The University of Pennsylvania Podcast

Penn Campus Update: Course Deadlines, Seminars, Sports, Food Trucks & Events for Sept 29–Oct 6

Hey University of Pennsylvania students, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for September 29 through October 6. Let's get you set for the week—fast.
First up—the Drop Period ends on Monday, October 6. If you're considering dropping a course, make sure to do so before the deadline.
Next, the Physiology Department is hosting its annual Scientific Retreat on Monday, September 29, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at The Franklin Institute. It's a great opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research.
Finally, the Business Economics and Public Policy Department is holding two seminars on Monday, September 29. The Public and Labor Economics Seminar at 12:00 p.m. in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall 107, and the Energy Economics & Finance Seminar at 3:30 p.m. in the Kleinman Center Classroom. Both are excellent chances to dive into current economic discussions.
This past weekend, our football team faced a tough game against #9 Lehigh in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Looking ahead, we've got an exciting home game on Saturday, October 4, at 1:00 p.m. against Dartmouth at Franklin Field. It's also "First Years on the Field" day, so let's show our support and pack the stands!
The Kelly Writers House is a vibrant hub for literary events and community gatherings. While specific events for this week aren't listed, it's always worth checking out their offerings for engaging discussions and readings.
On the dining front, the food truck lineup along Spruce Street continues to offer a variety of delicious options. Whether you're craving tacos, falafel, or a classic cheesesteak, there's something for everyone.
This week in Philadelphia, expect a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 80s. Notably, Thursday will be cooler with plenty of sunshine. It's a good idea to dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Your move: If you're planning to drop a course, remember the deadline is Monday, October 6. Don't wait until the last minute—take action now to ensure your schedule is set.
That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.

Penn Campus Update: Scientific Retreats, Seminars, Football Highlights, Writers House Events & New Eats – Sept 29–Oct 6

Hey University of Pennsylvania students, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for September 29 through October 6. Let's get you set for the week—fast.
First up—the Physiology Department Scientific Retreat is happening Monday, September 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Franklin Institute, followed by a reception at City Tap. It's a great opportunity to engage with faculty and peers.
Next, on Thursday, October 2, at noon, there's a Physiology/PMI seminar featuring Nicolas Plachta, PhD, at the CRB Austrian Auditorium. A chance to dive into cutting-edge research.
And don't forget—the Cell Biology in Neuroscience Journal Club meets Monday, October 6, at 3:00 p.m. in CRB 702, with speaker Molly Healey from the Bomba-Warczak Lab. Perfect for those interested in the latest in neuroscience.
Over the weekend, our Quakers football team faced a tough opponent and, despite a valiant effort, came up short. Standout player Alex Johnson delivered an impressive performance with two touchdowns and over 100 rushing yards. Looking ahead, the team is gearing up for a home game this Saturday at Franklin Field. Let's pack the stands and show our support!
The Kelly Writers House is hosting a series of engaging events this week. It's a fantastic spot to connect with fellow literature enthusiasts and participate in vibrant discussions.
On the dining front, the food truck lineup along Spruce Street is introducing some new flavors this week. Be sure to check out the latest additions and treat your taste buds to something different.
This week in Philadelphia, expect a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s. There's a chance of showers on Tuesday, so keep an umbrella handy. Overall, pleasant fall weather is on the horizon.
Your move: Register for the Physiology Department Scientific Retreat by Monday morning to secure your spot. Don't miss out on this enriching experience.
That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.

Penn Expands Financial Aid, Launches Climate Plan & Penn Forward, and Kicks Off Campus Events: September 22, 2025 Update

Good afternoon, Quakers! It's Monday, September 22, 2025, and here's what's happening at the University of Pennsylvania.
Currently, it's cloudy with a temperature of 67 degrees Fahrenheit. This afternoon, expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching up to 80 degrees. A pleasant evening is ahead, with temperatures cooling down to the mid-60s.
*Financial Aid Expansion*
In a significant move to enhance affordability, Penn has expanded its financial aid program. Starting this fall, families earning up to $200,000 annually will qualify for full-tuition scholarships. Additionally, the university will no longer consider the value of a family's primary home when calculating financial aid eligibility.
*Climate and Sustainability Action Plan*
The university has unveiled its fourth Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, setting ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2042. This plan underscores Penn's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
*Penn Forward Initiative*
On September 3, the university announced the launch of Penn Forward, a strategic planning initiative aimed at shaping Penn’s future. This initiative reflects Penn's ongoing commitment to innovation in education, scholarship, and service.
*Penn Annual Conference – Companion Animal Tracks*
The Penn Annual Conference is set for September 25 and 26 at The Inn at Swarthmore. This year's conference features a new format, focusing on companion animal tracks.
*Volleyball Season Opener*
The Penn women's volleyball team kicked off the 2025 season with a trip to the West Coast for the Anteater Classic, hosted by UC Irvine. Under new head coach Tyler Hagstrom, the Quakers faced teams including Colorado, Fresno State, and UC Irvine.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus.

