I’ve directed my browser to campusexpress.upenn.edu, but
nothing is coming up.
The network connection between your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Penn
may be exceptionally busy. It may help to wait a short while and then try
Campus Express Online again. If you continue to experience difficulty,
contact your ISP.
I’m
using Campus Express Online, but it is very slow.
The network connection between your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Penn
may be exceptionally busy. It may help to try again at a later
time. If you continue to experience difficulty, contact your ISP.
I
created my PennKey and password, but I cannot log in to Campus Express
Online. What’s wrong?
You may be typing your PennKey or password incorrectly. Remember that
your PennKey and password are case-sensitive. Often students find that
the "Caps Lock" key was on when they first entered their
password. If this is the case, turn the “Caps Lock” key off and try again. You can also try typing your password in all
CAPS, or in all lower-case. If you have exhausted all the
possibilities, visit the PennKey
website for information on how to reset your password.
I
created my PennKey and password, but I’ve forgotten them.
Your PennKey is the same as your email name. For example, if your email
address is sam@sas.upenn.edu, then your PennKey is sam.
Your PennKey has a password associated with it.
If you cannot remember your PennKey password, visit the PennKey website <http://www.upenn.edu/computing/pennkey/>
to learn how to reset it.
I
do not have a PennKey and password.
New students should receive a letter
explaining how to create a PennKey, your access key to
many of Penn’s online services. If you have not received this letter,
please send an email to pennkey@isc.upenn.edu to inform them of this, or visit
the PennKey website <http://www.upenn.edu/computing/pennkey/>
for more information.
Can I change my room assignment?
You can make room changes during specifically scheduled periods throughout the
year. These dates are advertised on Housing’s website (www.upenn.edu/housing), and through
other campus announcements. If there is an urgent or special reason you
need to make a change at another time, please discuss the matter with your
House Dean.
Do
I need to confirm my housing?
Yes, you must confirm your housing, or cancel it if your plans change. If
you cancel, you will be charged a cancellation fee according to the terms of
the occupancy agreement.
I
canceled my room assignment through Campus Express Online, but I’ve changed my
mind.
Once you have canceled your room assignment through Campus Express Online, this
room is given to a student on the wait list. The same is also true if you
cancel your room assignment by notifying the Assignments Office by mail or
fax. After you have canceled, your room is no longer available to
you. If you change your mind and want on-campus housing, you will need to
contact Housing and Conference Services to place your name on the wait list.
Is
the diagram on “View My Room Assignment” an exact, to-scale, drawing?
No, the diagram is a representation of your room’s layout. Approximate
dimensions are provided. Individual rooms may vary slightly from this
diagram.
If I come to campus, can I see my room?
What are the official move-in dates?
*Early
Move In: Sunday,
First
Year Students: Thursday,
Upperclass
Students: Saturday,
Graduate
Students: Friday,
*If
you are interested in Early Move-In, see the next section.
**Transfer
students may move-in on
How do I arrange to move in early?
Specific
Early Move-In information will be posted to the Housing Services website, www.upenn.edu/housing/movein.html, in early July. Generally, the
following applies:
Undergrads:
Early Move-In for fall room assignments begins at 8 am on Sunday, August 27 for all College Houses *except* Rodin and Harrison. As a result of late summer room preparation, check in to Rodin and Harrison will not begin until 2 pm on Sunday, August 27. First year students are
encouraged to arrive no earlier than Wednesday, August 30. A nightly fee will
be charged to any student who moves in early. The fee is calculated as prorated
portion of the term’s rent for the room. Student moving in early should be
aware that residential services are limited until Thursday, August 31.
Graduate Students: Special arrangements have been made for schools whose
calendars begin before September 1. You must apply for an early move-in by
completing the Early Arrival Request Form available at www.upenn.edu/housing/earlyarrival.pdf
and faxing it to the Assignments Office (fax: 215-573-2061, phone:
215-898-8271). The office will review
the request and contact you if your request can be granted. Additional rent,
prorated on a daily basis will be charged.
