The University of Pennsylvania (Penn or UPenn) is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for its strong programs in history, public policy, international studies and relations, languages, and political science, and is globally recognized for its contributions to research, innovation, and public service, with a historical emphasis on training leaders in academia, commerce, and governance. Founded through the efforts of Benjamin Franklin, it is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Established initially as a charity school in 1740, it evolved into an academy in 1751 and was officially chartered as the College and Academy of Philadelphia in 1755, with Franklin serving as its first president. The university claims to be the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and the first modern university in the country, offering both undergraduate and graduate studies. It comprises four undergraduate schools and twelve graduate and professional schools, including the renowned Wharton School of Business (the world's first collegiate business school, founded 1881), which is a hub for future finance leaders; the Perelman School of Medicine (the nation's first medical school, established 1765); the College of Arts and Sciences; and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (founded 1887). The university maintains prominent policy programs. Notably, post-presidency, President Joe Biden held a named professorship at Penn from 2017 to 2021, focusing on diplomacy and global affairs. The University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS), integrated with the Perelman School of Medicine as Penn Medicine, operates a major multi-hospital network including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and Pennsylvania Hospital, making it a leading clinical and research entity. The university has faced various controversies, including a 2023 lawsuit by students alleging antisemitism on campus amid heightened tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to policy reviews and criticisms of administrative responses. In 2024, Penn agreed to policies banning transgender women from women's sports teams in response to state-level athletic regulations. Additionally, the institution disclosed a data breach in late 2024 (reported as 2025 in some sources), where hackers compromised internal systems and stole sensitive data, prompting investigations and notifications to affected individuals. These events highlight ongoing challenges in campus governance, diversity, and cybersecurity at one of America's most prestigious academic institutions.