Penn Welcomes Class of 2029, Expands Financial Aid, Unveils Climate Plan, and Kicks Off New Academic Year

Good morning, Quakers! It's Monday, September 15, 2025, and here's what's happening at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Class of 2029 has officially arrived, with 2,429 first-year students moving into Penn's 13 College Houses during Move-In Week. They join 3,416 returning students, bringing vibrant energy to campus as the new academic year begins.
In a significant move to enhance affordability, Penn has expanded its financial aid program. Starting this fall, families earning up to $200,000 annually will qualify for full-tuition scholarships. Additionally, the university will no longer consider the value of a family's primary home when calculating financial aid eligibility.
The university has also unveiled its fourth Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, setting ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2042. This plan underscores Penn's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
On Wednesday, September 17, journalist John Harwood will be on campus for a conversation hosted by Dick Polman.
In sports news, the Penn volleyball team kicked off their 2025 season at the Anteater Classic in Irvine, California. The Quakers faced off against Colorado, Fresno State, and UC Irvine over the weekend, marking the debut of their new head coach.
Looking ahead, the Penn Annual Conference's Companion Animal Tracks will be held on Thursday, September 25, and Friday, September 26, at The Inn at Swarthmore. This year's conference features a brand-new format, promising engaging sessions for attendees.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus.

Penn Welcomes Class of 2029, Expands Financial Aid, Unveils Sustainability Plan, and Kicks Off Fall Events

Good morning, Quakers! It's Monday, September 15, 2025, and here's what's happening at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Class of 2029 has officially arrived, with 2,429 first-year students moving into Penn's 13 College Houses during Move-In Week. They join 3,416 returning students, bringing vibrant energy to campus as the new academic year begins.
In a significant move to enhance affordability, Penn has expanded its financial aid program. Starting this fall, families earning up to $200,000 annually will qualify for full-tuition scholarships. Additionally, the university will no longer consider the value of a family's primary home when calculating financial aid eligibility.
The university has also unveiled its fourth Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, setting ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2042. This plan underscores Penn's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
On Wednesday, September 17, journalist John Harwood will be on campus for a conversation hosted by Dick Polman. Harwood, known for his work with CNBC and CNN, will share insights from his extensive career covering American politics. The event is scheduled for 12:00 PM and requires prior registration.
Later that day, at 5:30 PM, authors Julia Elliott and Stephanie Feldman will participate in the Bernheimer Symposium. Elliott is celebrated for her story collections "Hellions" and "The Wilds," while Feldman is known for her novel "The Angel of Losses." This literary event promises engaging discussions and is also open for in-person attendance with prior registration.
The Penn Quakers football team is gearing up for the 2025 season under the leadership of head coach Ray Priore. While the team was selected to finish sixth in the Ivy League preseason poll, fans are optimistic about the upcoming games at Franklin Field.
Today in Philadelphia, expect a mix of sun and clouds with a high around 78°F (26°C). There's a slight chance of showers in the evening, so you might want to carry an umbrella if you're out late.
That's all for today's update. Stay informed, stay engaged, and as always, Go Quakers!

Penn Launches ”Penn Forward” Initiative, Welcomes New President, and Highlights Climate Gift, Research, and Campus Events

Good afternoon, Penn community! It's Monday, September 8, 2025, and welcome to another episode of our campus news podcast. Let's dive into the latest happenings at the University of Pennsylvania.
The University has launched "Penn Forward," a strategic planning initiative aimed at shaping Penn's future. This initiative reflects our commitment to continuous innovation in education, scholarship, and service.
In leadership news, J. Larry Jameson has been appointed as the 10th President of the University of Pennsylvania, with his term extending through June 2027. Jameson previously served as Interim President and has a distinguished history with the university.
Anthropology professor Mallika Sarma is conducting groundbreaking research on human adaptation to extreme environments, including spaceflight and urban heat in Philadelphia. Her work focuses on how the body's stress response is regulated in these conditions.
The university has received a $10 million gift from alumnus Alp Ercil to establish the Penn Climate Sustainability Initiative. This initiative will support interdisciplinary programs across all 12 schools, enhancing our efforts in climate science and policy.
Move-In Week was a success, with 2,429 members of the Class of 2029 and 3,416 returning students settling into Penn's 13 College Houses. President J. Larry Jameson personally welcomed students and their families, fostering a sense of community from day one.
Nine undergraduates dedicated their summer to interning for New Student Orientation & Academic Initiatives, helping to design the NSO experience for the incoming class. Their efforts ensured a smooth transition for new students into campus life.
On Wednesday, September 17, journalist John Harwood will be on campus for a conversation hosted by Dick Polman. Harwood, known for his work with CNBC and CNN, will share insights from his extensive career covering American politics. The event is co-sponsored by the Truth and Disinformation in the Writing Arts and the Povich Journalism Program.
Later that day, authors Julia Elliott and Stephanie Feldman will participate in the Bernheimer Symposium at 5:30 PM. Elliott is celebrated for her story collections "Hellions" and "The Wilds," while Feldman is known for her novel "The Angel of Losses." The symposium promises engaging discussions on contemporary literature.
The Penn Quakers football team is gearing up for the 2025 season under the leadership of head coach Ray Priore. The team is preparing for a competitive season in the Ivy League, with home games at Franklin Field.
Today's weather in Philadelphia is sunny with a high of 76°F (24°C). It's a perfect day to enjoy the outdoors on campus.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around Penn. Have a great day!

