Support Centers and Services

African-American Resource Center
3537 Locust Walk, (215) 898-0104
http://www.upenn.edu/aarc/
The African-American Resource Center assists African-Americans to negotiate University systems and policies. The African-American Resource Center provides free, confidential services that are job related or personal. The Center advocates for African-American students and staff, and works proactively to change the climate and the culture of the institution. They mediate concerns and assist with problem resolution. There are also counseling services available as well as referrals to other University resources when indicated. You can call the Center during the work day to arrange an appointment or stop in. Evening appointments are available on request.

Department of Academic Support Programs
3820 Locust Walk, Room 209, (215) 898-0809
The Department of Academic Support Programs assists students in achieving their full academic and personal potential at the University. The Department’s four components are Pre-College, Transitional, Advising, and Learning Strategies. Academic Support Programs assist undergraduate, graduate and professional students through a variety of programs such as: The Pre-freshman Program, Upward Bound, Mentor Program, and Tutoring PENNCAP.

Greenfield Intercultural Center
3708 Chestnut Street, (215) 898-3357
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~gic/
Greenfield Intercultural Center (GIC) was established in 1984 to serve the needs of Penn’s students of color by promoting understanding and interaction between students of all backgrounds. GIC offers an array of programs and services including:

La Casa Latina
3601 Locust Walk, (215)746-6043              
http://pobox.upenn.edu/~lacasa/
La Casa’s Services are beneficial to educating Latinos about their community, campus and information important to our futures. Students are given the resources to make their Penn experience successful and fun. As part of the educational mission, La Casa houses a resource library, which includes a collection of books, journals, magazines, videos, films and scholarship/internship information. La Casa’s Services provide students with the opportunity to access information and network with alumni and community leaders.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgendered Center                     3907 Spruce Street 215-898-5044 http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~center/

The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center is one of the oldest and most active programs of its kind in the country. It supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, staff, alumni, and faculty, and increases the Penn community’s understanding and acceptance of its sexual and gender minority members. Established in 1982, the Center provides a variety of services throughout the year for and concerning Penn’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs
3600 Chestnut, Suite 228, (215) 898-6993
http://www.upenn.edu/affirm-action/
The Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs accomplishes its charge through a number of functional and cross functional activities with other Penn partners which include, but are not limited to:

• Advocate for Penn’s policies, procedures and priorities in the areas of equal opportunity and affirmative action
• Oversee the administration and implementation of the University's affirmative actionprograms and nondiscrimination policies and programs
• Monitor the effectiveness of the University’s affirmative action programs and nondiscrimination policies and procedures to ensure it's compliance with relevant federal, state and local laws
• Coordinate the preparation of the University’s written affirmative action and nondiscrimination programs pertaining specifically to employment in compliance with relevant Federal regulations

Pan-Asian American Community House
3601 Locust Walk, (215) 746-6046
http://paachweb.vpul.upenn.edu/new/Home/
The Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH) is the University of Pennsylvania's central resource for advising Asian American and Pacific Islander students, student organizations and their activities. As a center with an educational mission, PAACH works with its academic partner,Penn's Asian American Studies Program (ASAM), to provide co-curricular events focusing on Asian American research, culture, history, politics and social issues. As a community center, PAACH develops and implements innovative programs for leadership development and community service in close collaboration with student and community groups. In addition to advocacy for students, PAACH also strives to provide support for Asian American and Pacific Islander alumni/ae, staff, and faculty. The center is open to all members of the University of Pennsylvania and the surrounding community who have an interest in issues relevant to Asian Americans and PacificIslanders. Drop by PAACH to browse through the library of ASAM books and videos, learn about leadership initiatives, and chat with our staff about upcoming talks and programs.

PennCard Franklin Building, Room 150, 3451 Walnut St. 215-898-2273                  www.upenn.edu/penncard

The PennCard is the official identification card of the University and is required for all students. You can use your PennCard to access many Penn facilities and services including residence halls, libraries, recreation, and campus transit. Your first Penncard is free.

