Welcome

from the Office of Student Affairs

Hello, Hola, , Bonjour, , Ol, Grgott, Xin
Cho, Goddag, Kumusta, Aloha, Guten Tag, Buon Giorno,
and Welcome to the Graduate School of Education at the
University of Pennsylvania!
We are thrilled that you are finally here. We are committed
to helping you fulfill your academic goals and making the
best out of your Penn experience. Moving to a new place
can be challenging, stressful, and intimidating. We hope
this mini-booklet can provide you some comfort and guidance as you navigate your way around Penn this year. We
are always here to help you!
Feel free to reach any of us at any time!
Student Affairs Staff,

GSE Contact List

Page 1

10 Habits To Be A Successful GSE Student

Page 2

GSE Upcoming Events

Page 3

Graduate Student Center (GSC) Page

Page 4

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) Page 5

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Page 6

Greenfield Intercultural Center (GIC)

Page 6

Weingarten Learning Center (WLC)

Page 7

Career Services

Page 8

Campus Organizations Open Houses

Page 9

GSE Student Government (GSE-SG)

Page 10

Graduate and Professional Student

Assembly (GAPSA)

Page 10

Announcements

Page 11

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Page 15

Admissions & Financial Aid:

GSE Admissions Office, 2nd Floor 215-898-6415

admissions@gse.upenn.edu

Facilities or Operations:
Terence Newby, Room 002

215-573-4465

tnewby@upenn.edu

215-898-1952

cronk@gse.upenn.edu

215-898-1847

gse-help@lists.upenn.edu

215-898-4661

isss@pobox.upenn.edu

215-898-7379

ramonm@gse.upenn.edu

GSE Financial Aid:

Jason Cronk

IT/Computing Held Desk:

GSE Room 005

Visa & Immigration:

International Student &
Scholar Services

GSE Registration or Billing:

Ramn Monrs-Sender, 2nd Floor

Room Requests/Reservations:

http://www.gse.upenn.edu/node/148

Student Life:
Lois MacNamara, Room 225
Cindy Rossley, 2nd Floor, GSE
Imani Harvin, 2nd Floor, GSE
Bonnie Yingfei He, 2nd Floor, GSE
Kia Marie Lor, 2nd Floor, GSE
Guerdiana Thelomar, 2nd Floor,
GSE Student Government

215-898-7019
215-898-6456
215-898-6456
267-438-5750
651-447-9734
786-306-5092

loism@gse.upenn.edu
rossleyc@gse.upenn.edu
TBA after Sept. 4
yingfeih@gse.upenn.edu
lork@gse.upenn.edu
theg@gse.upenn.edu
gse-sg@gse.upenn.edu

Please note: Most GSE offices are open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or by
special arrangement.

Page 1

By Bonnie & Kia

1) Read & respond to emails in 24 hours. You will get a lot of e-mails.
Be sure to read, respond, organize, and delete the emails that are relevant (or
irrelevant) to you. This practice will help you feel organized.

2) Keep a Calendar. Make sure you have some form of a calendar (digital or
physical). Write down your deadlines, meetings, and important events .

3) Attend GSE and Penn events. Socialization is an important part of your

Penn experience and this is a great way to make new friends. Try to attend at
least 3 major events this school year

4) Utilize ALL the services. If there is anything you dont know, there is
always someone who WILL know. The services on campus are beyond your
needs. This booklet gives you some resources to start.

5) Exercise. Make it a daily habit to exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

6) Sleep! Youre in a new country, new time zone, and going to be living a new
lifestyle. Create a healthy sleeping pattern. Get 6-8 hours of sleep each night.

7) Build good relationships with professors. You are now a graduate

student. Know that you are here to learn from them but they also learning from
you. Set sometime to meet with them during their office hours. They are always
pleased to get to know you. They want to support your academic success.

8) Go beyond the Penn Bubble. Take some time to explore Philadelphia.

The city has a lot to offer -- great food at Reading Terminal, great view from the
Franklin Bridge, and great art around the city! There are many wonderful places
to see around the city.

