Academic Resources and Support

Penn Resources

English Language Programs provides courses in English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) and orientation to life in the United States.

The Critical Writing Program provides writing and advising to all students enrolled in credit-bearing courses at Penn.

Communication Within the Curriculum supports student speaking as means of both communicating and learning.

Science Outreach Initiative encourages and supports researcher in the School of Arts & Sciences in their participation in initiatives towards the development of research efforts which will more broadly impact public understanding of science.

The Penn Science Diplomacy Group provides workshops, a blog, podcast, and more devoted to helping scientists disseminate research and increase public scientific literacy by communicating research and findings in an accessible way. Workshops focus on a variety of science communication topics, including poster design, storytelling, podcast production, and manuscript writing. 

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research provides access to Nature Masterclasses. You can use your PennKey to log in and access content on presenting, writing, and research.

Additional Programs & Resources 

The Flame Challenge is an international competition in which experts try to answer a scientific question in a way that is most appropriate for 11-year-olds. Entries are judged by thousands of 5th and 6th-grade schoolchildren around the world. 

Start Talking Science is a free public event where STEM researchers present posters detailing their research to a general audience. The goal is to foster insightful conversations and connections, and increase public interest in the cutting-edge research taking place right here in Philadelphia!

MIT Communications Lab provides discipline-specific CommKits -- quick guides to technical communication needs including posters, journal articles, and fellowship applications -- for those in engineering and closely-related fields. 

Penn Programs and Resources 

The Weingarten Center provides professional instruction in skills such as academic reading, writing, and study strategies free of charge to Penn students. In addition to individual consultations, they provide: 

• Proactive Time Management Resources and Support 
   
• Study Group Support 
   
• Workshops 
   
• The Weingarten Blog 

Students can schedule 50-minute virtual or in-person meetings or sign up for 25-minute virtual or in-person drop-in sessions with a learning instructor via the MyWeingartenCenter portal to discuss their study strategies and approaches to a variety of academic assignments and assessments.

The Weingarten Center also has Disabilities Services staff members available by phone and email to answer questions from members of the University community about accessibility and accommodations. For information on how Disabilities Services will provide the most common support services in the classroom environment, visit https://wlrc.vpul.upenn.edu/disability-services/. Contact them directly by email or phone (215-573-9235) with any additional questions or concerns.

Contact the Weingarten Center at 215-573-9235 to get updated information about academic support and disability services and to be connected with a staff member who can address your needs.

The Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Innovation is available to graduate students interested in improving as teachers, whether they are working as TAs or preparing to become future faculty. You can schedule a one-on-one consultation with CETLI to get guidance on how to improve your teaching practice or to get feedback on teaching statements and demos. 

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research provides services to researchers and coordinates a number of research related offices.

Research at Penn is chronicled through a website that shares the knowledge generated by its 4,300 faculty researchers.

Weiss Tech House is designed to support students in the development and/or commercialization of innovative technologies

Thesis and Dissertation Resources 

Online Tutorials and Courseware

LinkedIn Learning is an online training library that provides access to tutorials covering a wide selection of topics. Course offerings include software products widely used on campus such as the Microsoft Office suite, Google Analytics, and Drupal, as well as topics to enhance key business skills such as project management, marketing, and collaboration. To facilitate learning, many tutorials include exercise files so that you can follow along step-by-step, and work with the same assets as the instructors. New and improved courses are added weekly. Use your PennKey and password as your login credentials to access the full LinkedIn Learning library, including exercise files. You can also download the LinkedIn Learning App. You can learn more about access from ISC's page and how to access the product on their FAQ page.

LaTeX Fundamentals Tutorials from Penn Libraries: If you're new to using LaTeX to format your thesis or dissertation, check out these short video tutorials from Penn Libraries that include examples and practice exercises!

