SCUE's 2011 Roadmap To Penn

A Roadmap to Penn
The Practical Scholar
THE STUDENT COMMITTEE ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION

The Student Committee on Undergraduate Education
© 2011 The Student Committee on Undergraduate Education. All rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, A Roadmap to Penn (this publication), may not be copied, in
whole or in part, without the written consent of The Student Committee on Undergraduate
Education.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate.
The Student Committee on Undergraduate Education is not responsible for printing or
clerical errors.
An electronic version of this publication has been made available via the World Wide Web.
Please visit http://www.scue.org to view this and other SCUE publications.
The views and ideas expressed in this publication are those of The Student Committee
on Undergraduate Education. The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania have
neither recommended nor endorsed this publication. This publication does not constitute
official academic, administrative and/or judicial policy of the University. The appropriate
publications, offices, and agents of the University should be referenced and consulted in
conjunction with official academic, administrative, and/or judicial matters of the University.
Congratulations on wading through all the language that makes the lawyers happy. You’ve
just found the secret message: Join the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education!
The Student Committee on Undergraduate Education

Office of Student Life
200 Houston Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3708
E-Mail: scue@dolphin.upenn.edu
Online: http://www.scue.org
The Student Committee on Undergraduate Education seeks bright, articulate, motivated

undergraduates who wish to have a greater say in the educational decisions which define
their experience at Penn. Applications for membership are accepted from freshmen and
sophomores in both the fall and the spring semesters.
The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and
staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate
on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or
ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam Era Veteran or disabled veteran in
the administration of educational policies, programs or activities; admissions policies;
scholarship and loan awards; athletic, or other University administered programs or
employment. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to: Executive
Director, Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place
East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106 or by phone at (215)
898-6993
The Steering Committee
Chair: Joyce Greenbaum
Vice Chair: Scott Dzialo
Treasurer: Sami Braun
Secretary: Harrison Lieberfarb
At-Large: Katy Fitzpatrick
At-Large: Robert Gianchetti
SCUE General Body:

Arthur Argall Jaclyn Greenblatt Rick Oxenhandler
Elise Argall Aditi Gupta Michelle Perlin
Genevieve Barnard Michelle Ho Justin Rand
George Brighten Elizabeth Hutnick Pooja Rameesh
Wendy Cai Vikram Iyer Jessica Riegel
Cortney Charleston Elena Madan Sejal Shah
Sophie Domanski Michael-David Mangini Kevin Shia
Matt Eldridge Kelsey Matevish Cristina Sorice
Serena Ghanshani Mili Mehta Lauren Springer
Shreyans Goenka Jennifer Mindrum Alison Wand
Charles Gray Anand Muthusamy
iv Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction.........................................................................................2
CHAPTER 1: COURSE OPTIONS

Seminars .............................................................................................. 5
Penn Course Review ............................................................................ 6
Requirements ....................................................................................... 7
Book Purchasing ................................................................................ 10
Succeeding in Courses........................................................................ 10
Sample Schedules For the Four Undergraduate Schools..................... 11
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
CHAPTER 4: CURRICULAR OPTIONS

Declaring Your Major or Concentration ............................................ 27
Community Involvement ................................................................... 30
CHAPTER 5: ACADEMIC OPTIONS

Academic Enrichment ........................................................................ 33
Honor Code and Academic Integrity ................................................. 35
Research ............................................................................................. 35
Table of Contents v
CHAPTER 6: SERVICES AND RESOURCES

Study Spots ........................................................................................ 40
Culture on Campus ........................................................................... 42
CHAPTER 7: STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

The Quaker Consortium.................................................................... 45
Study Abroad ..................................................................................... 45
CHAPTER 8: LIFE BEYOND PENN

During the Summer ........................................................................... 48
Career Services ................................................................................... 48
Things to Remember ......................................................................... 49
Honors Programs and Honors Theses................................................ 50
Graduation......................................................................................... 51
APPENDIX
Advising Resources Chart................................................................... 53
CAMPUS MAP
1 A Roadmap to Penn
Acronyms
ABCS Academically Based Community Service
CCP Netter Center for Community Partnership
CHAS College Houses and Academic Services
CPCW Center for Programs in Contemporary Writing
CURF Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships
CwiC Communication Within the Curriculum
DAB Dean’s Advisory Board (College)
EDAB Engineering Undergraduate Advisory Board
ITA Information Technology Assistant
LPS School of Liberal and Professional Studies
MAP Major Advising Program
NEC Nominations and Elections Committee
OIP Office of International Programs
OSL Office of Student Life
PCR Penn Course Review
PRP Penn Reading Project
SAC Student Activities Council
SCUE Student Committee on Undergraduate Education
SNAP Student Nurses At Penn
SPEC Social Planning and Events Committee
UA Undergraduate Assembly
UAB Undergraduate Advisory Boards
VPUL Vice-Provost of University Life
WAB Wharton’s Dean Advisory Board

Introduction 2
Introduction
Dear Class of 2015,
With all the official mailings, swirling rumors, and Locust Walk flyers for
you to sift through, the last thing you may 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.
SCUE’s 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 nineteenth 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, as well as open exciting new avenues, like
undergraduate research or academically-based community service.
Use the Roadmap as its title implies: you’ll need it if you’re 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. There’s 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
find your own path. And if you think that 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!
Joyce Greenbaum
SCUE Chair
3 A Roadmap to Penn
Chapter
1
COURSE OPTIONS
5 A Roadmap to Penn
Chapter 1: Course Options

