Last Updated on July 29, 2023

8 #TempleTraditions that all Owls know about | Temple Now

Looking for a good option to pursue your educational dreams in Philadelphia, PA? Temple University has you covered. With all the things you’d find in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, you’ll surely be satisfied along with the 28,709 other undergraduates that attend this school. 67% of entering students are first-time, full-time students. This means this school may be a good fit for students of a variety of educational backrounds (both traditional and non-traditional).

Explore more information on Is Temple a respected University?, Why should I attend Temple University?, Is it safe to attend Temple University? on Collegelearners

About Temple University

Founded as a night school by Russell Conwell in 1884, Temple University has evolved into an international powerhouse in higher education and a top-tier research institution with roughly 40,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.

As the largest university in one of the nation’s most iconic cities, Temple educates diverse future leaders from across Philadelphia, the country and the world who share a common drive to learn, prepare for their careers and make a real impact.

Temple offers students a dynamic and nurturing learning environment with the support of a renowned faculty, dedicated academic advisors focused on setting a clear path to graduation and a broad curriculum of more than 500 academic programs. A longtime leader in professional education, Temple is also among the nation’s largest educators in the combined fields of dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy and podiatry.

Investments in the campus learning environment have elevated the university’s capabilities across its 17 schools and colleges with impressive results. In 2015, Temple achieved the R1 Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing it among the most active research universities in the nation. Temple also recently celebrated several milestones, including a Rhodes scholar, a Goldwater scholar, and its largest and brightest graduating class.

Temple’s bustling Main Campus is set against the backdrop of the Philadelphia skyline. Green space, athletic facilities and eclectic architecture ranging from the historic Temple Performing Arts Center to an emerging state-of-the-art Charles Library form a vibrant residential setting. Temple’s NCAA Division I athletic programs and hundreds of student organizations thrive on campus.

Philadelphia’s public university, Temple provides an unparalleled value to families in the region and serves as an essential resource to the surrounding community. Temple also offers a gateway to the world with long-standing international campuses in Tokyo and Rome and study abroad opportunities across six continents.

Mission Statement

Temple University educates a vibrant student body and creates new knowledge through innovative teaching, research and other creative endeavors. Our urban setting provides transformative opportunities for engaged scholarship, experiential learning, and discovery of self, others and the world. We open our doors to a diverse community of learners and scholars who strive to make the possible real.

We are committed to the ideals upon which Temple was founded:

providing access to an excellent, affordable higher education that prepares students for careers, further learning and active citizenship.
creating a collaborative community of outstanding faculty and staff who foster inclusion and encourage the aspirations of Temple students.
promoting service and engagement throughout Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the nation and the world.

President

Temple’s president is the public face of the university and is responsible for supporting and managing all of its academic, administrative and financial operations. The President works closely with faculty, administrators, trustees, students and alumni to set the university’s goals and uphold its mission.

Trustees

The Board of Trustees is Temple’s governing body, responsible for the educational mission and fiscal policies of the university. The trustees also are responsible for electing the university president, adopting an annual plan of financial operation and establishing degrees to be awarded.

Campus Development

Temple is investing millions of dollars into new and upgraded facilities as part of the Visualize Temple campus plan and the complementary Verdant Temple landscaping plan. Temple’s vibrant residential campus continues to evolve, with exciting new academic and recreation spaces, as well as significant renovations and upgrades.

Community

Temple’s ties to its community are strong and deep, dating back to its founding in 1884 as an institution that served working people in the local community. Today, the university has not strayed from its original mission and remains a beacon of public service, social activism and community engagement

History

Temple University’s history begins in 1884, when a young working man asked Russell Conwell if he could tutor him at night. A well-known Philadelphia minister, Conwell quickly said yes. It wasn’t long before he was teaching several dozen students—working people who could only attend class at night but had a strong desire to make something of themselves.

Conwell recruited volunteer faculty to participate in the burgeoning night school, and in 1888 he received a charter of incorporation for “The Temple College.” His founding vision for the school was to provide superior educational opportunities for academically talented and highly motivated students, regardless of their backgrounds or means.

