Over time, marginalized students and staff formed their own communities on campus and advocated for formal recognition from the University of Pennsylvania. These are their stories.
Category Archives: Impact on Students and Staff – 2023
Understaffed, Underfunded, Unsupported: Medical Services at Penn
Penn’s Student Health Services (SHS) is supposed to support students in both their physical and mental well-being However, changes in accessibility, insurance policies, and the quality of mental health services raise concerns regarding its commitment to student wellness.
The Reality of Mental Health Resources at Penn
by Anonymous Poor mental health is surging, especially among college students. Poor mental health seems to be a hallmark of the Penn experience as we’ve been ranked as one of the worst colleges in terms of mental health. Penn breeds a culture of toxic ambition and perfection, as a commonly held belief among Penn studentsContinue reading “The Reality of Mental Health Resources at Penn”
A Protestor’s Guide: How to Navigate Penn’s Administrators and Disciplinary System
Hidden in plain sight along Locust Walk is Penn’s very own Center for Community Standards and Accountability (CSA), right next to the Arts, Research, & Cultural House. Formerly known as the Office of Student Conduct (OSC), this office handles disciplinary cases at Penn, including multiple recent cases against peaceful protestors.
Penn’s Problematic History of Union-busting
As workers across the country demand better treatment and stronger representation, Penn stands in the way of organizing workers on campus and acts as a bystander while companies across Philadelphia implement similar union-busting tactics. Corporations, like Penn, use common union-busting strategies to keep workers divided, demoralized, and controlled.
Penn Can do More to Support FGLI Students
Despite receiving varying degrees of financial aid, many FGLI students still struggle with their financial circumstances while attending Penn. Only 3.3 percent of students at Penn are from America’s bottom 20 percent of family income, while 71 percent are from the top 20 percent and 19 percent are from the top 1 percent.
The Undocumented Experience at Penn
Penn prides itself on its “commitment to inclusion,” but when it comes to students living on the cusp of legality, how much does Penn really live up to its promise?
Student Voices: Penn Financial Aid
In the pursuit of higher education, financial aid systems should stand as pillars of support, fostering an environment where academic potential is not hampered by class or status. However, a closer examination of Penn’s Financial Services reveals a disconcerting juxtaposition between stated ideals and the stark reality many students face.
The Harsh Reality of Discrimination at Penn
Underneath Penn’s progressive facade is an old-fashioned administration that upholds the bigoted values of many students and faculty.
Sexual Violence at Penn
While events such as Take Back the Night are effective at raising awareness, more transparent policies, prevention education, and accessible resources are crucial to tackling the issue of sexual assault from its core.
Penn Disorientation Guide 