9) Make a Bucket List. Brainstorm all the places, foods, and things you want
to do in Philadelphia (and the United States) before you graduate.

10) Take care of yourself. Keep a positive outlook. You are far away from
your parents, your old friends, and your hometown. Stay healthy -- mentally,
psychologically, emotionally, financially, physically, and socially.
All the best! Know that Student Affairs is always here for you.

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Listed below are some of the upcoming events you should

plan to attend. These include trips, lectures, and other
exciting things to do here at GSE. Follow this link to the GSE
Calendar for updates and additional information.
http://www.gse.upenn.edu/event

Event

Date

Location

August
New Student Orientation
New Student Division Orientations
Students of Color Orientation
Library Orientation Session

Mon 8/24 @ 9am

Tue 8/25 @ 8am
Fri 8/28 @ 12pm
Mon 8/31 @ 2pm

Inn at Penn
GSE
Rm 241, Van Pelt

Please choose only one to attend:

Library Orientation Session
Library Orientation Session
Library Orientation Session

Tue 9/1 @12:30pm

Wed 9/2 @9:30am
Thu 9/3 @ 5pam

Rm 241, Van Pelt

Rm 241, Van Pelt
Rm 241, Van Pelt

The 25th Annual Nessa Wolfson Colloquium

Wed 9/9 @ 9am

September

Fall Events will be announced later

Page 3

Irvine Auditorium

3615 Locust Walk

Philadelphia, PA 19104-6221
215-746-6868
center@gsc.upenn.edu
The Graduate Student Center is open to all graduate
students at the University of Pennsylvania. GSC is
here to encourage the development of Penn's
graduate and professional student community
through academic and social initiatives. Plus, theres
always FREE COFFEE. Bring your own cup! Here are
some events they are hosting soon:

Graduate & Professional New Student Orientation

Gnome Hunt & Happy Hour
Sunday, August 23, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Everything You Need to Know About Penn & Philadelphia
Sunday, August 23, 11 AM - 3:30 PM
First Friday Tours
Friday, September 04, 4 PM - 6 PM
Running in Philadelphia
Sat, September 12, 10 AM - 11:30 AM
LAGAPSA Bienvenida
Friday, September 18, 6 PM - 7:30 PM

To register or sign up for any of these events:

http://www.gsc.upenn.edu/orientation/index.php#ss2

Page 4

ISSS aims to provide immigration assistance as

well as a sense of community for the international
population at Penn. You can find them online at:
http://global.upenn.edu/isss
Listed below are a few events they will hosting before school starts.
Graduate Student Welcome Reception
(Graduate Students Only)
Friday, August 21 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Welcome to Penn! ISSS invites new international graduate students to celebrate the start of your Penn experience. Meet new friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and if
youre lucky enough, win a prize! Space is limited. Advanced registration and payment required.

Location: International House, South America Room

(2nd Floor), 3701 Chestnut Street
Registration: Opens August 17
Phillies Baseball Game
(Undergraduate & Graduate Students)
Thursday, August 27 7:05pm game (6:00pm departure from campus)
Its a homerun!!! ISSS welcomes you on a trip to Citizens
Bank Park in South Philly to witness the Philadelphia
Phillies vs. the New York Metz in the traditional US sport
sensation baseball! Enjoy the game as it was meant to
be enjoyed from outfield seating. Who knows? You may
even catch the game- winning homerun ball. Space is
limited. Dont strike out on this opportunity of a lifetime.

