PENNacle is a pre-orientation program being offered to incoming first year students at the University of Pennsylvania sponsored by the Undergraduate Assembly, and the Office of Student Affairs. It is designed to give the participants 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 a fee of $425.00. Financial subsidies may be available for eligible students. Applicants who wish to be considered for a subsidy will be able to indicate their interest on the application form.
If you have questions, feel free to contact Rodney Robinson in the Office of Student Affairs at rodneyr@upenn.edu.
Schedule:
The 2026 program will run from Sunday, August 16th through Wednesday, August 19th.
The schedule below provides a general overview of the program activities.
Day One
- 8a-5p Participants Move-in
- 6p Dinner with staff and other participants
- 7p–11p Get acquainted, Penn traditions, campus quest
NOTE: Participants will sleep in their college house rooms on the first night of the program.
Day Two
- 8:30a Breakfast on campus
- 10a Depart for Diamond Ridge in Jamison, PA
- 11a–11p Activities, free time, meals
Day Three
- All Day Initiative games, workshops, networking, meals
Day Four
- 9a Breakfast and program wrap-up
- 11:30a Depart Diamond Ridge for return to Penn.
Note: Program is typically back on campus betweem 12:30p-1:30p.
For additional information, please contact Rodney Robinson in the Office of Student Affairs