Specific details about graduate school
move in dates are available at www.upenn.edu/housing/movein.html.
How can I find out what I can bring and
what I should leave at home?
Go
to www.upenn.edu/housing/movein.html
for a detailed list of suggested items to bring to campus. You will also find
information about refrigerator rentals, personal safe rentals, insurance,
shipping and storage.
How will I get my mail and packages
when I’m on campus?
Each
College House and
Are there job opportunities for
students in the College Houses and in
Housing
Services and the College Houses each offer jobs for students.
For
more information, visit their respective websites:
Housing
Services: Visit www.upenn.edu/housing
and click on “Housing Employment” College Houses and Academic Services: http://www.rescomp.upenn.edu/
What kinds of activities will be
offered in the fall for new students?
New Student Orientation
serves as your introduction to life at
How
can I confirm my online meal plan selection?
You will receive a confirmation
email after you sign up online. You can also view your meal plan under the
My Dining tab on Campus Express Online. If you do not receive the email or do
not see your purchase in Campus Express, please contact the Penn Dining Meal
Contracts Office at dining@pobox.upenn.edu or 215-898-7585 for confirmation. The Campus Express
Center at Houston Hall during New Student Orientation is also a good place for
a first-year student to confirm his/her meal plan when they pick up their
PennCard.
How does my meal plan work?
All dining plans for 2006-2007
provide a specific quantity of meals for the semester,
These can be used at any time for any meal. All plans also include Dining
Dollar$ for use at any of our retail locations. Students have the option to add
meals or Dining Dollar$ to their plan at any time throughout the academic year
by visiting http://campusexpress.upenn.edu.
Please
note: Meals and Dining Dollar$
are split by semester, so you will receive one-half of the allotted amount of
meals and Dining Dollar$ in the Fall, and the other
half in the Spring. Any remaining meals at the end of the Fall
semester will not be added to the meals you receive for the Spring. Dining
Dollar$, will roll over from the Fall semester to
the Spring. Meals expire on May 4th, and Dining Dollar$ expire on
Commencement Day.
How do I use my meals and Dining Dollar$?
Your meal plan is encoded on your
University ID (PennCard). When you present this card to the cashier at a Penn
Dining location, your meals or Dining Dollar$ will be deducted from your
account. Meal plans begin on
EXCEPTIONS include:
Thanksgiving Break,
11/22-11/26. Service resumes at dinner on 11/26.
Winter Break, 12/20-1/7. Service resumes at dinner
on 1/7.
Spring Break, 3/2-3/11. Service resumes at dinner
on 3/11.
Dining Dollar$ can be used through Commencement Day on
What are Dining Dollar$ and
where can I use them?
Dining
Dollar$ are funds on your PennCard used to purchase items at any Penn Dining
location. With each purchase made, the amount is deducted electronically from
your Dining Dollar$ account balance, sort of like a debit card. Undergraduates
with meal plans and graduate students may add Dining Dollar$ to their PennCard
at any time on Campus Express.
You can use them to purchase a-la-carte items at our retail
operations, including:
Starbucks
at 1920 Commons - 38th & Locust Walk
1920
Commons Retail - 38th & Locust Walk – includes Subway, Chick Fil-A, and
Freshens
Mark’s
Café – Van Pelt Library
Accenture
Cyber Café –
C3
Convenience Store – 1920 Commons
McClelland
Hall – in the Quadrangle
Can I have a meal plan that is only Dining Dollar$?
Undergraduates
do not have access to an all Dining Dollar$ account. Non first year students
who are infrequent diners, you may want to consider one of our meal
plans with the lowest number of meals, The Franklin Plan, which includes
50 meals and $500 Dining Dollar$ for the year - that's one meal or occasionally
two meals per week. Any student with a meal plan may supplement their plan
by adding Dining Dollar$ to any plan throughout the year by visiting http://campusexpress.upenn.edu.
How many all-you-care-to-eat (ayce) meals are served each week?
There are 19 all-you-care-to-eat
meals served per week. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every weekday and Brunch and
Dinner on the weekends. You can also use one of your meal swipes at one of the
Express or Grab n’ Go locations which are available for Breakfast, Lunch and
Dinner Monday through Friday.
Can I get a refund for meals I don't use?
No, meal plans are non-refundable
and we do not offer missed meal reimbursement. If you find you are not using a
significant number of your meals, you do have the option of reducing your meal
plan if you are eligible for a lower dining plan, during our plan change
periods (see details and related policy information below).
What if I want to make an adjustment to my meal plan?
Please consider your plan choice
carefully, making certain that you are eligible for the plan you select. Plan
changes for the Fall will be accepted between August
21 and
What
happens to my meals and Dining Dollar$ if I change during the Mid-year change
period?
Regardless of what meal plan you are
on or whether or not you change your meal plan, all Dining Dollar$ carry over
from the Fall semester to the Spring semester and expire on Commencement Day
and all meals expire at the end of the Fall semester and on the last day of
finals in the Spring semester.
What if I want to cancel my meal plan?
Meal contracts are binding for the
entire academic year. Cancellations are not permitted unless you are
leaving the University. If you
are leaving the University and need to cancel your meal plan, you MUST complete
a cancellation form. The form can be obtained by contacting the Penn Dining
Meal Contracts Office. Students who cancel for reasons other than graduation or
study-abroad in a Penn-approved program will be charged a $100 cancellation
fee. The form must be signed and returned to Penn Dining prior to issuance of
any credit. The University reserves the right to terminate this agreement for
failure to pay University fee, for violation of University or Penn Dining
policy, or when you are no longer enrolled as a Penn student.
How can I find out how many meals or Dining Dollar$ I have left
and what can I do if I run out?
Every time your card is swiped to
use a meal or Dining Dollar$, the remaining balance will come up on the card
reader screen. You can also check your current balance of Dining Dollar$ and
meals when you log-in to Campus Express Online and click on ‘My Dining’. Please
note that the balance shown is updated approximately every 24 hours and may not
be the most current amount. Students may purchase Dining Dollar$ online in any
amount at Campus Express or by visiting the Meal Contracts Office. Students may
also purchase additional meals blocks of 25 online or in the office
at any time. Online requests will be processed the following business day.
What if I want to eat in the dining halls and I don't have a meal
plan?
If you do not want to purchase a
meal plan but would still like to eat a meal at a Penn Dining location, you can
pay as you go. Methods of payment accepted include PennCash, Dining Dollar$,
SFS credit, cash. Additionally, Visa and MasterCard are accepted at select
locations. Meal plans do offer a savings, however, and paying with Dining
Dollar$ will also enable you to benefit from a discounted price.
Can
I use my meal plan meals for other people?
Yes with our NEW Moocher Meals
program! More details are coming soon.
Can I take food out of the Dining Hall?
Now you can! Penn Dining is in the
process of enhancing our take-out options across campus. More details will be
available soon.
What if I lose my PennCard?
You must visit the PennCard office
at the
What if I have special dietary or
nutritional needs?
Penn Dining offers vegetarian and low-fat
selections at every meal, provisions for those who are lactose-intolerant and
has a kosher dining facility. Nutritional information is available at each
dining hall. We also encourage students to email our registered dietician at dining@pobox.upenn.edu for general nutritional information, or speak with our chefs at the
dining halls. Students with other special dietary needs or concerns can contact
our Meal Contracts Office to discuss how Penn Dining can better accommodate
their needs.
What if I keep kosher?
Then we have just the thing to meet
your needs! Penn Dining has the premiere Kosher Dining facility in the
Who can I contact if I have a comment or suggestion?
We
welcome customer feedback! Email us at dining@pobox.upenn.edu and we’ll reply promptly.
What is a PennPass?
The PennPass is a semester-based transpass
for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the mass
transit system for the
How much does a PennPass cost?
A PennPass costs $250 per semester, a 10%
discount on the cost of
purchasing four monthly transpasses for the same period at $280
PennPasses are offered on a prepaid basis only.
Where can I go with the PennPass?
You may travel on any of SEPTA’s buses,
subways or trolleys within the city during the week and on their entire mass
transit system within the city and surrounding areas on weekends.
When may I use the PennPass?
The Fall Semester 2006
PennPass is effective August 30-
May I return my PennPass if I don’t use it
or have it replaced if it’s lost or stolen?
No,
PennPasses are non-refundable.
To
buy a PennPass, simply fill out the on-line application. Your Student Financial
Services account will be charged automatically. Passes will be sold through
Where do I go for more SEPTA information?
For
SEPTA routes and other services, stop by our information table at
May
I park anywhere on campus?
When you purchase a parking permit, you will be assigned to a specific parking
area. That will be the only area in which you may legally park with your
assigned parking decal.
Does
my parking automatically renew each year? How do I apply on an ongoing
basis?
Your parking agreement is good for one year (either the academic year or the
calendar year, depending on the option you choose). Each June, you must
apply for parking through Campus Express Online even if you already had a
permit from the previous year.
May
I cancel my parking?
Yes, you will receive a pro-rated refund. If you paid by SFS, your
account will be credited.
How
do I cancel my parking?
In order to cancel your parking, you must return your parking decal to the
Transportation and Parking Office (
What
is commuter parking?
Commuter parking allows to you park while attending your classes or other
business on campus. You may park in your designated lot/garage any time between
What
is evening parking?
Evening permits are available for students who attend evening classes.
Evening permits are valid from
What happens after I fill out the parking wait list
application?
When we are able to offer you a parking space, we will email you with the
location and price(s). At that time, you may complete an application with
your vehicle information.
What is the Penn Computer Connection Back-To-School
Each Fall, the Penn Computer Connection offers special
pricing on the latest in technology products available. Hundreds of new Penn students take advantage
of these offers each year.
My school has told me
that I have special computing requirements. How will I know what computer
to buy?
Some
schools have specific offerings based on recommendations from their computing
department, and those offerings are available on Campus Express. You will
receive a special mailing detailing those recommendations in the very near
future. Be sure to review this information carefully, and contact your
school with any specific questions.
Where
and when do I pick up my computer?
The delivery of the computer systems coincides with your anticipated campus
arrival date. Computers will be available for pick-up during Move-in Week
(August 30 – Sept 1)
Distribution location:
Penn Ice Rink
Enter from
Distribution dates:
Wednesday, August 30 from
Thursday, August 31 from
Friday, September 1 from
The
distribution event has proven to be the most efficient method for serving our
customers during this busy time of year. During these days, Computer Connection
staff, representatives from the vendors, and representatives from College House
Computing will be at the distribution center to answer your questions and
facilitate your transactions.
Transportation:
A
shuttle service will be provided for transportation from the distribution
center to as close to your on-campus residence as possible. In early August you
will receive a follow-up letter with more specific distribution details.
Students from some programs, including Wharton MBA, GSFA,
What
if I place my order after the July 31 deadline?
Orders received after July 31 will be filled in the order that they were
received. In previous years, our inventory at distribution has been
sufficient to fill the vast majority of orders received after the
deadline. Orders that cannot be filled with our surplus inventory are
usually satisfied within the first few weeks of September.
What
are my payment options?
You may choose to pay for your order either by credit card or through your
University student account via Student Financial Services (SFS). Purchases
charged through SFS are subject to the University's standard terms and
conditions regarding payment of your student account. Your SFS account is
NOT an arrangement for financing or extended payments, and the entire balance
of your order is payable upon receipt of your monthly University account
statement. Special Note: The normal
non-refundable deposit of $250 is not applicable for Back-To-School Sale
orders.
Can
I finance my computer purchase?
There are several options available if you would like to finance your computer
purchase:
1) Contact Student Financial Services
at sfsmail@sfs.upenn.edu or call 215-898-1988.
2) Contact the
What
if I see the same machine that you're offering for less?
There are several things to consider when comparing system packages. Upon
close inspection of hardware, you may find that there are significant
differences between seemingly identical systems. For example, many PC
desktops and laptops include only a 1-year carry-in service warranty.
Each of the Apple, Dell, and IBM systems offered through the Back-To-School
Sale come standard with a 3-year warranty, and the Dell and IBM warranties
include on-site service.
Also, many consumer PC systems are
pre-installed with Windows XP Home operating system. At Penn, we strongly
recommend Windows XP Professional, which provides more robust network security
features. Penn also offers Dell's Optiplex and IBM's ThinkPad products,
which represent Dell and IBM's highest levels of engineering and production
quality. Our staff will be happy to assist you when comparing your options
to make sure that you are receiving the best system for your money.
What
if I want to purchase a system that you do not offer through the sale?
Academic discounts on computer products are available year round from the
Computer Connection. Keep in mind, however, that the systems offered in
the Back-to-School sale reflect the most substantial student discount we
currently have available and exceed the standard educational discounts normally
offered. Any modifications to these particular systems are likely to
decrease your savings.
If you do choose to order a different
system, it would benefit you to ensure that this system is comparable to the
ones in the Back-to-School offering in terms of hardware specifications,
warranty, network certification, manufacturer and service and support.
What
about the pricing on software and peripherals?
Similar to hardware, both software and peripherals must also be carefully
compared. The Computer Connection offers the full version of Microsoft
Office Standard at special student discount. The fully functioning
applications are more robust than that of Microsoft Works or Microsoft
Office-Small Business Edition. Also, the inkjet printers offered through
the Computer Connection include a USB cable and a coupon for free ink and
paper, and laser printers include a USB cable and 500 sheets of paper. For many
retail outlets, these products are sold separately.
Do
you offer support for computers I buy through these alternate retail outlets?
We are unable to offer support for systems
purchased from other vendors, as they are often made of components that are different from our models. Computers
offered in the
What
should I do if I have more questions?
For any questions regarding ordering, contact the Computer Connection at
215-573-2850 or send e-mail to cconline@pobox.upenn.edu.
Please be aware that this is one of the store's busiest times of the year and
you may not connect directly to a representative. However, we regularly
monitor our voicemail. If you leave a message, a staff member will
respond to you by the next business day.
Any student wishing to take
advantage of the free Anti-Theft Protection offer from Kryptonite must first
purchase the Evolution Mini LS "U-lock" available on Campus Express
under "buy a lock".
Then fill-out the registration
form from Kryptonite lock. After you fill-out the registration form, mail
it to Kryptonite along with a copy of your e-mail invoice (as proof of
purchase), and a copy of an appraisal showing the bicycle's dollar value.
The following bicycle shops
should be able to draft an appraisal:
How do I apply for a PennCard?
You may apply online by entering Campus Express Online and clicking "Apply
for PennCard" in the My PennCard feature. This feature is only
available for students who have never previously had any type of PennCard.
For those students who choose not to use the online
feature or are unable to use the feature, you may mail in the application
included in your Campus Express mailing or apply in person at the Campus
Express Center/PennCard Center.
Where
do I pick up my PennCard?
If you are a new student and you submit your PennCard application within two
weeks of receiving your Campus Express brochure, your PennCard will be ready
for pick up at the Campus Express Center in Houston Hall during New Student
Orientation, August 30th and 31st and September 1s. Important: A valid government issued
photo I.D. will be required in order to pick up your PennCard.
How
do I get my PennCard if I arrive on campus before August 30th?
Some
graduate programs distribute PennCards at their school’s orientation
session. Contact your school coordinator for further information.
Other students who are on campus for a verifiable academic reason prior to
August 30th should contact the
How
do I get my PennCard if I arrive on campus after September 1st?
After
September 1st, students may obtain their PennCards from the
How
much does it cost?
Your initial PennCard will be issued at no cost to you. A replacement fee
will be charged for lost, stolen, or damaged cards.
What
can I do with my PennCard?
Your PennCard is your official identification and access card at
1) Enter secured academic and residential buildings on campus
2) Enter Dining Halls and access your meal plan
3) Charge purchases to your Student Financial Services account
4) Make purchases using your PennCash account at all campus dining locations,
vending, area merchants, copiers, and printing
5) Link to your PNC or Student Credit Union bank account, allowing you to use
your PennCard as an ATM or debit card
Should
I carry my PennCard with me?
Yes, you should carry your card with you at all times. University
policy states that you must present your PennCard upon the request of any
University official and that you must display your PennCard at designated times
in certain campus buildings.
What is the bookstore
return policy for textbook purchases made on-line?
Whether you chose to reserve your books for pick-up or have them
mailed to you, a Penn Bookstore receipt will be included in your package.
Be sure to retain your receipt. You can return all textbooks with your
receipt for a full refund up until the second week of classes. Fall classes begin
on
Does the bookstore buy back textbooks?
Yes. The best time for you to sell back your books is during the last week of
final exams. If the book you are selling has been ordered by an instructor for
the following semester and still is in demand, the Bookstore will pay you 50%
of the purchase price. If the book has not been ordered for the following
semester, a national wholesale market price will be paid.
If I chose to reserve my textbooks for in store pick-up, where should I go to
pick-up my textbooks?
You can pick up reserved textbooks from the Textbook department located on the
second level of the bookstore.
I have noticed that some of my classes have titles listed as PKG and other
titles listed as a Value option. What is the difference?
PKG stands for package. A textbook package usually contains the textbook and
other added components such as study guides and solution manuals. The value
option offers you the opportunity to purchase the textbook by itself at a lower
price.
Are there any advantages to making my textbook purchases prior to my arrival to
campus?
Used textbooks are in high demand. The earlier you purchase your textbooks, the
better your chances of finding used textbooks for your courses. Used textbooks
typically cost about 25% less than new textbooks. If you choose to have your
books delivered to you, you will avoid the new semester rush and possible long
checkout lines. Customers who reserve their books can quickly pick
up their packaged orders in the textbook department of the Bookstore by just
showing a receipt.
What if the course I am registered for is not listed?
If you do not see your course listed, it means that your particular instructor
has ordered the books for that course through another campus supplier.
Please check with that specific department for more information.
How often is the course information and book information updated?
The Bookstore updates both course information and textbook information on a
daily basis. If you select your course and receive a message that there
is no textbook information available, be sure to check back soon.
What are my payment options?
The bookstore accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card. You
can also charge your textbook purchase directly to your bursar account by providing the bookstore with your 10 digit PennCard number.
All payment information goes through a secured server.
What if I have questions about my order, or need to cancel a course or my entire
order?
Once you have completed your purchase, you will receive an e-mail confirmation.
Please save this information so that you can refer to your confirmation number
when making inquiries. The booksellers in our textbook department will be happy
to serve you; you can contact them by e-mailing coursebk@pobox.upenn.edu or calling
215-898-4500.
How do I sign up for student clubs and organizations?
By entering Campus Express Online and clicking "Browse Activities" in
the My Activities feature, you may view various campus clubs and organizations,
select those that interest you, and submit your name to the coordinator(s) of
these groups for more information. The coordinator(s) will contact you
over the summer with more information regarding membership requirements and how
to join.
What
if I don't receive a response from the student activities coordinator(s)?
Coordinators of student clubs and organizations often contact students late in
the summer or right before the school year is about to begin. In the
unlikely event that you don't receive a response, you will have an opportunity
to obtain more information about these groups during New Student Orientation
events.