Division of Human Resources

Frequently Asked Questions of New University Employees

» Where can I find useful information about the University of Pennsylvania in general?
» What are some resources at Penn that I may want to know about?
» What are some key policies at Penn that I may want to know about?
» What type of assistance is available to me for problems and challenges in my personal and professional life?
» Where can I find the information I need relating to my benefits package?
» Where can I find information on University parking and transportation?
» Are there any programs available to assist me with purchasing a home in the community?
» What do I do if I have an emergency on campus?
» Where can I find information on Tuition Benefits?
» How can I find out about getting paid and/or having my paycheck deposited directly into my bank account?
» What do I need to do when my address changes?

Where can I find useful information about the University of Pennsylvania in general?

What are some resources at Penn that I may want to know about?

What are some key policies at Penn that I may want to know about?

Some key policies to review include, but are not limited to:

What type of assistance is available to me for problems and challenges in my personal and professional life?

The Employee Assistance Program is available to you in these types of situations.  More information on this program is available on the EAP information page.

Where can I find the information I need relating to my benefits package?

Information on your benefits, including retirement, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, can be found on the University of Pennsylvania Benefits Web Site.

Where can I find information on University parking and transportation?

Information on parking and transportation can be found on University of Pennsylvania Parking & Transportation Web Site.

Are there any programs available to assist me with purchasing a home in the community?

The University of Pennsylvania Community Housing Program offers programs such as the Enhanced Mortgage Program and the Home Improvement Program.

What do I do if I have an emergency on campus?

For emergencies that require the assistance of police, fire or ambulance dial 511 from your campus phone (or 215-573-3333).  Tell the dispatcher the location and nature of the emergency.  For more information, please refer to the Division of Public Safety.

Where can I find information on Tuition Benefits?

Information on tuition benefits for you, your spouse, or eligible dependents can be found on the Division of Human Resource's Web Site, including all applicable policies and application forms. 

How can I find out about getting paid and/or having my paycheck deposited directly into my bank account?

Information on getting paid and direct deposit can be found on the Office of the Comptroller's Web Site.

What do I need to do when my address changes?

Active employees can go to www.upenn.edu/u@penn (click on My Profile, then click on Edit My Profile) or contact your Business Administrator in order to update your address on the payroll system and with the health and welfare carriers (e.g., Independence Blue Cross). To update your address with the retirement carriers, you must contact TIAA-CREF and Vanguard directly.

Inactive employees must email the payroll office at  with your new address.

Please remember that it is extremely important to keep your address updated with the University so that you will receive important mailings such as Open Enrollment materials and tax information (i.e., W-2's).