2. Welcomefrom the Office of Student Affairs
Hello, Hola, 你好, Bonjour, こんにちは, Olá, Grüßgott, Xin
Chào, Goddag, Kumusta, Aloha, Guten Tag, Buon Giorno,
and Welcome to the Graduate School of Education at the
University of Pennsylvania!
We are thrilled that you are finally here. We are committed
to helping you fulfill your academic goals and making the
best out of your Penn experience. Moving to a new place
can be challenging, stressful, and intimidating. We hope
this mini-booklet can provide you some comfort and guid-
ance as you navigate your way around Penn this year. We
are always here to help you!
Feel free to reach any of us at any time!
Student Affairs Staff,

3. GSE Contact List Page 1
10 Habits To Be A Successful GSE Student Page 2
GSE Upcoming Events Page 3
Graduate Student Center (GSC) Page Page 4
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) Page 5
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Page 6
Greenfield Intercultural Center (GIC) Page 6
Weingarten Learning Center (WLC) Page 7
Career Services Page 8
Campus Organizations Open Houses Page 9
GSE Student Government (GSE-SG) Page 10
Graduate and Professional Student Page 10
Assembly (GAPSA)
Announcements Page 11
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page 15

4. Admissions & Financial Aid:
GSE Admissions Office, 2nd Floor 215-898-6415 admissions@gse.upenn.edu
Facilities or Operations:
Terence Newby, Room 002 215-573-4465 tnewby@upenn.edu
GSE Financial Aid:
Jason Cronk 215-898-1952 cronk@gse.upenn.edu
IT/Computing Held Desk:
GSE Room 005 215-898-1847 gse-help@lists.upenn.edu
Visa & Immigration:
International Student & 215-898-4661 isss@pobox.upenn.edu
Scholar Services
GSE Registration or Billing:
Ramón Monrás-Sender, 2nd Floor 215-898-7379 ramonm@gse.upenn.edu
Room Requests/Reservations: http://www.gse.upenn.edu/node/148
Student Life:
Lois MacNamara, Room 225 215-898-7019 loism@gse.upenn.edu
Cindy Rossley, 2nd Floor, GSE 215-898-6456 rossleyc@gse.upenn.edu
Imani Harvin, 2nd Floor, GSE 215-898-6456 TBA after Sept. 4
Bonnie Yingfei He, 2nd Floor, GSE 267-438-5750 yingfeih@gse.upenn.edu
Kia Marie Lor, 2nd Floor, GSE 651-447-9734 lork@gse.upenn.edu
Guerdiana Thelomar, 2nd Floor, 786-306-5092 theg@gse.upenn.edu
GSE Student Government gse-sg@gse.upenn.edu
Please note: Most GSE offices are open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or by
special arrangement.
Page 1

5. By Bonnie & Kia
1) Read & respond to emails in 24 hours. You will get a lot of e-mails.
Be sure to read, respond, organize, and delete the emails that are relevant (or
irrelevant) to you. This practice will help you feel organized.
2) Keep a Calendar. Make sure you have some form of a calendar (digital or
physical). Write down your deadlines, meetings, and important events .
3) Attend GSE and Penn events. Socialization is an important part of your
Penn experience and this is a great way to make new friends. Try to attend at
least 3 major events this school year
4) Utilize ALL the services. If there is anything you don’t know, there is
always someone who WILL know. The services on campus are beyond your
needs. This booklet gives you some resources to start.
5) Exercise. Make it a daily habit to exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
6) Sleep! You’re in a new country, new time zone, and going to be living a new
lifestyle. Create a healthy sleeping pattern. Get 6-8 hours of sleep each night.
7) Build good relationships with professors. You are now a graduate
student. Know that you are here to learn from them but they also learning from
you. Set sometime to meet with them during their office hours. They are always
pleased to get to know you. They want to support your academic success.
8) Go beyond the “Penn Bubble.” Take some time to explore Philadelphia.
The city has a lot to offer -- great food at Reading Terminal, great view from the
Franklin Bridge, and great art around the city! There are many wonderful places
to see around the city.
9) Make a Bucket List. Brainstorm all the places, foods, and things you want
to do in Philadelphia (and the United States) before you graduate.
10) Take care of yourself. Keep a positive outlook. You are far away from
your parents, your old friends, and your hometown. Stay healthy -- mentally,
psychologically, emotionally, financially, physically, and socially.
All the best! Know that Student Affairs is always here for you.
Page 2

