Frequently Asked Questions for Student Groups in response to altered University Operations
Student Life
All students have access to our student group engagement platform called Penn Clubs. This is the official student group database, created by Penn students, to encourage engagement and connection with student groups (undergraduate, graduate and professional) and their events. You can browse groups by type and keyword as well as sign up to get more information about how to join/learn more. If you missed the Fall Activities Fair, this is the best way to connect with groups.
Student Group Operations
Indoor events are temporarily suspended until in-person classroom instruction resumes. Penn clubs and organizations are encouraged to meet virtually and/or utilize outdoor Grab n’ Go events, which must be registered through the University Life Event Registration process.
All enrolled Penn students will maintain a Zoom account via their home school. OSA also has access to special licenses for Zoom Webinars which have participation capacities up to 1000. If an organization would like to utilize one of these licenses, they should email the OSA general account.
With indoor events temporarily suspended until in-person classroom instruction resumes, we are encouraging student groups to plan for virtual or grab-and-go events during the interim period and to hold off planning in-person events until further guidance from the University.
Student organizations and/or individual residences are not permitted to host parties during this time. The registration process for events with alcohol and/or events held at third party venues has therefore been temporarily suspended. You can access the University Life Calendar to stay up-to-date on campus events.
Financial Guidance
Yes, student groups are now able to spend money and should work with their assigned Financial Coordinator to make sure spending happens in an appropriate manner and follow University policy.
Groups can purchase food but are encouraged to refrain from communal dining when possible. Please read the current student group guidance for more suggestions on how to reduce risk when gathering.
If you have cash or checks for your student organization which requires depositing, please be in touch with your Financial Coordinator to make arrangements.
Students can submit Program Card applications at this time. Please be in touch with your Financial Coordinator to discuss your needs further.
Please refer to Penn’s most current guidance on travel to see what, if any, approval you need to obtain before making travel arrangements.
Please discuss this need with your Group Advisor and Financial Coordinator. Many instructors who previously worked with groups may need to be re-hired. This process will take some time. Please accommodate for this when planning rehearsals.
SAC groups with any remaining revenue in their account had those funds rollover to their account for Fall. GAPSA and the UA funds were moved into a Reserve for which they oversee disbursement.
The Student Activities Council (SAC) created a pathway for giving for their recognized groups. The full process including limits, forms, an FAQ and other resources can be found on SAC’s website.
Yes! Financial Coordinators are available via email. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your assigned FC for group and event-specific guidance.