Ware College House: In-Depth
3650 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6024 • House Office: 215.898.9531
http://ware.house.upenn.edu
"A vibrant intellectual hub"
The Quad has housed some of the University’s finest creative minds since it was built in the late 1800s-early 1900s, including poets Ezra Pound and William Carlos Williams. In the heart of the Quad, WARE COLLEGE HOUSE is a vibrant intellectual hub within a homey environment, offering a memorable journey to students.
Ware’s faculty and staff work to establish a secure, compassionate and stimulating environment for every student. For example, at our weekly Dinners with Interesting People, Ware residents meet scientific, political and cultural luminaries. Past Dinners have included guests such as Penn Professor Ezekiel Emanuel, who shared his experiences working on health care reform in Washington, D.C.; the Mayor of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter, who engaged students in a conversation about Philadelphia’s progress toward becoming the “greenest” city in the U.S.; and a panel of Penn professors, administrators, and students, who discussed economic diversity at Penn. 
Ware residents can also choose to live in one of our five, unique Residential Programs: Research, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship; Literature & Culture; Study of Infectious Diseases; Women in Science; and Women in Leadership. These Dinners and Residential Programs are just two ways that Ware meets students’ desires to live the scholarly life and to interact personally with noteworthy members of Penn and our surrounding community.
Ware also hosts, among other fun and social events, a bi-annual Taste of Philly event that assembles some of the best food the city has to offer. We show movies under the stars on a giant outdoor screen. And we organize trips to plays, concerts, exhibits, athletic events, and just-for-fun destinations. But vacations on the moon would not replace the most important ingredient of our College House: heart. Ware College House is first and foremost a home, a place where residents form lasting relationships and get the support they need to succeed at Penn.
Coat of Arms and House Motto: The House coat of arms and motto were designed in 1999. In Necessariis Unitas translates as "Unity in Necessary Things." The full phrase, in English, basically states: "in certain things, unity; in uncertain things, liberty; and in both, charity." It is meant as a guiding principle for students entering the larger world of Penn, Philadelphia and academia.
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT US
- - Our faculty includes some of Penn’s top scientists and researchers
- - Our Dinner with Interesting People series draws people from all across campus
- - Leaders in providing programs for women
- - Located at the heart of the Quad, home of the famous Junior Balcony
(Anonymous) Student Quotes from past College House Surveys
"My hall befriended each other very quickly and I think the structure of the College House allowed this to happen."
"I live on a small hall, which I thought I would hate, but somehow we really lucked out with all the freshmen on the hall. The ten of us have become very, very close and often all hang out together."
"Ware has wonderful events, and I love my RA... She does a wonderful job with fostering a hall community."
"Overall, I really enjoyed my very first year of college housing. Ware College House was definitely lots of fun. Being a freshman, I feel like it was the right place to be as I am surrounded by other freshmen. It was very easy to mingle and meet people, which I think is especially crucial. My room was quite small, so I most probably wouldn't repeat the experience for upcoming years, mainly because my interests and what I want out of the housing program have changed. More specifically, I would look for bigger and nicer options for rooms with an option of a kitchen including stoves, etc. As a freshman, though, I am definitely satisfied!"
"My hall is huge, but I know almost everyone, and we are all friends. Everyone leaves their doors open, so people can just walk in and say 'hi.'"
"We are in the middle of freshman hallways, though across from our friends, who are also sophomores. The freshman on our one side aren't very friendly to us. However, they seem to have a strong sense of community amongst themselves."
"Utsav has done a great job as House Dean and is always a friendly face around the College House. There are always lots of activities happening and I have enjoyed all the ones that I have participated in."
"Ware is the best house ever!!!!! I never want to leave."
"I love the Quad and Ware is the center of it."
"The people on my floor have become somewhat of a family to me."
"We have hall events, and our GA always looks out for us."
"I really like living in Ware, and I love my residential program! I feel like there's always something exciting happening!"
"Love my dorm for it's social aspects. Perhaps if we could do something to add to its academic greatness...Ware is where it's at :)"
"I love Ware. The main problems are the kind of thing I would experience anywhere."
"Love the architecture, and the location is great. I loved my RA this year..."
"I feel that living in the Quad has been a mixed blessing. The architecture and beauty of UPenn is second to none here. It is exactly how I thought it would be after attending a college tour here. The nice architecture in the Quad is perhaps the best part of my experience. That said... I was hoping to enter a more intellectually-oriented community in the Ware College House... in terms of my dorm room, I have been satisfied with my dorm and if I had the chance, I would study more in my dorm had it been not so noisy."
"My experience was lovely. The Quad, though unbeautiful inside, is gorgeous outside, and at any rate is perfect for freshmen — filled with other freshmen and sociable."
