Dear Students,
With classes starting in just one week, we hope you’ve had a great summer and are looking forward to the new academic year! Whether you are joining Weitzman for the first time or returning to campus, please take a few minutes to review the helpful IT reminders, updates, and resources below to help you start the Fall 2026 semester prepared.
Accounts & PennKey
- PennKey – Your PennKey is your University username and provides access to Penn and Weitzman services, including Canvas, AirPennNet, Zoom, course registration, library resources, and more.
- You will also use your PennKey credentials to log in to Weitzman lab and public computers.
- PennKey Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR) – If you haven't already enrolled, enroll in SSPR. This allows you to reset your PennKey password without contacting IT.
- PennO365 Account & Email – Your PennO365 account provides access to your Penn email and Microsoft 365 services. If you have not yet activated your account or are having trouble accessing it, contact ithelp@design.upenn.edu.
Two-Step Verification
- Two-Step Verification is required for PennKey and PennO365 accounts.
- If you haven't already enrolled or configured your device, review the Two-Step Verification enrollment instructions.
- We recommend using Duo Mobile for Two-Step Verification.
Designify – Weitzman IT Onboarding Guide
- Designify is a helpful Canvas resource created by Weitzman IT covering accounts, software, security, and essential IT services.
- Whether you're new to Weitzman or returning, use Designify whenever you need a refresher or information about available IT resources.
- Access Designify through Canvas using your PennKey.
- If you have trouble accessing Designify, email ithelp@design.upenn.edu.
Canvas & Courseware
- Canvas is Penn's Learning Management System (LMS). Not all instructors use Canvas, so its use will vary by course.
- If your instructor uses Canvas, it may be used for course materials, assignments, announcements, grades, and other course information. Log in to Canvas using your PennKey.
- Don't see a course in Canvas? First confirm that your instructor is using Canvas. If so, the course site may not appear until the instructor publishes it.
- Visit Penn's Canvas information site for additional information and resources.
Wireless – AirPennNet
- AirPennNet is Penn's secure wireless network for students, faculty, and staff.
- Before classes begin, make sure your laptop and mobile devices are connected to AirPennNet.
- If you have not previously connected—or if you have a new or reconfigured device—review the AirPennNet connection instructions.
Computer Recommendations
- A laptop is essential for coursework and research at Weitzman.
- If you are purchasing or replacing a computer, review the Weitzman Hardware Recommendations. Penn-preferred vendors offer academic pricing on select configured laptops.
Software
- Visit the Weitzman Software Information page for current information about software available to Weitzman students.
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Graduate students: Full Adobe Creative Cloud license included at no additional cost.
- Important: All graduate students—both incoming and returning—must claim their Adobe Creative Cloud subscription through Campus Express for the current academic year. Even if you previously had an Adobe subscription through Penn, you must complete this process to activate your license for the new academic year.
- Sophos Home – Antivirus software available for personal devices.
- Before classes begin, make sure any applications required for your coursework are installed and up to date.
Computer Labs
- Weitzman computer labs and public computers are available to support coursework and instruction. Visit the Computer Labs & Classrooms page for locations, software, and schedules.
- Meyerson 321 & 324 are available 24/7 for graduate students.
- Log in using your PennKey credentials. Labs are available for student use when classes are not scheduled.
- Please be respectful of shared spaces: log off and tidy up before leaving.
Studio Spaces & Network Connectivity
- Weitzman studio spaces in Meyerson Hall, Weitzman Hall, Duhring Hall and 3401 Walnut provide network connectivity to support student coursework and academic activities.
- For the fastest and most reliable network connection, we recommend using wired Ethernet in designated studio spaces whenever possible. Wired connections provide faster speeds and more consistent performance, particularly when transferring large files or using bandwidth-intensive applications. AirPennNet remains available for convenient wireless connectivity throughout campus.
- Need an Ethernet cable? Weitzman students can pick up a free Ethernet cable from the IT Help Desk on the 3rd Floor of Meyerson Hall, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM.
Classroom & Studio AV
- Classrooms and studios across Weitzman’s academic buildings and facilities include AV technology to support classes, presentations, reviews, and collaborative work.
- Wireless connectivity is encouraged where available. To connect wirelessly to classroom and studio projectors, make sure your device is connected to AirPennNet. AirPennNet provides the most reliable connection to Weitzman’s wireless AV systems.
- Wireless connection instructions are displayed on the welcome screen when the projector is powered on.
- HDMI connectivity is also available where supported. Studios with ceiling-mounted projectors may include an AV bag with an HDMI cable. Please handle all AV equipment with care.
Printing & Scanning
- Small-format printers and large-format plotters are available to Weitzman students.
- Information about access, available devices, media types, and costs is available on the Printing & Scanning page.
- Large-format printing: If you have not already done so, you must complete and pass the plotting quiz before access to large-format printing is granted.
AI Resources
- PennChat – A secure Penn AI portal that provides access to multiple chat-based large language models (LLMs) in a single interface.
- ISC AI Hub – AI tools, training, security guidance, and resources to help the Penn community use artificial intelligence safely and effectively.
- Reminder: When using generative AI for coursework, always follow the AI policies and guidelines established by your instructor for each course.
Cloud Storage & Collaboration
- PennBox – Cloud storage, collaboration, and file sharing available to Penn students.
- Microsoft OneDrive (O365) – Integrated with your PennO365 account for cloud storage and file sharing.
- Zoom – All Weitzman students have access to a University-licensed Zoom account. Please use your Penn Zoom account for University-related activities.
- Microsoft Teams – Available through PennO365 for meetings and collaboration.
LinkedIn Learning
- Available free to all Weitzman students.
- LinkedIn Learning offers courses and tutorials covering a wide range of topics, skills, and software, from beginner to advanced.
- Access LinkedIn Learning.
Support & Resources
- For the latest IT information and resources, visit the Weitzman IT Services website.
- Need IT assistance? Email ithelp@design.upenn.edu. This inbox is monitored by our entire team to help ensure the fastest response.
- You can also visit the IT Help Desk on the 3rd Floor of Meyerson Hall, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM for in-person assistance or to pick up a free Ethernet cable for use in Weitzman studio spaces.
Looking forward to seeing you on campus, and best wishes for a successful Fall 2026 semester!
