The staff members of the BFS program are your main sources of information and advice. You are encouraged to come to the office to talk to them: ask any questions you might have about choosing courses, planning schedules, or taking advantage of Penn’s resources. The staff often simplifies procedures, clears up misunderstandings and alerts you to opportunities for special study. BFS advising is coordinated with the advising systems of each of the four undergraduate schools at Penn. The BFS program will probably be your only continuous source of advising throughout your undergraduate years.
The staff that makes the program possible consists of Linda Wiedmann, Wallace Genser, and Peter Struck. Ms. Linda Wiedmann is the Associate Director of the BFS program. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program, including setting up BFS courses, approving independent studies, and managing the BFS research-funding program. Linda is also one of the program’s two academic advisors, responsible for BFS students with last names that begin with H through Z. Dr. Wallace Genser advises BFS students whose last names begin with A through G. Prof. Peter Struck is the faculty director of the BFS program, and is responsible for its overall academic direction. He is also a professor of Classical Studies here at Penn. You are welcome to contact Prof. Struck at . The BFS Program falls under the umbrella of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF). As such, at times CURF staff may help you with BFS issues. Dr. Harriet Joseph is the director of CURF. Cheryl Shipman is a loyal BFS alumna and the center’s Associate Director for Fellowships.
You are encouraged not only to contact the office, but also to make an appointment to speak with your advisor by calling 215-746-6488, emailing us at or stopping in. Advising is a vital part of the program, not only for assisting in fall course selection, but long term planning. We can only help you if you communicate with us on a regular basis. All BFS students must see their advisor at least once a semester.