Coursera offers hundreds of free courses taught by top instructors from world-class universities and companies, on a wide range of academic, professional, and personal development topics. Free courses give you access to on-demand video lectures, homework exercises, and community discussion forums. 

edX supports learners at every stage, whether entering the job market, changing fields, seeking a promotion, or exploring new interests, edX delivers courses for curious minds on topics ranging from data and computer science to leadership and communications. 

Alison is one of the world’s largest free learning platforms for education and skills training. It is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to making it possible for anyone, to study anything, anywhere, at any time, for free, online, at any subject level. Through our mission we are a catalyst for positive social change, creating opportunity, prosperity, and equality for everyone.

CodeAcademy offers free basic coding lessons.

Helpful Tools and Apps

Below are just a few tools and apps to help you improve your productivity and project management. Please keep in mind that no app can think for you, or do the task at hand, that's up to you and how you make it work for you. These are third-party tools and inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement. Read all terms and conditions carefully before sharing your personal information.

General Purpose

• Evernote
  For note-taking, research, creating to-dos, lists and attaching images, and PDF's. Instantly synchronizes from computer to smartphone, tablet and the web. iOS and Android compatible. http://evernote.com/
• Dropbox
  Free service that lets you store your photos, docs, and videos in the cloud and share them easily. Synchronizes from computer to smartphone, tablet and the web. iOS and Android compatible. https://www.dropbox.com/
• 2Do
  Checklist to full-blown project management. A task manager app that lets you focus on what's important. iOS and Android compatible. http://www.2doapp.com/
• SelfControl
  A free and open-source application for Mac OS X (10.5 or above) that lets you block your own access to distracting websites, your mail servers, or anything else on the Internet. Includes self-set timer feature that block access those sites--even if you restart your computer or delete the application! http://selfcontrolapp.com/
• Coggle
  Mapping tool allows users several advanced features to diagram information and use it for collaborative aspects project management, report writing, and just brainstorming. https://coggle.it/
• Post-it / Sticky Notes
  A low-tech solution for reminders and place-based tasked is to leave yourself notes in places you know you’ll see (like your bathroom mirror or coffee machine) or where you need to complete a task (on your laptop or desk, etc.).

Managing Procrastination

• StayFocused
  A free extension for Google Chrome (Mac OS X or PC) that lets you limit the amount of time you spend on time-suck sites. You specify sites you want to restrict and set the amount of time you’ll allow yourself to use them. After that point, the extension blocks the sites. if you procrastinate by surfing Wikipedia or social media sites, this would be a great option for you. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/stayfocusd/laankejkbhbdhmipfmgcngdelahlfoji
• SelfControl
  This free app for Mac OS X lets you block sites you set and even email for a set amount of time. If you need an hour (or five!) of totally uninterrupted time, SelfControl makes focus easy. http://selfcontrolapp.com/
• Freedom
  This app works the same way as SelfControl, but it’s compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows. freedom.to/
• Unstuck
  Unstuck is a free digital coach to help move you out of “stuck” moments. Feeling stuck in your work? You can head to unstuck.com or, if you have an iOS devices, open the Unstuck app to figure out the best strategies for your situation. https://unstuck-unstuck.com/
• UNC  App Compendium
  The App Compendium is a collection of apps curated by the University of North Carolina. It is filled with useful tools to help you more productive and successful as a student. http://iapps.web.unc.edu/

Note Taking

• Noteshelf
  Note-Taking app that allows you to jot down whatever comes to mind, just like an ordinary pen and paper. Write with finger, stylus or smart pen. Easily allows for exporting to Evernote, Dropbox, Twitter and Facebook. iOS compatibility only. http://www.noteshelf.net/
• Notesplus
  Note-Taking app that allows you to type, draw or record notes. Import and annotate and highlight on PDF's. Easily allows for exporting to various outlets. iOS compatibility only. http://notesplusapp.com/
• Notability
  Note-Taking app that allows you to create, illustrate, outline, annotate, record, capture photos. Automatic cloud synchronizing to iPhone and iPad. iOS compatibility only. http://www.gingerlabs.com/