Location: Citizens Bank Park. Meet in front of ISSS,

3701 Chestnut Street
Registration: Opens August 6

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3624 Market Street

First Floor, West
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2615
Phone: 215 898-7021
Email: caps@pobox.upenn.edu
(for an appointment, please call, do not email)

Counseling &
Psychological
Services

New Hours:
9am - 5pm Mon, Tues, Fri
9am - 7pm Wed, Thurs

CAPS offers confidential free professional mental health services

to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at
Penn. Our goal is to assist students in their adjustment to
university life and help them take full advantage of the academic
and social environment at Penn. Students can learn to manage
personal problems and situational crises effectively, learn
strategies to cope with academic stress, and develop self
awareness, personal responsibility, and skills for life-long learning.
3708 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215.898.3358
Email: gic@dolphin.upenn.edu

Greenfield
Intercultural
Center

Hours: Mon - Fri, 10AM - 5PM

The Albert M. Greenfield Intercultural Center is Penn's resource

for enhancing student's intercultural knowledge, competency,
and leadership through our programs, advising, and advocacy.
Known fondly as the "GIC," the Greenfield Intercultural Center is
more of a home than an institution. We provide a safe space for
intercultural dialogue and interaction with students, faculty, staff
and visitors from around the globe.

Page 6

Stouffer Commons, Suite 300

3702 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 573-9235
The Weingarten Learning Resources Center provides academic support
services and programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional
students at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Office of Learning Resources (OLR) provides professional instruction in
university relevant skills such as academic reading, writing, study strategies,
and time management to the Penn student community.
Academic Success and
Emotional Wellness
Tues. 09/01/2015, 3:00-4:30 pm
Houston Hall, 223 Golkin Room

Strategies and Resource

for Academic Writing
Wed. 09/09/2015, 6:30-8:00 pm
Houston Hall, 230 Class 49
Auditorium

Syllabus Analysis
Wed. 09/02/2015, 6:30-8:00 pm
Houston Hall, 223 Golkin Room

Time Management Best Practices

Thu. 09/10/2015, 6:30-8:00 pm
Houston Hall, 223 Golkin Room

Active Reading and Critical Thinking

Thu. 09/03/2015, 6:30-8:00 pm
Houston Hall, 230 Class 49
Auditorium
Getting to Know the U.S. Classroom
Fri. 09/04/2015, 3:00-4:30 pm
WLRC Lounge
Academic Listening and Note-Taking
Tue. 09/08/2015, 6:30-8:00 pm
WLRC Lounge

Academic Success and

Emotional Wellness
Fri. 09/11/2015, 3:00-4:30 pm
WLRC Lounge
Myths and Realities about
Public Speaking
Wed. 09/16/15, 6:30-8:00 pm
Houston Hall, 223 Golkin Room

Required Registration for all workshops!

To register: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/lrc/

Page 7

3718 Locust Walk

Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 898-7531
Career Services is your go-to place for everything professional-related. They
provide a multitude of resources for everything: resume writing, interviewing
advice, networking & mentorship, career exploration, jobs and internships,
and more! You can also make appointments for personal one-on-one time.
Here are some events you may want to attend this fall:
Resume & Cover Letter Workshop
Wed Aug 26, 2015 1pm - 2pm
Career Fair Preparation
Tue Sep 1, 2015 1:30pm - 2pm
Career Fair Preparation
Fri Sep 4, 2015 2pm - 2:30pm
Interviewing Skills & Prep Workshop
Tue Oct 13, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Damage Control: Handling tough
issues to discuss in interviews
Tue Oct 13, 2015 1:30pm - 2pm

Damage Control: Handling tough

issues to discuss in interviews
Mon Oct 26, 2015 1pm - 1:30pm
Job Search Strategies for
International Students
Thu Nov 5, 2015 5pm - 6pm
Show Off Your Skills... How to create
a portfolio that stands out!
Tue Nov 10, 2015 12pm - 1pm
Navigating PennLink
Mon Nov 16, 2015 12pm - 1pm

All information can be found:

http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/

Page 8

All students are welcome to attend these cultural campus

resources. These are school-wide campus groups.