It’s my first semester at Penn, what courses should I take?
A s you sort through the stacks of paperwork that Penn can

inundate you with, just take a step back and relax. At first the
system may seem overwhelming, but in due time you will be able
to navigate it like a pro. In this section, we’ll outline some general
strategies for shaping your education.
First, some advice: Penn offers thousands of courses, almost all of
which are accessible to undergraduates. This fact has its ups and
downs. Although it means that you can take courses ranging from
Greek Vase Painting to The Medical Anthropology of Alcohol Use,
it also means that there will be more interesting courses each semester
than you could possibly take. So, when picking your courses, keep
these two concepts in mind: breadth and depth.
One of Penn’s greatest assets is its twelve schools. As an undergrad,
you can take courses in any of the schools, which gives you a
tremendous opportunity to explore new areas of inquiry and to meet
new people who share your interests. We encourage you to expose
yourself to many areas of knowledge and ways of thinking about the
world. The various school requirements and the general structure of
Penn’s curriculum are thus designed to meet this goal of breadth. At
the same time, Penn students have the opportunity to achieve great
depth in a specific area of interest through the major/minor programs.
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?
Chapter 1: Course Options 6
PENN COURSE REVIEW

One of the hardest things about your courses (besides passing them)
is choosing them. The Penn Course Review (PCR) is available online
(www.PennCourseReview.com) and provides detailed ratings of courses
and professors based on past students’ evaluations. Don’t forget that
the ratings are very subjective and reflect only the opinions of those
students who submitted their online course evaluations.
Here are some quick tips when using PCR:
• Ratings range from 0-4, so most courses are rated as in the 2-3
range. As such, take the numbers with a grain of salt – a course
rated as a 2.7 isn’t definitively better than one rated as 2.5. PCR is a
great tool for identifying courses that students really loved and ones
that they really didn’t care for.
• Look at the professor’s ratings first and the course review rating
second. Professors make or break a course; rarely are low ratings a
result of the course material.
• Read the reviews posted by students – the numbers don’t necessarily
say everything. The PCR editorial staff compiles qualitative reviews
after reading student comments. Click on the icon to the right of a
professor’s name to view all reviews posted for that professor or on
a smaller icon in the table to read the comment posted for a specific
semester/course. The review reflects the general student consensus
on the course and/or professor.
Another great strategy for learning about specific courses is to check
the web. Many professors have personal websites where they post
course descriptions and/or syllabi. In the spirit of friendly stalking,
feel free to Google professors to check out their accomplishments and
to learn more about what they teach. If a course turns out not to be
what you thought it would, don’t worry because you’ll be shopping
around. Some departments also devote pages to particular courses so
be sure to check out department-specific websites.
Once you’ve done all of this, there’s only one thing left to do: talk
to everyone you can. People love to talk about themselves and
their experiences, so ask lots of questions. Talk to upperclassmen,
professors, or your RA/GA about their recommendations. Don’t
hesitate to e-mail professors to get more information about their
courses or to ask for general advice.
As helpful as these resources are, they are not a substitute for your
own best judgment. Don’t be afraid to shop around for courses!
7 A Roadmap to Penn
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, you’ll be able to make as informed a
decision as possible when you narrow down your options to the four
or five you’ll actually take. Nothing – not the syllabus, the course
description, or other people’s opinions – beats attending a class to see
for yourself what it’s 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. Don’t wait until you’re
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.
The Writing Requirement
Many students try to fulfill the writing requirement in their freshman
year. You should too. The writing requirement is meant to ensure
that Penn students are able to write at a collegiate level. Thus, it is
best to satisfy this requirement early on so that you are able to put
the skills to work in upper-level courses. Writing courses are not
limited to English department courses. “Writing About” courses,
typically listed as 009 courses with the registrar, are courses focused
on specific content about which you both learn and write for a
semester and are offered in most departments across the university.
For more information and a list of courses which satisfy the writing
requirement, go to http://www.writing.upenn.edu/critical/
The Foreign Language Requirement
You should start fulfilling the language requirement during your
freshman year (see your school’s curriculum handbook to determine
your school’s specific requirement; Engineering does not have a
foreign language requirement). Many Achievement Exams can be
used to satisfy the foreign language requirement. See http://www.
college.upenn.edu/curriculum/policies/lang_fulfill.php for more
information. If you intend to take foreign language courses, you must
take a placement exam, unless:
• 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 you’re 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 can’t 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 Department’s homepage
at http://www.math.upenn.edu/ugrad for specifics regarding the
placement exam as well as course descriptions.
AP Credits, A Levels, IB Credits, and Other Transfer Credits
Credit for various Advanced Placement exams and pre-college work at
other universities is available through the Office of Transfer Credit and
Advanced Placement. You should be notified of the credit that you
receive during the end of August, prior to the start of your freshman
year. If you do not receive notification or have additional questions,
contact the Office of Transfer Credit and Advanced Placement
directly. Many graduate schools encourage students not to use their
AP credits to waive out of introductory courses (contact your advising
office for more information). The four schools deal differently with
Advance credit; for more information consult the following resources:
College & Nursing – http://www.admissionsug.upenn.edu/applying/
advanced.php
Engineering – http://www.seas.upenn.edu/undergraduate/handbook/
policy/advanced-placement.php
9 A Roadmap to Penn
Wharton – http://spike.wharton.upenn.edu/ugrprogram/policies_
forms/acad_forms/handbook_2010.pdf
Some Additional Advice on Course Selection
For those of you who still need a little bit of help in choosing your
courses, here is some additional advice:
• Shop around for professors and sit in on many courses during the
first week of the semester. Advisors and upperclassmen may be able
to offer words of wisdom on the courses you should visit.
• The School of Liberal and Professional Studies offers courses during
evening hours for those of you with day-jobs or for those who have
