University of Pennsylvania · School of Social Policy & Practice
Student Life at SP2
From orientation to graduation, the Office of Student Affairs supports you at every step.
Associate Dean’s Welcome
“The Office of Student Affairs at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice supports students from orientation through graduation, and every step in between. We take a holistic approach to student life—connecting students to academic resources, fostering community, and creating opportunities for engagement across Penn and the city of Philadelphia.“
– Dr. Jenn Clinkscales, Associate Dean of Student Affairs
New Student Orientation
All Master’s Students are required to attend their designated New Student Orientation, which will immediately follow SP2 Convocation on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 8:00 am. Doctoral students should follow the instructions given by your programs.
Advanced Standing Orientation
To Be Announced
On-Campus MSW New Student Orientation
Monday, August 24, 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Inn at Penn, 3600 Sansom Street
MSSP New Student Orientation Monday, August 24, 2026, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Inn at Penn, 3600 Sansom Street
NPL On-campus Orientation Monday August 24, 2026 10:00 am-12:00 pm
NPL Online Orientation (Virtual)
Asynchronous Work: August 10 through August 19
Students must attend one of the two synchronous Zoom meetings: Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET OR Thursday, August 13, 2026, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
NPL Online Students Social: Monday, August 24, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
NPL Faculty Roundtable (Virtual): Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 2:00pm to 3:00 pm ET
Contact Vanessa Martinez Penn at vmartp@upenn.edu with any questions.
PhD New Student Orientation Monday, August 24, 2026
The Study, 20 S. 33rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19104
PhD Orientation: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Reception for all PhD students and faculty: 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Contact the PhD Coordinator at eerich@upenn.edu regarding registration information.
DSW CAMPUS IMMERSION 2026
DSW events will take place on campus in Philadelphia from August 25th through August 29th.
DNPA CAMPUS IMMERSION 202
DNPA events will take place on campus in Philadelphia from August 25th through August 29th. More information will be available soon.
What You’ll Find in Student Life
Resources, support, and opportunities to help you thrive during your time at SP2.
Academic Resources & Support
Writing support, disability accommodations, and Penn-wide academic resources to help you succeed in your SP2 program.
Academic Policies & Procedures
Program-specific handbooks, credit requirements, academic standing policies, and grading guidelines for all SP2 degree programs.
International Students
Visa support, immigration advising, and international student resources through Penn Global.
Career & Professional Development
Career services, employer connections, and professional resources to help you launch your career after SP2.
Student Organizations
Active student organizations to help you build community and pursue professional interests alongside your studies.
Practicum Placement
Hands-on field placements in Philadelphia and beyond connect your classroom learning to real-world social impact.
Graduation & Commencement
Graduation application deadlines, degree certification, commencement ceremony details, and what to expect in your final semester at SP2.
Meet the Office of Student Affairs Team
A dedicated team here to support your success at every stage of your SP2 journey.
JENN CLINKSCALES
ZAREAH BISHOP
SHANICE BECKHAM
ANDREA PORTER
Academic Resources
Academic Advising
Each student is assigned an academic advisor who helps them make the most of the School and University’s resources throughout their academic experience. Students can check Path@Penn(opens in a new tab) for their advisor assignment.
MSSP
msspprogram@sp2.upenn.edu
PhD
PhD students are advised by a member of SP2’s faculty. Learn more in the PhD Academic Resources Advising section.
DNPA
DNPA advising is to be determined.
Writing Support & Accommodations
Marks Family Writing Center(opens in a new tab)
The Marks Family Writing Center was established in 2003 to provide writing support to Penn students and faculty across the disciplines.
Penn Online Learning Initiative(opens in a new tab)
The Online Learning Initiative partners with the University of Pennsylvania’s twelve schools to advance the development and delivery of online learning, creating flexible options for learners across the globe.
Additional information and resources for international students can be found here
Course Registration
The SP2 Registrar’s Office welcomes all incoming students to SP2. All SP2 Master’s students register for courses via Path @ Penn(opens in a new tab).
- Fall Registration is open now and will continue through the summer
- Registration/Course Selection Period ends: September 8
- Deadline to drop a class without penalty: October 5
For more information regarding course registration, please visit the University Registrar(opens in a new tab) page.
Non-Academic Resources
Safety & Belonging
Penn Graduate Student Support
Navigating Penn’s Campus & Philadelphia
Confidential Resources
All Confidential resources can be found at the Penn Violence Prevention webpage(opens in a new tab).
Student Organizations
SP2 Student Government
The student governance organization responsible for funding many SP2 organizations and events.
Asian Culinary Culture Club
Offering a captivating journey into the world of Asian culinary traditions.
Association of Black Social Workers
Committed to empowering people of African ancestry and enhancing their quality of life through advocacy, service delivery, and research.
AWS Collective
Provides a space for SP2’s Asian American-, Native Hawaiian-, and Pacific Islander-identifying students to find community and pursue professional development opportunities.
Students for Criminal Justice Advocacy
Social advocacy to support people impacted by the criminal-legal system and to elicit lasting systemic change.
Youth Advocacy Project
The Youth Advocacy Project (YAP) brings together social work and law students to support young people charged as adults in the Philadelphia area.
Contact Us
Student Resources & Support
Office of Student Affairs
215 898 5516
sp2studentlife@sp2.upenn.edu
Student News & Events
Stories and updates from the SP2 student community.
