crowded Locust Walk



Community Engagement


The NGSS program team includes members from Schools and units across the University. In addition, we rely on the perspectives and experience provided by several standing bodies representing the range of Penn constituencies. Further engagement opportunities occur for specific topics.


Students and Advisors

  • Graduate and Professional Students Association (GAPSA)
  • Student Committee on Undergraduate Education (SCUE)
  • Undergraduate Assembly (UA)
  • Penn Labs

Advisory Groups

  • PATH Advisory Group
  • Pennant Financial Aid Advisory Board (PFAAB)
  • Pennant Records Advisory Group (PRAG)
  • Undergraduate Working Group (UGWG)

Administrative and Academic Councils

  • Council of Undergraduate Deans
  • Council of Professional Master’s Deans
  • Council of Graduate Deans
  • Council on Institutional Research and Analysis
  • Senior Roundtable
  • IT Roundtable


Students participated in a user-experience assessment of existing systems conducted by Torchbox in 2017. Students and academic advisors will also play a major role in the design and development of a new degree planning worksheet and of the overall user experience for self-service functions.

In addition, broad two-way communication ensures that Penn’s people understand the program’s purpose and progress. Town hall meetings provide periodic updates and a chance to have questions answered. Newsletters and targeted email offer focused messaging about specific topics and milestones.

A structured change management effort leverages these communications activities with the help of partners in Penn’s Schools and units. This effort also specifies training and other tools to prepare the community for successful adoption of the new student information systems.