Student Disabilities Services
3820 Locust Walk, Suite 110, (215) 573-9235
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~lrcenter/sds/about.html

Located in the Learning Resources Center, SDS collaborates with the Office of Learning Resources to provide comprehensive academic support, including learning strategies that complement accommodations, academic adjustments, and the use of auxiliary aids. 

Women's Center 3643 Locust Walk 215-898-8611 http://www.upenn.edu/osl/pwc.html

The Penn Women’s Center (PWC) is a resource and advocacy center for women students, faculty, staff, and community members. The PWC was established in 1973 in response to women’s safety issues and supports the University in ensuring that “women’s concerns are addressed in any activity and at all levels.” The PWC provides advising, advocacy, counseling/case management, crisis intervention, information and referral, educational programs, outreach, policy development and monitoring, women’s leadership development and networking opportunities. The PWC is a resource for a variety of women’s issues with a special expertise in educational equity, violence against women, safety, health, sexuality, and diversity. The Penn Women’s Center maintains a policy of strict confidentiality with regard to individuals who receive counseling and advising.

GSE Admissions & Financial Aid Office

3700 Walnut Street, 2nd floor, (215) 898-9789

Financial aid for GSE students is available through the School, the University, and private sources, as well as from the state and federal governments. Financial aid usually takes the form of fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, loans and student employment. Information on financial aid is available from GSE Admissions and Financial Aid Office and in each academic Division. The Financial Aid staff provide information about applications for all types of aid.

The Learning Resources Center, Office of Learning Resources
3820 Locust Walk, Suite 110, (215) 573-9235
http://dolphin.upenn.edu/~lrcenter/lr/lr.html

The Office of Learning Resources provides free, confidential academic support for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at Penn. Learning Instructors guide students through self-assessment of their learning styles and strategies, and provide specialized instruction in academic reading, writing, studying, and time management. While individual instruction is the backbone of the program, other free-of-charge programs and services include:

• Individualized assessment and instruction focusing on academic reading, writing, critical thinking, studying, and time management
• Instructional resources for faculty, instructors, and teaching assistants
• “Academic Plus,” a working series for international students
• “Success at Penn,” a workshop series for the returning adult learner
• Programs and services for students with learning disabilities
• Tutor training
• Referral of students who need academic support
• Development of creative instructional strategies to enhance learning in the course

The Student Disabilities Services Office is also located in the Learning Resources Center.

CAREER AND EMPLOYMENT

Career Services
McNeil Building, Suite 20, (215) 898-7531
www.upenn.edu/careerservices/
Career Services supports students in their job search efforts for internships and permanent positions. Join the GSE Career Information distribution list by calling x4381 and stay up-to-date on career events and information. Visit our extensive library collection of career
information and job listings. Talk with counselors in individual appointments or attend career workshops or walk-in meetings at GSE. Services include resume models and individual critiques as well as interviewing tips and practices. Don’t miss the GSE section of the Career Services home page for discipline-specific information and general job search tips.

Job Referral Service
215 Sansom Place West, 3650 Chestnut St.,

(215) 898-6966
The Job Referral Service (JRS) assists Penn students in locating part-time and summer non-work-study employment. JRS receives listings from on-campus departments and off-campus employers in the greater Philadelphia area. To access JRS go to http://www.sfs.upenn.edu/seo.

Federal Work-Study Program
215 Sansom Place West, 3650 Chestnut St.

(215) 898-6966
The Federal Work-Study program provides on and off-campus employment to eligible graduate students with financial need. Student Financial Services determines student eligibility. Students are encouraged to seek community service work and work related to their course of study. For a listing of work-study jobs, go to http://www.sfs.upenn.edu/seo.

Human Resources
3401 Walnut Street, 527A
The Recruitment Office is the central source of information about regular full- and part-time jobs available at the University. Open positions are posted at the Human Resources Web site (http://www.hr.upenn.edu/jobs). There is also an on-site Job Center located at 3550 Market Street, Science Center Building, Suite 110.
The Employment Office is the central source of information about permanent jobs available at the University. Open positions are posted at the Human Resources Web site. The office also provides a “Job Opportunities Hotline” at (215) 898–JOBS, a 24-hour interactive telephone system which gives descriptions of all positions posted in the prior three weeks.