About Us:
The First-Generation, Low-Income (FGLI) Dean’s Advisory Board is a student group at Penn that serves the purpose of hearing the academic and social challenges of FGLI students and subsequently discussing them with College Dean Peter Struck and other administrators. From there, we introduce and carry out solutions for said problems. We are very excited to get to know FGLI students from all years and to start creating a safe space where students can feel comfortable talking to us. Our primary focus is in the College, but we do advocate for all FGLI students across the four undergraduate schools.
Office of the Dean:
As dean of the College, Dr. Struck has responsibility for undergraduate curricula, programs and students in all departments and nondepartmental programs in Penn Arts & Sciences. He directs the College office and collaborates with the administration of the School of Arts & Sciences on planning and priorities for undergraduate education in the arts and sciences at Penn.
Prior to his appointment as Dean, Dr. Struck was the director of the Benjamin Franklin Scholars (BFS) from 2009 to 2023. During his tenure, he created the Integrated Studies first-year curriculum for BFS students, reshaped BFS into a residential program, and initiated Ben Connects programs to provide support for career exploration. Other leadership roles have included chairing the School of Arts & Sciences Curriculum Committee and the School of Arts & Sciences Continuing Education Committee.
He also chaired the Department of Classical Studies from 2016 to 2022, becoming one of the first Penn Arts & Sciences faculty to engage in online instruction and has continued to teach a summer online course via the College of Liberal & Professional Studies. For his teaching, Dr. Struck has earned the University’s Lindback Award, the School of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Award for Innovation in Teaching, and the College of General Studies Distinguished Teaching Award. Additionally, he is a two time recipient of the prestigious Charles J. Goodwin Award of Merit for best book in classical studies.
Today, the Dean looks forward to expanding his focus on first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students in his new role. Through prioritizing initiatives that enhance access and resources for FGLI students at Penn, he aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable educational environment at Penn.