6. Page 3
Listed below are some of the upcoming events you should
plan to attend. These include trips, lectures, and other
exciting things to do here at GSE. Follow this link to the GSE
Calendar for updates and additional information.
http://www.gse.upenn.edu/event
Event Date Location
August
New Student Orientation Mon 8/24 @ 9am Inn at Penn
New Student Division Orientations Tue 8/25 @ 8am GSE
Students of Color Orientation Fri 8/28 @ 12pm
Library Orientation Session Mon 8/31 @ 2pm Rm 241, Van Pelt
September
Please choose only one to attend:
Library Orientation Session Tue 9/1 @12:30pm Rm 241, Van Pelt
Library Orientation Session Wed 9/2 @9:30am Rm 241, Van Pelt
Library Orientation Session Thu 9/3 @ 5pam Rm 241, Van Pelt
The 25th Annual Nessa Wolfson Colloquium Wed 9/9 @ 9am Irvine Auditorium
Fall Events will be announced later

7. Page 4
Gnome Hunt & Happy Hour
Sunday, August 23, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Everything You Need to Know About Penn & Philadelphia
Sunday, August 23, 11 AM - 3:30 PM
First Friday Tours
Friday, September 04, 4 PM - 6 PM
Running in Philadelphia
Sat, September 12, 10 AM - 11:30 AM
LAGAPSA Bienvenida
Friday, September 18, 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Graduate & Professional New Student Orientation
3615 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6221
215-746-6868
center@gsc.upenn.edu
To register or sign up for any of these events:
http://www.gsc.upenn.edu/orientation/index.php#ss2
The Graduate Student Center is open to all graduate
students at the University of Pennsylvania. GSC is
here to encourage the development of Penn's
graduate and professional student community
through academic and social initiatives. Plus, there’s
always FREE COFFEE. Bring your own cup! Here are
some events they are hosting soon:

8. Page 5
Graduate Student Welcome Reception
(Graduate Students Only)
Friday, August 21 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Welcome to Penn! ISSS invites new international gradu-
ate students to celebrate the start of your Penn experi-
ence. Meet new friends, enjoy a delicious meal, and if
you’re lucky enough, win a prize! Space is limited. Ad-
vanced registration and payment required.
Location: International House, South America Room
(2nd Floor), 3701 Chestnut Street
Registration: Opens August 17
Phillies Baseball Game
(Undergraduate & Graduate Students)
Thursday, August 27 7:05pm game (6:00pm de-
parture from campus)
It’s a homerun!!! ISSS welcomes you on a trip to Citizens
Bank Park in South Philly to witness the Philadelphia
Phillies vs. the New York Metz in the traditional US sport
sensation – baseball! Enjoy the game as it was meant to
be enjoyed from outfield seating. Who knows? You may
even catch the game- winning homerun ball. Space is
limited. Don’t strike out on this opportunity of a lifetime.
Location: Citizens Bank Park. Meet in front of ISSS,
3701 Chestnut Street
Registration: Opens August 6
ISSS aims to provide immigration assistance as
well as a sense of community for the international
population at Penn. You can find them online at:
http://global.upenn.edu/isss
Listed below are a few events they will hosting be-
fore school starts.

