be found at http://www. vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/schoolmenus_undergrad.html.
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Career Workshops/Seminars
Career workshops and seminars are offered by the Office of Career Services for students interested in any sort of career or field of study including law school, business school, and med school. Check out one or two during the spring of your junior or fall of your senior years. And be sure to make friends with Upper Classmenthey can be an incredible resource in helping you prepare for your job search.
Credentials File
A credentials file is a useful resource for anyone who will need letters of recommendation in his or her life, whether they are for grad school summer internships, or a full-time job. Career Services will send your letters to potential employers and schools, so that you wont have to worry about it. Career Services will keep an unlimited number of letters on file (confidentially) for as long as you want through a service called Interfolio. Check out http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/ credentials/interfolio.html to learn more.
Academic Honors
Opportunities abound for students interested in some of the honors programs, honors societies, and awards which distinguish and recognize the most accomplished scholars around campus. Listed below are just a few of the many options available to you!
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A Roadmap to Penn than typically experienced during the regular course of study in a major. Each department has a different program, so be sure to check with your major advisor for honors programs within your department.
Deans List
Deans List is awarded automatically if, during the academic year: A GPA of 3.7 is maintained for the academic year Six or more credit units were completed during the academic year You received no grades lower than a C No incompletes during the two semesters were acquired You were not subjected to disciplinary action
Graduation Honors
Graduation honors are awarded to graduating seniors who have taken at least 16 credits and have a minimum of the following GPAs: 3.8 Summa Cum Laude 3.6 Magna Cum Laude 3.4 Cum Laude
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Graduation
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Advising Resources
Where do I go if: I dont know what classes to take next semester?
Ask your advisor and upperclassmen for recommendations. You might also want to check department websites for lists of offered courses and posted syllabi. Check course times and descriptions using the course search tool on Penn In Touch and see course evaluations on Penn Course Review.
I dont know how to fulfill my requirements? I dont know which activities to get involved in?
Speak to your advisor or check the list of which courses fulfill requirements on your schools website. Be sure to check out the Student Activities Fair in the Fall and Spring. The Office of Student Life website links to other organization websites where you can get more information. The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) provides up-to-date information on various research opportunities, grants and fellowships. The Weingarten Learning Center can help you budget your time more efficiently. The Tutoring Center offers private tutoring, workshops, review sessions and other special events options are available.
The Office of International Programs website has information on what study abroad options are available.
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Appendix
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I need help with my rsum, cover letter or internship search? I am completely lost or am unsure of where to look?
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University of Pennsylvania
MARKET STREET
University City Science Center
Notes
Sheraton
38th STREET
37th STREET
36th STREET
34th STREET
40th STREET
University Bookstore
Franklin Building
33rd STREET
Inn at Penn
The Palestra
1920 Commons
Civic House Steinberg HallDietrich Hall Claudia Cohen Hall Irvine Houston Hall Auditorium
College Hall
Franklin Field The Quad Penn School of Medicine and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Kaskey Garden
Fagin Hall
Penn Tower
(BioPond)
College of Arts and Sciences . . . . . . . . . . .DRL, Room A2 Penn Engineering . . . . . . . . .Towne Building, Room 111 The Wharton School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Huntsman Hall (Locust Walk lobby) Penn Nursing Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fagin Hall
32rd STREET
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Liberal and Professional Studies Drexel University
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