FAQ

If we haven’t answered your question below, please reach out to penngpa@gmail.com!

Who can join GPA?
Any Penn student is welcome to join, or apply to, any of our three branches, irrespective of your year, school, or major! The wider Penn community can also attend our speaker events and debates without being part of GPA.

Is there an application process?
The Polybian Society does not have an application process, simply attend a Polybian event! The Penn Political Union does not either, the more debaters the better! Due to the long-term project-based teamwork of both The Forum and the Penn Political Review, these branches do require an application in the opening weeks of the Fall semester.

When is orientation?
Orientation is typically held in the second week of the Fall semester. We tend to set the date, time, and location right before the first week, if not during the first week at the latest. Please check the home page or Join + Contact page for further details around that time of year!

What is the time commitment?
Every branch has its own rules, there is no broader GPA requirement. Most branches meet at least once a week. For Polybian, members can attend however often they feel. For PPU, there is no hard requirement but expectations are that members regularly attend. For The Forum and PPR, meetings are mandatory.

How social is GPA?
It’s what you make of it! Polybian is, by its informal nature, a very social branch. Other branches are more work-oriented during meetings but members get to know each other well through their work and the branches host social events throughout the year!

Do I need to have an interest in politics?
Not at all. There is no formal or cultural requirement/preference for students with a deep interest in politics. Some of our members broadly follow current events, some have a special interest in a topic or region, and some just like to come and ask questions.

Does GPA collaborate with other clubs?
Yes! GPA collaborates primarily with other political clubs on campus when hosting events, but we like to work with all sorts of campus organizations.

What does Polybian discuss in its symposiums?
Anything and everything! We try to include a wide array of topics throughout the year. If you have an idea, pitch it to the branch board!

When does The Forum take its annual trip?
The Forum’s annual policy trip typically occurs between mid-March to mid-April. It lasts one full day, with early morning and late night Amtrak rides to and from Philadelphia. There may be an additional trip to Harrisburg depending on the interest of members to write a state-level policy proposal as well.

How many editions does the Penn Political Review release?
PPR releases between two to three editions every year.

Is food provided at branch meetings/events?
This depends on the branch and event. Polybian typically provides a weekly dinner, but the other branches (typically) do not. As for events, many are catered but it is not a guarantee.