9. Page 6
Greenfield
Intercultural
Center
3624 Market Street
First Floor, West
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2615
Phone: 215 898-7021
Email: caps@pobox.upenn.edu
(for an appointment, please call, do not email)
New Hours:
9am - 5pm Mon, Tues, Fri
9am - 7pm Wed, Thurs
Counseling &
Psychological
Services
3708 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 215.898.3358
Email: gic@dolphin.upenn.edu
Hours: Mon - Fri, 10AM - 5PM
CAPS offers confidential free professional mental health services
to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at
Penn. Our goal is to assist students in their adjustment to
university life and help them take full advantage of the academic
and social environment at Penn. Students can learn to manage
personal problems and situational crises effectively, learn
strategies to cope with academic stress, and develop self
awareness, personal responsibility, and skills for life-long learning.
The Albert M. Greenfield Intercultural Center is Penn's resource
for enhancing student's intercultural knowledge, competency,
and leadership through our programs, advising, and advocacy.
Known fondly as the "GIC," the Greenfield Intercultural Center is
more of a home than an institution. We provide a safe space for
intercultural dialogue and interaction with students, faculty, staff
and visitors from around the globe.

10. Page 7
Academic Success and
Emotional Wellness
Tues. 09/01/2015, 3:00-4:30 pm
Houston Hall, 223 Golkin Room
Syllabus Analysis
Wed. 09/02/2015, 6:30-8:00 pm
Houston Hall, 223 Golkin Room
Active Reading and Critical Thinking
Thu. 09/03/2015, 6:30-8:00 pm
Houston Hall, 230 Class 49
Auditorium
Getting to Know the U.S. Classroom
Fri. 09/04/2015, 3:00-4:30 pm
WLRC Lounge
Academic Listening and Note-Taking
Tue. 09/08/2015, 6:30-8:00 pm
WLRC Lounge
Strategies and Resource
for Academic Writing
Wed. 09/09/2015, 6:30-8:00 pm
Houston Hall, 230 Class 49
Auditorium
Time Management Best Practices
Thu. 09/10/2015, 6:30-8:00 pm
Houston Hall, 223 Golkin Room
Academic Success and
Emotional Wellness
Fri. 09/11/2015, 3:00-4:30 pm
WLRC Lounge
Myths and Realities about
Public Speaking
Wed. 09/16/15, 6:30-8:00 pm
Houston Hall, 223 Golkin Room
Stouffer Commons, Suite 300
3702 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 573-9235
Required Registration for all workshops!
To register: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/lrc/
The Weingarten Learning Resources Center provides academic support
services and programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional
students at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Office of Learning Resources (OLR) provides professional instruction in
university relevant skills such as academic reading, writing, study strategies,
and time management to the Penn student community.

11. Page 8
Resume & Cover Letter Workshop
Wed Aug 26, 2015 1pm - 2pm
Career Fair Preparation
Tue Sep 1, 2015 1:30pm - 2pm
Career Fair Preparation
Fri Sep 4, 2015 2pm - 2:30pm
Interviewing Skills & Prep Workshop
Tue Oct 13, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Damage Control: Handling tough
issues to discuss in interviews
Tue Oct 13, 2015 1:30pm - 2pm
Damage Control: Handling tough
issues to discuss in interviews
Mon Oct 26, 2015 1pm - 1:30pm
Job Search Strategies for
International Students
Thu Nov 5, 2015 5pm - 6pm
Show Off Your Skills... How to create
a portfolio that stands out!
Tue Nov 10, 2015 12pm - 1pm
Navigating PennLink
Mon Nov 16, 2015 12pm - 1pm
3718 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 898-7531
Career Services is your go-to place for everything professional-related. They
provide a multitude of resources for everything: resume writing, interviewing
advice, networking & mentorship, career exploration, jobs and internships,
and more! You can also make appointments for personal one-on-one time.
Here are some events you may want to attend this fall:
All information can be found:
http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/

