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Orientation FAQs
1. What’s a PennKey and how do I get one?
A PennKey is an individual's username within the PennKey authentication system. Paired with an associated password, a PennKey is required to authenticate your identity for access to many of Penn's networked systems and services. Anyone who needs access to PennKey-protected electronic resources (e.g., library databases, access to BlackBoard, email etc.) must register a PennKey and password. Everyone must establish a PennKey to register for courses.
You establish your PennKey and password online using a PennKey Setup Code. If you are a new student, a PennKey Setup Code will be automatically mailed to you. For details on how to register your PennKey and password, please visit the Penn Computing website http://www.upenn.edu/computing/pennkey/
2. What’s a PennCard and how do I get one?
The PennCard is the official University of Pennsylvania identification card for students, faculty, staff, and other members of the University community. The number on your PennCard consists of three parts: 123456 12345678 00 The underlined portion of the numbers represents your ID number. The PennCard ID number replaces the Social Security Number (SSN) as your identification number. We've made this change for your privacy and security. Students may obtain their PennCards from the PennCard Center located on the 1st floor of the Franklin building (suite 150) on Walnut Street, between 34th and 36th streets. Important: A valid, government issued photo I.D. will be required in order to pick up your PennCard.
3. What is Campus Express and what services are offered through them?
Campus Express at Penn is one-stop shopping for many essential student services. Through Campus Express Online, you can log in to access various services available to students—confirm any on-campus housing you've selected, choose your meal plan, apply for a PennPass or parking permit, sign up for Penn email, register your bicycle and more. Check the Campus Express website for more information: http://www.campusexpress.upenn.edu/
4. I already have an email account – do I need to get a “dolphin” account?
YES, you MUST have a valid dolphin account and you must check it regularly. It is the primary official means of getting in touch with you regarding important information about registration, graduation, class cancellation, weather emergencies etc. Once you have your PennCard and PennKey, you may create your dolphin account:
- Go to the following url to prove your identity and begin to create your account.
https://rosetta.upenn.edu/cgi-bin/websec/websec_authform?app=acctsrvcs
- This brings up the dolphin’s Automated Account Services program. Follow the on-screen instructions, which will prompt you for the PennKey you created.
- Enter your PennKey and password. NOTE: the password is NOT the PennKey Setup Code from the CampusExpress mailing, it is the password you came up with when you created your PennKey.
- Later you will be prompted to set your dolphin password. Note that this is not your PennKey password, although many individuals choose to make the PennKey and dolphin passwords the same.
- Congratulations! Your dolphin e-mail account is now active. Your e-mail address at Penn is: user@dolphin.upenn.edu where "user" is your own dolphin username.
You may link your dolphin account to your primary email account (e.g., hotmail, gmail, etc.) by visiting the GSE Computer Help Desk, basement of GSE, room 010, M-F, 10-6 PM. Phone is 215-898-1847 or see website: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/computing/email.php
5. Do I need a computer?
PennGSE is a very tech-friendly environment. We have a computer lab on the first floor of the GSE building that is open Mon - Thur; 9am - 10pm, Fri 9am - 5pm.After 6:00 PM, a Computing Services Assistant is available at the Lab Help Desk. During the day, students should get help from regular help desk staff in room 010. Here is the website for computer lab policies: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/computing/lab.php
6. What is a Computer Lab Account?
A computer lab account is a separate account that is needed so you can use the computers in the GSE Computer Lab. Go to GSE room 10 in order to have your account created. The process only takes 2-3 minutes. You should already have created your PennKey before getting your lab account.
7. I already have health insurance through my parents/spouse.
What does Penn require?
All full-time students at the University are required to carry health insurance, either through Penn or other carriers. If you have insurance through other carriers, you may need to pay a “clinical health fee” that covers emergency health care. Here is the website with information: http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs/shi.html
8. Where do I find out about getting health insurance through Penn?
The Student Health Services office is located at:
3535 Market Street
Suite 100
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3376
Phone: 215-746-3535
9. Why do I need to submit proof of immunizations? What happens to me
if I cannot get my doctor’s signature right away?
You will also be asked to provide information on your medical history. The immunization form requires a physician’s signature. If you cannot obtain a physician’s signature right away, keep trying. You will be unable to pre-register for classes in mid-October if your immunization record is not up-to-date.
10. What if I’m having problems with my email account?
Go to the Computer Help Desk located in the basement of GSE, Room 010. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10AM – 6PM or call 215-898-1847. For more information on how to work your email account, check out: www.gse.upenn.edu/computing/email.html
11. Where do I get my books?
The required books for GSE classes are available either at the Penn Bookstore located on the corner of 36th & Walnut Street , the Penn Book Center on the corner of Sansom & 34th Street or House of Our Own located 3920 Spruce Street . Many professors use bulkpacks, which are bound collections of articles. Bulkpacks can be purchased at Campus Copy located at 3907 Walnut Street and at Wharton Reprographics located at 3620 Locust Walk, Steinberg Hall- Dietrich Hall on the ground floor, Suite 400. Check with your professor for which stores to use.
12. Where do I find out about financial aid?
You can visit the Financial Aid Office on the second floor of GSE. To set up an appointment, email finaid@gse.upenn.edu or call (215) 898-6415. If you have any questions about your financial aid package, call the financial aid office at 215-898-1988, located on the 1st floor of the Franklin building on Walnut Street, between 34th and 36th streets.. Here is their website: http://www.sfs.upenn.edu/
13. When and where do I find out about registering for classes?
14. Where do I find out about housing information?
For off-campus housing, contact the Office of Off-campus housing located at 4046 Walnut Street at 215-898-8500 or visit them online at www.business-services.upenn.edu/offcampusliving.
15. What other graduate student resources are available?
Check out the Graduate School of Education's Student Life page for information on student affairs, organizations, policies, etc. The Graduate Student Center, located at 3601 Locust Walk, has a wealth of resources available for all graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to the many orientation programs available to orient student to Penn and Philadelphia, they offer various opportunities for involvement throughout the year. For more information, visit them at www.gsc.upenn.edu and check out their resource guide for new students at www.gsc.upenn.edu/resguide/index.html.
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