Office of New Student Orientation & Academic Initiatives

NSO 

Daily Digest

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Hello Class of 2030!

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.

Submit Your Question for the Penn Reading Project Panel

The Penn Reading Project panel presentation is a mandatory session where Penn faculty and students discuss the sometimes-contentious formation of American history, and the ongoing questions about democracy today. 

Use the form linked here to submit a question to the PRP panelists by Friday, August 21 at 12pm.

If your question is read at the session, you’ll win 2 tickets to the Phillies vs. Braves game on Friday, September 4!

Last Chance to Sign Up for NSO Preceptorials

NSO Preceptorials are not-for-credit educational sessions designed to showcase the University’s intellectual richness, further develop a sense of belonging to our shared community, and help students define their Penn experience. These sessions focus on these key areas: Academic Life, America 250, Civic Engagement, Community Building, Cultural Awareness, and Wellness. NSO Preceptorials will take place on Saturday, August 22 from 10am-2pm. 

Registration will close TODAY, August 20 at 11:59pm. Use the form linked below to sign up before the spots are filled!

Today's Calendar

Penn Spirit Day - Proudly Wear Red & Blue Attire

Placement Exams

Various Locations | 8am-5:15pm

See the event information page for exams' details.   

[MANDATORY] The College-Specific Event: Welcome to the College 

Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts | 10:15am-12pm

Note: This mandatory event is ONLY for the undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences.

SAS Dean Mark Trodden, College Dean Peter Struck, and College Leadership will welcome the College Class of 2030! Pick up a College hat and participate in a class photo on Annenberg Plaza following the program. 

New Student Resources Tours 

Various Locations | 11am-2pm

Want to know where all the amazing resources found at the New Student Resources Fair are located? Take this self-guided tour through campus and discover the locations of Penn’s multitude of services. Use the New Student Recourses Tour map to guide your tour.

Highball to Hey Day

Houston Hall | 4pm-6pm

Join Penn Traditions and Alumni Relations in Houston Hall to learn about Penn’s traditions and history, play games, and enjoy snacks!

[MANDATORY] Welcome to the Penn Community

The Palestra | 6pm-7:30pm

Welcome to Penn – your home for the next four years! In this immersive session in the historic Palestra, you’ll be welcomed as a member of the Class of 2030. Learn about the university values that guide our community and meet people here to help you. Students receive their NSO wristbands upon entry. Penn ID is required for entry. No bags permitted. 

Class of 2030 Class Photo (Weather Dependent)

Franklin Field | 7:30pm-8pm

Note: The Class Photo may be postponed due to weather conditions. Students will be notified at the Welcome to the Penn Community event.

First-year students head over to Franklin Field to receive their class shirt and take their class photo.

NSO Speakeasy

Kelly Writers House | 9pm-10:30pm

Bring your poetry, your guitar, or your flash fiction to share at this special student-led open mic featuring readings and performances by the incoming class. If you plan to perform, you’ll be able to sign up when you arrive for a three-minute spot at the Writers House podium. Doors open at 8:30pm; performances start at 9pm.

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 directly.

• Phone: 215-573-9235 
• TTY: 215-746-6320
• Email: vpul-sdsmail@pobox.upenn.edu

Dining Café Hours For
Thursday, August 20

Dining café hours throughout the week of NSO can be viewed on the Penn Dining website. The options for today are listed below. 

Breakfast: 7am-10am

Hill College House, 1920 Commons, and Kings Court English House (Halal available)

Lunch: 11am

Hill College House , Lauder College House, Kings Court English House (Halal available), and Falk Hillel (Kosher available) are open 11am-4:30pm. 1920 Commons is available until 2pm.

Dinner: 5pm-8pm

Hill College House, 1920 Commons, Lauder College House, Kings Court English House (Halal available), and Falk Hillel (Kosher available)

Looking Ahead: NSO Preceptorials

NSO Preceptorials are not-for-credit educational sessions designed to showcase the University’s intellectual richness, further develop a sense of belonging to our shared community, and help students define their Penn experience. These sessions focus on these key areas: Academic Life, America 250, Civic Engagement, Community Building, Cultural Awareness, and Wellness.

NSO Preceptorials will take place on Saturday, August 22 from 10am-2pm. Spots are limited, click the button below for more details and sign up today! Registration will close TODAY at 11:59pm.

Looking Ahead: PennTracks Walking Tours

PennTracks Walking Tours are free guided tours led by our PHINS Orientation Leaders throughout the city of Philadelphia for our first-year students on Saturday, August 22, from 2pm to 5pm.

Read more about PennTracks Walking Tours and sign up below! Since all PennTracks Tours will be happening at the same time, please only sign up for one slot.