PENNacle is a pre-orientation program being offered to members of the Class of 2029 at the University of Pennsylvania sponsored by the Undergraduate Assembly, and the Office of Student Affairs. It is designed to give incoming students the chance to learn about the many forms of student leadership at Penn, to explore options for campus involvement, and to build connections to peers and upperclass leaders.
PENNacle is a four-day retreat which includes active games, structured experiences and lots of discussion, both formal and informal. The program will be facilitated by upperclass Penn students who have participated in the all-campus leadership retreat and hold key positions in a variety of campus organizations. Topics to be covered include group dynamics, leadership style, team-building, campus resources and Penn traditions.
Selection Process:
Each year, we receive more applications for the program than there are spaces available. Participants will be selected based upon a careful review of the applications. Each application is reviewed and rated by the staff and student leaders of the program and a consensus is reached. Those invited to participate will need to promptly complete registration forms and submit payment. Students may apply to other pre-orientation programs as well and then decide which program to attend based upon their selection status.
Cost of Program:
Each participant is required to pay $395.00. A financial subsidy may be available for eligible students.
If you have questions, feel free to contact Rodney Robinson in the Office of Student Affairs atrodneyr@upenn.edu.
Schedule:
The 2025 program will run from Sunday, August 17th through Wednesday, August 20th.
The schedule below should provide you a overview of the the program.
Day One
8am-5pm Move-in
6pm Dinner with staff and other participants
7pm – 11pm Get acquainted, Penn traditions, campus quest
(Participants will sleep in their college house rooms on the first night of the program.)
Day Two
8:30am Breakfast on campus
10am Leave for Diamond Ridge in Jamison, PA
11am – 11pm Activities, free time, meals
Day Three
All Day Initiative games, workshops, network, meals
Day Four
9am Breakfast and wrap-up
11:30am Depart Diamond Ridge for return to Penn by early afternoon
For additional information, please contact Rodney Robinson in the Office of Student Affairs