La Casa Latina, September 3, 2015, 4-6PM

The Center for Hispanic Excellence: La Casa
Latina promotes greater awareness of
Latino issues, culture, and identity at Penn.
LOCATION: 3601 Locust Walk

PAACH, September 9, 2015, 4-6PM

The Pan-Asian American Community House
(PAACH) is a community center that develops and
implements innovative programs for leadership
development and community service in close
collaboration with student and community groups.
LOCATION: 3601 Locust Walk

MAKUU, September 11, 2015, 4-6PM

Makuu Black Cultural Center is a nexus of
academic, professional, and personal growth for
University of Pennsylvania students interested in
Black culture and the African Diaspora.
LOCATION: 3601 Locust Walk

LGBT Center, September 24, 2015, 4-6PM

The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center, a
home away from home for sexual and gender
minorities and their allies at the University of
Pennsylvania. Whether you are questioning your
identity, in the process of coming out, or proudly
identify as LGBTQ, the Center is your space.
LOCATION: 3907 Spruce Street

Womens Center, October 2, 2015, noon

We're one of the nation's oldest campusbased Women's Centers and we work with
students, staff and faculty to promote
gender justice at Penn and
beyond.
LOCATION: 3643 Locust Walk

Page 9

GSESG is a voice for the GSE student body and acts as a liaison with
the administration, faculty, and alumni. We are committed to being a
source of information, guidance, and service to students. The Student
Government is also committed to being open to and supportive of the
diversity of GSEs students and to developing a sense of community
among GSE constituents.
Funding to Attend A Conference
In order to encourage and assist students who would like to attend
(but not present at) professional conferences, the GSE Student
Government has allocated limited funds to reimburse up to $150 of
conference expenses for roughly 20 students per academic year.
These funds are limited. Eligibility requirements are online.
Deadlines:
FALL 2015: October 1 for conferences held in October, November,
December, & January or
SPRING 2016: February 1 for conferences held in February, March,
April, & May
http://www.gse.upenn.edu/students/conference_attendance

GAPSA is another source of

funding for travel
accommodations.
The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) is the
University-wide government for graduate and professional students,
interacting regularly with the President, Provost, Board of Trustees,
and other University officials. GAPSA also works with the student
governments of individual schools and with other specialized student
governments at Penn.
GAPSA Academic Funding: http://gapsa.upenn.edu/academicfunding/

Page 10

Orientation Dine Arounds

Remember to register for a Dine-Around
during Penn GSE Orientation Week. There
will be six opportunities to go to a dinner
or a brunch with other GSE students
between Thursday, August 27 and
Sunday, August 30.
Please note that students are expected to
pay for their own meals. This is your
chance to expand your network by getting to know other GSE students
in other divisions while enjoying a good meal!
To register:
1) Log in to www.penncommunity.com/users/sign_up
Use your Penn email to Sign Up
Note that you must have a Penn email to use Penn Community.

2) Go to the Events Calendar and select a date/time slot

3) Your group will decide on a restaurant, either through the
comments feature or the email reminder that you will receive on the
day of the dinner/brunch.
[This is also available on the Guide App for Orientation.]

Page 11

Intercultural Leadership
Program (ILP)
Call for Leaders!!!
Every year, new international and domestic students (both
undergraduate and graduate) are invited to be part of the Intercultural
Leadership Program (ILP).
Now entering its ninth year, this program has been designed to foster
an intercultural community of leaders who are ready to take on issues
they are passionate about, learn more about communities different
than their own, and make a lasting impact at Penn and beyond. This
highly selective process will narrow the field to exceptional incoming
students from across the globe!
DEADLINE: August 31st, 2015
APPLY
HERE

http://global.upenn.edu/isss/ilp
Note: will need Pennkey & Password
in order to complete application process