J. Larry Jameson Named Penn President, $8M Gift Boosts Studies, AI Mixer Announced, Football & Quad Renovations Update

Good afternoon, Penn community! It's Monday, September 1, 2025, and here's your latest campus news.
Currently in Philadelphia, it's mostly sunny with a temperature of 71°F (22°C). This afternoon, expect partly sunny skies with temperatures reaching up to 80°F (27°C). This evening, temperatures will gradually cool down to around 62°F (17°C).
In university news, J. Larry Jameson has been appointed as the 10th president of the University of Pennsylvania, effective March 13, 2025. Jameson previously served as interim president since December 2023 and brings extensive experience from his tenure as Executive Vice President for the Health System and Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine.
The University has received an $8 million gift from the Robert K. Johnson Foundation for its School of Arts and Sciences. This generous donation will fund the Integrated Studies Program, a first-year residential academic program that fosters interdisciplinary learning among students.
Looking ahead, the AI Research Mixer 2025 is scheduled for Friday, September 9, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. This full-day event will feature faculty talks, poster presentations, and networking opportunities with members of ASSET, IDEAS, Warren, DDDI, and Penn AI. All Penn community members interested in AI are welcome to attend.
The Penn Quakers football team is gearing up for the 2025 season under the leadership of Head Coach Ray Priore. The Quakers will open their season on Saturday, September 20, at 1:00 pm against Stonehill. Their home opener and first Ivy League game is set for Saturday, October 4, against Dartmouth at Franklin Field. Single-game tickets, season tickets, group tickets, and Quaker Quick Pick Mini-Plans are available for purchase.
The University is in the final phase of a $238 million renovation of the Quadrangle, which includes Fisher Hassenfeld, Ware, and Riepe College Houses. This renovation is happening over three summers between 2023 and 2025, requiring the closure of one College House each year to allow for construction. The University has leased The Radian and The Axis apartment buildings to ensure that enough beds will be available to house all the first- and second-year students during the closures in the Quad.
That's all for today's update. Stay safe, and we'll see you next time!

Penn Appoints New President, Receives $8M Gift, Highlights Upcoming Events, and Updates on Renovations in August 25 Campus News

Good afternoon, Penn community! It's Monday, August 25, 2025, and here's your latest campus news.
Currently in Philadelphia, it's mostly cloudy with a temperature of 72°F (22°C). This afternoon, expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching up to 85°F (30°C). This evening, temperatures will gradually cool down to around 73°F (23°C).
J. Larry Jameson has been appointed as the 10th president of the University of Pennsylvania, effective March 13, 2025. Jameson previously served as interim president since December 2023 and brings extensive experience from his tenure as Executive Vice President for the Health System and Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine.
The University has received an $8 million gift from the Robert K. Johnson Foundation for its School of Arts and Sciences. This generous donation will fund the Integrated Studies Program, a first-year residential academic program that fosters interdisciplinary learning among students.
Today, August 25, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm, the Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH) and the Pan-Asian Graduate Student Association (PAGSA) are hosting "The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Graduate/Professional Student Community at Penn Preceptorial." This event aims to welcome AAPI graduate and professional students to the Penn community. It will be held in ARCH Room 208 at 3601 Locust Walk.
Looking ahead, the AI Research Mixer 2025 is scheduled for Friday, September 9, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. This full-day event will feature faculty talks, poster presentations, and networking opportunities with members of ASSET, IDEAS, Warren, DDDI, and Penn AI. All Penn community members interested in AI are welcome to attend.
The Penn Quakers football team is gearing up for the 2025 season under the leadership of Head Coach Ray Priore. The Quakers will open their season on Saturday, September 20, at 1:00 pm against Stonehill. Their home opener and first Ivy League game is set for Saturday, October 4, against Dartmouth at Franklin Field. Single-game tickets, season tickets, group tickets, and Quaker Quick Pick Mini-Plans are available for purchase.
The University is in the final phase of a $238 million renovation of the Quadrangle, which includes Fisher Hassenfeld, Ware, and Riepe College Houses. This extensive project, spanning three summers from 2023 to 2025, aims to enhance student living spaces. To accommodate students during the renovations, the University has leased The Radian and The Axis apartment buildings.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus.

