Supporting Our Community
Penn is connected to and a part of the world around us, and our campus community continues to be impacted by the violence in the Middle East. During these challenging times, the University remains committed to supporting students, faculty, and staff and to sharing information with our larger community of alumni, parents, and friends. This site brings together resources to foster individuals’ safety and well-being, as well as the latest messages and information from Penn leaders and scholars to help navigate these complex times.
“The challenge we face together, as the Penn community, is to find a balance – supporting open expression and peaceful demonstrations while ensuring safety and respectful, inclusive culture that allows all to thrive.”
J. Larry Jameson, MD, Ph.D
President
Forward-Focused
Penn is actively implementing the recommendations of the University Task Force on Antisemitism and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community. Important progress includes Temporary Standards and Procedures for Campus Events and Demonstrations and the creation of a faculty-led Open Expression Task Force charged with reviewing the Open Expression guidelines and the Temporary Standards and Procedures for Campus Events.
Penn leadership also announced two new institutional positions: a statement of University Values and a statement Upholding Academic Independence. The statements are a result of broad input and deliberation, including the collaborative efforts in 2023 to create In Principle in Practice, Penn’s strategic framework.
This work is ongoing and evolving.
University Values
In a September 10, 2024 message to the Penn community, Interim President J. Larry Jameson shared a statement of University Values. Aligned with the recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community and the University Task Force on Antisemitism, and the result of broad input and deliberation, the statement of University Values sets out to “capture what is distinctive about Penn” and articulates values to guide the Penn community.
Safety and Wellness at Penn
The Division of Public Safety (DPS) is committed to the safety and well-being of the Penn and West Philadelphia communities. Learn more about UPennAlert, the PennGuardian app, and other emergency resources. We are here for you, and we care for you. Reach out anytime.
Learn More at DPS
Media Contact
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