MSSP Students New Student Orientation 2008
updated May 19, 2008Orientation Agenda
Tuesday, September 2, 2008, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
| 9:00 – 9:15 | Dean’s Welcome (Richard Gelles, Lina Hartocollis, Jerri Bourjolly) |
| 9:15 – 10:00 | Icebreaker (Steve Wilmot) |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Student Profile (Mary Mazzola) and Introduction of Academic Advisor (Caroline Wong) |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | E-mail and Computer Support (Albert Louie), Financial Aid (Nancy Rodgers) and Library Resources (Ellen DeMarinis |
| 11:00 – 11:45 | Safety Training (Detective Blackmore) |
| 11:45 – 12:15 | Student Council, Student Organizations |
| 12:30-1:30 | Lunch |
| 1:30 to 4:00 | Agenda TBA |
FAQ's
Where do I get my ID?
Watch for the Campus Express packet in the mail. It will explain how to get your Penn ID card.
How do I get an email account?
After you receive your Campus Express Packet and PIN#, follow the instructions on the Campus Express website for creating your email account. Questions? Contact Albert Louie, louie@sp2.upenn.edu, 215-898-7405
Where do I find out about financial aid?
For questions about School grants-in-aid, contact Nancy Rodgers at nancyr@sp2.upenn.edu, 215-898-5548. For questions about student loans, contact the Penn Student Financial Services Office at 215-898-1988.
Where can I buy my computer?
Computer Connection, located in the Penn Bookstore, offers deals on computer purchases. (215) 898-3282; www.business-services.upenn.edu/computerstore/
Where do I find course descriptions and information about teaching faculty?
On the web: www.sp2.upenn.edu/people/faculty/index.html and www.sp2.upenn.edu/people/faculty/index.html
How and when do I register for classes?
We will mail you registration dates and instructions in July.
Where do I get my books?
You should wait until the first day of class for your professors to tell you which books to purchase and where. Required books for SP2 classes are available either at the Penn Bookstore, corner of 36th & Walnut St, the Penn Book Center, corner of Sansom & 34th St or House of Our Own, at 3920 Spruce Street. Many professors use bulkpacks, bound collections of articles. Bulkpacks can be purchased at Campus Copy, 3907 Walnut Street.
Where do I find out about health insurance?
The Student Health Services office is located on the lower level of the Penn Tower on 34th and Civic Center Boulevard. More information: www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs/shi.html
Where do I find out about housing information?
For on-campus housing, contact the Housing and Conference Services department located at 3702 Spruce Street, 215-898-8271; www.business-services.upenn.edu/housing/.
For off-campus housing, contact the Office of Off-campus housing located at 4046 Walnut Street, 215-898-8500; www.business-services.upenn.edu/offcampusliving.
The Graduate Student Center, located at 3601 Locust Walk offers a variety of services and programs to graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania, including programs for orienting new student to Penn and Philadelphia, Visit them on the web at www.gsc.upenn.edu and check out their resource guide for new students at www.gsc.upenn.edu/resguide/index.html.
New Student Checklist
Here's What You Need for a Successful Start:
Complete and return Student Health Forms
Remember that if you do not submit your health form, you will not be able to register for classes . If you are an international student, use your Penn Student ID number in place of the social security number on the form.
Make housing arrangements
On-Campus Housing: Graduate students are accommodated on campus in residence halls with furnished apartments and single rooms.
Housing and Conference Services
3702 Spruce Street
(215) 898-8271
http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/housing/
Off-Campus Housing: There are many houses and apartments available for rent in the University City area. Computerized listings of housing and information about landlords and neighborhoods are also available.
Office of Off-Campus Living
4046 Walnut Street
(215) 898-8500
http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/offcampusliving/
Temporary Housing: Short-term accommodations are available if you arrive on campus and need temporary housing.
International House
3710 Chestnut Street
(215) 387-5125 Sheraton Hotel
36th and Chestnut Street
(215) 387-8000
Create your PennKey ID and Password
PennKey is the Penn authentication system to the Penn online services like Campus Express, Penn Portal, Penn-in-Touch, Penn Webmail, Blackboard. In order to create your PennKey ID and Password go to http://www.upenn.edu/computing/pennkey/ and click on the "Register a new PennKey" link. This operation requires a PennKey Setup Code which you should have already received. If you have not received or have lost your PennKey Setup Code, please refer to http://www.upenn.edu/computing/pennkey/help/setupcode.html or call (215) 417-2273 and follow the prompts.
Familiarize yourself with Parking and Transportation
Get information about parking at Penn and transportation in Philadelphia online at:
http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/transportation/.
You may sign up for parking on Campus Express.
Upon Arrival:
Obtain your Penn Card
Visit the Franklin Building at 3451 Walnut Street (1st Floor). Regular business hours are Mondays through Fridays 9AM – 5 PM.
After Attending Your First Classes:
Buy your Books and Bulkpacks
The syllabus will indicate which books and bulkpacks you will need. Bulkpacks are bound collections of articles required for some courses.
UPenn Bookstore (textbooks)
3601 Walnut Street
( 215) 898-7595
House of Our Own Bookstore (textbooks)
3920 Spruce Street
(215) 222-1576
Penn Book Center (textbooks)
130 South 34th Street
( 215) 222-7600
Campus Copy (bulkpacks)
3907 Walnut Street
(215) 386-6410