Information and Application
Program Information and Expectations
Students must apply to participate in this short-term course. Applicants must be in good academic standing. Preference will be given to first-years and sophomores. WIEP courses must be taken for a letter grade.
Professor Prasanna Tambe will serve as the faculty member for this course and will be in residence with the students throughout the program. Please note that students are subject to Penn’s disciplinary guidelines while on a Wharton-sponsored program.
Course Description
This 0.5-credit course is designed for students interested in exploring the complex interplay between artificial intelligence (AI), information, and ethics within the context of real-world tech companies. Taking full advantage of New York City’s vibrant tech ecosystem, students will visit a selection of technology companies where new business technologies are being deployed and evaluated.
Through site visits and panel discussions, students will gain firsthand insight into how businesses tackle the commercial, social, regulatory, and ethical concerns surrounding AI topics ranging from data privacy and algorithmic bias. This immersive experience will help participants critically analyze tradeoffs with business use of AI and information technology.
Learning Objectives:
- To provide an overview of the ethical and regulatory challenges facing the AI and tech industry.
- To facilitate understanding of the practical implementation and societal impact of AI technologies.
- To encourage critical thinking around the ethical deployment of AI in the tech and media sectors
- To offer a platform for networking and informational interviews with professionals in the field
Prerequisites: None
Course Requirements
Participants will be required to attend three pre-travel classes in the fall 2023 semester, which will provide an introduction to the tech sector in New York. Students will conduct research and prepare case studies. Attendance and participation in these classes are part of the grade for the course. Required readings will also be assigned.
While on the travel portion of the course, students must attend all scheduled lectures, business site visits, and alumni networking events. A paper will be due approximately one month after travel is completed.
Please make sure that you have enough CUs for the spring 2024 semester, so that we can register you for the 0.5 cu course if admitted to the course.
Business-Site Visits
Through business-site visits and meetings with senior managers and alumni, students will gain an understanding of the tech sector in the NYC area.
Program Deadlines, Fees, and Logistics
Program Dates and Deadlines
| Completed Application Due | October 13 |
| Notification of Students | October 23 |
| Payment Due | Spring 2024 bursar bill |
| Pre-Trip Class 1 | November 10 – 3:30 – 6:00pm |
| Pre-Trip Class 2 | December 1 – 4:00 – 5:00pm |
| Pre-Trip Class 3 | December 8 – 3:30 – 6:00pm |
| Travel Dates | January 10-13, 2024 |
Fee Information and Payment Schedule
The program fee for the course is $600.
This fee covers course supplies, most meals, lodging for the duration of the program, ground transportation, business site visits, cultural excursions, and fees for services.
The fee does not include:
- Travel to/from NYC
- Some meals
- Personal phone, email, laundry
- Health insurance
- Personal spending money
- Incidental expenses not included in the fee (snacks, outside entertainment, etc.)
Payment will be included on the spring bursar bill.
Financial Assistance
Students receiving financial aid from Penn may be eligible for financial assistance for WIEP. Please note that financial assistance for WIEP is coordinated by the Wharton Undergraduate Division and not Student Financial Services. Any financial assistance for WIEP will be noted in students’ acceptance letters. Students will receive their financial aid awards after successful completion of the course.
If you are requesting assistance, please check the box on the WIEP application. We will notify you about your financial assistance package upon admittance to the program.
Travel Logistics
Travel: You are responsible for booking and paying for your travel to/from NYC. You must arrive at the hotel in NYC by 1pm on January 10. The program will conclude at/around 1pm on January 13.
Accommodations: Living arrangements in NYC will be made for all participants. Rooms will be double occupancy.
Insurance: All participants must show proof of current health insurance coverage before departing on the program.
Ground transportation: Participants will travel by private coach or metro to all business and cultural sites.
Meals: Please contact Ariel Robbins if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies.
COVID-19: All student participants must be vaccinated and boosted.
Cancellation Policy
The Wharton School reserves the right to cancel the course for any reason before the departure date. Participants will be notified as soon as possible in the case of trip cancellation.
If the Wharton School cancels the program for any reason before the date of departure, all payments received will be refunded. Bus or train expenses will not be refunded should the program be canceled.
Please note: If a participant cancels prior to November 1, 2023, 50 percent of the payment will be refunded. If a participant cancels on or after November 1 2023, the entire payment is non-refundable.
Program Contact Information
Ariel Robbins, Associate Director
Wharton Undergraduate Division
Email: aarobbin@wharton.upenn.edu