First-Year Experience (FYE)

FYE & SYE logo

New Student Orientation is an exciting and informative opportunity for all new students! Through the plethora of activities and lessons that are crammed into six days, and between presentations and preceptorials, it’s easy for students to forget some of the things that they learn. Because of this, our office has started the First-Year Experience (FYE) program.

The First-Year Experience (FYE) program consists of events throughout the school year run by Penn students and administration that are designed to assist personal success in college. These events aid in creating a welcoming community for students in their transition to campus by engaging them in programs related to:

  • Personal growth
  • Academic support
  • Navigating campus resources
  • Academic support
  • Financial literacy
  • Social and cultural awareness

Our office can assist with marketing for your event and/or grants up to $500. A maximum of $250 can be used towards food, drink & refreshments. In order to be eligible for a grant, your group needs to have a 26-digit budget code with the University of Pennsylvania or work with a department who does and can journal the funds to you. Please fill out the application form, and our office will reach out to you via email.

We are no longer accepting grant applications for 2024 Fall Events, however, you may still apply for 2025 Spring Events. The deadline for 2025 Spring Events application is

  • Friday, February 7 at 11:59 pm EST

Please note that one organization is only allowed to receive one grant during one academic year. All grants will be considered if submitted at least 1 week in advance of the event. If you have any questions, please email provost-nso-ai@pobox.upenn.edu.

2024 Fall FYE & SYE Events Highlights

Malaysians @ Penn group picture
Students playing badminton
Malaysians @ Penn group picture

Malaysians @ Penn – Badminton Social

Students performing at the CoffeeHouse Fundraiser
Group picture of Alpha Kappa Delta Phi
Students performing at the CoffeeHouse Fundraiser

Alpha Kappa Delta Phi – CoffeeHouse Fundraiser

student gathering at the hai and Cha(a)t event
Students doing craftwork
Students enjoy food at the Chai and Cha(a)t event

South Asian Women’s Space – Chai and Cha(a)t

Guest speakers at the Book Talk & Roundtable Discussion group picture
Guest speakers at the Book Talk & Roundtable Discussion
Speakers at the Book Talk & Roundtable Discussion

HEARD: The Hub for Equity, Anti-Oppression, Research, and Development – Book Talk & Roundtable Discussion

Students playing dodgeball
Students playing dodgeball
Students playing dodgeball group picture

 Women’s Athletics Association (WAA) – Dodgeball & Donuts