Annotations & Readers

• iAnnotate PDF
  PDF document reader that allows for reading, annotating and sharing PDF documents, Word/PowerPoint files and images. iOS and Android complatible. http://www.branchfire.com/iannotate/
• GoodReader
  Document reader that allows you to read virtually anything, anywhere: books, movies, pictures. Easily annotate, manage, transfer, and sync files. iOS compatibility only. https://goodreader.com/
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
  PDF document reader app that allows for reading and annotating PDF's across various platforms. iOS and Android compatible.   http://www.adobe.com/products/reader-mobile.html
• PDF Expert
  PDF Expert is a professional PDF viewer and annotation tool for iPhone/iPod Touch. Read and annotate PDF documents, highlight text, and annotate. Sync with Dropbox. Copy files from Mac and PC. PDF Expert is a professional PDF viewer and annotation tool for iPhone/iPod Touch. iOS compatibility only. http://pdfexpert.com/

Penn provides graduate and professional students many opportunities to gain skills and experiences that are transferrable to rewarding careers in academia and in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. 

Getting Started with Penn Career Services

• Book a virtual appointment with one of the Career Services graduate advisors or graduate advisors in your school. They specifically work with graduate students, and with them, you can discuss strategies for identifying and achieving your career goals!

• Complete an Individual Development Plan or explore skills and career paths using resources from Career Services 

• Reach out to someone in the area to receive input on the career of interest

• Participate in workshops on skills needed for the career of interest

• ​​​​​​Check out Career Services' digital resources for Master’s Students and PhDs and Postdocs that can help with career exploration, networking, creating effective application materials, and interviewing.

• Explore remote internship and job opportunities.

• You can also check out Career Services' YouTube channel for videos on the faculty job search for STEM or Humanities/Social Sciences PhDs and much more! They also answer questions via their PhD Questions of the Month blog series and regularly contribute to the Carpe Careers blog from Inside Higher Ed.

Build Your Network 

• MyPenn is a database of Penn graduates and is searchable by industry, employer name, major, degree, student clubs, and more. Update your profile and connect with Penn alumni in your field(s) of interest. Wharton alumni may also wish to access the Wharton Alumni Directory to connect with the global Wharton alumni network. 

• Over 42,000 Quakers have joined the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Group on LinkedIn. This site is a great resource for connecting with classmates, engaging in career-related discussions, learning about job opportunities, and joining Penn school and industry-specific subgroups.

Career Exploration and Preparation
Complete an Individual Development Plan or explore skills and career paths using resources from Career Services. Career Services provides access to a number of free and subscription resources to support career exploration and planning, including: 

• ChemIDP: An online tool for chemists to help them explore career options and create a plan for their own professional and career development.
   
• Imagine PhD: Developed specifically for humanities and social sciences PhDs, this free, online resource provides self-assessment tools to help you evaluate your skills, interests, and values, and compare these against a wide diversity of job families that value a PhD. You can use the individual development plan tool to identify key next steps as part of your academic/professional development.
   
• CareerExplorer: A free platform that helps you find your ideal career. Take this interactive career test to better understand your core strengths and your compatibility with over 800 careers.
   
• iBiology: A library of online videos and resources related to the professional and career development of scientists, and information on careers in education, industry, government, and more
   
• Big Interview: Create customized, online mock interviews to practice answers to industry-specific questions. Watch recordings of yourself to develop more effective interviewing approaches.
   
• MLA Connected Academics: An online resource demonstrating how doctoral education can develop students’ capacities to bring their expertise in advanced humanistic study to a wide range of fulfilling, secure, and well-compensated professional situations.
   
• myIDP: Developed specifically for STEM PhDs, this free, online resource provides self-assessment tools to help you evaluate your skills, interests, and values, and compare these against a diversity of careers that value a STEM PhD. You can use the individual development plan tool to identify key next steps as part of your professional development.
   