otherwise busy schedules. As with all other courses, you can sign up
for LPS courses through Penn InTouch. However, if you intend to
use one to fill a requirement, check with that department to make
sure that it will count.
• If you are looking for an extra challenge, a number of graduate
courses (identifiable by their 500+ course number), departmental
honors courses, or Benjamin Franklin Scholar courses, can be
taken with permission from the instructor and/or department.
Inquire about these courses during advanced registration or during
the course selection period. Don’t be afraid to ask professors for
permission to enroll in their courses. You’re only here for 4 years ...
so just do it! Once you receive a “permit,” you can enroll through
Penn InTouch.
• A final word of advice: Take courses for fun! As a college student,
this may be the only time in your life to take a course on The Uses
and Abuses of History. By taking a broad range of courses, you
might find that you prefer Shakespearean Theater over Chemical
Engineering (much to your parents’ horror). Who knows? You
might even major in it.
SCUE’s advice for college students: It’s wise to select from a variety
of departments – perhaps the ones you might consider majoring or
concentrating in. Be realistic and take what you’re interested in. Try
to plan ahead but don’t obsess about which courses will look best
on your med-school application. If selecting courses is getting you
stressed out, just ask for help!
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 College’s 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 it’s too late!
BOOK PURCHASING
I’m registered for courses, but where do I get my books?
There is no need to show up the first day of class with your books.
In fact, in many cases its best to wait a few classes before committing
to the financial investment. The return policies on textbooks are
draconian. Furthermore, professors usually place textbooks on reserve
in a library. However, it’s often a good idea to own a copy of the
books for your courses.
Professors will always make required texts available at a local
bookstore. Bookstores commonly used include the Penn Bookstore,
Penn Book Center and House of Our Own. These, however, are not
your only options. Several websites offer discounted new and used
books, including online social network marketplaces and your fellow
Penn students’ entrepreneurial initiatives! These are cheap options if
you can survive without having your books right away. Some courses
don’t have books, but rather use bulkpacks or post readings online.
Common locations for bulkpacks are Campus Copy and Wharton
Reprographics.
SUCCEEDING IN COURSES
Now that I’m 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, that’s
not a substitute for going to lecture.
Look at the syllabus! The syllabus outlines the entire semester for
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.
11 A Roadmap to Penn
Professors love it when students go to office hours, and you will love
it too! You don’t need to be having trouble in a course in order to
stop by. In fact, we suggest that even if you don’t 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. It’s on us! With the
support of the Provost’s 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
America’s great cities, and become a more mature thinker and citizen.
Live it up!
SAMPLE SCHEDULES FOR THE FOUR SCHOOLS
The College:
The typical freshman College student will take 4 classes during his or
her first semester. SCUE suggests satisfying your writing requirement
during either the first or second semester of your freshman year (see
our section on this for more info). Additionally, first semester is also
a great time to begin satisfying your language requirement. With
your two remaining credits, we suggest taking a class in a subject
that interests you (possibly your intended major), and also a class for
enrichment (for example, a freshman seminar that satisfies a sector
requirement).
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.
As of fall 2011, Nursing is implementing 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.
Chapter
2
ADVISING
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.
They’re 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. They’re 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 you’re pursuing, or may have even
taken courses you’re considering. Ask them about their experiences
because they’re 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 you’ve mastered the system after a year or two,
think about giving peer advising a try for yourself. It’s a great way to
help other people learn from your mistakes. If you’re 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
to have an available human resource who can provide practical
Chapter 2: Advising 16
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 it’s your right as a Penn
student to have a competent, involved advisor. If you feel like you’re
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 we’ve condensed the essential
information for you here:
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 Adviser (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, you’ll meet your academic adviser,
a professor in your major. You’re required to meet your adviser twice
per year to schedule for your courses. You can make an appointment
and meet with your adviser to talk about opportunities in your major,
research, and anything else, really. Another fantastic resource is your
department’s 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 department’s
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 don’t
work for you by calling 215-898-7246. These staff advisers 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, basics of what you need to know about being a Penn
Engineer and lists of frequently asked questions can be found in
the “Undergraduate Student Handbook” online at http://www.seas.
upenn.edu/undergraduate/handbook/index.php.
Wharton
Do you have a question about your business education?
Come to G95 in Huntsman! If you came into Penn as a Wharton
student, you should have been assigned a summer advisor. Now,
you can feel free to stay with this advisor, find a new advisor in the
Wharton Undergraduate Division office (G95), or you can just
pop in with questions and talk to anyone who’s available during
walk-in hours. As a freshman, you are strongly encouraged to attend
Group Advising Sessions that cover a wide range of topics from
Study Abroad, to Minors in the College, to research, and even issues
like submatriculation. If you are curious about any of these topics,
stay tuned for when these informative meetings take place and you
will probably learn as much from your peers’ questions as from the
advisor who is giving the talk. Also, if you are a student in another
school and you are thinking about getting a business degree, attend a
Dual-Degree Group Advising Meeting. So what happens when I’ve
finished a bunch of requirements and am ready to start exploring a
concentration? Go talk to the point person for each concentration,
listed on each department’s website or on the Concentration sheets
given out in G95.
College
Trying to navigate your way through the College?
You are assigned a pre-major advisor to show you the ropes. These
faculty and staff members are here to help you make sense of
Chapter 2: Advising 18
everything you need to think about while planning your academic

