Transfer Letter | Transfer Checklist | Transfer Events

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= Mandatory Event
= Freshman and Transfer Event

Wednesday, September 2nd

Transfer Student Welcome Center 9am-5pm

Please stop by and let us know that you have arrived on campus. Meet the PHINS, pick up Orientation materials, and sign up for various events. The center will be located near the Student Services Expo where you can also take care of all your needs through Campus Express.
Location: 1st Floor Lobby, Houston Hall

Transfer Welcome Session  1pm-2pm

This introduction to Transfer Student Orientation will include the week's schedule, advising overview, and campus activities. In addition, Jared Hupp from the Division of Public Safety will speak about campus security.
Location: Auditorium, Cohen Hall

Requesting Transfer Credits: XCAT  2pm-3pm

This general advising session is led by Gary Papura, Assistant Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. Transfer students from all four undergraduate schools are required to attend. The information about transferring credits with XCAT (External Course Approval Tool). This will be helpful before meeting with your academic advisor.
Location: Auditorium, Cohen Hall

Parent and Family Orientation 2pm-3:30pm

Penn welcomes all transfer parents and families! Transfer PHINS will make a brief presentation followed by a question and answer session. Light refreshments will be served.
Location: Class of 1949 Auditorium, Houston Hall

The College Advising Session  3pm-3:30pm

Gary Purpura, coordinator for transfer students in the College, will lead a discussion on the College’s policies, procedures, degree requirements, and curricular options. This session is required for incoming transfer students to the College.
Location: Auditorium, Cohen Hall

Highball to Hey Day 4pm-5pm

Join us for an entertaining look at Penn's history and traditions as well as your role in Penn's exciting future through this interactive presentation. Parents welcome! A repeat performance is given for students on Sunday, September 6th at 10am.
Location: Hall of Flags, Houston Hall

Transfer Student Dinner  6:30pm-8:30pm

Meet your fellow transfer students, the PHINS, and staff. Dinner will be catered by Rx (a great West Philly restaurant owned by a former Penn transfer student).
Location: Hall of Flags, Houston Hall



Thursday, September 3rd

Transfer Student Welcome Center 9am-5pm

Please stop by and let us know that you have arrived on campus. Meet the PHINS, pick up Orientation materials, and sign up for various events. The center will be located near the Student Services Expo where you can also take care of all your needs through Campus Express.
Location: 1st Floor Lobby, Houston Hall

Academic Advising with The College  9am-5pm

Academic advisors in the College will be available to meet you and help plan your first semester schedules. You can call ahead to schedule a meeting with your particular advisor or stop by the office when you get a chance for a walk-in consultation.
Location: The College Office, 120 College Hall

Orientation at the School of Engineering  10am-1pm

The procedures for transferring credits and setting up email accounts will be covered at this session. You will also have the opportunity to meet representatives from your department to discuss requirements and course selection. Lunch to follow.
Location: Room 108, Towne Building

Guided Tour and Lunch Break 12pm-2pm

The PHINS will take you on a tour of important facilities and buildings, help you find the best and cheapest places to grab a bite to eat, and answer any questions you might have about your classes, social life, or campus activities. The tour ends at Van Pelt Library where you may choose to join their guided tour.
Location: Wynn Commons, Houston Hall

Van Pelt Library Tour 2pm-2:30pm

Meet staff of the Van Pelt Library and take a brief but valuable tour. You will get an overview of the Library's resources and learn how to make use of its services. This tour is guaranteed to make you feel at home in the Library.
Location: Van Pelt Main Entrance

Orientation at the School of Nursing  2pm-4pm

Meet your fellow transfer students in Nursing as well as staff from the Office of Academic Affairs. The procedures for transferring credits will be covered and you will meet and participate in a group tour/activity with your peer advisors.
Location: Room 113B, Claire M. Fagin Hall

Academic Advising with Wharton  3pm-5pm

This session will help transfer students in Wharton with concerns such as course evaluation for prior credits, course registration (while transfer credit is still pending), and overall acclimation to Penn. Also covered will be academic and advising issues specific to transfer students. Wharton Undergraduate staff members will facilitate the session and review curricular requirements.
Location: TBA

College House Activities  7pm-10pm

All new residents in the College Houses are required to attend various information sessions with the staff. Check with your House Dean, Resident Advisor (RA), or Graduate Associate (GA) for your exact schedule.

