Our Mission & Values
The College Houses are residential communities for Penn undergraduates that:
- Connect the academic life of the University with the residential experience.
- Develop smaller, intimate communities that students call home and from which they can more comfortably navigate the complexities of a large university.
- Provide academic and personal support to residents.
- Promote social interaction, engagement, accountability and leadership within a setting that honors the diverse needs and backgrounds of the population.
Our Commitment to Respectful and Welcoming Communities
The College Houses are committed to uplifting individuals and communities and challenging one another to understand and value what both binds and distinguishes us. We believe that our residential communities thrive when we consider, acknowledge, and honor all residents. We ask that each community member (resident, staff, or visitor) commit to doing this through the following steps:
- Actively listen to experiences different from your own
- Seek educational opportunities about issues and current events while embracing all intellectual perspectives
- Speak up when you witness or hear something disrespectful even when it is not convenient
- Engage with your community through joining organizations, attending programs, and participating in service and/or advocacy
What Our Houses Offer
Here's all our Houses with a little information about each. Click on any of the arrows to take a deeper dive!
Our Team
The College Houses are each staffed by a hard-working team of professionals who care deeply about their community and how the CHAS mission can help Penn students thrive. They collaborate with the members of Penn's faculty who live alongside undergraduates in the College Houses to create communities that support residents throughout their University experience.
The History of CHAS
Penn has been fostering a vigorous on-campus community since it was first founded more than two centuries ago. In 1998, Penn decided to extend the successful faculty-in-residence model it had created at Van Pelt College House and Du Bois College House across all of its undergraduate residences. Today, with its newest College Houses less than a decade old, Penn's College House system is meeting the challenges of today with adaptable, dynamic communities that bring the University home to almost 6000 undergradutes every year.
Upcoming events in the College Houses
🍨 Early Arrival Ice Cream Social – A Sweet Start to the Year!
Welcome (back) to the W.E.B. Du Bois College House! Before official move-in even begins, we’re inviting our early arrivals to a special evening just for you. Join us for a Build-Your-Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar where you can pile on your favorite toppings, meet your RAs, and connect with both new and returning neighbors. This is our way of saying we’re so happy you’re here — and because you’re part of this special group, you’ll get an exclusive sneak peek at the amazing programming Du Bois has planned for the year ahead. 📅 When: Monday, August 18th, 2025 🕡 Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM 📍 Where: Du Bois College House Lobby Don’t miss this chance to connect with the community, get a head start on friendships, and taste what Du Bois has to offer — both literally and figuratively!
🌱 Sprouting Connections – First-Year Move-In Meet & Greet
🌱 Sprouting Connections – First-Year Move-In Meet & Greet Welcome home to the W.E.B. Du Bois College House! As you begin your Penn journey, join us for Sprouting Connections — a warm housewarming event designed to help you meet your RAs, connect with fellow first-years, and start growing your community roots. Stop by one of our Move-In Tabling locations to: Say hello to your Resident Advisors Learn about the exciting programs and traditions we have planned for the year Take home your very own succulent to brighten up your space 📅 Tuesday, August 19th 🕚 Time & Locations: Harold Haskins Multipurpose Room (1st Floor): 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM 4th Floor Lounge: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 📅 Wednesday, August 20th 🕙 Time & Locations: Harold Haskins Multipurpose Room (1st Floor): 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 4th Floor Lounge: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Come say hello, grab your plant, and let’s start this year by planting the seeds for an incredible Du Bois experience together.
Grow Your Happiness, One Succulent at a Time
Riepe Welcomes class of 2029 "Grow Your Happiness, One Succulent at a Time, party"
🏠 First-Year Mandatory Floor Meeting
🏠 First-Year Mandatory Floor Meeting Welcome to your first official gathering as a Du Bois resident! This mandatory meeting is an important step in getting settled into your new community and meeting the people who will help make your first year at Penn unforgettable. 📅 When: Wednesday, August 20th 🕢 Time: 7:30 PM 📍 Where: Harold Haskins Multipurpose Room (MPR) At this meeting, you will: Complete your Suitemate Agreements Meet your Floor & Wing RAs Learn House Policies & Procedures Review Penn Policies Get to know your floor neighbors Receive your exclusive Du Bois House merchandise (e.g., T-shirts, etc.) This is your chance to start the year informed, connected, and ready to thrive in our community. Attendance is required for all first-year Du Bois residents.
News & Announcements
Stouffer Fellow named William T. Grant Scholar
Finding Common Ground in KCECH
Benjamin Franklin Scholars receives $8M endowment