program, as well as introduce you to Penn’s 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. You’ll 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 department’s undergraduate chair. You can
find links on the “Majors & Minors” section of the College’s 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 College’s
website (college.upenn.edu) contains nearly all the information you
might need, as does the various literature you’ve 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.
MAJOR ADVISING PROGRAM
The Major Advising Program (MAP) allows you to get a spoonful
of a number of majors by attending upper-level courses with MAP
advisors, who are student volunteers from those majors. Don’t stick
to something familiar just because you feel overwhelmed by the
possibilities. Get your questions answered by someone who has the
experience to give you the information that you really need. Take
advantage of this resource to find out what satisfies your intellectual
palate! Check out the MAP website at http://www.college.upenn.edu/
admissions/advisingmajor.php . Some major Undergraduate Advisory
Boards also have major mentoring programs. Consult department
websites for more information.
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!
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 you’re
asking the right people your questions. Want to know about the
requirements for a major? Go to the department’s 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 it’s 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
what’s 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. Don’t be afraid to ask a question or strike up a
conversation; they’ve been through it all, so learn from their mistakes.
Appreciate and take advantage of the resources offered at a place
like Penn. If you’re enjoying a class, stop by the professor’s 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.
Chapter
3
REGISTRATION
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. Don’t 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 don’t 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.
Course Search Tool
In the Dark Ages (a couple years ago), students had to keep roughly
seven web browsers and an Excel Spreadsheet open in order to choose
their classes for the following semester. Thankfully, the new Course
Search Tool consolidates the University’s many course selection
resources into one, user-friendly web application. After you log into
Penn InTouch, it will be in the list of tools on the left side of the
sign-in page.
Chapter 3: Registration 22
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 you’ve 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 course’s 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).
Ok, I know what courses I want to take and, by the graces of
the Registrar, they don’t conflict either. But how do I register?
Although registration and add/drop can seem very confusing at first,
you’ll 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.
Don’t forget to register for recitations or labs when you are required
to. You won’t 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, don’t 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.
It’s 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, 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, don’t 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 you’re 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 haven’t
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 haven’t
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 don’t 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.
Chapter 3: Registration 24
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. you’re 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 school’s 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 school’s office.
Auditing
If you are interested in a course for which you don’t need any
credit, think about auditing. Audited courses do not appear on your
transcript; it’s all about learning for learning’s sake. However, each
school has a different policy governing audits so be sure to check your
home school’s policy before auditing any courses.
Incomplete
If you find yourself in a little jam after it’s too late to drop 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 aren’t very lenient when it comes to
making up make-up exams. If you have any further questions or need
clarification, your school’s handbook has additional details.
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.
Chapter
4
CURRICULAR OPTIONS
Chapter 4: Curricular Options

Ok, so I’m taking all these courses, but don’t I need a major/
concentration?
The University requires all students to have an academic focus,
concentrated in at least one curricular area. So, yes, you do need a
major. But don’t stress out about it too early. Planning ahead can be
helpful, though you don’t need to map out your entire four years at
once. You have lots of options and lots of flexibility. A number of
resources are available to help you narrow your academic focus and to
help you choose from the multitude of options available to you.
The SCUE College Course and Majors Fair
Sponsored by SCUE, the Course and Majors Fair takes place in
Houston Hall every semester during advance registration. A great way
to check out your options early on, the Course and Majors Fair brings
together all the majors, departments and other available academic
programs to answer your questions.
Other Resources
There are course major dinners in Hill 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.
DECLARING YOUR MAJOR OR CONCENTRATION
Though it may seem daunting, declaring a major or concentration in
any of the schools is a simple and painless process.
The office of your home school should have brochures, newsletters,
or websites describing the various majors or concentrations available.
You can also consult the individual departments, their newsletters,
or their websites for additional information. Before declaring a major
you need to meet with your advisor to complete a worksheet found
on Penn InTouch. This worksheet will outline what courses you have
taken and what courses still need to be taken to fulfill your school and
major requirements. Your advisor will make your worksheet official.
Some majors have a GPA requirement in order to apply, so check the
department’s website before you decide. The broad range of courses
which you have taken up to this point should also help you decide
what major or concentration to choose.
Chapter 4: Curricular Options 28
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 the undergraduate office of the School of Engineering.
Nursing – Simply by matriculating, you’ve “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 you’re
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.
Majors Across SEAS and the College
This year, students enrolled in either SEAS or the College can pursue
a second major across either of these schools without satisfying many
of the additional requirements that a degree from one of these schools
requires. For College students interested in majoring in SEAS, check
out http://www.college.upenn.edu/majors/engineering/index.php. For
SEAS students interested in pursuing a College major, contact 111
Towne for more information.
Double Majors/Concentrations
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.
Dual Degrees
If your interests truly span two different schools, and you are looking
for a very challenging curriculum with 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.
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
major or concentration exists for you. If this is something
that interests you, consult one of the advisors in your school’s
undergraduate advising office.
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 Penn’s Colleges or
Schools. When your minor interest resides in another school, things
become more complicated; check with your school office for more
Chapter 4: Curricular Options 30
information. For a list of minors, go to http://www.college.upenn.

edu/minors/index.php.
Switching Majors/Concentrations
Just because you’ve 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?
We’re 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.
ABCS courses involve a wide variety of community activities centered
on societal issues such as health, environment, the arts, and education.
Penn’s 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
you’re 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 University’s 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; you’re 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!
Dean’s Advisory Boards (DABs) and Undergraduate Advisory
Boards (UABs)
Dean’s 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.
Chapter
5
ACADEMIC OPTIONS
Chapter 5: Academic Options

