Office of New Student Orientation & Academic Initiatives

NSO

Daily Digest

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Hello, Class of 2030!

Welcome to the fifth day of New Student Orientation (NSO)! Below you'll find more information about today's events. Events bolded and marked [MANDATORY] are events that you must attend.

If you have any questions or would like to know more information about any of the NSO programs, look for our well-trained volunteers, the Peers Helping Integrate New Students (PHINS), all around campus in light blue and navy blue polo shirts.

Today's Calendar

[MANDATORY] Penn Reading Project

Harold L. Zellerbach Theatre, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts | 1:15pm-4:30pm

PHINS Groups 1-30, 91-120: 1:15pm-2:45pm
PHINS Groups 31-60, 61-90: 3pm-4:30pm

The Penn Reading Project (PRP) was conceived in 1990 as a shared experience that introduces students to Penn’s vigorous intellectual life. Since then, it has been a significant part of the New Student Orientation experience.

This year, with the theme of America250 all around us, rather than a single book, we’ve put together a selection of readings through our Canvas platform that explores both the history of our nation, and our current understanding of democracy in action.

The on-campus portion of the PRP is in two parts. On Saturday evening, a celebratory visit to the National Constitution Center is an immersive exploration of these topics. The PRP concludes on Sunday with a mandatory session in Zellerbach Auditorium. Penn faculty and students will discuss the sometimes-contentious formation of American history, the ongoing questions about democracy today, and the evolution of universities in America.

Read Lecturer and Panelists' Bio

Late Night Comedy

Platt Performing Arts House, Lobby | 9pm

Meet the real Penn and its funniest groups on campus, free for all students. See five of Penn’s premier comedy groups and their stellar bands, including Bloomers, Simply Chaos, Penn Six, Without a Net, and Mask and Wig, performing everything from sketch comedy to improv.

NSO Events Calendar PDF

Events Calendar Webpage

View Your Mandatory NSO Schedule Here

Penn Disability Services

If you would like to request any specific accommodations including fully accessible transportation to any NSO event, please contact Penn’s Disability Services.