Residential Programs
 Literature and Culture ProgramThis new residential program in Ware College House, under the direction of Prof. Kevin M. F. Platt (Comparative Literature Program and Slavic Department), will serve as a home base and launching pad for first-year students who are dedicated humanists: people who are passionate about literature, the arts and culture, and intend to explore majors in humanistic fields. Residents will be selected based on a record of prior interest and involvement in literature, culture, film, theater, the fine arts, etc. Our goal is to foster durable relationships among students, the residential faculty and staff, and to achieve a high level of social connectedness among fellow humanists within the House and across campus. LitCult will encompass a number of recurrent programs aimed just at its residents, intended to tie its members together as a community. It will also engage in outreach to the rest of Ware College House, staging humanities-themed events for the entire House. Planned activities include in-depth conversations with various members of Penn’s humanities faculty accompanied by dinner in Prof. Platt's apartment; special afternoon meetings with high profile speakers at the Penn Humanities Forum; designated office hours in the Ware with writing help and intellectual discussions; a student-led film series based on movies that "change peoples' lives"; short-story readings over a home-cooked meal and a variety of cultural events. To apply: Write a short essay detailing your current passion for and past involvement in literature, culture, film, theater, the fine arts, etc.  View on the Residential Programs page |
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Penn Women in Leadership Women have broken through the glass ceiling enjoying successful careers in politics, journalism, medicine; leading fortune 500 companies; and being accomplished artists, performers and musicians. But have you ever wondered how they got there? What was their major in college and did they use their major to get there? What are the challenges specific to being a woman leader in today's world? The core of this program is two-fold: (1) to increase understanding of gender dynamics in academic and professional environments, and (2) to provide information in the form of real-life examples of how women have become distinguished Penn Alumnae. The program will highlight the range of careers that exist for Penn graduates, specifically by inviting accomplished women across the university and beyond from their respective fields for interactive discussions. Participants will hear how the speakers have broken the mold from an executive, entrepreneur, professor, and recent working alumna perspective, while making meaningful contacts with important professional mentors. To apply: Write an essay that describes your present interests and activities related to your preference, the contributions you expect to make to the residential community, and the benefits you hope to derive from community membership. Your essay should be no longer than 500 words. View on the Residential Programs page |
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Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship The Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program invites students from all academic backgrounds to participate. The group explores the challenges and issues involved in starting a business. Students will participate in workshops on a variety of related topics, including business planning, raising capital, generating creative ideas, and understanding legal issues. Activities will also include site visits to local businesses, faculty and alumni dinners, and a hands-on project in starting a small business. To apply: Write an essay that describes your present interests and activities related to your preference, the contributions you expect to make to the residential community, and the benefits you hope to derive from community membership. Your essay should be no longer than 500 words. View on the Residential Programs page |
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Study of Infectious Diseases Under the leadership of Dr. Helen Davies, Professor of Microbiology in the School of Medicine, students on this floor participate in a variety of activities, including a monthly research forum, faculty lectures and dinners, museum trips, and site visits to labs. Residents in this program have access to a wealth of science resources across the university. Additionally, students are invited to take Dr. Davies' undergraduate course on emerging infectious diseases. This program is located on 2nd floor, Coxe/EF Smith. To apply: Write an essay that describes your present interests and activities related to your preference, the contributions you expect to make to the residential community, and the benefits you hope to derive from community membership. Your essay should be no longer than 500 words. View on the Residential Programs page |
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Women in Science The Women in Science Floor focuses on increasing the participation and success of women in all fields of science. Under the advisement of Dr. Helen Davies, Professor of Microbiology in the School of Medicine, the group works closely with the Philadelphia chapter of the Association of Women in Science on sponsoring lectures and programs. Activities include mentoring young girls who are interested in pursuing a career in science and faculty dinners with women scientists in the greater Philadelphia area. This program is located on 2nd floor of Coxe/EF Smith. To apply: Write an essay that describes your present interests and activities related to your preference, the contributions you expect to make to the residential community, and the benefits you hope to derive from community membership. Your essay should be no longer than 500 words. View on the Residential Programs page |
Staff in Residence
Faculty Master |
Prof. Mark Liberman |
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House Dean |
Dr. Utsav Schurmans |
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College House Fellow |
Prof. Helen Davies |
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College House Fellow |
Prof. Kevin Platt |
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House Coordinator |
David Kegler |
Population
Total number of residents: 557
Freshmen in residence: 454
Number of GAs: 12
Number of RAs: 11
Roomtypes
Traditional dormitory style, with singles, doubles, and triple rooms. Freshman may select singles, doubles, and 3-room triples.
Dining Location
Class of 1920 Commons
