Step inside the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania and discover what it's really like to be a student in the College through our official podcast. Explore the experiences of current students and receive insight from faculty and staff on how to make the most of your Penn experience. You'll get unfiltered stories every two weeks about campus life, how to overcome the challenges of balancing academics and social life, and the rewards of earning a degree in the College.
College Voices Podcast
Season 1 Episodes
Introducing College Voices, the official podcast exploring student life in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. Join podcast host, College Student Anusha Mathur, as she delves into the stories, experiences, and insights of students, faculty, and staff through captivating interviews. Tune in for a firsthand perspective on what it truly means to be a part of our vibrant academic community.
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music to sample for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
In this first episode, we explore the journey of finding your flow in the College and the challenges of adjusting to a new environment. Join us as we interview a student, a professor, and Weingarten staff members, who share valuable insights and resources to help ease your transition into college life. Discover the keys to unlocking your full potential and thriving in your academic journey.
Featured Interviewees:
Student Interviewee:
- Grace, COL'23 Cognitive Science with a concentration in Neuroscience
Faculty Interviewee:
- Ralph Rosen, Professor of Classical Studies
Weingarten Staff Interviewees:
- Oscar Escudero-Ortega, STEM Learning Specialist
- Kate La Spina, STEM Tutoring Coordinator
- Chenelle Boatswain, Learning Specialist
Resources Mentioned:
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
Every first Friday of the month, we'll be focussing on a timely topic or event in the College. In today's episode, we share the highlights and sounds from the Welcome to the College event that happened on August, 28, 2023. Join us as we hear from the Dean of the College, Paul Sniegowski and Director of Academic Advising, Dr. Carolyn Ureña, welcome the Class of 2027. Also, hear from several First-Year students as they explore the many exciting opportunities that await them in the College!
Featured Interviewees:
- Dr. Paul Sniegowski, Dean of the College, Professor of Biology
- Dr. Carolyn Ureña, Director of Academic Advising
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
- The College Office Staff and School of Arts and Sciences Departments/Programs for their participation in the Welcome to the College Event
From setbacks to comebacks: We’ll be unveiling the secrets of college success. In this episode, hear real stories, advice, and inspiration from a student, faculty member, and Director of Advising in the College of Arts and Sciences on embracing failures and turning them into stepping stones towards your dreams.
Featured Interviewees:
- Dr. Carolyn Ureña, Director of Academic Advising
- Dr. Lia Howard, Student Advising and Wellness Director
- Matteo, COL'25
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
Every first Friday of the month, we'll be focussing on a timely topic or event in the College. In today's episode, we sit down with Academic Advisors in the College Office to discuss some of the resources available to students this Fall semester to help them declare a major that's the right fit for them. We also hear from a student to hear about their journey exploring areas of interest before deciding their major.
Featured Interviewees:
- Dr. Niel McDowell, Associate Director of Academic Advising and Assistant Dean for Advising
Advisor for Language Requirement Substitution - Rupert Neish, Assistant Director of Advising Services and Academic Support
- Saya, Political Science Major
Resources Mentioned:
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
In this episode, we learn from the Executive Director of Penn Abroad about the study abroad process. Additionally, we hear firsthand accounts from current students about their transformative experiences studying abroad, gaining insights into the opportunities they've encountered along the way.
Featured Interviewees:
- Kristyn Palmiotto, Executive Director, Penn Abroad
- Sydney, Economics, Hispanic Studies
- Roni, Psychology Major
- Sarah, Design Major
- Charlotte, International Relations Major
Resources Mentioned:
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
In this episode, Anusha sits down with Advisors and Faculty to talk about Advance Registration tips and some things to keep in mind as you're developing your Primary cart, as well as some featured courses that are available for the spring semester.