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT
Remember all those “academic options” listed in the Penn
admissions brochure? You know … the ones you described in your
college application essay as “manifold and diverse, while providing
a challenging academic experience.” Well truth is, they really do
exist. Students in every one of the programs below carry a trend
of performing highly in many ultra-competitive post-graduate
fellowships, such as the Rhodes, Marshall, and Fulbright scholarships,
among others. Here are the programs:
The Benjamin Franklin Scholars (BFS) programs
If you’re a Penn student interested in classes which are academically
challenging and different, yet esoteric and altogether interesting, then
you should look into the Benjamin Franklin Scholars (BFS) program.
BFS offers deeply intellectual courses in almost all departments which
are open to all undergraduates, even non-BFS students. Taught in
seminar format, BFS classes provide a unique academic experience.
The Benjamin Franklin Scholars Program is an extraordinary program
tailored to those students really looking for an academic challenge.
BFS offers three unique academic resources: direct admission to BFS
courses, specialized academic advising, and research opportunities for
interested students. The program also hosts various research talks or
afternoon teas led by students and/or faculty. These events take place
in the ARCH building at Locust Walk and 36th street. While some
Penn students are admitted into the program as incoming freshmen,
interested students can apply during their first two years at Penn. For
additional information on the program, see the BFS home page at
http://www.upenn.edu/curf/scholars/scholars_bfs.htm.
Remember, non BFS students can still take BFS courses, though spots
are limited.
The Joseph Wharton Scholars (JWS) programs
Joseph Wharton Scholars is a BFS-like community specific to
Wharton undergraduates who are interested in being part of a
program that emphasizes the importance of research, liberal arts and
science education as elements to a well-rounded business education.
The JWS curriculum includes honors sections of typical Wharton
courses as well as honors courses in the College. Students in the JWS
program often have access to the large variety of BFS courses. For
more information, go to http://spike.wharton.upenn.edu/ugrprogram/
research/jws.cfm.
Chapter 5: Academic Options 34
The University Scholars (U. Scholars) Program

University Scholars receive special academic advising and support in
sponsoring and funding research. As a U. Scholar, you are provided
with an academic advisor in the Center for Undergraduate Research
and Fellowships (CURF) and an additional research advisor in the
research field of your choice. Also, there are weekly lunches and
teas where students present their own research. These are fantastic
opportunities to learn about what undergraduate research actually
means and to interact with faculty who work with undergraduate
researchers. You should consider the U. Scholars Program if you
have specifically-defined intellectual and research goals. Consult the
University Scholars homepage at http://www.college.upenn.edu/
honors/univscholars.php for more information. All undergraduate
students, not just U. Scholars, are encouraged to explore the
incredible research opportunities through CURF.
The Nursing Undergraduate Honors Program
http://www.nursing.upenn.edu/students/nuhp/pages/default.aspx
Submatriculation
Many of the University graduate schools offer undergraduates the
opportunity to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s 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 Bachelor’s and Master’s 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.
THE HONOR CODE AND ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
In fostering an environment where scholarly work is taken very
seriously, Penn developed a Code of Academic Integrity which
preserves and promotes the highest levels of ethical conduct amongst
its scholars (which includes you!). Violations of this code, including
cheating, plagiarizing, or the falsification of records are treated very
seriously; if you are found guilty of violating this code, Penn may
act to suspend or even expel you. The consequences of such an act
are far reaching: academic integrity violations are entered onto your
transcript and cannot be removed. There is a very good chance
that prospective graduate schools or employers will reconsider your
application upon discovering any violations.
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,
it’s your personal responsibility to abide by the Code of Academic
Integrity, which can be found at http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/osl/
acadint.html.
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
Chapter 5: Academic Options 36
be well worth the time you put in. Don’t 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. That’s 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 that’s a little more interesting than a typical
campus work-study job. You can check the Student Employment
Office’s website at http://www.sfs.upenn.edu/seo/ for a list of available
research focused positions in all sorts of departments.
So why would you do research anyway? We think the question might
be more like, “why wouldn’t 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.
Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF)
CURF is the hub for undergraduate research on campus. Located on
the 2nd Floor of the Arts and Culture House (ARCH) at the corner
of 36th and Locust, CURF also serves the home for the Benjamin
Franklin Scholars and University Scholars communities. Students
can call (215) 746-6488 to set up an appointment for a research
consultation, to talk about their particular research interests and
solicit advice and mentorship. In addition to the physical center,
CURF also maintains a website at http://www.upenn.edu/curf/. This
site provides additional research and fellowship help, a list of funding
opportunities, and other information.
Provost’s Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program

Started in 2007, the Office of the Provost and CURF launched the
Provost’s Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program. Faculty
members submit ideas for research projects with which they would
like freshmen to assist. Then, interested freshman (and sophomores)
can peruse these proposals and apply through CURF to work with
professors whose work they find intriguing. Selected students will be
matched with professors and will conduct research with them for the
summer after their freshman year. As if the opportunities to engage
in original research, develop a relationship with a faculty member,
and pursue an interest weren’t enough, this program offers funding
for the freshmen and faculty members as well! Find out more,
including information about the application processes and deadlines
online at http://www.upenn.edu/curf/research/grants/purm.
CURF UAB Research Fair
Similar to the Course and Majors Fair, SCUE offers a yearly fair
dedicated to research. Professors, graduate students, and undergrads
involved in research on campus make themselves available to speak
with interested students. Those at the fair are generally in search of
undergrads to assist with research. This year’s fair is scheduled for
Thursday, Febraury 3, 2011 from 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Hall of
Flags in Houston Hall.
SPUR and SIRE
Wharton also offers research programs. SPUR is available to Wharton
students during their freshman and sophomore summers, while SIRE
focuses on international research. To learn more, visit their websites.
Chapter
6
SERVICES & RESOURCES

