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Frequently Asked Questions for
New Graduate & Professional Students
How do I get my Penncard before classes start?
Go to the Penncard Center in Room 150 of the Franklin Building ( 3451 Walnut Street). Make sure to bring a government issued ID (i.e.driver’s license, passport, etc) and your Social Security number.
What do I do if I need a new Pennkey setup code?
If you need a new set-up code (either because the one they sent expired or you never received one) go to the Registrar’s Office in Room 221 of the Franklin Building (3451Walnut Street). Take your Penncard with you.
How do I get a Penn email account?
First you need a PennKey and password (go to http://www.upenn.edu/computing/pennkey/ for more information). Then, go to Campus Express at http://campusexpress.upenn.edu/. Log in with your PennKey and select "create an email account." From there you should choose your school and you'll be directed to the appropriate information.
What should I do with all of my Health Insurance papers?
Consult the Student Health Service’s Insurance website at http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs/shi.html. This site gives information about due dates, filing processes, and contact information. If you want to waive Student Health Insurance, be aware that if you do not submit a waiver by the deadline, you will be automatically enrolled and billed.
How do I know that my financial aid is all set up?
Call or visit the Student Financial Services office (http://www.sfs.upenn.edu) often to make sure that you have completed all of the necessary paper work and that it has been recorded correctly. Don’t assume that everything is finished until all of your loan information shows up correctly on Penn-in-Touch at https://sentry.isc.upenn.edu/intouch. You can get to your own information by clicking the “Bill Summary” or “Financial Aid” link .
How do I register for courses?
Across the University Penn-in-Touch (https://sentry.isc.upenn.edu/intouch) contains the course registration area for students. However, each school and department has a different registration process for its students. When in doubt about something you should contact your advisor or the department chair.
What do I do if all of my information is being sent to the wrong address?
Go to Penn-in-Touch (https://sentry.isc.upenn.edu/intouch) and click the “Addresses” link on the left side of the screen. From there you can change your permanent address, as well as enter temporary addresses.
What's the difference between my school's orientation events and the Graduate Student Center's orientation events?
Your school's orientation will help you learn more about your specific academic program, its requirements, etc. The Grad Center's orientation events are more general and are designed to help you learn about campus and the city. In order to get the most out of your graduate school experience, you really should attend both orientations.
I am an International Student and I want to make sure that I have done everything necessary before starting school, is there a checklist of these things?
International Student & Scholar Services offers comprehenisve resources for new international students. Visit their website at http://www.upenn.edu/oip/iss/index.html. In addition, you can find information pertaining to international graduate and professional student orientation at http://www.upenn.edu/oip/iss/orientation/graduate/index.html.
What student organizations exist on campus? I'd like to get involved.
There are many cultural, political, service, recreational, religious, and social organizations at Penn, as well as GAPSA, the main graduate student government organization, and student governments in each individual school. For a list of student organizations strictly for graduate and professional students, see http://www.gsc.upenn.edu/services/gradgroups.htm. For a list of student organizations that include both undergraduate and graduate students, see http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/osl/orgmain.html.
What if my question is not answered on this FAQ page or on the New Student Orientation website?
Ask the Graduate Student Center gnome.
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