Getting Involved at Penn: Student Organizations
With over 800 student organizations across our undergraduate, graduate, and professional student communities, Penn offers something for everyone. Whether you’re passionate about performing arts, interested in cultural or spiritual exploration, eager to join an academic or pre-professional society, or looking for recreational and social experiences, you’ll find your people here.
Each student organization is student-led and manages its own recruitment process. Groups are open to all who are interested, though some may require an audition or interview to join. The best way to explore your options is by attending one of Penn’s Activities Fairs—hosted at the start of each semester by the Office of Student Affairs—which bring together hundreds of groups eager to meet new members. While our comprehensive student group database, Penn Clubs, is only accessible to those with a PennKey, rest assured that once you’re part of the Penn community, you’ll have a powerful tool to browse, connect with, and join student organizations that match your interests.
At Penn, involvement outside the classroom is a vital part of the student experience—and there’s no shortage of opportunities to dive in.
Outdoor Space Reservation Resources
Groups interested in gathering/hosting events in these outdoor locations are encouraged to reserve the space to assist in our goal of maintaining safety and support for the broader Penn community. Reservations help facilitate thoughtful conversations around event management and planning which is beneficial to both sponsoring organization and campus support resources.
If there is another outdoor space a student group is interested in using and is not certain how to reserve, please reach out to the Office of Student Affairs who can be a helpful resource in discussing plans and consulting with partners
Fall 2024 End of Semester Deadlines!
The last date for undergraduate organizations to host programs (beyond a standard meeting or small study break) is Monday, December 9. The last day for Social Events (parties, formals, semi-formals, etc.) that require registration with Community Care is Saturday, December 7 or Sunday, December 8, depending on the event type. Please consult the Community Care website for guidance or reach out to OSA for further conversation. Undergraduate organizations are not permitted to host social events or large scale activities during Reading Days and the Finals Period – Reimbursements for events not in compliance during these dates will not be supported as well. The last date for Graduate and Professional organizations to host activities and registered events is Sunday, December 15.
All undergraduate groups financial business for the semester must be completed by Monday, December 9th as well. Please be in touch with your groups financial coordinator before the deadline.
Attention Newly Registered Student Groups and Non-SAC groups that missed financial Training!
Click the button below to register for a time to complete your required training! Make sure your organization is ready to hit the ground running this year.
These sessions are for the financial officer and/or event planner of your group and geared towards newly registered student groups and non-SAC groups that missed the Student Organization Summit.
Don’t wait—sessions are capped at 25 participants. All groups must complete financial training each year in order to apply for funding or reserve space on campus.
Outdoor Space Reservation Resources
Groups interested in gathering/hosting events in the following outdoor locations are encouraged to reserve the space to assist in our goal of maintaining safety and support for the broader Penn community. Reservations help facilitate thoughtful conversations around event management and planning which is beneficial to both sponsoring organization and campus support resources.
For grass spaces in front of the High Rises and Dubois -managed by College Housing and Academic Services.
For the LOVE statue, Penn Commons, and College Green (including the LOVE statue, the Button, and the Ben Statue) – managed by University Life Space & Events
For Locust Walk – managed by the Office of Student Affairs
For Marches that move through campus, the best practice is to reserve space at both your starting point and end point (if these are different locations).
If there is another outdoor space a student group is interested in using and is not certain how to reserve, please reach out to the Office of Student Affairs who can be a helpful resource in discussing plans and consulting with partners
The Future of Funding Initiative
Learn more about OSA’s collaborative initiative to streamline and enhance access to Student Group Funding
Attention Newly Registered Student Groups and Non-SAC groups that missed financial Training!
Click the button below to register for a time to complete your required training! Make sure your organization is ready to hit the ground running this year.
These sessions are for the financial officer and/or event planner of your group and geared towards newly registered student groups and non-SAC groups that missed the Student Organization Summit.
Don’t wait—sessions are capped at 25 participants. All groups must complete financial training each year in order to apply for funding or reserve space on campus.
Your one-stop shop for all things financial here in the OSA!
The Financial Services Team handles business and financial transactions for Penn Student Government, Resource Center Staff, and Penn Student Groups.
Learn More About OSA
Clubs & Organizations
Discover the diversity of organizations on campus.
Student Government
Explore the six branches of undergraduate student government.
Student Organization Summit
Find out more about this years Student Organization Summit.
Resource Modules
On-line resource modules that provide information on a variety of topics.