Our Mission & Values
The College Houses are residential communities for Penn undergraduates that:
- Connect the academic life of the University with the residential experience.
- Develop smaller, intimate communities that students call home and from which they can more comfortably navigate the complexities of a large university.
- Provide academic and personal support to residents.
- Promote social interaction, engagement, accountability and leadership within a setting that honors the diverse needs and backgrounds of the population.
Our Commitment to Respectful and Welcoming Communities
The College Houses are committed to uplifting individuals and communities and challenging one another to understand and value what both binds and distinguishes us. We believe that our residential communities thrive when we consider, acknowledge, and honor all residents. We ask that each community member (resident, staff, or visitor) commit to doing this through the following steps:
- Actively listen to experiences different from your own
- Seek educational opportunities about issues and current events while embracing all intellectual perspectives
- Speak up when you witness or hear something disrespectful even when it is not convenient
- Engage with your community through joining organizations, attending programs, and participating in service and/or advocacy
What Our Houses Offer
Here's all our Houses with a little information about each. Click on any of the arrows to take a deeper dive!
Our Team
The College Houses are each staffed by a hard-working team of professionals who care deeply about their community and how the CHAS mission can help Penn students thrive. They collaborate with the members of Penn's faculty who live alongside undergraduates in the College Houses to create communities that support residents throughout their University experience.
The History of CHAS
Penn has been fostering a vigorous on-campus community since it was first founded more than two centuries ago. In 1998, Penn decided to extend the successful faculty-in-residence model it had created at Van Pelt College House and Du Bois College House across all of its undergraduate residences. Today, with its newest College Houses less than a decade old, Penn's College House system is meeting the challenges of today with adaptable, dynamic communities that bring the University home to almost 6000 undergradutes every year.
Upcoming events in the College Houses
Night At the Rec
Join Penn Campus Recreation for a fun night! Tour the five floors of recreation spaces with many activities to learn and engage in Campus Recreation. Jump into some fitness demos, try the Rock-Climbing Wall, visit the Sport Club Expo, and so much more! There will be a live DJ, a photobooth, and a chance to get a t-shirt!
🌱 Sprouting Connections – Move-In Meet & Greet
Welcome home to the W.E.B. Du Bois College House! As you settle into your new space, join us for Sprouting Connections — a warm housewarming event designed to help you meet your RAs, connect with neighbors, and start growing your community roots. Stop by one of our Move-In Tabling locations to: Say hello to your Resident Advisors Learn about the exciting programs and traditions we have planned for the year Take home your very own succulent to brighten up your space 📅 When: Saturday, August 23rd & Sunday, August 24th 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Where: Harold Haskins Multipurpose Room – 1st Floor 2nd Floor Lounge 3rd Floor Lounge Let’s celebrate your arrival, get to know each other, and start the year with a little green — both in your room and in our growing Du Bois community.
Du Bois College House Scavenger Hunt
🎯 Du Bois College House Scavenger Hunt Meet. Explore. Win. Eat. Repeat! Join us on Sunday, August 24th, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM as we celebrate the last day of Move-In with an exciting House-wide Scavenger Hunt! 🎉 This program is your perfect opportunity to meet your House Faculty, Resident Advisors, and House Managers, and learn about exciting leadership opportunities within Du Bois, including: 🎓 The Souls of Du Bois Conference 🏛️ House Council 🎵 Music Fellows Program 📚 Research Fellows Program You’ll be sent on missions throughout the House to discover hidden gems, complete photo challenges, and unlock clues—all while building community and making new friends. 🏠 Come solo or bring your suitemates—this adventure is all about connection, exploration, and fun. Whether you’re a first-year or returning resident, this is a great chance to kick off the year by getting involved and getting to know your neighbors. 🍕 Delicious food will be provided, including pizza, water ice, and more, plus prizes your entire suite can enjoy! Let’s make this the start of an incredible year together. We can’t wait to see you there!
Move-In House Party
HOUSE PARTY! Join the Harrison House Team for our move-in house party. Games, Ice Cream, Raffles, Friends and More!
News & Announcements
Stouffer Fellow named William T. Grant Scholar
Finding Common Ground in KCECH
Benjamin Franklin Scholars receives $8M endowment
