Welcome to the University of Pennsylvania!

We are excited to have you join the Department of Biology and would like to make the process as easy as possible. This document will help you know what to expect during the onboarding process.

Here’s what you have to look forward to:

Emails Emails Emails!

On the first day or your appointment, you will receive a collection of emails from Workday@Penn to the email address you used during the application process. Be sure to check your SPAM or Junk Mail folder for any missing emails.

It will be tempting to complete the tasks that await you, but there is something you need first. Your PennKey!

Look for an automated email from pennkey@isc.upenn.edu to create your PennKey. Your PennKey will become your email address at UPenn and your key to gaining access to computer and software systems, including Workday. An email will be sent to the email address you used during the application process shortly after the Workday@Penn emails.

Things to keep in mind when setting up your PennKey and DUO Multi-Factor Authentication.

• Your PennKey will become your email address at UPenn.
• Please note that once selected, your PennKey cannot be changed. Ask your Local Support Provider if you dislike all the options presented BEFORE choosing.
• Multi-Factor Authentication is required for all Penn Community members. It’s easy to use, and it dramatically increases the security of your PennKey protected account.
• You will need to setup a Multi-Factor Authentication system called DUO Mobile during the PennKey set up process. It is recommended to open the email on a device separate from the one you are installing the DUO Mobile Multi-Factor Authentication system as you will need to scan a QR code to activate it.
• Download and install the DUO Mobile app on the device you want to use.
• Follow the directions in the email to complete the Multi-Factor Authentication process. You will receive an email confirmation once you have finished enrollment.

Once you have set up your PennKey and Multi-Factor Authentication, you can now log into Workday to complete the tasks that await you. You will need to complete the University’s electronic onboarding process on or before your first day of work at Penn.

Setup PennKey if not already completed.

Completing all onboarding tasks in Workday.

Reviewing the latest safety guidelines and reading announcements on Penn’s COVID-19 Response Website.

Upload COVID-19 vaccine information in Workday.

Visiting a PennCard office for photo and ID.

Connecting with SAS computing to set up your email address, logins, internet, and other access needs.

At least 24 hours after you create your PennKey (or 24 hours after your official start date, whichever comes second) please log into the Penn Email system to create a Penn Email.

Setting up your email signature.

Upload a photo to gmail, Workday, and Zoom (if you wish as you access these systems).

Review Biology at Penn People pages to put a name to all the new faces you’ll see.

Checking in with your Primary Investigator for any additional tasks needed specific to your position

Download and fill out the Biology Department Key Request Form for any keys you’ll need.

• There is a refundable deposit fee of $15 per key.
• Email Business Office at bio-business@upenn.edu to inform them when you will be stopping by to make the deposit payment.
• Print then take form to business office, located at Goddard Labs, Room 212.
• Return with signed form and payment receipt to Lynch Loading dock to pick up key(s).

What’s out there?

Want something to eat?

There are many local places from which to order or visit for take-out.

• Franklin’s Table is a “Food hall for all”.
• Check out the many food trucks along University Avenue, 38th Street, and Spruce Street.
• Wawa is great for sandwiches, drinks, and snacks.
• Check out Shop @ Penn Dine section to see other fabulous local food options.

Need to step away for a moment?

I invite you to take some time and enjoy the various gardens and green spaces around UPenn. You can also check out the Edible Campus Map for more spots to visit. Please note that all UPenn (including Kaskey Park) is a tobacco-free campus, so, if you are a person who uses tobacco products, please do so out on University Ave or 38th street.

James G. Kaskey Memorial Park This wonderful oasis (located behind Lynch and Leidy) is the historic botanic garden for UPenn and is still managed by our department – in fact, it is the only part of campus that is still overseen by a department and not facilities. Wandering the wooded paths in all seasons is a wonderful way to de-stress and take mental breaks from your research and work.

Shakespeare Garden Located in front of the Duhring Wing of the Fisher Fine Arts Building, this tranquil spot that celebrates plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s writings has transitioned from featuring mostly annual plants, which require more maintenance, to more perennials and native plants which are lower maintenance.

Penn Park A stunning reclamation and re-imagination of a former industrial site, this park, which opened in 2011, increased green space on campus by nearly 20 percent and created a vibrant connection between Center City and West Philadelphia. Underground cisterns, bioswales and meadows capture rainwater and mitigate storm water overflow into the Schuylkill River. Over 500 mainly native canopy trees were carefully chosen for this 24-acre recreational space at the east end of campus.

What are you curious about:

Penn Bookstore University of Pennsylvania Official Bookstore for men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, gifts, textbooks, and more. Show your PennCard for a discount!

Penn Museum Explore amazing art and artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece and Italy, Mesopotamia, Asia, Africa, and the Americas and more at this world renowned museum. Free to access with your PennCard.

Please know that the onboarding process may change, so if any aspect of this document is incorrect, unclear, or has changed, please reach out to Marissa Lopez at malope@sas.upenn.edu.

Once more, welcome to the Department of Biology!