Student life
SP2 offers students opportunities to make connections, explore interests, and access the resources they need to thrive
Associate Dean’s Welcome
“The Office of Student Affairs at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice supports students from orientation through graduation, and every step in between. We take a holistic approach to student life—connecting students to academic resources, fostering community, and creating opportunities for engagement across Penn and the city of Philadelphia. “
– Dr. Jenn Clinkscales, Associate Dean of Student Affairs
New student orientation
All Master’s Students are required to attend their designated New Student Orientation, which will immediately follow SP2 Convocation on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 8:00 am. Doctoral students should follow the instructions given by your programs.
MSW Master of Social Work
Advanced Standing Orientation
To Be Announced
On-Campus MSW New Student Orientation
Monday, August 24, 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Inn at Penn, 3600 Sansom Street
MSSP Master of Science in Social Policy
MSSP New Student Orientation
Monday, August 24, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Inn at Penn, 3600 Sansom Street
NPL Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership
NPL On-campus Orientation
Monday August 24, 2026 10:00 am-12:00 pm
NPL Online Orientation (Virutal)
Asynchronous Work: August 10 through August 19
Students must attend one of the two synchronous Zoom meetings: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET OR Thursday, August 13, 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
NPL Online Students Social: Monday, August 24, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
NPL Faculty Roundtable (Virtual): Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 2:00pm to 3:00 pm ET
Contact Vanessa Martinez Penn at vmartp@upenn.edu with any questions.
PhD in Social Welfare
PhD New Student Orientation
Monday, August 24, 2026
The Study, 20 S. 33rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19104
PhD Orientation: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Reception for all PhD students and faculty: 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Contact the PhD Coordinator at eerich@upenn.edu regarding registration information.
DSW Doctorate in Clinical Social Work
DSW CAMPUS IMMERSION 2026
DSW events will take place on campus in Philadelphia from August 25th through August 29th.
DNPA Doctorate in Nonprofit Administration
DNPA CAMPUS IMMERSION 202
DNPA events will take place on campus in Philadelphia from August 25th through August 29th. More information will be available soon.
Academic Resources
Academic advising
Each student is assigned an academic advisor who helps them make the most of the School and University’s resources throughout their academic experience. Students can check Path@Penn for their advisor assignment.
MSW
- Advanced Standing: Matthew Sato
- First Year Full-time New Students: Matthew Sato
- Full-time Continuing Students: Kate Ledwith, Kim McKay, Emily Rich, Rebecca Tamayo-White
- Part-time New & Continuing Students: Zareah Bishop
- Dual Degree & Submatriculate Students: Mai Le
MSSP
Please check Path@Penn for your advisor assignment. MSSP Academic Advisors will be assigned near the start of the fall semester in order to ensure advisors have adequate time to transition out of their advising obligations with graduating students and into advising our incoming students. Until academic advisors are assigned, MSSP program staff are available to assist with questions at msspprogram@sp2.upenn.edu.
NPL
- On-campus: Sue Perls
- Online: Vanessa Martinez
PhD
PhD students are advised by a member of SP2’s faculty. Learn more in the PhD Academic Resources Advising section.
DNPA
DNPA advising is to be determined.
writing support & accommodations
Marks Family Writing Center
The Marks Family Writing Center was established in 2003 to provide writing support to Penn students and faculty across the disciplines.
Penn Online Learning Initiative
The Online Learning Initiative partners with the University of Pennsylvania’s twelve schools to advance the development and delivery of online learning, creating flexible options for learners across the globe.
Course Registration
The SP2 Registrar’s Office welcomes all incoming students to SP2. All SP2 Master’s students register for courses via Path @ Penn.
- Fall Registration is open now and will continue through the summer
- Registration/Course Selection Period ends: September 8
- Deadline to drop a class without penalty: October 5
For more information regarding course registration, please visit the University Registrar page.
Non-Academic Resources
Safety & Belonging
Penn Graduate Student Support
Navigating Penn’s Campus & Philadelphia
Student Organizations
SP2 Student Government
The student governance organization responsible for funding many SP2 organizations and events.
ASIAN CULINARY CULTURE CLUB
Offering a captivating journey into the world of Asian culinary traditions.
Association of Black Social Workers
Committed to empowering people of African ancestry and enhancing their quality of life through advocacy, service delivery, and research.
AsW COLLECTIVE
Provides a space for SP2’s Asian American-, Native Hawaiian-, and Pacific Islander-identifying students to find community and pursue professional development opportunities.
STUDENTS FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY
Social advocacy to support people impacted by the criminal-legal system and to elicit lasting systemic change.
Youth Advocacy Project
The Youth Advocacy Project (YAP) brings together social work and law students to support young people charged as adults in the Philadelphia area.
Office of Student Affairs Team
Contact Us