Our role often extends beyond the programs and services housed directly within University Life. Our division works in partnership with schools, centers, offices, and student organizations to help students find resources, experiences, and connections that support their lives outside the classroom.
University Life works across organizational boundaries to make connections across Penn. We bring people together and collaborate with partners to respond to student needs and strengthen the Penn experience. By working together, we can make it easier for students to navigate the University and take advantage of the breadth of opportunities available to
them.
Whether a student is looking for community, exploring an interest, seeking support, developing as a leader, or simply trying to find the right place to start, University Life helps make those connections possible.
A Connected Penn Experience
No single office creates the Penn student experience on its own. Our partnerships allow us to share knowledge, coordinate resources, develop new opportunities, and help students move more easily between the many communities and services that make up Penn.
University Life serves as a connector across our network.
Spiritual and Religious Life
Penn serves and supports a wide range of religious and spiritual communities on our campus. The Spiritual & Religious Life Center (SPARC) works closely with student organizations, as well as staff and advisors from national and local religious organizations, to provide spaces and programs for students to study and explore their own religious tradition, deepen their spiritual expression, and build understanding through interfaith projects.
Civic and Community Engagement
Penn students have many opportunities to engage with Philadelphia through service, civic engagement, community-based learning, and leadership. University Life works with partners across Penn to help connect students with meaningful ways to engage beyond campus, including opportunities through Civic House and the Netter Center for Community Partnerships.
Academic and School Partnerships
University Life works closely with Penn’s schools, faculty, and student-facing offices in all 12 schools to connect academic experiences with opportunities and resources across the University. These partnerships support collaborative programs, leadership opportunities, and support services to help students navigate Penn and engage beyond their individual school or academic program.
College Houses and Academic Services
Penn’s College Houses and Academic Services (CHAS) are an important part of the undergraduate student experience — bringing together residential life, academic engagement, programming, and community. University Life works with College Houses and Academic Services to connect students with programs and resources across Penn and help students access the broader network of support experiences throughout the University.
Wellness
Penn takes a comprehensive approach to student health and wellbeing, with resources to support students’ physical and mental health throughout their experience on campus. University Life works closely with Wellness at Penn and other campus partners to connect students with care, support crisis intervention, create prevention programs while also promoting a campus environment where students can thrive.
Athletics
Athletics and recreation are an important part of student life at Penn — offering opportunities for competition, fitness, wellbeing, and connection. University Life works with Penn Athletics and Recreation by supporting club sports, intramural, and recreational opportunities in addition to various partnership programs.