Penn Reading Project (PRP) Discussion Leader

Looking for ways to become involved with New Student Orientation (NSO) and the incoming Class of 2023? Sign up to be a PRP Discussion Leader!

The Penn Reading Project is the first academic experience that incoming students have on campus. All incoming first-year students are asked to read a common text, write a short essay, and engage in a discussion with a faculty leader during NSO. This year, PRP discussion groups will meet on Friday, August 23. Discussion leaders are responsible for reading the assigned text, Cathy O’Neil’s Weapons of Math Destruction, and leading a discussion with a group of first-year students. 

Preceptorials

Preceptorials are non-credit seminars led by faculty and some distinguished guest lecturers, available to Penn undergraduates in Fall and Spring semesters to supplement the curriculum. The program is designed to foster an interactive, conversational experience with no grades or tests. The goal of Preceptorials is learning for learning's sake in an experience often outside the classroom.

Take Your Professor & Host Your Class Programs

Penn's meal-hosting programs encourage students and their mentors to engage in intellectual or casual conversation outside of the classroom and simultaneously provide them with the opportunity to do so free of charge. 

During the academic year there are four program options available to Penn students & mentors. These options range from free 1-on-1 meals to large meals organized for classes and groups of 100+ students in Penn's residential dining facilities. During the summer, the sole option is the Take YourProfessor/Mentor/TA to Lunch in the University Club.

First-Year Experience (FYE) 

The First-Year Experience (FYE) program is a new NSOAI initiative aimed at helping first-year students adjust to life at Penn through events that continue past NSO. The focus of these events is building an understanding of the resources Penn has to offer and developing practical knowledge that will lead to personal success in college.

Tours of Philadelphia, workshops  on study strategies, and lessons in credit and debit are just a few of the many ways FYE can help first-years get off to a strong start. Get involved by suggesting an event/speaker, hosting your own event, or applying for a grant!

Second-Year Experience (SYE)

Similarly, the Second-Year Experience (SYE) program is meant to help second-years rediscover what the University can offer them as well as address the unique needs of a second-year student. The goal of this program is to promote faculty and student collaboration towards getting students the information and experiences they need to grow towards success in their second year.

Through programming such as workshops on finding internships, information regarding on and off-campus housing, and more, SYE aims to support second-years at Penn. Get involved by suggesting an event/speaker, hosting your own event, or applying for a grant!