Dean's Community Message

March 19, 2020

Dear College of Engineering Community,

We’re closing out day four of remote operations, and I hope you’re all staying healthy and safe. As we continue to adjust, I urge you to take a few moments throughout your day to walk around and take a break from your screen. We move in the office without much thought, and we have to be more conscientious about it now. Remember that being healthy is more than not catching coronavirus! Please also make an effort to remain socially connected. Take a moment to reach out to someone!

Here are some additional updates for today

Penn State Town Hall Meetings

University leaders are convening two separate hour-and-a-half Town Halls on Tuesday, March 24, to provide updates and answer questions. The first event, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., will be devoted to questions from faculty and staff. The second event, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., will be devoted to questions from students and parents. Both online events will be livestreamed at LiveEvents.psu.edu. The events will also be recorded and archived for later viewing. Questions may be submitted through an anonymous form, or by emailing questions@psu.edu (to those who submit by email, your identity will not be shared).

Update for International Students

The interim vice provost for global programs issued a statement for international students. The full statement is attached. In summary, international students who return home will retain their immigration status. Students who remain in the United States can arrange for accommodations through the Office of Global Programs. Please contact DISSA staff resources through iStart, by email to DISSA-Adviser@psu.edu or by telephone (814-865-6348 #2).

E-Textbooks for Students

Through Barnes & Noble, all students who have a valid PSU email account now have access to a program called VitalSource Helps that can provide them with access to up to seven free ebooks from a wide range of publishers. Ebooks will be available through May 25, 2020, to ensure that students are able to use required learning materials through final exams. If you have additional questions, please visit Penn State’s Remote Learning FAQ site.

Employee Health and Wellness Center Closed

The Employee Health and Wellness Center is closed until further notice.

Additional Parking Access

Beginning today, March 19, most permit holders at University Park will have additional parking access. All faculty and staff with a valid daytime-access parking permit and all students with a valid commuter parking permit may park throughout the day at the following parking areas: East Deck, Eisenhower Deck, Nittany Deck, and Red A. All other campus parking regulations remain in effect, including no student parking at campus decks between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m., seven days a week. If there are any questions, please email parking@psu.edu or call 865-1436.

Class Conduct Expectations

All students are expected to behave with respect in classes, no matter the format or delivery mode of the class. If a student is disruptive in a remote class, this will be handled in the same way as in a face-to-face class. If a student continues to be disruptive, the instructor should notify their unit head and file a report online with the Office of Student Conduct. Staff in the Office of Student Conduct also are available to discuss concerns at studentconduct@psu.edu. Here are some recommendations and resources to help instructors make the best decisions for their course in keeping with University policy and protocols.

Continuing Problem Solving

The University and the College of Engineering are aware of continuing questions, and there are solutions being worked through. These include summer programs for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as questions regarding housing this summer. As soon as answers are available, they will be made public.

Leaders within the college continue to work together to address questions and concerns related to this rapidly changing situation. If you have unanswered questions, please email L-COE_CORONA_CRISIS_TEAM@engr.psu.edu and continue to refer to the University’s informational site and the College of Engineering resources site, which features an archive of these daily messages.

And, on a last note, thank you for all of the work everyone is contributing. We’re hearing wonderful stories about how members of our community are stepping up to help out while still prioritizing health and safety. We’re currently working on a way for people to submit their notes of appreciation so they can be shared with the entire community. One way for students to show their appreciation is to nominate individuals (faculty, staff, other students) and groups who have provided allyship. To learn more and to make a nomination, please visit this page.

Stay safe and healthy!

Justin Schwartz
Harold and Inge Marcus Dean, College of Engineering