12. Page 9
 La Casa Latina, September 3, 2015, 4-6PM
 PAACH, September 9, 2015, 4-6PM
 MAKUU, September 11, 2015, 4-6PM
 LGBT Center, September 24, 2015, 4-6PM
 Women’s Center, October 2, 2015, noon
All students are welcome to attend these cultural campus
resources. These are school-wide campus groups.
The Center for Hispanic Excellence: La Casa
Latina promotes greater awareness of
Latino issues, culture, and identity at Penn.
LOCATION: 3601 Locust Walk
Makuu Black Cultural Center is a nexus of
academic, professional, and personal growth for
University of Pennsylvania students interested in
Black culture and the African Diaspora.
LOCATION: 3601 Locust Walk
The Pan-Asian American Community House
(PAACH) is a community center that develops and
implements innovative programs for leadership
development and community service in close
collaboration with student and community groups.
LOCATION: 3601 Locust Walk
The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center, a
home away from home for sexual and gender
minorities and their allies at the University of
Pennsylvania. Whether you are questioning your
identity, in the process of coming out, or proudly
identify as LGBTQ, the Center is your space.
LOCATION: 3907 Spruce Street
We're one of the nation's oldest campus-
based Women's Centers and we work with
students, staff and faculty to promote
gender justice at Penn and
beyond.
LOCATION: 3643 Locust Walk

13. Page 10
GSESG is a voice for the GSE student body and acts as a liaison with
the administration, faculty, and alumni. We are committed to being a
source of information, guidance, and service to students. The Student
Government is also committed to being open to and supportive of the
diversity of GSE’s students and to developing a sense of community
among GSE constituents.
Funding to Attend A Conference
In order to encourage and assist students who would like to attend
(but not present at) professional conferences, the GSE Student
Government has allocated limited funds to reimburse up to $150 of
conference expenses for roughly 20 students per academic year.
These funds are limited. Eligibility requirements are online.
Deadlines:
FALL 2015: October 1 for conferences held in October, November,
December, & January or
SPRING 2016: February 1 for conferences held in February, March,
April, & May
http://www.gse.upenn.edu/students/conference_attendance
GAPSA is another source of
funding for travel
accommodations.
The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) is the
University-wide government for graduate and professional students,
interacting regularly with the President, Provost, Board of Trustees,
and other University officials. GAPSA also works with the student
governments of individual schools and with other specialized student
governments at Penn.
GAPSA Academic Funding: http://gapsa.upenn.edu/academic-
funding/

14. Page 11
Orientation Dine Arounds
Remember to register for a Dine-Around
during Penn GSE Orientation Week. There
will be six opportunities to go to a dinner
or a brunch with other GSE students
between Thursday, August 27 and
Sunday, August 30.
Please note that students are expected to
pay for their own meals. This is your
chance to expand your network by getting to know other GSE students
in other divisions while enjoying a good meal!
To register:
1) Log in to www.penncommunity.com/users/sign_up
Use your Penn email to Sign Up
Note that you must have a Penn email to use Penn Community.
2) Go to the Events Calendar and select a date/time slot
3) Your group will decide on a restaurant, either through the
comments feature or the email reminder that you will receive on the
day of the dinner/brunch.
[This is also available on the Guide App for Orientation.]

15. Page 12
Intercultural Leadership
Program (ILP)
Call for Leaders!!!
Every year, new international and domestic students (both
undergraduate and graduate) are invited to be part of the Intercultural
Leadership Program (ILP).
Now entering its ninth year, this program has been designed to foster
an intercultural community of leaders who are ready to take on issues
they are passionate about, learn more about communities different
than their own, and make a lasting impact at Penn and beyond. This
highly selective process will narrow the field to exceptional incoming
students from across the globe!
DEADLINE: August 31st, 2015
http://global.upenn.edu/isss/ilp
Note: will need Pennkey & Password
in order to complete application process
APPLY
HERE

