The University of Pennsylvania recently welcomed its Class of 2030, with over 5,000 new and transfer students, including 2,247 first-years, arriving on campus for the annual Move-In ritual. This event, supported by dedicated volunteers and staff, marks the beginning of their undergraduate journeys and helps ease the transition for both students and their families.
New students and their families were officially welcomed by President J. Larry Jameson and Provost John L. Jackson, Jr. President Jameson encouraged the incoming class, saying, “You’re going to have a chance, in the classroom and in the laboratories, to build on everything that you’ve done up until now. There are going to be moments where that spark will go off. There will be a flash of insight. You’ll be growing and learning.” The New Student Orientation included movie nights, College House meetings, campus tours, an open-mic event, and visits to the National Constitution Center and Houston Hall.
Beyond the vibrant campus life, Penn also showcased significant research advancements. Psychologist Michael Kahana and his team developed an AI-powered device designed to predict when patients with traumatic brain injuries require memory support. Kahana said this device is a "breakthrough" that will collect vastly more neural data than previously possible. In another scientific discovery, oceanographer John Spiesberger found an unexpected link between whale calls and special relativity, identifying a wave-interference effect that could improve whale tracking.
Further innovations include an interdisciplinary team creating a "digital twin" of Philadelphia's Roosevelt Boulevard to enhance road safety, and computer scientist Danaé Metaxa's new book, "Auditing AI," which provides methodologies for evaluating AI systems for bias and social impact. The university also celebrated the full reopening of the Quad after three years of renovations and the restoration of the "Covenant" sculpture.
The Public Service and Policy Initiative, launched by former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, named former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and former Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum as inaugural Impact Scholars, aiming to connect past mayors with future leaders. Penn Nursing also joined the Scholars Network to support nursing students with loan repayment in exchange for commitments to in-demand clinical roles post-graduation.