Chapter 6: Services & Resources

I’ve used all your tips, and I am still having trouble in some
courses. What resources are available to me?
Weigle Information Commons
Doubling as a tremendous resource for academic collaboration (lots
of group study rooms and state-of-the-art technology) and a place to
seek academic support services, this addition to the Van Pelt library
is one you should be sure to check out. The Weigle staff conducts
workshops and individual sessions on research skills, time/project
management, and writing and communication skills. There’s even
a computer lab filled with software especially for digital music and
video editing. For more information see http://thecommons.library.
upenn.edu/.
Writing Center
If never you learned to right good in skool, you’re 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 Writer’s 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 Writer’s House go to http://www.writing.
upenn.edu/~wh/.
Tutoring Center
Drop by the tutoring center’s 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 didn’t 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 you’re having
trouble with a specific subject. (You may even be eligible for financial
assistance to help pay for your tutor.) Requests for tutors are usually
answered within 48 hours. Details regarding tutoring services can be
found through the Tutoring Center’s website at http://www.vpul.
upenn.edu/tutoring/index.php.
Chapter 6: Services and Resources 40
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Everyone needs someone to talk to, and CAPS is a great place
to be heard. A lot of students use the services of the professional
psychologists and psychiatrists due to a host of social, emotional,
academic and career issues. So if you feel that your slump needs some
talking about and your best friend’s advice just isn’t cutting it, see if
a counselor can help. For more information, see http://www.vpul.
upenn.edu/caps/.
Weingarten Learning Resource Center
Located on the third floor of Stouffer Commons, the Weingarten
Learning Resources Center provides workshops on note-taking and
study skills and gives one-on-one, individualized help as well. If
you’re struggling with the adjustment to college, having trouble with
a particular course, or just want some advice, be sure to pay the center
a visit. For upcoming events listings and more information, check out
http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/lrc/.
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: Penn’s 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, Mark’s Café
Bad Points: In Rosengarten, a.k.a. Van Party, a.k.a. Rosenparty, don’t
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 sneeze…seriously...
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, it’s
quiet and near the Café.
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: Looking to marry a med-student? Here’s 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 Pain’s (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, café, 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 don’t have to go far for food breaks. The Hall
of Flags is open all night during finals with free coffee. A good
group-study environment.
Chapter 6: Services and Resources 42
• Coffee Houses – Cosi, Green Line 1&2, Starbucks, Saxby’s, Lovers

and Madmen, Borders (downtown).
• 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-Physics-
Astronomy, and the Vet School. If you’re 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!).
CULTURE ON CAMPUS
Archives
Is College Hall actually the Adams Family House? What happened
at the very first meeting of the Board of Trustees? How radical were
Penn students in 1960s? Check out the University Archives! The
Archives retains information on both active and inactive University
records. You can find information about all aspects of University life,
especially those of historical significance, University activities and
achievements of members of the University community. Take a peek!
It’s located at 3402 Market Street, or online at http://www.archives.
upenn.edu/.
The University Museum
Haven’t had a chance to visit cultural sites downtown? Not to worry,
you can hobnob with art lovers and historians without leaving
Penn’s campus. The University Museum is world renowned not
only for its vast displays of archeological artifacts, but for its research
into the culture and history of humankind. Included in your visit
are mummies, a sphinx, Chinese weapons, and Sumerian stone
tablets. Exhibits are ever changing, as is the museum’s calendar of
performances, lectures, and special events. Your admission is free with
your PennCard. Check out http://www.museum.upenn.edu/ for a
calendar of events and a complete listing of exhibits.
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)

The Institute of Contemporary Art is a museum on campus that
offers a forum for innovation and investigation in contemporary
visual arts including photography, painting, sculpture, performance,
film and more. Many exhibits are designed to challenge the public’s
understanding and interests through innovative art of the present
and recent past. The ICA is located on 36th Street between Sansom
and Chestnut, and admission is free with your PennCard. Check
out http://www.icaphila.org/ for a calendar of events and a complete
listing of exhibits.
Chapter
7
STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
Chapter 7: Study Opportunities

THE QUAKER CONSORTIUM
Just because you study at Penn doesn’t mean you have to limit your
courses to those that are being offered in West Philadelphia. Students
at dear Ol’ Penn also have the opportunity to take courses at any of
the three other schools that are members of the Quaker Consortium:
Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore. The TriCollege Course
Guide (http://www.trico.haverford.edu/cgi-bin/courseguide/cgi-bin/
search.cgi) is an online catalog of courses offered by the three schools.
If this option sounds interesting to you, make an appointment to
meet with an advisor.
I love politics, and the Penn Democrat and College Republican
debates aren’t 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 is right up your alley, then the Washington Semester is
for you. In addition to taking courses with Penn professors, you’ll
have the opportunity to work at a government organization or private
agency in the nation’s 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
America’s 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 your
best semester at Penn: your semester away from Penn. That’s 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
you’d be wrong. If you don’t speak Italian but want to study in
Florence, you can prepare yourself if you start studying freshman
year. But if you’re a junior and your Italian is limited to what you’ve
learned from the Olive Garden menu…well then, “Ciao, Roma.”
Chapter 7: Study Opportunities 46
Also important: 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 place and course offerings should be your
primary considerations. If you are worried about your less-than-fluent
foreign language skills, don’t fret because there are many abroad
programs that don’t require you speak a foreign language when you
arrive but will teach you one while you’re there.
Semester/Year vs. Summer
Penn offers international programs during the regular school year
(semester or a full year) as well as shorter programs over the summer.
Choose whichever option is best for you. This decision may depend
on your major and ability to earn major-credit abroad, your language
skills, extra-curricular activities you participate in, and in which
country you would like to study. In general, if you participate in a
Penn Summer Abroad program you will be studying with other Penn
students and taking some of your courses from Penn professors. Plus,
these courses will automatically show up on your transcript – you
don’t have to go through the process of getting courses approved (as
you will likely have to do with credit from other institutions). Also,
consider how life in your country may be different in each season of
the year due to weather, holidays, etc.
Chapter
8
LIFE BEYOND PENN