Featured Interviewees:
- Dr. Niel McDowell, Associate Director of Academic Advising and Assistant Dean for Advising, Advisor for Language Requirement Substitution
- Rupert Neish, Assistant Director of Advising Services and Academic Support
- Dr. Christopher Donovan, Assistant Dean for Advising, Faculty in Cinema & Media Studies
- Dr. Masao Sako, Faculty in Physics and Astronomy
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
In today's episode, Anusha sits down with several students and The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) to talk about funding opportunities for research, internships and more. Anusha also shares her own stories of how some of these funding opportunities allowed her to take advantage of her internship experiences.
Featured Interviewees:
College Student Interviewees:
- Alex, Neuroscience Major
- Christina, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Major
- Mame, English and Cognitive Science Major
- Leo, Political Science Major
CURF Staff Interviewees:
- Dr. Ann Vernon-Grey, Senior Associate Director for Undergraduate Research
- Dr. Kerry Milch, Associate Director for Undergraduate Research
- Emily Sharp, Graduate Fellow
Resources Mentioned:
- Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program (PURM)
- RealArts@Penn
- Penn Program on Opinion Research and Election Studies (PORES)
- Research Peer Advisors
- Summer Humanities Internship Program (SHIP)
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
In our final episode for Season 1, Anusha sits down with staff members from the Weingarten Center, Penn Libraries and the LGBT Center, as well as upperclassmen students, to discuss resources available for finals as well as tips and advice. Hear more about the importance of creating a plan to stay organized and focused, but also finding balance during a busy time.
Featured Interviewees:
Student Interviewees:
- Roni, Psychology Major
- Ambika, Biology Major
- Samantha, Psychology and Anthropology Double Major
- Kayla, COL '26 - Undeclared
Weingarten Center Staff Interviewees:
- Oscar Escudero-Ortega, STEM Learning Specialist
- Leigh Monistere, Learning Specialist and Fellow
- Ayoung Lee, Learning Specialist and Fellow
Penn Libraries Staff Interviewees:
- Alexandrea Glenn, Student Engagement Librarian
- Steve Scaduto, Assistant Director of Learning Enrichment
LGBT Center Interviewees:
- Jake Muscato, Associate Director
Resources and Events Mentioned:
- Learning Consultations
- Drop-In Tutoring
- De-Stress Fest
- Virtual Study Breaks
- LGBT Center Events Calendar
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
Season 2 Episodes
We're back for a new semester and an all new season of College Voices. In this trailer, Anusha and her sister Maya interview several students to ask what some of their New Year's Resolutions are and what they hope to achieve in the Spring Semester ahead. Hear what they have to say and all of the things to look forward to as we bring back the Podcast.
Featured Interviewees:
Student Interviewees:
- Dexter
- Eliana
- Emilia
- Joyce
In the First Friday Focus of Season 2, Anusha has a conversation with College Office Associate Director of Academic Advising and Assistant Dean for Advising, Dr. Tanya Jung, to talk about how to make thoughtful decisions around the Course Selection Period, Drop, Grade Mode Change, and Withdraw Deadlines.
Featured Interviewee:
Dr. Tanya Jung, Associate Director of Academic Advising and Assistant Dean for Advising
Deadlines Mentioned:
- Drop Deadline: February 27, 2024
- Grade Mode Change (Pass/Fail) Deadline: March 22, 2024
- Withdraw Deadline: April 2, 2024
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music to sample for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
Join Anusha in this episode as she interviews Emily Barrale, the Associate Director for Data Visualization, Analysis & Reporting at Penn Career Services. Together, they dive into valuable tips and debunk common myths about the job and internship search, offering insights on how to land a job after graduation.
Featured Interviewees:
Student Interviewee:
- Hank, Communication Major - Politics & Policy Concentration
Staff Interviewee:
- Emily Barrale, Associate Director for Data Visualization, Analysis & Reporting
Resources Mentioned:
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music to sample for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
Join Anusha in this month's First Friday Focus as she dives into the exciting world of alternative breaks and chats with students and Associate Director of Social Justice Education and Student Programming at Civic House, LaDonna Marrero, about different opportunities to have a rewarding break. From unique travel adventures to impactful service projects, get ready for a burst of inspiration and a sneak peek into the diverse ways our community is making the most of this rejuvenating break!
