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 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.

Issue 23 — Open Expression at Penn: Could “Temporary” Become Permanent?

Jan 30, 2026

Penn introduced temporary expression guidelines in 2024 with the promise of a formal process to amend the rules. Two years later, the temporary guidelines still stand.

Issue 22 — What Is the Governor’s Role in Penn’s Governance?

Jan 24, 2026

Governor Josh Shapiro's new memoir discusses his recent involvement at Penn. Today, we consider the governor's role as the President of the Trustees.