After winter weather forced the University of Pennsylvania to pause classes for two days, it has now extended the course registration deadline to Thursday, January 29th at 11:59 PM EST. This extension aims to help students who had trouble finalizing their course choices during the disruption.
Originally set for January 27th, the deadline was shifted after feedback from students. Wharton junior Nia Matthews, the Undergraduate Assembly President, noted that many students were concerned about how the snow days affected their ability to access advising and finalize their decisions.
Annie Weinstein, Director of Communications for Penn’s Division of Finance, confirmed the extension. She mentioned that the University wanted to take into account the challenges students faced with course registration during the snow days.
College sophomore Amy Lee shared her experience, noting that she struggled with the University’s registration system, Path@Penn. Despite having approval to change her course sections, she couldn’t complete her registration due to the school closure. “It’s really frustrating,” she said, “because I usually rely on the College office for help.”
During the days off, only essential services, like public safety and health services, were available, adding to students’ struggles.
The engaged response from the administration was welcoming. Matthews communicated with students and the University to address their concerns. According to her, “We were able to elevate those concerns, especially regarding access to advising and registration challenges.”
Reactions from students have been mostly positive. College senior Enne Kim expressed her approval of the deadline extension, stating that the original date felt early. She emphasized that upperclassmen often seek more time to tailor their courses to their interests.
This conversation highlights the importance of communication between students and the administration. When institutions listen to their communities, adjustments can lead to improved experiences.
As winter weather continues to impact schedules, it’s a reminder of how vital adaptability is within academic settings. With more challenges around the corner, ongoing support from the University remains crucial for student success.
For more information on academic policies, check out Penn’s official resources here.
