Dean's Community Message

August 4, 2020

Dear College of Engineering Community,

We’re less than three weeks from the start of fall classes. Even with the many ways in which the semester will be different, our shared commitment to excellence has not changed. It is important for us all to keep in mind our unlimited potential to teach, learn, support one another, and grow together regardless of where we are and our modes of communication.

As we continue to prepare for the semester, please remember the Penn State’s Back to State website has the latest information on returning to instruction and campus this fall. You can also always email L-COE_CORONA_CRISIS_TEAM@engr.psu.edu with your questions.

Here are today’s updates:

Pre-arrival testing for students

As mentioned in President Barron’s town hall on July 30, approximately 24,000 Penn State students from areas with a higher prevalence of COVID-19 will receive at-home saliva testing kits. The selected students will receive an email with further instructions by Wednesday, Aug. 5.

COVID-19 guidelines in University offices

The Return to Campus Task Group has issued guidance for expectations for student behavior and safety compliance when visiting University offices. Just as expected in class, students should wear masks and maintain social distance when interacting with University employees in office settings.

Engineering staff town hall

The College of Engineering will host a virtual town hall focused on staff questions and concerns on Monday, Aug. 10, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The panelists include Justin Schwartz, Anthony Atchley, Matt Zerphy, and Angela Pope

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://psu.zoom.us/j/93634853326

Or join via telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
+1 646 876 9923 or
+1 301 715 8592 or
+1 312 626 6799 or
+1 669 900 6833 or
+1 253 215 8782 or
+1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 936 3485 3326

Should you experience any issues connecting, you may contact Vikki Gearhart (vikki@psu.edu or 814-863-1197) or Dawn Winters (dawn@psu.edu or 814-863-4666).

Upcoming workshop on instructional technologies for fall 2020

The Leonhard Center and the Office for Digital Learning are hosting the final workshop in their summer series to help instructors prepare for teaching this fall. This workshop will focus on instructional technology for laboratory classes. Registration is required.

• Digital Tools for Labs
  Thursday, Aug. 6, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
  Registration

Teaching Tip #31: Resources for instructors teaching in the remote synchronous mode

Instructors who are offering a mixed mode class this fall should check the keep teaching remote synchronous mode page for resources, webinars, and FAQs. For additional resources, contact the Office for Digital Learning for assistance.

Have a great week!

Anthony Atchley
Senior Associate Dean, College of Engineering