• Vault Career Insider: Vault provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work within an industry, company, or profession—and how to position yourself to launch and build the career you want.
   
• Where Historians Work: An interactive, online database that catalogs the career outcomes of the 8,523 historians who earned PhDs at US universities from 2004 and 2013.

Additional Resources 

The resources and advice below are intended to supplement those provided by Career Services and within each of Penn's graduate and professional schools. 

Faculty Careers

Students considering a faculty career are encouraged to draw on the knowledge and experience of the faculty, staff, and advanced students in their home department or program. Take advantage of Penn's extensive resources to explore your options, build your skills, and prepare your application materials.

Pathways to Science 

Teaching Certificate and Workshops
The Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Innovation (CETLI) offers workshops for graduate students, especially TAs, who are interested in learning and improving their teaching skills. The CETLI Teaching Certificate provides doctoral students with support for improving their teaching as well as recognition for their commitment to developing as teachers. The certificate is noted on the student’s transcript, as a statement from the University of Pennsylvania that a graduate student has pursued advanced training in teaching. 

I CARE Training
Penn Wellness' Public Health and Wellbeing division offers I CARE, an interactive gatekeeper training for students, faculty, and staff that builds a caring community with the skills and resources to intervene with student stress, distress, and crisis. To learn more about I CARE or to request training for your Penn group, see the ICARE website. 

GIC Workshops and Consultations 
The Greenfield Intercultural Center (GIC) can assist with the development and implementation of diversity or cultural competency workshops that support their organizational goals and objectives. Focusing on knowledge acquisition, behavioral change, action planning, and accountability, the center's ultimate goal is to help students, staff, and faculty capitalize on the numerous advantages a diverse team has to offer.

LGBT Center Workshops
The LGBT Center is dedicated to ensuring that Penn is a welcoming place for people of all identities. This includes providing fun and interactive educational opportunities for folks to expand their knowledge and understanding of those who may identify differently from them. Programs can also be customized for your group or department's needs.

Penn Violence Prevention (PVP) Workshops
PVP workshops cover a range of topics related to sexual harassment, relationship violence, and sexual misconduct. Workshops are designed to be interactive and informative and can be tailored to meet the needs of individual groups. 

RP@Penn Programs 
The Restorative Practices at Penn (RP@Penn) Program promotes restorative practices on Penn’s campus to build strong communities and address interpersonal and group conflict. RP@Penn offers Restorative Circles, Conflict Coaching, Mediation, Restorative Conferences, Workshops on Communication and Conflict Resolution skills, and Workshops on Restorative Circles. 

At Penn

The Division of the Vice Provost for University Life enhances students' ability to reach their fullest potential through diverse academic, personal, and professional development experiences in support of the Penn compact. VPUL is the University's foremost provider of student services and education access.

International Student & Scholar Services advises international students on F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrant procedures and compliance with immigration laws and regulations.

Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) helps grad students find fellowships and assistantships are available for graduate and professional students. Students are eligible for a range of awards-merit based fellowships, awards for service, need-based grants, and loans.

Other Resources

Chronicle of Higher Education: Up to date news on anything related to higher education.

H-Net (Humanities and Social Sciences Online): Provides discussion networks, scholarly reviews, job postings, and information on upcoming academic conferences.

Council of Graduate Schools: Provides information on funding sources, graduate programs, and graduate organizations.

IBP Pathways to Science 
The Institute for Broadening Participation aims to increase diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields by connecting underrepresented students with STEM funding and research opportunities and providing faculty and administrators with tools and resources to help promote the positive factors that keep underrepresented students on path into successful STEM careers.

Professor Writes "Worst Op-Ed Ever"

Jorge Cham's PhD Comics

Cogno-Intellectualism, Rhetorical Logic, and the Craske-Trump Theorem

Seven Characteristics of Incredibly Rich People (Or, Why You Shouldn't Go to Grad School)

Check out past winners of the Dance Your PhD contest!