UPennAlert

Assault reported in the 4000 block of Walnut Street

UPennAlert: Assault reported in the 4000 block of Walnut Street – Large group of individuals in the area. Increased police activity in the area. Police on scene, use caution, avoid the immediate area.

The suspect is described as a juvenile male wearing all dark clothing.

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The Division of Public Safety has developed a few helpful risk reduction strategies outlined below. Know that it is never the fault of the person impacted (victim/survivor) by crime.

  • Stay out of immediate area.
  • Stay alert and reduce distractions; using cellphones, ear buds, etc. may limit your awareness.
  • Orient yourself to your surroundings. (Identify your location, nearby exits, etc.)
  • Utilize 24/7/365 Walking Escort services (215-898-WALK/9255).
  • Only carry necessary documents.
  • Keep your valuables out of sight.
  • Be respectful of those involved in the incident.
  • If you believe you see the described suspect, do not engage – call 215-573-3333.
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The Division of Public Safety will continue to ensure the highest level of safety and security for our community.

Emergencies 215-573-3333 / 511 (campus phone)
General Information 215-898-7297
Special Services 215-898-4481 (215-898-6600 off-hours)
HELP Line 215-898-HELP (4357)
DPS Headquarters 4040 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Update UPennAlert Info PennGuardian Registration
Walking Escort 215-898-WALK (9255)
Penn Transit Ride 215-898-RIDE (7433)
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DPS Special Notice

Potential SEPTA Strike

We are monitoring the possibility of a SEPTA strike occurring after November 7. Penn Transportation, Parking & Commuter Services has contingency plans in place, listed below. Check back frequently for real-time updates.

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On October 27, SEPTA’s Transport Workers Union voted to authorize a potential mass-transit strike.

If a strike were to occur, it would likely begin with the morning commute on Friday, November 8, 2024. We write today to share Penn’s contingency plans.

We anticipate that SEPTA will issue guidance this week on which specific services and lines would be impacted by a strike. Based on precedent, in the event of a strike, we expect the following services to be suspended:

•     Market-Frankford Line
•     Broad Street and Broad Ridge Spur Lines
•     City Transit Bus, Trolley, and Trackless Trolley Routes

We expect the following services to continue to operate:

•     SEPTA Regional Rail Lines
•     SEPTA Customized Community Transportation (CCT) service
•     LUCY Shuttle service
•     Norristown High Speed Line
•     Trolley Routes 101 and 102
•     Frontier and Victory suburban bus service

We recognize that a SEPTA service disruption would pose challenges to many of our faculty and staff, and we are committed to doing everything we can to support our community. Supervisors are encouraged to be as flexible as possible in considering requests for temporary adjustments to staff work schedules (provided they do not disrupt operations), especially as some staff members already may be working remotely in some capacity. Specific guidelines are available on the Flexible, Hybrid & Remote Work webpage to help employees and supervisors consider such options as working from home, earlier/later arrival/departure times, and longer but fewer workdays. For information on backup childcare and elder care resources, please visit the Caring for Your Family webpages.

Hours of work for University staff assigned to work at UPHS, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), or the Wistar Institute are established in accordance with operational needs.
Contingency Transportation Plans
In collaboration with Drexel University, UPHS, and CHOP, Penn will provide free transit services to all employees, as follows:
Penn Transit and Drexel Transportation will offer express shuttle transportation from the 69th Street Terminal and 15th and Locust Street.
CHOP and UPHS will offer additional shuttle options serving South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, Lancaster Avenue, and Woodland Avenue.
The LUCY shuttle will continue normal operations, with free service for employees of Penn, UPHS, CHOP, and Wistar.

Riders are welcome to use these services for free upon presentation of a valid PennCard or Penn-provided Transit Guest pass, which will be accepted on any of the vehicles operated by the above organizations, regardless of which entity is offering the service.
You will find details on each of the above services, as well as information on available parking options, on the Penn Transportation, Parking and Commuter Services website. Strike-contingency routes will also be trackable in real time on the PennTransit Mobile app.
Please be aware that even though these options are intended to assist employees with their commutes, they are in no way envisioned as a direct replacement for the full scope and capacity of SEPTA services. We also anticipate increased traffic congestion and limited parking around campus and in our parking facilities for non-permit holders. Commuters are encouraged to consider additional solutions such as hybrid work arrangements, carpooling, biking, and walking.
As the overall circumstances are dynamic, the above details are subject to change as the University seeks to optimize the services offered. We encourage faculty and staff to closely monitor www.septa.org and local news for reports about service disruptions and visit the Penn Transportation, Parking and Commuter Services website for real-time updates to the University’s contingency plans.

Michael D. Scales; Vice President, Business Services

Kathleen Shields Anderson J.D., MBA; Vice President, Public Safety

Felicia A. Washington; Vice President, Human Resources