Featured Interviewees:
Student Interviewee:
- Laura, C'25
- Mackenzi, C'24 - Anthropology Major Concentration in Archaeology.
Staff Interviewee:
- LaDonna Marrero, Associate Director of Social Justice Education and Student Programming at Civic House
Resources Mentioned:
- Penn Outdoors Club (UPOC): Instagram: @penn_outdoors
- Civic House/Penn Alternative Breaks: Instagram: @pennaltbreak
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music to sample for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
In today's episode, Anusha sits down and speaks with Senior Associate Director, Graduate School Advising, Carol Hagan, in Career Services, as well as students Caroline and Sutton, to discuss the different pathways that students interested in pre-med at Penn at can take and experience.
Featured Interviewees:
Student Interviewees:
- Caroline, C'24 - Biology Major - Pre-Med Track
- Sutton, C'25 - Classical Studies Major - Pre-Med Track
Staff Interviewee:
- Carol Hagan, Senior Associate Director, Graduate School Advising - Penn Career Services
Resources Mentioned:
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music to sample for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
Join Anusha as she sits down and chats with Elise Betz, Senior Executive Director of Alumni Relations to discuss the dynamic lore of Penn's traditions, from their origins in the late 1800s and early 1900s to their modern adaption for inclusion. This episode focuses on the historic Hey Day, Final Toast, Spring Fling and more famous Penn traditions, providing a deep dive into how the past and present intersect at Penn. Also hear from fellow Penn students about their favorite traditions.
Featured Interviewees:
Student Interviewees:
- Renee, C'24
- Alex, C'24
- Marvin, C'25
- Maya, C'26
- Caroline, C'24
Staff Interviewee:
- Elise Betz, Senior Executive Director of Alumni Relations
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music to sample for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
In this episode of College Voices, Anusha sits down with Associate Professor of Classical Studies and Faculty Director of Lauder College House, Cam Grey and two College students, Rene (COL' 24) and Maya (COL'26). Together they talk about their experiences in finding community at Penn and in the College, and how these community members collaborate to build genuine connections and support.
Featured Interviewees:
Student Interviewees:
- Rene, C'24
- Maya, C'26
Faculty Interviewee:
- Cam Grey, Associate Professor of Classical Studies and Faculty Director of Lauder College House
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music to sample for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer
Anusha revists her time last semester sitting down with staff members from the Weingarten Center, Penn Libraries and the LGBT Center, as well as upperclassmen students, to discuss resources available for finals as well as tips and advice. Hear more about the importance of creating a plan to stay organized and focused, but also finding balance during a busy time.
Featured Interviewees:
Student Interviewees:
- Roni, Psychology Major
- Ambika, Biology Major
- Samantha, Psychology and Anthropology Double Major
- Kayla, COL '26 - Undeclared
Weingarten Center Staff Interviewees:
- Oscar Escudero-Ortega, STEM Learning Specialist
- Leigh Monistere, Learning Specialist and Fellow
- Ayoung Lee, Learning Specialist and Fellow
Penn Libraries Staff Interviewees:
- Alexandrea Glenn, Student Engagement Librarian
- Steve Scaduto, Assistant Director of Learning Enrichment
LGBT Center Interviewees:
- Jake Muscato, Associate Director
Resources and Events Mentioned:
- Learning Consultations
- Drop-In Tutoring
- De-Stress Fest
- Virtual Study Breaks
- LGBT Center Events Calendar
Special Thanks To:
- Penn Counterparts for providing music for this week's episode.
- Anusha Mathur, Show Host & Writer
- Josh Fabel, Show Writer & Production Specialist
- Gwen Cohen, Show Producer