48
Chapter 8: Life Beyond Penn

DURING THE SUMMER
I have to leave my college house in early May. Where will I go?
Many students take courses at Penn over the summer. The University
has two 6-week sessions over the summer, starting the week after
graduation. Course offerings vary from summer to summer. A
catalog of summer courses is available during the spring semester,
though some departments list their summer offerings on their website
beginning in the fall. Registration for summer courses is the same
as regular registration, and generally is concurrent with advance
registration for the fall semester. Tuition is charged on a per-course
basis and varies according to the school offering the course.
Many students also pursue research or internships during the summer.
Look to CURF for research opportunities. Career Services can help
you find an internship or job. Be wary that recruiting, which comes
to campus for summer internships, is not geared toward freshmen.
Don’t feel that an internship is necessary – many students pursue other
options. Travel abroad during this time is also popular.
If you enjoyed that first day of spring when the idyllic campus was
filled with Frisbees flying and students reading on every green inch of
campus, then you will love the summer at Penn. Penn in the summer
can open your life to a new world of Philadelphia. Walks down to
Rittenhouse Square and even Old City will never feel so quick!
Once I earn my fancy diploma, what can I do with it?
CAREER SERVICES
Career Services (http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/) has
a library that contains references on job descriptions/listings and
graduate schools organized by geography or field of study respectively.
You may not remove these materials, but a copy machine is available
for your use (hint: bring lots of change). But, as of recently, many of
the resources that you need are on their website; it’s worthwhile to
check it out before going over.
Faculty can help you find the graduate program suited to your needs
and interests; talk to faculty members about what departments
and graduate programs they respect. For those of you interested in
obtaining a Ph.D., sophomore year isn’t too early to start preparing,
though many a senior have also started a successful process as well.
Applying to Graduate School

There are a number of options for those going to graduate school –
MD, MSN, MA, PhD, MBA, JD, etc – none of which you should lose
sleep over as a freshman, but all of which you should keep in mind. A
good place to start for any graduate school search is Career Services. Ask
yourself why you want to continue your studies. Is it to avoid finding
a job? Is it to delay loan repayments? If so, these are not good reasons.
You should go to graduate school because you really want to continue
your education. As always, talk to professors you admire, your advisor,
your RA or GA, upperclassmen, and other mentors. Take a professor to
lunch in the SCUE Lunchroom (a free lunch for you both at the Inn at
Penn) and discuss your grand life plans.
Fellowships
I’ve 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 don’t have a 4.0 or haven’t cured cancer, doesn’t
mean you can’t 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 you’re considering a fellowship, you should go
to CURF and speak with one of the advisors.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
The Résumé
When you graduate from Penn you should have at least three pieces
of paper: your diploma, your transcript, and your résumé. Not
everything that you did at Penn will appear on your transcript (and
almost nothing will appear on your diploma); that’s why you need to
write a résumé. Even if you are going to grad school, having a résumé
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 team’s social chair and that you
were a subject for medical testing. If you’re having trouble, Career
Services has examples to help you along the way. They also have
individuals who can assist you by critiquing your résumé and offering
friendly suggestions; check them out for additional information.
Chapter 8: Life Beyond Penn 50
Sample resumes, organized by school, can be found at http://www.

vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/schoolmenus_undergrad.html.
Career Workshops/Seminars
Career workshops and seminars are offered 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, but don’t worry about going
to too many – you’ll soon realize that an uncanny resemblance exists
between them.
Credentials File
A credentials file is a useful resource for anyone who will need letters
of recommendation in his/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 won’t have
to worry about it. Career Services will keep an unlimited number of
letters on file (confidentially) for as long as you want.
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!
HONORS PROGRAMS AND HONORS THESES
Various departments in the College offer those who are seeking an
extra challenge the opportunity to participate in the department’s
honors program. Typically, these programs require a GPA of 3.5 or
better in the major and an honors thesis during one’s senior year.
Though it may seem daunting, these departmental honors programs
offer a unique challenge to study your major at a level of far greater
breadth and depth than typically experienced during the regular
course of study in a major. However, each department has a different
program, so be sure to check with your major advisor for honors
programs within your department.
Dean’s List
Dean’s 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
Phi Beta Kappa and Tau Beta Pi
Phi Beta Kappa, arguably the nation’s most prestigious academic
honor society, recognizes students who have distinguished themselves
in the liberal arts. Though one can not apply for membership in Phi
Beta Kappa, juniors with GPAs of 3.85 or better and seniors with
GPAs of 3.7 or better are considered. No more than ten percent of the
graduating class are elected as members.
The full list of eligibility requirements for membership in Phi Beta
Kappa can be found at http://www.college.upenn.edu/honors/pbk.
Tau Beta Pi is the oldest national engineering honor society
recognizing engineering students who demonstrate academic excellence
and exemplary character. Juniors in the upper eighth of their class and
seniors in the upper fifth of their class from all engineering disciplines
are considered for membership. .
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
GRADUATION
I’ve finished all my requirements, is there anything else I have to
do to graduate?
Do you want to be a senior at Penn for the rest of your life? No? Well
then make sure you’ve filled out the required graduation forms that
the registrar sends you in the fall of your senior year. In other words,
don’t throw out any mail! You will also be notified of when and where
Chapter 8: Life Beyond Penn 52
to attend sittings for your senior photographs and how to order your
cap and gown. You have to keep your eyes open for this important
information!
Preparing for the big day
A few things you have to remember about graduation day (and some
of them, a year in advance). Turn in your graduation worksheets on
time. If you don’t, penalties range from monetary fines to not being
able to graduate (depending on how long you go without filling them
out). Paperwork for The College is due in November of your senior
year. The other schools’ deadlines follow shortly thereafter. Rent your
cap and gown at the Bookstore during the first week of March. Your
school will send you details, so keep your eyes open.
If you are graduating with a GPA of 3.4 or above or if you are
graduating from the College, don’t expect to keep your diploma for
more than an hour. You’ll need to return it so that the appropriate
accolades and annotations can be printed on it. You’ll receive your
diploma in the mail shortly thereafter as long as you’ve paid all your
bills to the University.
Advising Resources
Where do I go if:
I don’t know what • Ask your advisor and upperclassmen for

