EVP Assistants Conference: Building Bridges

 to Success Once Again!

Penn's Power Purchase Agreement

Penn has now moved one step closer towards its goal of 100% carbon neutrality on campus by 2042. Great Cove I and II — two solar facilities constructed in Central Pennsylvania as a result of Penn's Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) — have now begun to generate power. The project will produce enough energy to power 70% of the total annual electricity demand of Penn's academic campus and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

These two facilities becoming fully operational marks more than three years of partnership, development, and construction between Penn and owner-operator, AES. Read more in Penn Today, watch the Great Cove Solar Project Video and view the ceremonial ribbon cutting event here.



Congratulations Models of Excellence Honorees!

You’ll recognize several EVP Division names among this year’s Models of Excellence staff recognition program honorees. The 2024 award recipients include

• Erin Brown, Division of Human Resources
• Bill Dickson, Facilities and Real Estate Services
• Teri Scott, Morris Arboretum & Gardens
• The Penn Cooks team: Kristin Cummings; Residential and Hospitality Services; Pamela Lampitt, Residential and Hospitality Services; Barbara Lea-Kruger, Business Services; Thomas MacDonald, Residential and Hospitality Services; and Ted Morrin, Residential and Hospitality Services.

Cheer them on at the 25th anniversary Models of Excellence ceremony on April 9 from 4pm to 5pm in Harrison Auditorium, then celebrate with friends and family at the reception in the Penn Museum Chinese Rotunda. The whole Penn community is invited. Register for the Models of Excellence ceremony and reception today!

Craig's List 

Here are some headlines worth checking out...

Penn’s Annual Tree Giveaway – May 9th

• University and UPHS staff and faculty interested in a free yard tree can look forward to the Creating Canopy event on May 9th. Again this year, a limited number of free trees of various species will be given away on a first come, first-served basis to those who pre-register. Trees will be first available to staff and faculty homeowners who live in the City of Philadelphia. This program's goal is to encourage the continual greening of our communities in the Greater Philadelphia area, and is conducted in partnership with TreePhilly, a program of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy. Registration will open during Earth Week here.

Open Enrollment

• Open Enrollment for the 2024-2025 plan year will be April 29th through May 10th. Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to make changes to your health plans, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Learn more by attending the Open Enrollment Benefits Fair on April 30th from 10am to 2pm at Pottruck Health and Fitness Center in the Gimbel Gym. A benefits fair will also be held at New Bolton Center on May 1st from 10am to 2pm in Alumni Hall. Both on-campus and virtual information sessions will be held April 16th, 18th, and 23rd, and May 7th. Carrot Fertility will also hold sessions on April 10th from 11am to 12pm and April 22nd from 12pm to 1pm. For details and to register, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/openenrollment. 

Faculty/Staff Appreciation Days at the Penn Bookstore

• The Penn Bookstore is hosting Faculty/Staff Appreciation Days from April 22nd to May 3rd. Download a coupon or show it on your phone to receive 20 % off your entire purchase. Visit the store and chose from a wide variety of Penn apparel, home & office goods, accessories, gifts and of course books!

Pennovation Works Year in Review

• Pennovation Works continues to evolve and cultivate an innovative and collaborative environment for its 100+ companies and research entities.  The Pennovation Works Year in Review highlights the stats, stories, and impactful projects that occurred in 2023. Discover why this ecosystem continues to be Where Ideas Go To Work, and learn about the innovative discoveries and research that shaped another successful year.

Division of Public Safety Updates & Reminders

• A reminder about Bike and Scooter Safety for safe riding and storage habits for micromobility devices on and off-campus.
• Traffic alert! SEPTA Trolley Track Renewal Project – March 18

to May 4.

• A Message about Online Resources and Support for the Penn Community and Online Harassment.

Take Our Children to Work Day

• Take Our Children to Work Day returns on Thursday, April 25th, providing a day filled with exploration and inspiration for young minds. Children will learn about Penn as a top employer and an institution of higher education while also having fun. This event is geared towards children ages 9-15, offering age-appropriate academic learning activities, although children of any age are welcome to attend. Advance registration is required and opens on Monday, April 1 at 9am. For more information, visit the Take Our Children to Work Day webpage.  

Penn Student Loan Management Service Continues

• Penn continues to offer employees its free student loan debt service administered by PeopleJoy. Through PeopleJoy, you can to determine your eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. To learn more about how you can use the free service to eliminate student loan debt, attend the April 10 Student Loan 101 webinar from 12pm to 1pm.

Penn SecureIT Program

• To keep Penn at the forefront of innovation and academic excellence, the University launched the Penn SecureIT program to enhance and secure its technology and data environment.