I. Official Communications

The official method of communication between Penn GSE students and faculty, program staff, and GSE administration is the student’s Penn-issued email address. It is the student‘s responsibility to remain informed of critical updates—from the University, from GSE, and from their specific program—through active monitoring of their Penn email. Penn GSE cannot guarantee transmission of important communications via personal email addresses, phone numbers, or other methods of communication outside of Penn email. 

II. University of Pennsylvania Policy on Equal Opportunity

III. Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Statement 

IV. Sexual Misconduct Policy, Resource Offices and Complaint Procedures

V. Respect for Others in the Workplace

VI. Consensual Sexual Relations Between Faculty and Students in GSE

The relationship between faculty member and student is central to the academic mission of the University. No non-academic or personal ties should be allowed to interfere with the integrity of the faculty-student relationship. Consensual sexual relations between faculty and student can adversely affect the academic enterprise, distorting judgments, or appearing to do so to others, and providing incentives or disincentives for student-faculty contact that are inappropriate.  Because GSE is a single department with a single graduate group with many cross-school courses and activities, we believe that any sexual or dating relationships between faculty members and graduate and professional students at GSE can interfere with the learning environment.  For these reasons, any sexual relations or dating relationships between a faculty member and a GSE student are prohibited. The prohibition extends to all academic advisors and program directors, as well as part-time faculty. 

We recognize that there may be some exceptional cases, such as the case of a pre-existing relationship between an incoming faculty member and a current student or a relationship that predates this policy.  In such cases, we would ask that the faculty member disclose the relationship to the dean who can ensure that the faculty member does not play a supervisory or advisory role to the student while the student is enrolled at GSE.  Read the University's Policy on Consensual Romantic and Sexual Relations in the Workplace and Educational Setting.

VII. University Policy on Secular and Religious Holidays

VIII. Poster Policy

Penn GSE values open expression. There are bulletin boards located at the 3700 Walnut Street building on the west side of each floor. Posters or messaging relevant to the GSE community should be posted there. To enable out of date items to be easily removed, please attach posters using push pins. Items that are out of date will be removed from bulletin boards. If you need to post in a place other than the bulletin board, please seek permission from the Office of Student Success. In order to maintain an orderly appearance and to prevent damage, no materials should be taped to the doors or walls at any location.

IX. University Resources for Resolving Information Complaints 

The University has resource offices that will provide information, support and advice to individuals who have questions or concerns regarding University policy.  See confidential resources below.

Confidential Resources for Information, Counseling, and Support:

• African-American Resource Center (resource for students, staff or faculty)

• Counseling (resource for students)

• Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center (resource for students, staff or faculty)

• Office of the Chaplain (resource for students, staff, faculty or visitors)

• Office of the Ombudsman (resource for students, staff or faculty)

• Penn Violence Prevention (resource for students)

• Penn Women’s Center (resource for students, staff or faculty)

• Special Services Department, Division of Public Safety (resource for students, staff, faculty or visitors)

• Student Health (resource for students)

X. Formal Complaints and Reporting Offices

An individual who wishes to report an allegation of discrimination or harassment may contact anyone on the list below, a manager of a relevant office, or one of the designated University resource offices. If a report is made to any of these individuals/offices listed below, the staff of that office is responsible for ensuring that appropriate action is taken by the University.  Please note that Penn GSE staff listed below are not considered confidential resources and could be mandatory reporters.

Complaint regarding Staff:

• Kate Hellings, Chief People Officer, GSE

• Office of Equal Opportunity Programs

• Office of Staff and Labor Relations, Division of Human Resources

Complaint regarding Faculty:

• Susan Yoon, Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs, GSE

• Office of Equal Opportunity Programs

Complaint regarding Students:

• Ronika Money Adams, Director of Student Success, GSE

• Office of the Vice Provost for University Life

• Penn Housing Services (* for students)

• The Center for Community Standards and Accountability (* for students)