Last Updated: March 23, 2020, 11:00 AM
On behalf of the University administration, we greatly appreciate all you've done, and continue to do, to support Penn students grappling with this global public-health crisis. The transition has been abrupt and traumatic for all of us.
We ask that you
please help us follow University-approved response protocols in this emergency:
- For academic concerns, refer students to their schools or their academic advisors.
- For computer or other technical problems related to online learning, refer students to Student IT Support: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/student-remote-it-support.
- If a student does not have a laptop or other technology needed for remote learning, refer them to Student Intervention Services at vpul-sisteam@pobox.upenn.edu.
- Alumni, faculty, staff, and other community members who wish to provide financial and/or other resources to students should contact Maryann O’Leary Salas, Executive Director of Development for Undergraduate Financial Aid and Penn First Plus: maryanno@upenn.edu. We advise members of our community to give through philanthropic channels rather than providing individual, direct support to students so we can streamline our responses to student needs and ensure equity.
- Please refer directly to Student Intervention Services (vpul-sisteam@pobox.upenn.edu) any student expressing complex, developing, and/or ongoing needs in light of depopulating campus and converting to remote instruction. This includes students who may be challenged by Penn's emphatic directive to leave campus housing to help prevent the spread of this disease.
We value your relationships with students. In this rapidly changing time, it's vital that Penn send clear and consistent messages. Our multi-disciplinary team of Student Intervention Services, Penn First Plus, and Student Registration and Financial Services is available to help you and your colleagues.
Sincerely,
Sharon Smith, Associate Vice Provost for University Life
Lauren Rudick, Director of Student Intervention Services
Elaine Papas Varas, Senior University Director of Student Financial Services
Marc Lo, Executive Director of Penn First Plus
