Student life
SP2 offers students opportunities to make connections, explore interests, and access the resources they need to thrive
Associate Dean’s Welcome
“The Office of Student Affairs at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice supports students from orientation through graduation, and every step in between. We take a holistic approach to student life—connecting students to academic resources, fostering community, and creating opportunities for engagement across Penn and the city of Philadelphia. “
– Dr. Jenn Clinkscales, Associate Dean of Student Affairs
New student orientation
All Master’s Students are required to attend their designated New Student Orientation. Advanced Standing MSW orientation is June 30th. All other program orientations will immediately follow SP2 Convocation on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 8:00 am. Doctoral students should follow the instructions given by your programs.
MSW Master of Social Work
Advanced Standing Orientation
June 30 10am -11:30 am, 3815 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA Room 304
All Students will attend Community Lunch 12:00-1:00 PM
Caster Courtyard
On-Campus MSW New Student Orientation
Monday, August 24, 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Inn at Penn, 3600 Sansom Street
MSSP Master of Science in Social Policy
MSSP New Student Orientation
Monday, August 24, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Inn at Penn, 3600 Sansom Street
NPL Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership
NPL On-campus Orientation
Required for incoming on-campus students. Optional for incoming online students.
Monday August 24, 2026 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Inn at Penn, 3600 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
NPL Online Orientation (Virtual)
Required for all incoming online NPL students. Optional for incoming on-campus NPL students (email Vanessa if you want to join).
Asynchronous Work: August 10 through August 19
Most of the work is asynchronous, but all online students are expected to attend one of the two synchronous zoom sessions (you can select the one that fits best with your schedule).
Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET OR Thursday, August 13, 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Zoom registration links will be available on the Canvas page. The Canvas site will be shared with students during the first week of August.
NPL Online Students Social:
Open to online students only who are attending on-campus orientation events on Monday, August 24th.
Get together with your online NPL cohort to connect with other students and program staff!
Monday, August 24, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
RSVP information will be sent via email.
NPL Faculty Roundtable (Virtual):
Open to all continuing and new NPL students.
Meet with faculty members to discuss learn about their research and course offerings!
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 2:00pm to 3:00 pm ET
Zoom information will be sent via email.
Contact Vanessa Martinez Penn at vmartp@upenn.edu with any questions.
PhD in Social Welfare
PhD New Student Orientation
Monday, August 24, 2026
The Study, 20 S. 33rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19104
PhD Orientation: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Reception for all PhD students and faculty: 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Contact the PhD Coordinator at eerich@upenn.edu regarding registration information.
DSW Doctorate in Clinical Social Work
DSW CAMPUS IMMERSION 2026
DSW events will take place on campus in Philadelphia from August 25th through August 29th.
DNPA Doctorate in Nonprofit Administration
DNPA CAMPUS IMMERSION 202
DNPA events will take place on campus in Philadelphia from August 25th through August 29th. More information will be available soon.
Academic Resources
Academic advising
Each student is assigned an academic advisor who helps them make the most of the School and University’s resources throughout their academic experience. Students can check Path@Penn for their advisor assignment.
PhD
PhD students are advised by a member of SP2’s faculty. Learn more in the PhD Academic Resources Advising section.
DNPA
DNPA advising is to be determined.
writing support & accommodations
Marks Family Writing Center
The Marks Family Writing Center was established in 2003 to provide writing support to Penn students and faculty across the disciplines.
Penn Online Learning Initiative
The Online Learning Initiative partners with the University of Pennsylvania’s twelve schools to advance the development and delivery of online learning, creating flexible options for learners across the globe.
Course Registration
The SP2 Registrar’s Office welcomes all incoming students to SP2. All SP2 Master’s students register for courses via Path @ Penn.
- Fall Registration is open now and will continue through the summer
- Registration/Course Selection Period ends: September 8
- Deadline to drop a class without penalty: October 5
For more information regarding course registration, please visit the University Registrar page.
Non-Academic Resources
Safety & Belonging
Penn Graduate Student Support
Navigating Penn’s Campus & Philadelphia
Confidential Resources
All Confidential resources can be found at the Penn Violence Prevention webpage.
Student Organizations
SP2 Student Government
The student governance organization responsible for funding many SP2 organizations and events.
ASIAN CULINARY CULTURE CLUB
Offering a captivating journey into the world of Asian culinary traditions.
Association of Black Social Workers
Committed to empowering people of African ancestry and enhancing their quality of life through advocacy, service delivery, and research.
AsW COLLECTIVE
Provides a space for SP2’s Asian American-, Native Hawaiian-, and Pacific Islander-identifying students to find community and pursue professional development opportunities.
STUDENTS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY
Social advocacy to support people impacted by the criminal-legal system and to elicit lasting systemic change.
Youth Advocacy Project
The Youth Advocacy Project (YAP) brings together social work and law students to support young people charged as adults in the Philadelphia area.
Office of Student Affairs Team
Contact Us