fgli – Penn Disorientation Guide

Resources for FGLI Students: From Professional Connections to Textbook Access.

We’ve compiled a set of resources that FGLI students can use to make their transition to Penn as seamless as possible.

Resources for FGLI Students: From Professional Connections to Textbook Access

We’ve compiled a set of resources that FGLI students can use to make their transition to Penn as seamless as possible.

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.

A Recent History of Organizing at Penn

The Penn community rallies in response to injustice on- and off-campus. Among some of the most notable events that occurred in the past year were pushes for unionization from multiple groups, organizing against Penn’s role in gentrification, large protests regarding climate justice, and student protestors facing disciplinary actions and arrests from the University.

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.

FGLI Resources

Welcome to Penn! As a first generation and/or low income college student, please know that you are not alone. We, as a community, are here to support you.

Penn Loves Your Trauma Until They Don’t: Mackenzie Fierceton’s Story

Students at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia rallied in support of Mackenzie Fierceton, a former Penn undergraduate student, who was accused of falsifying information about her background, on the school’s campus on April 13, 2022. Photo courtesy of Kimberly Paynter (WHYY)

Mackenzie Fierceton is a Penn graduate and former foster youth who received a Rhodes Scholarship. Last year, she was manipulated and abused by the University and lost her scholarship. Now, the Penn community demands justice.

Penn Can Do More to Support FGLI Students

Picture shows a brown desk with a blue and red sign reading "Office of Student Financial Services." While resources exist, many believe that Penn does not provide enough support for FGLI students, especially in dealing with the psychological consequences of imposter syndrome. Photo courtesy of The Daily Pennsylvanian

Despite receiving varying degrees of financial aid, many FGLI students still struggle with their economic circumstances at Penn. Only 3.3% of students at Penn are from America’s bottom 20% of family income, while 71% are from the top 20% and 19% are from the top 1%. As a result, low-income students can feel extremely isolated.

A Recent History of Organizing at Penn

Less than a week after Russian forces invaded Ukraine, Penn students walked in solidarity across campus to show solidarity between the University community and Ukraine. A poster reads "Slava Ukraine Heroem Slava" among other phrases. Photo Courtesy The Daily Pennsylvanian

Over the past few years, the Penn community has rallied in response to injustice on and off campus. Every movement deserves to be discussed, but here are some of the most notable examples.