About

Who We Are

University Life at Penn nurtures an inclusive campus life environment where students grow intellectually, engage in meaningful experiential opportunities, and deepen intercultural and interpersonal understanding in preparation for a life of meaning and purpose.

The division is part of the Office of the Provost. Our efforts help to fulfill Penn’s strategic vision and enhance the ability of Penn students to reach their fullest potential.

University Life Guiding Principles

Ven Diagram with overlapping circles

Graduate and undergraduate students have a breadth of opportunities to participate meaningfully and prepare for life beyond graduation. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and interests, allowing them to develop skills that align with their values and aspirations. University Life empowers students to become lifelong learners, ethical leaders, and engaged global citizens. With the goal of creating lasting impact, students are encouraged to cultivate community, develop skillsets for career success, and be exposed to a wide range of ideas, perspectives, or cultures.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives are foundational to creating a culturally responsive, identity-based, and intersectional student experience. The division engages in critical conversations around anti-racism, inclusivity, and what it means to create belonging on campus to inspire community. 

University Life creates and sustains a culture of care and support for undergraduates, graduates, and professional students through a multifaceted approach to student well-being. It provides critical resources through a unique model of community care, case management, and education in collaboration with campus partners. Through these collective efforts, University Life cultivates an environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive both academically and personally.

University Life creates a unified, cohesive vision for building a holistic student experience through an emphasis on collaboration, resource utilization, and communication. Using a centralized approach, we ensure staff have the necessary tools for creating meaningful impact and maintaining high levels of performance. It encompasses our priorities, visual presence, professional development, onboarding, and technology services. Our commitment to ongoing assessment and strategic planning ensures programs, services, and operations adapt to changing needs or circumstances. We assess and enhance the division’s performance, with the aim of mission-fulfillment and serving the needs of our students effectively.

Ven Diagram with overlapping circles

Graduate and undergraduate students have a breadth of opportunities to participate meaningfully and prepare for life beyond graduation. Students are encouraged to explore their passions and interests, allowing them to develop skills that align with their values and aspirations. University Life empowers students to become lifelong learners, ethical leaders, and engaged global citizens. With the goal of creating lasting impact, students are encouraged to cultivate community, develop skillsets for career success, and be exposed to a wide range of ideas, perspectives, or cultures.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives are foundational to creating a culturally responsive, identity-based, and intersectional student experience. The division engages in critical conversations around anti-racism, inclusivity, and what it means to create belonging on campus to inspire community. 

University Life creates and sustains a culture of care and support for undergraduates, graduates, and professional students through a multifaceted approach to student well-being. It provides critical resources through a unique model of community care, case management, and education in collaboration with campus partners. Through these collective efforts, University Life cultivates an environment where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive both academically and personally.

University Life creates a unified, cohesive vision for building a holistic student experience through an emphasis on collaboration, resource utilization, and communication. Using a centralized approach, we ensure staff have the necessary tools for creating meaningful impact and maintaining high levels of performance. It encompasses our priorities, visual presence, professional development, onboarding, and technology services. Our commitment to ongoing assessment and strategic planning ensures programs, services, and operations adapt to changing needs or circumstances. We assess and enhance the division’s performance, with the aim of mission-fulfillment and serving the needs of our students effectively.

University Life Clusters

The 19 departments that make up the division of University Life are organized into four clusters. Collectively, the clusters are responsible for partnering to create an inclusive and engaging student experience on campus. Explore our clusters below for more details.