Bowling Party at Strikes 10pm-12am

Meet up with fellow transfer students and PHINS for some bowling fun at this popular Penn hangout. Snacks and bowling lanes are provided free of charge with a Penn ID and wristband.
Location: Strikes Bowling Lounge, 4040 Locust Street



Friday, September 4th

Need-to-Know Information Session  12pm-1pm

Transfer PHINS highlight the most frequently used features of Penn’s websites. Get an overview of the PennPortal, and manage classes and credits with Penn InTouch, Blackboard, and webCafé. Add PennCash to your PennCard and choose a Meal Plan. You’ll also hear more about life in Philadelphia including transportation options and where to find the necessities of college living from groceries to notebooks to a bean bag chair.
Location: Class of '49, Houston Hall

Transfer Student Picnic 1pm-3pm

Enjoy your first Friday with PHINS and fellow transfer students. A fun picnic lunch will be provided by RX.
Location: College Green (Blanche Levy Park in front of College Hall)
Rain Location: Hall of Flags, Houston Hall

Small Group Dinners 7pm

This is a great opportunity to venture off campus to sample some of Philly’s eclectic restaurants while meeting fellow transfer students. Sign up in advanced online - coming soon!

Late Night Events 11pm

Alternative late night events hosted by the UA and other student groups. See the Late Night Events page for more information.



Saturday, September 5th

PennTracks 1pm-4pm

Choose one of seven Philly neighborhoods to explore. You can look at the maps online (click here!) to help decide and also print out for later use. The PHINS will be your knowledgeable tour guides.
Location: Wynn Commons, Houston Hall

An Evening at the Phila. Museum of Art  5:30pm-9:30pm

Join other transfer students and all of Penn’s new students for an evening at one of the world’s greatest art museums. See the steps where Rocky made his famous run and take in a spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline. The Museum is open for new Penn students only so don’t miss out on this great event—fantastic food, dancing, amazing art, and architecture make this an unforgettable evening! Click here for more information.
Location: 40th and Locust streets to take a shuttle
Shuttle Stops: Beginning at 5pm, shuttle buses will run continuously between the Museum and pick up/drop off points around campus. All shuttle bus rides are free with your Penn ID and wristband.

Late Night Events 10pm

Alternative late night events hosted by the UA and other student groups. See the Late Night Events page for more information.



Sunday, September 6th

Highball to Hey Day 10am-11:30am

Join us for an entertaining look at Penn's history and traditions, as well as your role in Penn's exciting future through this interactive presentation.
Location: Hall of Flags, Houston Hall

Small Group Lunch 12pm

Another great opportunity to venture off campus and sample some Philly fare while meeting fellow transfer students. Online signups will be coming soon.
Location: 1st Floor Lobby, Houston Hall

Penn Bookstore Social  7pm-9pm

Enjoy desserts, live music, and a chance to win textbook scholarships at Penn’s bookstore.
Location: Corner of 36th and Walnut streets

Comedy Night at Irvine  11pm

Enjoy an evening of laughs with professional stand-up comics. Be sure to arrive early as seating is limited. Click here for more information about the comics!
Location: Irvine Auditorium

Late Night Events 10pm

Alternative late night events hosted by the UA and other student groups. See the Late Night Events page for more information.



Monday, September 7th

College House Day  9am-9pm

All residents are invited to attend various College House events. Check with your House Dean, Resident Advisor (RA), or Graduate Associate (GA) for details.

Toga Party at the University Museum  9pm-12am

Come in your best Greek, Roman, or Egyptian costume to visit this world-famous museum. Click here for more information.
Location: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology



Tuesday, September 8th

Student Organization Fair  12pm-4pm

Pick up information from any of Penn’s 400 student groups and resource centers. Click here for a list of participating groups.
Location: Locust Walk and Annenberg Plaza

Convocation   7pm-8:15pm

This symbolic opening of the academic year includes an address by President Gutmann. It signifies the formal induction of the new class and all incoming transfer students into the Penn community. Click here for more information of the President's events.
Location: College Green
Rain Location: The Palestra

President and Provost’s Reception   8:15pm-9:30pm

Join the President and Provost as they host a sumptuous dessert reception for new students. Faculty, staff, and student leaders will be there to greet you. Click here for more information of the President's events.
Location: Wynn Commons and Houston Hall



Wednesday, September 9th

Classes Begin


Saturday, September 12th

Performing Arts Night  7pm

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy all of the member organizations of the Performing Arts Council, and find out how you can be involved in dance, theatre, vocal ensembles, music ensembles, a cappella, comedy, and spoken word groups. Tickets are available at the Annenberg Center Box office: $5 for new students.
Location: Zellerbach Theatre in the Annenberg Center



Sunday, September 13th

Transfer Brunch 10:30am-12pm

Enjoy a free brunch as you compare notes on your first week of classes. PHINS and members of the Class Boards will be available to answer your questions.
Location: Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall

Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets 12:15pm

Cheer on the 2008 World Series Champions, the Philadelphia Phillies, as they take on the New York Mets! The game starts at 1:05pm, so jump on the subway after brunch and head out to the stadium with fellow transfer students and PHINS.
Location: Leave from Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall