Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. What is a PennKey and how do I get one?
  2. How and when do I register for classes?
  3. I need advice on course selection - who should I call?
  4. When is the last day to add or drop a course?
  5. Am I required to have health insurance?
  6. What are the immunization requirements?
  7. Do I need a computer? If so what specifications does it need to have?
  8. How do I set-up an e-mail account?
  9. What is a PennCard and how do I get one?

 

 

1. What is a PennKey and how do I get one?

A PennKey is an individual's username within the University of Pennsylvania's 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 must register a PennKey and password. For a list of Penn systems currently requiring PennKey, see the

You establish your PennKey and password online using a PennKey Setup Code to identify yourself. For details on how to get a Setup Code and register your PennKey and password, refer to the information under Register Your PennKey.

 

2. How and when do I register for classes?

All courses are registered through the University's online student portal - Penn In Touch. A PennKey and password are required to access the system. Registration for incoming students is currently open. Please refer to the Courses & Registration page under 'Current Students' for detailed information about courses and how registration works.

 

3. I need advice on course selection - who should I call?

Questions regarding course selection and program requirements should be directed to your department office. Department staff will either be able to answer your question or direct you to an advisor.

 

4. When is the last day to add or drop a course?

The last day to add AND drop classes is the end of the second week from when classes start. For specific dates please refer to the PennDesign academic calendar.

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5. Am I required to have health insurance?

Yes, 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.'  Visit Student Health Services website for detailed information about health insurance requirements.

 

6. Do I need to get immunizations and what happens if I do not meet the requirement?

Yes, the University of Pennsylvania requires all incoming students to be immunized against certain diseases and to submit this information online. You also are required to fill out 2 personal health questionnaires and electronically sign a consent form. This is done through a secure website. Please view the requirements and instruction link below .The deadline for submission for incoming 09-10 students is July 1, 2009. For more specific information about immunization requirements please visit the Student Health Services website. Note: You will be unable to advance register for courses in mid-October if your immunization record is not up to date.

 

7. Do I need a computer? If so what specifications does it need to have?

PennDesign ITS has produced an informative guide for incoming students regarding departmental computer requirements. Please refer the PennDesign ITS homepage for detailed information about requirements and specifications for each program.

 

8. How do I set-up an e-mail account?

PennDesign has partnered with Microsoft to release the Penn Live service, which is based largely on the Microsoft Live@edu suite of services. The primary component of Penn Live is a Microsoft Exchange account which includes Email, calendar, contacts, and task management, all of which can be shared as desired with your peers on the Penn Live network. This isn't just a Hotmail or Gmail account... It's the same service used by many large organizations for internal and external communications and collaboration.

For more information about Penn Live, click here!

 

9. What is PennCard and how do I get one?

PennCard is the official University of Pennsylvania identification card. Students may obtain their PennCard in suite 150 of the Franklin Building (3451 Walnut Street. Make sure you bring a valid government-issued form of identification (i.e. a driver's license, passport, etc.)

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