Welcome to Franklin’s Forum

A community of Penn alumni committed to academic excellence, the pursuit of truth, free expression, and governance focused on self-improvement.

Latest newsletters

Issue 28 — Penn’s New Model for Funding Innovation

Mar 6, 2026

The traditional model for funding university research is under pressure. Penn is building a new pipeline to support innovation.

Issue 27 — From Intention to Impact for Penn’s Title VI Office

Feb 27, 2026

Penn's Title VI Office launched a university-wide non-discrimination training last month. Can the training be effective if it's voluntary?

Issue 26 — A Strike Avoided, A Budget Tested

Feb 20, 2026

Penn narrowly averted a graduate student strike. Today, we dive into the impacts of the new agreement between the university and the graduate student union.

Issue 25 — Penn Is Keeping Its Options Open

Feb 13, 2026

Flexibility, not growth or cuts, now anchors Penn’s financial approach.

Issue 24 — Intention vs. Impact for Penn Medicine’s New Curriculum

Feb 6, 2026

Penn's medical school received a $8 million donation to overhaul its curriculum. The initiative's success will depend on its outcomes, not just its novelty.