An Update for the Penn Community: University Operations During the Visit by Pope Francis to Philadelphia |
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September 15, 2015, Volume 62, No. 05 |
Last month we announced that Penn would suspend normal operations on Friday, September 25, to accommodate the travel and logistical challenges that will exist in the Philadelphia region during the visit by Pope Francis. We write now to provide an update on the University’s preparations.
As a reminder, all classes and University-sponsored events are cancelled on this date. Designated essential personnel—including offices such as but not limited to Public Safety, Dining Services and Facilities that provide essential services, University emergency personnel and those responsible for the health and safety of students and lab animals—will be required to report to work and should consult with their supervisors about accommodations and scheduling. Other staff members, faculty members and students should treat the day under the same protocols as a weather-related suspension of operations. Penn Medicine staff should consult with their supervisors about work schedules.
A web page has been created with details on the hours of operation and availability of student services during the weekend of the Pope’s visit. The website will be updated as any new or additional information becomes available, and can be accessed at: http://www.upenn.edu/about/papal-visit
During the Pope’s visit, traffic closures will extend to 38th Street. A map showing the areas of the city that will be blocked to traffic can be accessed directly at this link: http://www.upenn.edu/about/papal-visit-maps The Division of Public Safety is working with essential personnel from the University and Penn Medicine to provide access, as well as retail stores and restaurants in University City to access the traffic box for essential business purposes during specific non-peak hours.
Public Safety has also developed a set of alternate routes to campus for those who will need to travel to work during the Papal visit. While road closures and traffic cannot be guaranteed, the alternate suggestions may provide you with useful options to consider if you must travel during this time period. The alternate routes can be found at: http://www.upenn.edu/about/papal-visit-maps#papal-routes
Additional information from the City of Philadelphia can be found at this site: http://www.phila.gov/InformationCenters/pope/Pages/default.aspx
We very much appreciate the dedication and commitment of all those in the Penn family who will be working through this historic weekend to ensure that our students, faculty and staff have access to facilities and services and patients at our hospitals continue to receive world-class care.
—Vincent Price, Provost
—Craig Carnaroli, Executive Vice President
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