Dean's Community Message

July 17, 2020

Dear College of Engineering Community,

This week, Gov. Tom Wolf announced increased state-wide mitigation efforts in response to the increase in COVID-19 cases across the Commonwealth. The University is working with the Wolf Administration on its Back to State plans and has confirmed with the Pennsylvania Department of Education that the order limiting indoor gatherings to fewer than 25 people does not apply to classrooms. Other indoor gatherings, however, cannot exceed 25 individuals and must adhere to masking and social distancing requirements.

As we head into the weekend and beyond, I urge you to continue protecting yourself and others by wearing a mask and following the recommended social distancing guidelines. We all have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our community. Today’s quote from Dr. Seuss, submitted by Assistant Dean Christine Masters, emphasizes the power we all have. Use it!

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Here are today’s updates:

Fall Course Schedules: Confirming and Adjusting

Students are encouraged to check LionPATH for updated information about the instructional mode, meeting day and time, and meeting location for each of their classes. Those desiring to make changes to their course schedules through the regular drop/add deadlines of Aug. 29 and 30 can do so directly in LionPATH. However, students should work with their adviser to make any possible adjustments to accommodate their personal circumstances, with the possibility of enrolling in courses with an in-person component or changing to an entirely remote course load. The University announced earlier this week that about half of fall semester classes across all campuses will have an in-person component and that it is continuing to explore options to expand capacity for holding additional in-person and mixed-mode classes.

Updated Teaching FAQs

For instructors, the University’s Keep Teaching website has been updated with an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions for fall 2020. The FAQs are categorized: Assessing Students, Class Participation, Health and Safety, and Teaching and Mode of Instruction Support.

Pre-Recording Lectures

We have received permission to allow instructors who are interested in pre-recording Fall 2020 lectures to do so in one of four different lecture-capture spaces on campus: ODL Faculty Studio (305 Engineering Unit C), 122 Learning Factory, and 102/103 Leonhard. Times to record in these rooms must be scheduled in advance with at least one week's notice. To schedule a recording time, please contact Richelle Weiger at rbw11@psu.edu.

Work Adjustments for Immunocompromised and Other Vulnerable Employees

Those who can effectively work remotely should continue to do so. The University is developing plans to support the health and safety of faculty and staff during the transition back to in-person work functions. Faculty and instructors who are immunocompromised, live with someone who may be, or have other special circumstances will not be expected to teach in a physical classroom. Those who have concerns about teaching in person should work with their department head to request work adjustments and discuss available options. Staff members, including technical service employees, who have concerns about returning to on-site work should make specific requests to their manager to continue to work remotely, if feasible for unit operations, or to alter the nature of their work or their work schedule. More information and resources: Return to Work

Upcoming Workshops on Instructional Strategies and Technologies for FA20

The Leonhard Center (LC) and the Office for Digital Learning (ODL) will offer a weekly workshop series throughout July to help you prepare for teaching in the fall. The workshops will be offered in pairs: the first workshop focuses on instructional strategies and the second on instructional technologies. The next pair of workshops focus on building community. Registration is required.

• A little note goes a long way: Communicating with students to develop community within your classroom
  Tuesday, July 21, 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
  Registration
• Digital Tools for Building Community
  Thursday, July 23, 3:00 to 4:30p.m.
  Registration

Teaching Tip #26 – Tools for teamwork in your Fall 2020 course

CATME is a web-based, student team tool, with the main goal of preparing students to function effectively in teams, and supporting faculty in managing student teams’ experiences. COE has licensed this tool for use across the college. If you are interested in incorporating this tool into your Fall 2020 course, contact the Office for Digital Learning.

Be well and have a safe weekend!

Justin Schwartz
Harold and Inge Marcus Dean, College of Engineering