The fledgling college continued to grow, adding programs and students throughout the following decades. Today, Temple’s more than 35,000 students continue to follow the university’s official motto—Perseverantia Vincit, or “Perseverance Conquers”—with their supreme dedication to excellence in academics, research, athletics, the arts and more.

Russell H. Conwell

Inspired by the legend of a prosperous farmer, Ali Hafed, Conwell sowed the seeds of service during his lifetime as lawyer, minister and educator.

Temple Traditions

The Temple “T.” The Owl. The Cherry and White.

Acres of Diamonds

“Acres of Diamonds” is Russell Conwell’s best-known speech, and the inspiration behind the Temple University mission.

Commencement

Though Commencement is an annual event, we know it marks a major milestone in the lives of our graduates. With each year comes a new crop of talented and driven alumni, ready to effect change in all they do!

Honorary Degrees

Temple University has a rich tradition of awarding honorary degrees to outstanding leaders, artists, scientists, journalists and professionals from all walks of life whose values and achievements exemplify the mission and ideals of the university.

Temple Insider’s Guide: Things you’re gonna want to know ASAP

Fly in 4 is a free program designed to keep you on track so you can graduate in four years, because literally no one wants to pay for extra semesters. Most incoming freshmen sign up, but if you haven’t already you still can as long as it’s before the add/drop a course date: Sept. 9.

Uh, what’s the Bursar’s Office for again?
That’s where your tuition and university housing bill is coming from. So, it’s a pretty important office. No matter who is actually paying your bill, it’s in your name so make sure it gets paid. How can you do that? Sign up your parents or support systems to be an authorized payer.

You can use your Diamond Dollars all over camus and at some spot near campus.
Quick refresher: Diamond Dollars are basically $$$ that you, or anyone (probs should be someone you know …), can load onto your OWLcard. Use them at dining halls, laundry facilities, shops on Liacouras Walk and a ton of other places.

P.S. Did you read this and realize you have no idea where your OWLcard is? Make your way to the OWLcard office, which conveniently is the same office that handles Diamond Dollars. Student Center, Suite 101

It’s a good idea to follow Temple’s social media accounts.
You like social media. We like social media. Following our accounts is an easy way to keep up with what’s going on around the university, from announcements to the awesome things your peers and professors are up to.
You’re going to get something called a TUalert.
If something happens on or near campus that could be a potential threat to your safety, we want to tell you about it ASAP. You’ll receive a text message and/or email called a TUalert that says what’s going on and what area you should avoid. These alerts are also posted on our official Twitter account—even more reason to follow us. We get it, it’s going to feel weird when you receive your first TUalerts, but we just want you to be informed and, more importantly, safe.

Be a Night Owl aka eat free food and have fun every Friday night.
Now that you’re a college student you need to understand the importance of free food—it’s everything, it’s life. That’s why we have Night Owl Events every Friday night at the Student Center. There’s also live performances, prizes and more.
Know how and where to get your football tickets.
Owls vs. Bucknell. Aug. 31. The Linc. Be there or … just be there. You’ll get one free ticket to every home football game―as long as you get it before they’re gone. Pick it up starting the Monday of game week at the Liacouras Center Box Office, at the Cherry On Pep Rally or on game day at Lincoln Financial Field’s West VIP Box Office. Either way, bring your OWLcard.

Have a friend coming for the game? Get a student guest ticket. You can purchase one at the West VIP Box Office at the Linc the day or night of the game. They cost $10, and the limit is two per Temple student.

You can also buy a Wild Cherry Football Pass for $45, which includes an exclusive Under Armour T-shirt, the opportunity to take part in on-field promotions, the chance to travel to away and postseason games, and much more.

Temple Survival Guide: 5 Things You Should Know About Life at Temple

So, you’re going to be on campus in like five minutes and we’ve done a pretty good job to prep you. Did someone at your orientation make you stand up and shout “T for Temple U”? Yep, we thought so. And as much as that seriously does get you ready for life at Temple (Sup basketball games!) there are a few other things you should know. Like why are we so obsessed with squirrels? JK you have to figure out that yourself, but Nutshell has got your back for the other stuff.