Penn Expands Financial Aid, Names New President, and Leads Major AI Initiative: Campus News for August 18, 2025

Good afternoon, Penn community! It's Monday, August 18, 2025, and here's your latest campus news.
Currently in Philadelphia, it's cloudy with a temperature of 67°F (20°C). Expect cloudy skies throughout the day, with temperatures reaching a high of 73°F (23°C) by mid-afternoon. There's a chance of showers later this morning, so keep an umbrella handy.
In a significant development, the University of Pennsylvania has announced an expansion of its financial aid program. Starting this fall, students from families earning up to $200,000 annually will be eligible for full-tuition scholarships. Additionally, the university will no longer consider home equity when calculating financial aid, making a Penn education more accessible to a broader range of students.
In leadership news, J. Larry Jameson has been appointed as the 10th president of the University of Pennsylvania, effective March 13, 2025. Jameson previously served as interim president since December 2023 and brings extensive experience from his tenure as Executive Vice President for the Health System and Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine.
Penn is set to lead the NSF Artificial Intelligence-driven RNA Foundry, known as NSF AIRFoundry, supported by an $18 million grant over six years. This initiative aims to accelerate RNA research using AI and educate the next generation of RNA researchers. The BioFoundry will focus on creating molecules and nanoparticles, with facilities in West Philadelphia and at the University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez.
The Penn Museum is hosting the "Ancient Alcohol Tour and Tasting" on Wednesday, August 28, at 5:30 p.m. This 45-minute tour explores ancient drinking games, hieroglyphs related to alcohol, and vessels from King Midas's feast. The event concludes with a tasting of Dogfish Head Brewery’s Midas Touch beer, brewed in collaboration with the Penn Museum.
The Penn Quakers football team participated in the Ivy League Football Media Day on August 11. Head Coach Ray Priore, along with senior defensive lineman Paul Jennings and quarterback Liam O'Brien, shared their insights on the upcoming season. The Quakers will kick off their 2025 season on Saturday, September 20, at 1 p.m. against Stonehill. They'll begin Ivy League play at Franklin Field on Saturday, October 4, against Dartmouth. Tickets are available now.
The Wharton School invites business journalists to apply for the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, scheduled for October 20-22, 2025, on Penn's Philadelphia campus. Led by prominent Wharton professors, the program offers intensive lectures and hands-on exercises to enhance understanding of key business and economic issues. Applications are open until September 3, with several funding opportunities available.
That's all for today's update. Stay informed and engaged, and we'll be back with more news soon.

Penn Community Update: New Leadership, Pioneering Gene Therapy, Campus Renovations, and Fall Events for August 11, 2025

Good morning, Penn community! It's Monday, August 11, 2025, and here's your latest campus news.
Today in Philadelphia, expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high of 92°F (33°C) this afternoon. Stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat.
J. Larry Jameson has been appointed as the 10th president of the University of Pennsylvania, effective March 13, 2025. Previously serving as interim president since December 2023, Jameson brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as Executive Vice President for the Health System and Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine.
Russell Composto and Kelly Jordan-Sciutto have been named vice provosts for undergraduate and graduate education, respectively, starting July 1. Both are first-generation college graduates and longtime educators at Penn, recognized for their leadership and commitment to student success.
A collaborative effort between the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine has led to the world's first treatment of a patient with a personalized CRISPR gene-editing therapy. An infant named KJ, diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder, showed significant improvement post-treatment, potentially avoiding the need for a liver transplant.
The University is in the final phase of a $238 million renovation of the Quadrangle, set to conclude this summer. The project includes modernized facilities and enhanced living spaces for students. To accommodate students during the renovations, Penn has leased The Radian and The Axis apartment buildings.
The Penn Quakers football team, under the leadership of head coach Ray Priore, is gearing up for the 2025 season. In the Ivy League preseason poll announced on August 4, the Quakers were selected to finish sixth. The team is focused on exceeding expectations and making a strong showing this season.
The Institute of Contemporary Art is hosting "Mavis Pusey: Mobile Images," the first major museum survey dedicated to the work of the Jamaican-born artist. The exhibition features over 60 artworks from her prolific 50-year career and runs through December 7.
That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay informed, and have a great day, Penn!