Office of New Student Orientation & Academic Initiatives

NSO

Daily Digest

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Hello Class of 2030!

Welcome to the official first 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.

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 by 12pm.

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

Today's Calendar

Placement Exams

Various Locations | 8am-4:45pm

See the event information page for exams' details.

NSO Hospitality Booths

34th St & Walnut St; 37th St & Locust Walk; College Green | 10am-3pm

PHINS are available to answer all your questions.  

New Student Resources Fair & Campus Express Center

Houston Hall | 10am-3pm

"One-stop shop" for essential resources and services for all Penn students. This is your opportunity to meet and engage with Penn resources and get your questions answered.

Treats & Treasures at the Penn Libraries

Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center | 5:30pm-7:30pm

Come check out the libraries after dinner to grab some treats and see some treasures! Dance at a silent disco, try your hand at Quizzo (Philly Trivia), make a postcard, and more!

Please bring your Penn Card with you. You will need to swipe your Penn Card to enter Van Pelt-Dietrich Library.

[MANDATORY] College House Meetings

Various Locations | 7:30pm

Student attendance required for College House meetings and activities with House staff. Check with your RA, House Coordinator, or House Director for additional information.

Thrive at Penn (TAP) Phase 2 is Live!

TAP Phase 2 is officially live! Your attendance at all mandatory NSO events is required, and attendance will be taken. Failure to attend these events may result in a registration hold on your student record, which could prevent you from registering for Spring 2027 courses.

Dining Café Hours For
Wednesday, August 19

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

Breakfast (for students only): 7am-10am

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

Lunch: 11am-4:30pm

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

Dinner: 5pm-8pm

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

Looking Ahead: Penn Reading Project

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. 

Sunday, August 23 - Penn Reading Project Panel Session Times

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

Submit Your Question

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!

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 on Thursday, August 20 at 11:59pm.

Looking Ahead: PennTrack 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.