16. Page 13

17. Page 14
NOTES

18. PennCard
The PennCard is the official University of Pennsylvania identification card for students, facul-
ty, staff, and other members of the University community. A PennCard is required to enter
GSE for classes, to use the Computer Lab, or to access many other buildings on campus. Stu-
dents may obtain their PennCard from the PennCard Center located on the 2nd
floor of the
Penn Bookstore, located on the corner 3610 Walnut Street. A valid, government issued photo
I.D. will be required in order to pick up your PennCard.
Campus Express http://www.campusexpress.upenn.edu/
Campus Express at Penn is one-stop shopping for many essential student services. Through
Campus Express Online, you can
 Log in to access various services available to students
 Confirm any on-campus housing you’ve selected
 Apply for a PennPass or parking permit
 Sign up for Penn e-mail
Have problems with your email account?
 Email the Computer Help Desk gse-help@lists.upenn.edu
 For additional information on how to work your email account, Checkout:
http://www.gse.upenn.edu/taxonomy/term/45#google_mail_program
Computer
PennGSE is a very tech-friendly environment. We have a computer lab on the 1st floor of the
GSE building that is open 24 hours a day.
 Computer lab policies: http://www.gse.upenn.edu/gseit/support/lab
 Live technical support: available during the day from the help desk staff located in Room
005 (check the door for drop-in hours) or by e-mailing the Computer Help Desk at
gse-help@lists.upenn.edu
 Other computer labs on campus: http://www.upenn.edu/computing/view/labs
 Should you wish to purchase a computer? Penn’s Computer Connection offers deals on
computer purchases. Visit http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/computerstore/
for information.
Registration http://www.gse.upenn.edu/students/policies/registration
Visit http://www.gse.upenn.edu/academiccalendar
Spring or summer class registration deadlines;
Add/Drop deadlines;
Graduation registration deadlines
We recommend that you print out a copy of the Academic Calendar each semester and put it in
a convenient space so that you are reminded of these important deadlines.
Textbooks
 Penn Bookstore (located on the corner of 36th
& Walnut Street)
 Penn Book Center (on the corner of 34th
& Sansom Street)
 House of Our Own (3920 Spruce Street).
 You can also to search and purchase book online with web stores such as Amazon &
Half.com .
Page 15

19. Public Safety/Transportation
 24/7 Working Escort Services: Call 215-898-9255 or 511 (campus phone)
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, between 30th to 43rd Streets and Market Street
to Baltimore Avenue.
 Penn Shuttles: Call (215) 898-7433 / (215) 898-RIDE
http://cms.business-services.upenn.edu/transportation/types-of-services/penn-shuttles.html
Shuttles provide free transportation to and from campus Transit Stops and West Philadelph-
ia, Center City, and Powelton Village, within defined boundaries. Penn Shuttles run in the
evenings seven days a week, year round. Riders from Penn, University of the Sciences and
UPHS can use the shuttle services when they present their institutional ID card.
 Shuttle Trips Originating from On-Campus/Off-Campus
 On-Call Shuttle Service
Student Health Services http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs
The Student Health Services Office is located at 3535 Market Street, Suite 100.
The phone number is 215-746-3535.
Housing
 On-campus housing: contact Housing and Conference Services located at 3702 Spruce
Street (215-898-3547) or visit www.business-services.upenn.edu/housing/
 Off-campus housing: contact the Office of Off-Campus Services at 3702 Spruce Street
(215-898-8500) or visit www.business-services.upenn.edu/offcampusservices/
Wi-fi Connection
AirPennNet is the University’s campus-wide wireless network permitting secure and con-
venient network access in campus buildings and residence halls
Where to find help:
 In College Houses, bring your device to your House lab and an ITA will help you reg-
ister and connect your device.
 Sansom East and West: 202 Sansom West.
IT staff members must register the device on your behalf and you will not be able to con-
nect to the internet until your device is registered.
Gym: Pottruck Health and Fitness Center
Located on 37th and Walnut Street this 120,000 square foot facility houses 4 fitness centers,
a 2nd floor weight room, olympic-size pool and co-ed sauna, basketball courts, climbing
wall, golf simulator, Energy Zone juice bar, fitness and Pilates studios, locker and shower
facilities, and the Department of Recreation Membership/Business Services Office.
$348 Annual Fee for graduate students. Grants basic access to the Pottruck Health &
Fitness Center, Sheerr Pool, Fox Fitness Center, Ringe Squash Courts. Towel service is also
included.
Find more information: http://www.upenn.edu/recreation/about/facilities/pottruck-
health-fitness-center/
Page 16

20. HAVE A GREAT
SCHOOL YEAR!