MSSP Students New Student Orientation 2009

updated August 3, 2009

New Student Checklist

Orientation Agenda

Tuesday, September 8, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
College Hall, room 200 (click link for map and directions)

Orientation Agenda Part I - All Students

9:00 – 9:15 Dean’s Welcome
9:15 – 10:00 Icebreaker
10:00 – 10:30 Student Profile and Introduction of Academic Advisor
10:30 – 11:00 E-mail and Computer Support , Financial Aid and Library Resources
11:00 – 11:45 Safety Training
11:45 – 12:15 Student Council, Student Organizations

Orientation Agenda Part II - MSSP Students

12:45 – 4:00 MSSP students will convene in the Caster Building, Room D-26, for lunch and the MSSP orientation

Classes for MSSP students begin Wednesday, September 9, 2009.

FAQ's

Where do I get my PennCard 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: http://campusexpress.upenn.edu/

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.

When will I find out about my field placement?

After you send in the field placement educational plan form that you should have received in the mail.

Where can I buy my computer?

Computer Connection, located in the Penn Bookstore, offers deals on computer purchases. (215) 898-3282; http://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

What days will I be in the field?

Field placement for first year full-time MSW students is typically on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. Classes are scheduled on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and some additional evenings. You can find the class schedule on the web at: http://www.sp2.upenn.edu/resources/schedule_of_classes/

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: http://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; http://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; http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/offcampusliving.

Are there programs to help strengthen my writing and study skills?

Yes. For information about the free SP2 writing workshop and other academic support resources, go to: http://www.sp2.upenn.edu/student_life/academic_support.html

What other graduate student resources are available?

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 http://www.gsc.upenn.edu and check out their resource guide for new students at http://www.gsc.upenn.edu/resguide/index.html.