It’s a good idea to follow Temple’s social media accounts.
You like social media. We like social media. Following our accounts is an easy way to keep up with what’s going on around the university, from announcements to what awesome things your peers and professors are up to.
Be a Night Owl aka eat free food and have fun every Friday night.
Now that you’re a college student you need to understand the importance of free food—it’s everything, it’s life. That’s why we have Night Owl Events every Friday night at the Student Center. There’s also live performances, prizes and more.
Know how and where to get your basketball tickets.
As a student, you’ll get one free ticket to every home men’s and women’s basketball game—as long as they’re still available. Tickets for both teams are allocated on a first-come, first served basis. You can pick up your ticket beginning one hour before gametime at the student entrance of the Liacouras Center (men’s basketball) or the main lobby of mcGonigle Hall (women’s basketball) with your OWLcard.
If you find the right ATM you can save money.
You’re going to need cash occasionally, especially for some of those beautiful food trucks on campus (there’s 40+ of them). If you use another bank’s ATM you will be hit with a fee. Sure, it’s just a few bucks, but it will add up quickly over time. It’s worth it to take a minute to figure out where your bank’s ATMs are located—several major banks have ATMs on or near campus.
You’re going to get something called a TUalert.
If something happens on or near campus that could be a potential threat to your safety, we want to tell you about it ASAP. You’ll receive a text message and/or email called a TUalert that says what’s going on and what area you should avoid. These alerts are also posted on our official Twitter account—even more reason to follow us. We get it, it’s going to feel weird when you receive your first TUalerts, but we just want you to be informed and, more importantly, safe.

20 Things Every Temple Student Should Know

o you think that you could just walk onto campus and go on with your life away at school? Maybe, but there is an easier way…Here are a FEW details you might want to know about. Whether you are an incoming freshman, a transfer student, or just a current student who wants to be aware as possible, you will like what you read. Keep reading for 20 things every Temple student should know!

1. Temple is extremely spread apart.

Walking from building to building has you losing your breath. It is especially bad in the winter. Brace yourselves!

2. If you ever want to get studying done, do not sit on the first floor of the library.

On normal campuses if someone speaks in the library, they would get kicked out. The library is usually loud from 11 am-3 pm for lunch and socializing. There are places you can study on the 2nd or 3rd floor and maybe even the basement, but I do not recommend the 1st floor of the library.

3. Do not eat any of the meals on Temple campus before an exam.

The food here makes you extremely tired, and it is not even Thanksgiving. I suggest having small snacks instead.

4. If the professor does not show up to class within 15 minutes, you are probably allowed to leave.

Make sure you won’t get in trouble though.

5. It’s best to think of other “out-the-box” places to study during midterms/finals week.

They are ALWAYS crowded. Don’t even think about the Tech Center or the library at this time. You can go extremely early to study there, but who wakes up that early? (haha.)

6. It would be smart to bring a sweater to class during the summer or wear a short sleeved shirt during the winter.

Either you have hypothermia or you die in a pool of sweat, pick your choice.

You need to be aware of the $4.20 Blaze pizza on 4/20 and $3.14 Blaze pizza on 3/14.

Because who doesn’t like pizza?

8. Keep an eye out on a random Red Bull or Monster car.

Because FREE DRINKS!

9. Do not, I REPEAT, do not mess with the squirrels.

(BEWARE OF THE TRASH CANS)

10. Hooter the Owl is a sweetheart!

Say hi if you ever get the chance to. He’s friendly unlike some animals we know (refer to tip 9).

11. Do not sign up for 8 AMs.

It is not the same as waking up during high school, it is a whole ‘nother ball game. If you think you can handle it, by any means go for it.

12. You can find numerous parking sports early in the morning.

13. Bring sturdy umbrellas when it’s raining.

I have lost a total of 3 umbrellas.

14. Richie’s has the best breakfast!

You definitely won’t regret it. Just make sure you call to order before it gets packed.