Page 12

Page 13

NOTES

Page 14

PennCard
The PennCard is the official University of Pennsylvania identification card for students, faculty, staff, and other members of the University community. A PennCard is required to enter
GSE for classes, to use the Computer Lab, or to access many other buildings on campus. Students may obtain their PennCard from the PennCard Center located on the 2 nd floor of the
Penn Bookstore, located on the corner 3610 Walnut Street. A valid, government issued photo
I.D. will be required in order to pick up your PennCard.
Campus Express http://www.campusexpress.upenn.edu/
Campus Express at Penn is one-stop shopping for many essential student services. Through
Campus Express Online, you can
Log in to access various services available to students
Confirm any on-campus housing youve selected
Apply for a PennPass or parking permit
Sign up for Penn e-mail
Have problems with your email account?
Email the Computer Help Desk gse-help@lists.upenn.edu
For additional information on how to work your email account, Checkout:
http://www.gse.upenn.edu/taxonomy/term/45#google_mail_program
Registration http://www.gse.upenn.edu/students/policies/registration
Visit http://www.gse.upenn.edu/academiccalendar
Spring or summer class registration deadlines;
Add/Drop deadlines;
Graduation registration deadlines
We recommend that you print out a copy of the Academic Calendar each semester and put it in
a convenient space so that you are reminded of these important deadlines.
Textbooks
Penn Bookstore (located on the corner of 36th & Walnut Street)
Penn Book Center (on the corner of 34th & Sansom Street)
House of Our Own (3920 Spruce Street).
You can also to search and purchase book online with web stores such as Amazon &
Half.com .
Computer
PennGSE is a very tech-friendly environment. We have a computer lab on the 1st floor of the
GSE building that is open 24 hours a day.
Computer lab policies: http://www.gse.upenn.edu/gseit/support/lab
Live technical support: available during the day from the help desk staff located in Room
005 (check the door for drop-in hours) or by e-mailing the Computer Help Desk at
gse-help@lists.upenn.edu
Other computer labs on campus: http://www.upenn.edu/computing/view/labs
Should you wish to purchase a computer? Penns Computer Connection offers deals on
computer purchases. Visit http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/computerstore/
for information.

Page 15

Public Safety/Transportation
24/7 Working Escort Services: Call 215-898-9255 or 511 (campus phone)
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, between 30th to 43rd Streets and Market Street
to Baltimore Avenue.
Penn Shuttles: Call (215) 898-7433 / (215) 898-RIDE
http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/transportation/types-of-services/penn-shuttles.html
Shuttles provide free transportation to and from campus Transit Stops and West Philadelphia, Center City, and Powelton Village, within defined boundaries. Penn Shuttles run in the
evenings seven days a week, year round. Riders from Penn, University of the Sciences and
UPHS can use the shuttle services when they present their institutional ID card.
Shuttle Trips Originating from On-Campus/Off-Campus
On-Call Shuttle Service
Housing
On-campus housing: contact Housing and Conference Services located at 3702 Spruce
Street (215-898-3547) or visit www.business-services.upenn.edu/housing/
Off-campus housing: contact the Office of Off-Campus Services at 3702 Spruce Street
(215-898-8500) or visit www.business-services.upenn.edu/offcampusservices/
Student Health Services http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs
The Student Health Services Office is located at 3535 Market Street, Suite 100.
The phone number is 215-746-3535.
Gym: Pottruck Health and Fitness Center
Located on 37th and Walnut Street this 120,000 square foot facility houses 4 fitness centers,
a 2nd floor weight room, olympic-size pool and co-ed sauna, basketball courts, climbing
wall, golf simulator, Energy Zone juice bar, fitness and Pilates studios, locker and shower
facilities, and the Department of Recreation Membership/Business Services Office.
$348 Annual Fee for graduate students. Grants basic access to the Pottruck Health &
Fitness Center, Sheerr Pool, Fox Fitness Center, Ringe Squash Courts. Towel service is also
included.
Find more information: http://www.upenn.edu/recreation/about/facilities/pottruckhealth-fitness-center/
Wi-fi Connection
AirPennNet is the Universitys campus-wide wireless network permitting secure and convenient network access in campus buildings and residence halls
Where to find help:

In College Houses, bring your device to your House lab and an ITA will help you register and connect your device.
Sansom East and West: 202 Sansom West.

IT staff members must register the device on your behalf and you will not be able to connect to the internet until your device is registered.

Page 16

HAVE A GREAT
SCHOOL YEAR!