News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania’s satirical publication, Under the Button, has humorously announced a new ‘Solid Core minor’. This fictional academic program showcases a blend of ironic course titles and exaggerated collaborations, designed to entertain and spark conversation among students. The program, supposedly created with input from the Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and Consumer Psychology departments, draws attention to campus culture and trends, provoking thoughtful reflection on modern academia. With satirical course offerings like ‘How to Rob an Alo Store,’ this lighthearted piece serves to enrich campus discourse.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania’s campus community recently received news of a distinctive new academic offering: a Solid Core minor. This announcement was made on Monday, February 9, 2026, by Alexandra Lemer, and published by Under the Button, a publication recognized as Penn’s only intentionally satirical outlet.
Under the Button is an established part of the student media landscape at the University of Pennsylvania, operating as a daily source for humor and satire. It is known for producing content that includes fabricated news, comedic commentary, and parodies of campus life, academic initiatives, and university culture. The publication functions independently, both editorially and financially, from the University of Pennsylvania, and is published by The Daily Pennsylvanian, Inc. Its mission is to cover stories that other news outlets might avoid due to conventional editorial standards, delivering its content with a clear intent for humor and irony.
The report on the Solid Core minor is consistent with Under the Button’s history of presenting mock academic programs and other facetious declarations. For instance, the publication previously announced a “Wasian Studies Major” in November 2025. These articles are designed to engage the Penn community through lighthearted takes on various aspects of university life, ranging from academic trends to student experiences. By presenting new programs or policies in an exaggerated or absurd manner, Under the Button aims to amuse its readership and encourage critical reflection on campus happenings. Recent articles, such as “To Whoever Stole My Underwear From The Harnwell Laundry Room: Get Ready For a Nasty Yeast Infection” on February 8, 2026, and “Alpha Jaywalker Brutally Mogs Beta Waiting for Walk Sign” on February 6, 2026, further illustrate the publication’s ongoing commitment to satirical reporting.
According to the satirical announcement, the alleged Solid Core minor was created to “capitalize on the pilates phenomenon that has gripped Penn’s campus,” specifically highlighting its popularity among certain sorority houses and residential buildings. The publication humorously stated that the minor was developed through a collaboration with the university’s Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) and Consumer Psychology programs. The inaugural class for this fictional minor was slated to matriculate in Fall 2027.
The reported curriculum for the minor included several distinctly satirical course titles, such as “This Place is Hell on Earth, Right: The Downfall of Soul Cycle,” “How to Rob an Alo Store,” and “Negotiations: Yes, You Can Use a Higher Resistance.” The article also featured imagined reactions from students. One fictional student, Leah Greenberg (C ’28), was quoted expressing relief at finally receiving academic credit for time spent at Solid Core. Her roommate, Sara Goldstein (W’28), also comically highlighted the minor’s supposed flexibility, suggesting that credits could be transferred from studios in various upscale locations. Furthermore, the satirical piece included a humorous remark attributed to University president J. Larry Jameson, expressing excitement about the minor’s appeal to his children.
The existence of publications like Under the Button at universities such as Penn highlights the role of satire in fostering a dynamic and expressive campus environment. These platforms often serve as a space for social commentary, a release for student frustrations, and a source of shared humor within the university community. Through exaggeration and irony, satirical articles can shed light on real or perceived aspects of student life, academic pressures, and administrative decisions, encouraging dialogue and critical thinking among students in an entertaining format. The humorous content, including pieces like the one about the Solid Core minor, frequently circulates and sparks discussions among the student body, enriching campus culture and contributing to internal discourse.
It is important to note that the establishment of genuine academic minors at the University of Pennsylvania typically follows a formal and rigorous process. This process involves comprehensive review by faculty committees, departmental approvals, and often, final endorsement from the university’s academic governing bodies to ensure the academic integrity, relevance, and quality of the program. The university’s official College of Arts & Sciences website lists a wide array of legitimate minors available to students, covering diverse fields of study and designed to complement primary majors or allow for exploration of secondary interests. These minors provide students with specialized knowledge and skills, contributing to a well-rounded and versatile educational experience. The announcement of the Solid Core minor, originating from a platform expressly dedicated to comedic and fictional reporting, functions primarily as entertainment rather than a factual representation of the University of Pennsylvania’s curriculum changes.
Therefore, the “Penn Announces New Minor in Solid Core” article published by Under the Button stands as a recent example of campus satire, offering a humorous and engaging take on academic announcements. It contributes to the vibrant and diverse media landscape at the University of Pennsylvania, which balances serious journalism with distinct and entertaining satirical contributions. This ongoing tradition of satirical reporting plays a valuable role in fostering an open and reflective community among Penn’s members.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the news about the Penn Solid Core minor?
- The news is about an announcement from Under the Button, the University of Pennsylvania’s satirical publication, that Penn would offer a new “Solid Core” minor.
- When was the announcement made?
- The announcement was made on Monday, February 9, 2026.
- Who is Alexandra Lemer?
- Alexandra Lemer is credited as the author of the satirical article announcing the new minor in Under the Button.
- What is Under the Button?
- Under the Button is the University of Pennsylvania’s only intentionally satirical publication, known for its humor and parody of campus life.
- What are some satirical course titles mentioned for the minor?
- Satirical course titles mentioned include “How to Rob an Alo Store” and “Negotiations: Yes, You Can Use a Higher Resistance.”
- When would the fictional minor’s first class matriculate?
- The satirical article stated that the minor’s inaugural class would matriculate in Fall 2027.
Key Features of the Satirical “Solid Core” Minor (as reported by Under the Button)
| Feature | Description (from Under the Button’s satirical report) |
|---|---|
| Publication Source | Under the Button, Penn’s only intentionally satirical publication. |
| Announcement Date | Monday, February 9, 2026. |
| Purported Collaboration | Developed in collaboration with Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) and Consumer Psychology programs. |
| Inaugural Class | Expected to matriculate in Fall 2027. |
| Sample Course Titles | “This Place is Hell on Earth, Right: The Downfall of Soul Cycle,” “How to Rob an Alo Store,” “Negotiations: Yes, You Can Use a Higher Resistance.” |
| Stated Rationale | To capitalize on the “pilates phenomenon” on Penn’s campus. |
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