Mission
The mission of the cohort system is to create small, cohesive communities for a diverse Wharton undergraduate population.
The Cohort Experience
Before arrival in the fall, every student entering their first year at Wharton is placed in one of 10 cohorts comprised of approximately 60 students each. Students will also take Wharton 1010: Business and You in the fall with their cohort.
Each cohort is supported by upperclassmen cohort leaders who provide mentorship and plan programs for their cohort. Cohort leaders are a great resource for first-year students. They can answer many questions and concerns first-years have as well as connect students to the right resource. The cohort program is overseen by associate director, Lisa Podolsky.
In addition, a variety of events are planned for each cohort with a focus on programming for first-year students. Through these activities, students meet cohort members from their class year and other class years. This allows students to expand their personal and professional networks.
Cohort Leadership Opportunities
Leaders in the cohort system work collaboratively to plan activities and events for their individual cohorts and the larger Wharton community. Each cohort typically has one executive director, two-three directors, and one first-year representative.
Executive Directors are juniors and seniors that oversee their respective cohorts in addition to serving on the Cohort Executive Board, which is comprised of the ten executive directors and two co-chairs. The Board works directly with the Undergraduate Division to implement the strategies and objectives of the cohort system. This position is held for one year with the opportunity to reapply. Cohort executive directors must have previously served in the cohort system in roles other than first-year representatives.
Directors are sophomores, juniors, or seniors who provide support to and plan activities for first-year students in their respective cohorts. This position is held for one year with the opportunity to reapply.
First-Year Representatives are first-year students selected at the beginning of the academic year to serve as liaisons between their cohort peers and their cohort directors. They help create community within their respective cohort by planning events and initiatives with other cohort leaders. This position is held for one year.
Cohort Mentors serve as upper-level mentors to first-year students in their cohort. Mentors help with the transition to Wharton and Penn by answering questions and sharing personal experiences and insight with their first-year mentees. Mentor-mentee pairs connect by setting up chats, study breaks, and other activities.
Cohort Cup
Each year, the ten cohorts compete for the coveted Cohort Cup. Students earn points for their cohorts through friendly competitions such as the Amazing Cohort Race and participating in events. The cohort with the most points at the end of the semester wins the Cohort Cup and has a celebratory event!
Cohort Cup Winners:
- 2023-2024: Cohort Dollar
- 2022-2023: Cohort Euro
- 2021-2022: Cohort Euro
- 2020-2021: Cohort Dinar
- 2019-2020: Cohort Shekel
- 2018-2019: Cohort Dinar
- 2017-2018: Cohort Yuan
- 2016-2017: Cohort Rupee
- 2015-2016: Cohort Shekel
- 2014-2015: Cohort Rupee
- 2013-2014: Cohort Peso
- 2012-2013: Cohort Peso
- 2011-2012: Cohort Shekel
- 2010-2011: Cohort Shekel
- 2009-2010: Cohort Dollar
- 2008-2009: Cohort Dollar
- 2007-2008: Cohort Rand
- 2006-2007: Cohort Yen