classes to take next recommendations.
semester?
• 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 don’t know • Speak to your advisor or check the list of

how to fulfill my which courses fulfill requirements on your
requirements? school’s website.
I don’t know which • Be sure to check out the Student Activities

activities to get Fair in the Fall and Spring.
involved in?
• The Office of Student Life website links to
other organization websites where you can get
more information.
I want to • The Center for Undergraduate Research and

pursue research Fellowships (CURF) provides up-to-date
opportunities? information on various research opportunities,
grants and fellowships.
I find myself • The Weingarten Learning Center can help

falling behind? you budget your time more efficiently.
• The Tutoring Center offers private tutoring,
workshops, review sessions and other special
events.
I am thinking • The Office of International Programs website

about studying has information on what study abroad options
abroad? are available.
(continued next page)

Appendix 54
Where do I go if:
I am really stressed • The Counseling and Psychological Services

and my roommate (CAPS) offers: Individual and group
just doesn’t counseling and therapy, crisis intervention,
understand? structured workshops, psychological testing,
medication reviews and consultations.
I need help with • Career Services has tons of resources available

my resume, cover to start your internship search. Advisors are
letter or internship always available to review documents or
search? schedule appointments to discuss career plans.
I am completely • SCUE’s “Roadmap to Penn” offers a

lost or am unsure comprehensive overview of the Penn
of where to look? Undergraduate experience, as well as useful
links.
University of Pennsylvania 55
MARKET STREET
University City Liberal and
Science Center Profes-
sional Drexel
Studies University
Notes
32rd STREET
Sheraton
Penn School of Law
Inn at
Penn
Hill
38th STREET
37th STREET
36th STREET
34th STREET
33rd STREET
40th STREET
University College
Franklin House
Bookstore
Building
David
Van Pelt - Dietrich
Library Center Rittenhouse
Kelly Huntsman Laboratory
Writers Hall (DRL)
House
Towne
The
ARCH Building Palestra
COLLEGE GREEN
Civic
House Steinberg
Hall- College Hall
Dietrich Hall Claudia
1920
Cohen
Commons
Hall
Irvine
Houston Hall Auditorium
Franklin
Field
The Quad
Penn School of Medicine
and
the Hospital of the
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology
and Anthropology
Penn
Tower
Kaskey Garden
Fagin
Hall
(”BioPond”)
School Information Sessions:

College of Arts and Sciences . . . . . . . . . . .DRL, Room
A2
Penn Engineering . . . . . . . . .Towne Building, Room
111
The Wharton School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Huntsman

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A Roadmap to Penn

The Practical Scholar

THE STUDENT COMMITTEE ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION

The Student Committee on Undergraduate Education

The Student Committee on Undergraduate Education seeks bright, articulate, motivated

SCUE General Body:

CHAPTER 1: COURSE OPTIONS

CHAPTER 4: CURRICULAR OPTIONS

CHAPTER 5: ACADEMIC OPTIONS

CHAPTER 6: SERVICES AND RESOURCES

CHAPTER 7: STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

CHAPTER 8: LIFE BEYOND PENN

CCP Netter Center for Community Partnership

CHAS College Houses and Academic Services

CPCW Center for Programs in Contemporary Writing

CURF Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships

CwiC Communication Within the Curriculum

DAB Dean’s Advisory Board (College)

EDAB Engineering Undergraduate Advisory Board

ITA Information Technology Assistant

LPS School of Liberal and Professional Studies

MAP Major Advising Program

NEC Nominations and Elections Committee

OIP Office of International Programs

OSL Office of Student Life

PCR Penn Course Review

PRP Penn Reading Project

SAC Student Activities Council

SCUE Student Committee on Undergraduate Education

SNAP Student Nurses At Penn

SPEC Social Planning and Events Committee

UAB Undergraduate Advisory Boards

VPUL Vice-Provost of University Life

WAB Wharton’s Dean Advisory Board

Dear Class of 2015,

SCUE’s The Practical Scholar: A Roadmap to Penn stands out in several

Beyond familiarizing yourself with the contents of this handbook, the

SCUE is the academic policy branch of student government, and we

Chapter 1: Course Options

A s you sort through the stacks of paperwork that Penn can

PENN COURSE REVIEW

information. Some students meet with their advisors only when

everything you need to think about while planning your academic

Chapter 4: Curricular Options

The College – You must declare before advance registration ends

information. For a list of minors, go to http://www.college.upenn.

Chapter 5: Academic Options

The University Scholars (U. Scholars) Program

Independent study is allowed and encouraged within all four schools.

Provost’s Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program

SERVICES & RESOURCES

Chapter 6: Services & Resources

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Coffee Houses – Cosi, Green Line 1&2, Starbucks, Saxby’s, Lovers

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)

Chapter 7: Study Opportunities

Also important: make friends with the Office of International

LIFE BEYOND PENN

Chapter 8: Life Beyond Penn

Applying to Graduate School

Sample resumes, organized by school, can be found at http://www.

I don’t know what • Ask your advisor and upperclassmen for

I don’t know • Speak to your advisor or check the list of