Diversity and Inclusion

We would like to create a learning environment that supports a diversity of thoughts, perspectives and experiences, and honors your identities. To help accomplish this:

  • If you have a name and/or set of pronouns that differ from those that appear in your official Penn records, please let us know!
  • If you feel like your performance in the class is being impacted by your experiences outside of class, please don’t hesitate to come and talk with us.
  • As a participant in course discussions, office hours, and recitations, you should also strive to honor the diversity of your classmates.

If you ever are struggling and just need someone to talk to, feel free to stop by office hours, or to reach out to an instructor and we can arrange a private meeting with an assurance of full confidentiality.

Mental Health Resources

If you experience significant stress or worry, changes in mood, or problems eating or sleeping this semester, whether because of CIS 1100 or other courses or factors, please do not hesitate to reach out immediately, at any hour, to any of the course staff to discuss. Everyone can benefit from support during challenging times. Not only are we happy to listen and make accommodations, we can also refer you to additional support structures on campus, including, but not limited to:

If you or someone you know is in distress and poses an immediate danger to self or others please contact the Department of Public Safety at 215-898-7333, or 511.

Groups for All Engineering and Computer Science Students

Engineering Student Activities Council (ESAC)

The Engineering Student Activities Council oversees all student groups at Penn Engineering.

Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board (EDAB)

The Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board meets regularly with the Dean to advise in matters regarding students and engineering throughout all of Penn Engineering.

Penn Engineering Council

The Penn Engineering Council aims to foster academic and professional development throughout all of Penn Engineering.

Engineering and Computer Science Groups for Specific Interests and Disciplines

National Society of Black Engineers - NSBE

NSBE aims to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. Although our primary goals revolve around academic excellence, professional development, and community service, we hold many social events that foster and strengthen our tight-knit community. If you are looking to be a part of a family away from home, join ours. You don’t have to be an engineer or black. We accept and love everyone– all majors and races.

Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - oSTEM

oSTEM at Penn is a chapter of Out in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (oSTEM), the national student society dedicated to increasing participation of people who identify with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or ally (LGBTQA) communities in disciplines related to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers - SHPE

We strive to provide Hispanic engineering students at the University of Pennsylvania with opportunities that will improve their academic, leadership, and professional abilities. We host a number of community service, networking, and social events. Penn SHPE develops programs according to the Five SHPE Pillars: Academics, Community Outreach, Chapter Development, Leadership Development, and Professional Development.

Society of Women Engineers - SWE

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is a non-profit service organization aimed at informing the community of the qualifications and achievements of women engineers. Its mission is to stimulate women to achieve their full potential in their careers as engineers and as leaders, to expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and to demonstrate the value of diversity.

Women in Computer Science - WiCS

The University of Pennsylvania Women in Computer Science student organization aims to foster a community for women in tech at Penn – including Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computational Biology, Digital Media Design and Networked and Social Systems Engineering. Our purpose is to support and promote women in CS by encouraging discussion and raising awareness regarding issues surrounding women in computer science.