Integrated Studies is one of Penn's most distinctive opportunities for incoming freshmen. It is a residentially-based, year-long, intensive liberal arts program, specifically for College students who have been admitted as Benjamin Franklin Scholars. Those College students accepted into BFS will live together in Riepe College House and take half their freshman-year courses in Integrated Studies. This program will invite some of Penn's most intellectually ambitious students to consider broad topics such as justice, time, human nature, identity, origins, and change from an array of perspectives: in the physical sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. These courses will be guided by some of the brightest lights in Penn's galaxy of faculty stars and include weekly “jam sessions” with the entire Integrated Studies community — in dedicated in-House space — to discuss how it all fits into a broader liberal arts approach to the world. Support will be provided by Dr. Dennis DeTurck, Faculty Master, Dean of The College and Professor of Mathematics; and Dr. Ralph Rosen, College House Fellow, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Professor of Classical Studies. The goal of this program is to help broadly-curious intellectual risk-takers find each other and find the pleasures of discovery and wonder — the hallmarks of liberal arts learning.

Note: There are three requirements for membership in the Integrated Studies Program in Riepe.

1. You must separately apply for the Benjamin Franklin Scholars / Integrated Studies academic program in The College and be accepted.
2. You must list the Integrated Studies program in Riepe as your first choice when you apply for housing. (You should also list your second and third housing preferences carefully in the event that you are not accepted into BFS.)
3. Students must have accepted their place in the incoming class in the College in Penn.

Students who have not completed all three parts of the application process will not be able to be considered for Integrated Studies. There will be no exceptions.

View on the Residential Programs page

This lively program emphasizes global thinking about its members and provides a cross-cultural living experience, complemented by colorful and multifaceted activities. Members shape its direction and celebrate the range and variety of cultures that make up the Penn and Philadelphia communities. Leadership and interactive learning are vitally important, and members enjoy sharing their experiences with each and other House residents. Students from all ethnicities, religions and nationalities live together in a multicultural and multinational setting and reap all of the benefits that diversity brings-making this strong well-rounded House even stronger.

Goals: The Living Cultures Program gives first-year students an introduction to Penn’s multicultural environment. It also provides students from different backgrounds with the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, to take on leadership roles, and to experience interactive learning within a diverse, supportive community.

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

Members of the Mentors Program form a unique team dedicated to serving children in West Philadelphia public schools. Under the direction of senior faculty at Penn's Graduate School of Education, participants mentor children in elementary and middle school, devoting at least two hours a week to such activities, as well as attending monthly dinners with faculty to discuss their experiences.

Goals: The Mentors program aims to familiarize its residents with West Philadelphia by connecting them with children who live and attend West Philadelphia schools. In the process, mentors learn about the challenges facing kids in Philadelphia’s educational system, while also learning about the talents and great potential of these students. Throughout the year, mentors have the opportunity to develop their own leadership skills, gain exceptional pre-career experience, and discover the rewards of community service.

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