Dean's Community Message
March 13, 2020
Dear College of Engineering Students,
As you know, this is a time of incredible uncertainty and transition across the country and around the world. Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility as we navigate our path forward here in the College of Engineering and at Penn State.
As we move to remote learning for all classes beginning Monday, I want to reach out to emphasize that the safety and well-being of our community is of utmost importance. If you believe that you are symptomatic, contact your doctor immediately. The Centers for Disease Control provides guidance on symptoms to look for. Please prioritize your health and wellness. That—and that alone—is what matters most at this time.
I would like to highlight a few critical pieces of information that I hope you will find helpful.
The University has created a new Remote Learning website that provides information to aid in the transition from classroom to remote learning. Note that remote classes will be held at the same time as originally scheduled. Your instructor will communicate expectations for how your course will continue and be graded. Some courses may offer additional access to recordings of lectures, and additional meeting times, in order to provide options for students who might be in distant time zones.
For additional information about Penn State’s COVID-19 response including extensive FAQs for students, please visit the University’s informational website, which is being updated regularly.
The College of Engineering’s COVID-19 site provides college-specific information and resources. It too will be updated regularly.
For graduate students, the Graduate School is providing specific updates on its COVID-19 website.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at University Park is open to provide services. Students can call CAPS at 814-863-0395 to schedule a phone appointment to discuss their concerns and review treatment options. If students have immediate urgent concerns, they can contact CAPS Monday through Friday (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST), the Penn State Crisis Line 24/7 at 877-229-6400, or the 24/7 CrisisTextLine (Text “LIONS” to 741741). Services and hours will vary by campus location. Please contact your local office.
Who to contact? Many individuals in the college are ready to help you in the coming days, weeks, and beyond.
- If you are experiencing issues or challenges related to remotely delivered College of Engineering courses, please connect with your academic adviser or with the office of Dr. Peter Butler, Associate Dean for Education and Graduate Professional Programs (Sarah Richards: ser5386@psu.edu)
- Student support staff and faculty including those in the Center for Engineering Outreach and Inclusioon (CEOI) and the Office of Academic Support and Global Programs will be working remotely to guide and support engineering students and broader constituents at Penn State. Please reach out with inquiries to adviser@engr.psu.edu. Your email will be routed to our program directors for allyship and advocacy as needs arise. We are doing our best to sustain the highest quality of service and support for our community and will provide ongoing updates as we continue the transition to virtual platforms.
- The college has convened a COVID-19 Response Team. Questions and concerns can be sent directly to the team at L-COE_CORONA_CRISIS_TEAM@ENGR.PSU.EDU.
Moving forward, I will personally provide daily email updates to the College of Engineering. If at any point there is something urgent, I will not delay in sharing that. Once again, thank you for your understanding as we build out the resources needed to help support our community. Please know that we are committed to everyone’s health and well-being, as well as your academic success.
Best regards and be well,
Justin Schwartz
Harold and Inge Marcus Dean, College of Engineering
