Welcome Penn Class of 2027!

Once again, congratulations on starting your new journey at Penn!

New Student Orientation (NSO) is just around the corner from Wednesday, August 23 to Monday, August 28, and our staff wants to provide you with pivotal information and tasks that need to be completed before you arrive on campus. Over the next few weeks, you’ll need to complete Phase One of Thrive at Penn (TAP), our mandatory online orientation program. Below you'll find more information about TAP and more.

If you have any questions regarding NSO activities, please feel free to contact us at provost-nso-ai@pobox.upenn.edu.

- NSOAI Staff

Thrive at Penn (TAP)

Phase I: Live TODAY, Tuesday, August 1; Completion required by Friday, August 18
Phase II: Goes live Monday, August 21; Completion required by Monday, August 28
Phase III: Goes live Tuesday, August 29; Completion required by Friday, September 1

TAP is an online orientation program that readies incoming students for their Penn undergraduate career. TAP prepares students to make healthy choices as they begin their university experience and provides information about resources available to support student success. TAP is also designed to provide opportunities for the incoming class to meet and interact with their classmates in small orientation groups led by Peers Helping Integrate New Students (PHINS) orientation leaders. These PHINS Orientation Groups (POGs) meet virtually through TAP and in person during New Student Orientation (NSO).

Throughout your undergraduate career, TAP will be available through Canvas, Penn’s learning management system. At your own pace, you’ll be asked to complete each phase of this mandatory program before the respective deadlines.

Health Reminders

As a reminder, all documentation of required immunizations was due July 1 through the Wellness Portal. COVID-19 and Flu immunizations are still strongly recommended. Students should upload all immunization documentation through their Wellness Portal if they have not already done so. For more information about Penn's most immunization and insurance requirements visit the Wellness at Penn website. 

Penn Entering Student Questionnaire (PESQ)

President Liz Magill and Provost John L. Jackson Jr. wrote to encourage you to take the Penn Entering Student Questionnaire (PESQ) a few weeks ago. Take a look in your Penn email inbox and find the email sent from surveys@ira.upenn.edu to get your unique link to the survey if you have not already completed it. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete, and it will provide us with invaluable information as you embark on your Penn career. Your feedback is essential to us. Thank you!

Specific Accommodation Requests

If you would like to request any specific accommodations including fully accessible transportation to any NSO event, please contact Penn’s Disability Services by phone (215-573-9235) or email at disabilityservices@vpul.upenn.edu.

Wellness Manager and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Dan Connolly, RDN, is available to speak with students with general nutrition questions and those with special dietary needs. Students can reach out to Dan at Daniel.Connolly@cafebonappetit.com.

Thinking About Working On Campus? 

Part of getting hired to work on campus involves completing a Form I-9, which requires you to present original and unexpired identity and employment authorization documents, including your Social Security Card and a driver’s license or passport. The full list of acceptable documents can be found on the USCIS Form I-9 Acceptable Documents page. Be sure to bring these with you to avoid delays in getting paid! 

Learn more about Student Employment Opportunities here. 

Learn more about the Onboarding Process and Documents at Onboard@Penn.  

Penn Dining Announcement

Penn Dining is happy to welcome families and guests of incoming first year students to dine with us during  New Student Orientation on Tuesday, August 22 and Wednesday, August 23 for lunch and/or dinner.

Students must register their family members/guests by August 15, 2023 via MyHomeAtPenn, including the number of guests they wish to join them at each meal on each date.

When arriving at the cafés, students will use their PennCards to use meal swipes that have been pre-loaded onto their cards.  Families/guests will be asked to show a copy of their pre-registration to the cashiers.  Students and guests will then be able to enjoy all-they-care-to-eat during that meal period. (Please note: families/guests must be with their student when visiting the cafés.)

Locations and hours for each meal period will be posted on the dining website.

Still have questions?

We’re happy to help with any questions you might have. Please feel free to check out the NSOAI Website or contact us at provost-nso-ai@pobox.upenn.edu. Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you on campus in August!