EVP Newsletter

Summer 2023

News from Across the Division

evp@upenn.edu

@PennEVP

EVP Website

EVP Newsletter Archives

Message from Craig 


Greetings!


Thank you for your hard work and service to the University this past year. As we head into these warm (hopefully less rain-drenched) summer months, I hope you will enjoy some much-deserved time off. Speaking of which, does anyone have any big travel plans this summer? If so, and if you're comfortable sharing, please send your travel photos to evp@upenn.edu. We'll feature them in the upcoming Fall newsletter. Let's see who will be traveling the furthest away from Philly!


If you're staying local, don't forget to check out my Craig's Tips section below for some great ideas on how to enjoy all that Philly has to offer this summer. Thank you again for your dedication and commitment to the University and EVP Division, and I hope to see you around campus soon!


Craig

Penn and the Community  

Division of Finance:

Models of Excellence Award Winners!


Congrats to the Division of Finance for the great work of their Racial Justice and Inclusivity Working Group, pictured here! Learn more about the Working Group here.

Onboard@Penn Open House


Human Resources hosted an open house with breakfast on May 24 to celebrate the successful relocation of Onboard@Penn to the 2nd floor of the bookstore.

Sixth Annual Supplier Diversity Forum & Expo Draws Crowd to the Annenberg Center for Performing Arts 


This year’s forum & expo brought together Penn buyers and members of the city’s diverse business community to engage in activities that are collectively "fueling business growth" in our local economy. Also, congratulations to Karoline Prosperi, Senior Procurement Manager at FRES. She is this year’s recipient of the Penn Supplier Diversity Impact Award!

Penn Ice Rink Opens for New Season


Find refuge from the summer heat in the cool confines of the Penn Ice Rink, which is now open for its new season. Visit here to learn more.

Pennovation Accelerator Cohort Selected 


The 2023 Pennovation Accelerator cohort kicked off this month with companies representing a variety of industries ranging from health tech to artificial intelligence to boba and more. The six-week curriculum will focus on making a solid pitch, from business model to storytelling, culminating in a Pitch Day on July 26.

Craig's List 

Here are some more headlines worth checking out...

  • University Announces Significant Increase in Commuter Benefits. Effective September 1, Penn is raising the commuter discount on Philadelphia regional passes to 50% with a maximum discount of $105 per month for eligible employees. Information on how to sign up for these benefits will be forthcoming.

 

  • Green Purchasing Award Nominations Open Until July 31. Now in its ninth year, the Green Purchasing Award program is a chance to spotlight those who are championing sustainability across campus and celebrate projects that are contributing to a more sustainable future.




  • Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy Update. After thorough review and consultation with leaders from across our schools and centers, the University has updated its PTO policy with increased accrual rates for new and recently hired staff members. Policy revisions go into effect July 1.


  • Where Are They Now? Human Resources has launched a retiree podcast that features University employees talking about life after Penn. In Episode 1, Wendy Harris, Senior HR Communications Specialist, interviews Sharon Moorer Aylor, a former Executive Director of Staff and Labor Relations. 


  • Get Ready for the Be in the Know 2023 2024 Campaign Year. This campaign, which runs from July 1 through June 30, provides comprehensive programs, resources, and rewards to support your health and well-being.


  • What to Watch Alert! We are excited to announce that Morris Arboretum & Garden’s episode of “The Green Chronicles" is now available on Discovery+. You also can view the episode if you have a subscription to any of the following streaming services: Magnolia Network, Amazon Prime, and Max. 



  • New Workday Tool, Model My Pay. You can use it to view an estimate of your pay after applying hypothetical changes to your taxes and deductions.


  • Next Generation Student Systems (NGSS) Transitions to a New Pennant Service Delivery Model on June 30. Congratulations to all involved in delivering these innovative tools and processes for students and those who teach, advise, and support them. 


  • Penn is developing an updated University Information Technology Strategic Plan. Led by Information Systems & Computing and launched in February, you can learn more about this project, the prioritization of IT activities for the next three to five years, and the themes derived from the discovery phase here. 


  • Student Performing Arts Center Design Advances. A new student-centered performing arts venue (to be built along Woodland Walk and 33rd Street) will provide multiple flexible spaces for teaching, rehearsals, and student performances. Construction is expected to begin in Fall of 2024.  

Craig's Tips


Explore Philly Parks, Dining Days,

and Free Summer Events!

Philly Parks


11 ways to enjoy Philly Parks this summer!

UCD Dining Days


Save the dates! University City Dining Days will return to the neighborhood this year from Thursday, July 20th through Sunday, July 30th.

Summer Events


Don't miss free and fun summer events in University City!

Summer Safety Tips


Summer Safety Message from DPS: Summer Safety at Penn


Fraud Warning: Safety Awareness – Potential Fraudulent Activity