Office of New Student Orientation & Academic Initiatives

Your NSO Daily Digest

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Hello Quakers!

We hope you have been enjoying New Student Orientation (NSO)! Below you'll find more information about Thursday's events. Events marked [MANDATORY] are events that you must attend.

For the weather, there's a chance of rain with a high of 77 degrees. Bring an umbrella just in case!

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 dark blue t-shirts. 

- NSOAI Staff

How to Mark Attendance for
Mandatory Events

There are some Mandatory Events during NSO that require you to mark the attendance. Here is the instruction on how to mark your attendance: 

1. Download Canvas Student app on smartphones. 
2. Make sure you are logged into your Canvas using PennKey.  
3. Go to TAP 2027.  
4. Go to Attendance in the menu.  
5. Choose the event and your session based on your group number.  
6. Input the 5-digit Code given by your group facilitator. The code should be a combination of numbers and Capitalized letters. 

Note: Time window for inputting the code is the duration of the session, be sure to input the code before the session concludes! 

PHINS Group Activities:  

9:30am-11am: Groups 61-120  
2:00pm-3:30pm: Groups 1-60  

PVP Consent Circles:  

9:30am-10:45am: Groups 61-90   
11am-12:15pm: Groups 91-120   
1:15pm-2:30pm: Groups 1-30   
2:45pm-4pm: Groups 31-60  

Just a reminder that failure to mark your attendance will result in a hold on your registration. 

Preceptorials

Today is the LAST DAY TO SIGN UP!

Engage with Penn faculty, staff, and students in these one-time educational sessions. Preceptorials showcase the cultural, social, and academic richness of our shared community as well as highlight topics on civic engagement, wellness, and the arts in Philadelphia. Click the buttons below to see the complete list of Preceptorials and the sign up links for each session. 

The deadline for registering for a Preceptorial is tonight at 11:59pm. Please only sign up for one for each time slot.

PennTracks: Center City and
University City & West Philly Tours

PennTracks Tours are free guided tours led by our PHINS student leaders throughout the city of Philadelphia for our first-year students and second-year students. Read more about PennTracks Tours and sign up below!

Since all PennTracks Tours will be happening at the same time, please only sign up for one slot. Do not sign up for more than one.

Thursday's Calendar

Placement Exams

Various Locations | 7am-9:30am; 4pm-6pm

Please refer to this PDF version of the Placement Exam insert to see the full schedule of placement exams.

[MANDATORY] Welcome to Penn

Irvine Auditorium | 9:30am or 2pm

The Welcome to Penn session offers first-years a chance to hear from campus resources who provide support services throughout their undergraduate career. Speakers include representatives from New Student Orientation & Academic Initiatives, University Life, Public Safety, Campus Health, PVP, and more! Students will receive their NSO wristbands upon entry.

• 9:30am-11am: Groups 1-60
• 2pm-3:30pm: Groups 61-120

[MANDATORY] PHINS Orientation Group Activities

Meet outside your College House. Look for your PHINS Orientation Leader holding their group sign | 9:30am or 2pm

PHINS Orientation Group Activities give first-years an opportunity to meet their orientation leader and engage with classmates. Small groups explore the energetic campus landscape while getting acquainted with Penn's resource centers, dining cafés, and academic buildings. See mymandatoryevents.com for your PHINS Orientation Group information and your personalized schedule of mandatory NSO events including dates, times, and locations.

• 9:30am-11am: Groups 61-120
• 2pm-3:30pm: Groups 1-60

Penn Traditions Highball to Heyday

College Green | 7pm-9pm

Join Penn's Alumni Relations at an outdoor carnival for snacks, games, prizes for everyone, and fun! Learn Penn songs and traditions and sign your class banner!

Comedy Night

Irvine Auditorium | 9pm-11pm

Enjoy an evening of laughs with professional stand-up comedians! First come, first-served. NSO wristbands are required for admission.

Dining Café Hours For
Thursday, August 24

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

Breakfast for Students Only | 7:30am-10am
Locations: Hill, Kings Court English House, and 1920 Commons dining cafés. Halal available in Kings Court English House.

Lunch for Students Only | 11am-2pm
Locations: Hill, Kings Court English House, Lauder, and 1920 Commons dining cafés. Halal available in Kings Court English House. McClelland open 11am-8pm.

Dinner for Students Only | 5pm-8pm
Locations: Hill, Kings Court English House, and 1920 Commons dining cafés. Kosher dining available at Falk Hillel. Halal available in Kings Court English House. McClelland open 11am-8pm.

Still have questions?

For questions related to NSO, contact us at 
provost-nso-ai@pobox.upenn.edu.