Wellness at Penn values respect, support, cultural awareness, and student wellbeing and welcomes students from all backgrounds. We partner with students and campus communities to both support wellbeing and shape the future of Wellness at Penn.
Support for Student Communities
- First Generation/Low Income Students: Being sick can sometimes be expensive. We understand this, and we recognize the challenges that can come with balancing healthcare costs with other financial responsibilities. If you have trouble with your medical bills or need assistance understanding your health insurance, please reach out to Wellness at Penn administration, and we will do our best to assist. If you have the Penn Student Health Insurance Plan (Aetna Student Health, also known as PSIP). For support with Aetna's PSIP plan, please call the Aetna Student Health Customer Service team at 800-841-5374. Wellness at Penn also works closely with the Greenfield Intercultural Center to support the needs of FGLI students.
- International Students: The American healthcare system is different from other countries and can be confusing and frustrating even to people who have lived here their entire lives. Our Immunization and Insurance Navigators can help you comply with the University’s insurance requirements and help you understand the medical system here in America. English is not everyone’s first language, and communicating about medical issues can be challenging. If you need foreign language interpretation, we can arrange for phone interpretation during your visit. Please ask for it (let us know before the visit, if possible). We work closely with Penn’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) and Penn’s English Language Program to support our many international students.
- LGBTQ+ Health: Learn more about our LGBTQ+ health services. While we have specific providers who have additional expertise in these areas, our entire staff are trained to provide general care to support our LGBTQ+ patients. Everyone from our front desk staff to our nurses and providers are prepared to offer welcoming and respectful care to all.
- Cultural Support: We collaborate with La Casa Latina, Makuu Black Cultural Center, and the Pan-Asian American Community House to address healthcare needs of minority students at Penn.
- Religious Support: If your healthcare decisions are guided by requirements of your faith, please let us know, so we can help you obtain the best care while respecting your spiritual background. We collaborate often with the Chaplain’s Office to support our students.
- Reproductive and Gynecologic Care for All: Our staff provides gynecologic services like Pap tests, birth control pills, and breast exams, regardless of gender identity. Whether you are coming for a cold or for contraceptive counseling, rest assured that you will receive care that respects you as an entire person. Learn about the Gynecologic Care available. We collaborate with the Penn Women’s Center and the LGBT Center to ensure supportive and welcoming resources for all.
Student Voices and Partnerships
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Student Wellness Advisory Group (SWAG): The Student Wellness Advisory Group (SWAG) is a space for students to share honest feedback and help shape the future of Wellness at Penn. Meeting 2–3 times each semester, SWAG members offer insight on services, resources, and programming, making sure student voices are not just heard but actively guide how Wellness shows up on campus. Curious about SWAG? Learn more or get involved by emailing Mary Kate Coghlan, Director of Communications, at mcoghlan@upenn.edu, or Rebecca Huxta, Director of Public Health, at rhuxta@upenn.edu.
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Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee (SHIAC): Sponsored by the Provost, SHIAC brings together students, faculty, and staff to review and guide the Penn Student Health Insurance Plan (PSIP). Chaired by the Vice Provosts for Education, the committee evaluates and negotiates the plan annually, ensuring it remains affordable, comprehensive, and responsive to student needs. SHIAC also serves as a forum for addressing emerging health insurance issues and exploring improvements in a rapidly changing landscape. Suggestions and questions can be emailed to shiac@pobox.upenn.edu.
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The Penn Wellness Student Coalition (PWSC): The Penn Wellness Student Coalition (PWSC) is the official undergraduate student wellness umbrella group and funding board at the University of Pennsylvania. They have adopted the “Dimensions of Wellness” model in their wellness framework, defining wellness as the integration of physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational, financial, and environmental wellness. The PWSC hosts the annual Wellness Week, in collaboration with Wellness at Penn, Penn administrative offices, and a spectrum of student organizations that advocate for various wellness goals. Learn more here.