Family Weekend

Thank you for your interest in this year's Family Weekend events hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences. More information for Family Weekend 2026 College of Arts and Sciences' events is available below!

Schedule of Events

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 

SAS Commons Panel Discussion: The Mathematics of Elections and Voting

3:30pm – 5:30pm 

Penn Museum, Rainey Auditorium, 3260 South Street

Just ahead of the US midterm elections, this wide-ranging discussion featuring both Penn faculty and guest speakers will focus on the mathematical foundations of democracy, from districting and electoral maps to voting itself.  

Speakers:  

• Daniel Wodak (Philosophy, UPenn) 
• Dan Hopkins (Political Science, UPenn) 
• Bailey Flanigan (Computer Science/Political Science, MIT) 
• Ismar Volić (Mathematics, Wellesley College; Director, Institute for Mathematics and Democracy) 

More information: https://sascommons.sas.upenn.edu/events/mathematics-elections-and-voting 

SAS Commons engages students, scholars, and the public with the goal of exploring a single theme across the arts and sciences over a two-year period. Through a variety of courses, programs, and events, the Commons fosters exchange across disciplines, the development of new ideas, and meaningful public dialogue. The current, inaugural theme is Democracy and Knowledge. 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24

LIGHT BREAKFAST 

9:15am — 10:00am

Reading Room, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce Street

Start the day mingling with other College families over coffee and continental breakfast.

DEAN'S WELCOME & PANEL DISCUSSION: FLOURISHING IN THE COLLEGE

10:00am — 11:00am

Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce Street

Hear from Dean Peter Struck about the power of a College education driven by curiosity, and learn from current students, faculty, and staff about the College and Penn’s commitment to supporting student academics, wellbeing, and intellectual growth.

PANEL DISCUSSION: LEARNING IN PRACTICE 

11:00am — 12:00pm

Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce St

Students in the College have many opportunities to integrate their learning with practical applications, including research, work study positions, internships, and maker projects. A panel of faculty and students talk about the educational value of these opportunities and how to access them. 

DEAN'S RECEPTION, UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH POSTERS, ADVISOR CHATS 

12:00pm — 1:00pm

Hall of Flags, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce Street

Join us for light bites and a chance to chat informally with Dean Struck, College Advising staff, and students presenting research projects.

PANEL DISCUSSION: LIFE AFTER THE COLLEGE 

1:00pm — 2:00pm

Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce Street

Hear from alumni how their College education prepared them for a variety of career pathways. You may be surprised to learn what alumni go on to do with their majors.