Second-Year Orientation (SYO) Events
See below for the official Second-Year Orientation (SYO) schedule. For more information about the Second-Year Experience (SYE), click here!
Sunday, August 28
10am – 2pm
Brunch
Location: Hill, Kings Court English, Lauder, and 1920 Commons dining cafes. Kosher dining available at Hillel.
4pm – 8pm
Dinner
Location: Hill, Kings Court English, Lauder, and 1920 Commons dining cafes. McClelland for Ware residents. Kosher dinner available from 5pm-7pm at Hillel.
5pm – 8pm
SYO: College House Activities
Check with your RA, House Coordinator, or House Director for more info regarding activities in your College House.
8pm – 10pm
Penn Campus Recreation Open House
Join Penn Recreation & Athletics for the Recreation Open House! Tour the five floors of fitness spaces with an interactive scavenger hunt, jump into some express group exercise classes, try the Rock Climbing Wall, visit the Sport Club Expo, and so much more! Talk with Campus Rec and Athletics staff about all the ways to stay healthy and active with your friends on campus. Enjoy a live DJ, refreshments, and raffle prizes!
Location: Pottruck Health and Fitness Center
11pm – 1am
Late Night Activities Fair
Grab a friend and enjoy games, food, and raffles while meeting student groups.
Location: College Green
Rain Location: Penn Commons & Houston Hall
Monday, August 29
7am – 10am
Breakfast
Location: Hill, Kings Court English (8am-10am), and 1920 Commons dining cafes.
11am – 2pm
SYO: Second-Year Preceptorials
Click here for more information!
11am – 2pm
Lunch
Location: Hill, Kings Court English, and 1920 Commons dining cafes. Kosher dining at Hillel.
2pm – 5pm
SYO: PennTracks Tours and West Philadelphia and University City Tours
Learn more about PennTracks Tours here!
Learn more about the West Philadelphia and University City Tours here!
6pm – 8pm
Dinner
Location: Hill, Kings Court English, Lauder, and 1920 Commons dining cafes. Kosher dining at Hillel.
Tuesday, August 30
5pm – 6:30pm
President’s Welcome Back Celebration for the Classes of 2024 & 2025
Mingle with President Liz Magill and enjoy refreshments, live music, giveaways, and more! Registration and a Penn ID are required for entry. No bags permitted. Please RSVP to prespic@pobox.upenn.edu.
Location: Penn Commons
Wednesday, August 31
6pm – 8pm
SYO: Class Board Spikeball Tournament
All skill levels are invited to bump, set, and spike their way to glory as they compete against their fellow Penn classmates! Great food, drinks, and raffle prizes are in store for all players and on-lookers!
To play, you must sign up:
Are you the best Spikeball duo on campus? Fill out this form to compete for the title.
Looking to play for fun? Fill out this form to play in the beginners bracket.
First Place in the competitive bracket will receive a $150 Penn Bookstore Gift Certificate.
Second Place in the competitive bracket will receive a $50 Penn Bookstore Gift Certificate.
Location: Gutmann College House Lawn
Rain Location: Gutmann College House Multipurpose Room
7pm
Student Performing Arts Night (SPAN)
Showcasing over 50 dance, music, comedy, theatre, poetry, and student performing arts clubs at Penn. Tickets: $5 || Ask your RA about discounted tickets! https://platthouse.vpul.upenn.edu/span/
Location: Annenberg Center, Zellerbach Theatre
Thursday, September 1
11am – 1pm
SYO: Second-Year Day
Explore the Penn resources and services available to second-year students. Refreshments and raffle prizes for all participants. First 100 second-year students receive a Class of ’25 bucket hat.
Location: Gutmann College House Lawn
Rain Location: Gutmann College House Multipurpose Room
Friday, September 2
10am – 11am
Sophomore Breakfast
Join the LGBT Center as we host a delicious breakfast for all sophomore students.
Location: LGBT Center
8pm – 10pm
Mask & Wig and Bloomers Present: Free Show
The Mask & Wig and Bloomers Free Show is a great opportunity for new students to learn more about these comedy groups!
Location: Annenberg Center, Zellerbach Theatre
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