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Veterans and Active Military

Description

The University of Pennsylvania supports its veteran and military-affiliated community through resources related to wellness, career development, community engagement, and campus support.

Military-affiliated postdoctoral trainees may access resources across Penn, including confidential counseling, wellbeing programs, career advising, and community programs for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

Career Services for Veterans

Penn Career Services offers individualized advising for military-affiliated students, postdoctoral trainees, and alumni. Career advisors can assist with translating military experience into academic or industry roles, preparing application materials, and exploring career paths.

Community and Engagement

Penn’s Seats for Soldiers program offers complimentary tickets to athletic events for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. The program is supported by VetTix and the Philadelphia VA Medical Center.

For questions about Seats for Soldiers, contact the Penn Ticket Office at 215-898-6151 or tickets@pobox.upenn.edu.

Behavioral Health and Wellbeing

Postdoctoral trainees may access 24/7 confidential counseling and referral services through Penn’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

EAP contact options include:

Resource Information

For current veteran and military-affiliated resources, including education, wellness, and career support, visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs.

Veterans and Military-Affiliated Resources

Related FAQs

Am I eligible for commuter benefits?

Eligibility for commuter benefits depends on your postdoctoral classification:

  • Postdoctoral researchers (paid as full-time employees through Penn) are eligible for both the Commuter Program (which includes pre-tax deductions and transit subsidies through WageWorks/HealthEquity) and the parking benefit (post-tax payroll deductions).

  • NRSA postdoctoral fellows, however, are not eligible for the Commuter Program and cannot use pre-tax deductions for transit. They are eligible only for the parking benefit, which may be paid through post-tax payroll deduction, if applicable.

If you are unsure of your classification or payroll setup, please consult your department’s business administrator.

How do I know if I’m eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits Plan?

All postdoctoral researchers and fellows are required to have health insurance. Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows are eligible to enroll in health through the Penn Benefits Plan for Postdocs. Postdocs have three options for health insurance plans. Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans will mirror options available to faculty and staff. Exceptions to this eligibility rule are rare. If you are uncertain of your funding source, please contact your department or the school’s business administrator.

Is benefits enrollment required for all postdocs?

Yes. You must participate by either enrolling or waiving benefits in Workday. This is required during your onboarding process and each year during open enrollment.

What benefits are available to postdocs?

Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows are eligible for the Penn Postdoc Benefits plan.

What happens to my benefits if funding for my postdoc position changes?

If your funding changes from NRSA to non-NRSA funding (or vice versa), you will need to switch benefits plans. You will be contacted by Penn HR through Workday to determine whether your support will be from NRSA or non-NRSA funds.

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