Dean's Community Message

August 28, 2020

Dear College of Engineering Community,

As we close in on the end of the first week of classes and head into the first weekend of the semester, please continue to do all that you can to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself and those who are the most vulnerable in our communities. That means wearing a mask, of course, but also practicing social distancing including avoiding large gatherings.

We all have a role to play. For faculty and staff, that role is continuing to work remotely whenever we can, which helps to keep campus safe and open. For all of us who love the energy of campus at this time of year, I know this is challenging … we all feel like we’re missing something. But know that your sacrifices are for the greater good.

Within each message, I typically like to share a quote that has been submitted by a member of our engineering community — one that relates to our current circumstances or provides a dose of humor. Please send your quote contributions to dean@engr.psu.edu, as our supply is running low. I’ll provide today’s quote, which comes from Nelson Mandela and speaks to the power we all have to make a difference:

“Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”

Here are today’s updates:


New Administrative Policy: AD101

The University has established a formal administrative policy that defines requirements and expectations with respect to masking, social distancing, surveillance testing, contact tracing, gatherings, and other measures intended to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 within the University community. The policy is applicable to faculty, staff, and students on all University campuses.


Surveillance Testing Expectations

Students and employees who are learning, working, or living on campus will be selected randomly and contacted by email and text message to answer a few screening questions and to schedule an appointment. If selected, students and employees are required to complete the free testing and should plan to do so within 48-72 hours after being contacted. Learn more about the University’s surveillance testing program.


Feeling Sick: What to Do?

Learn more about tips for what to do if you’re sick and how to help protect others.

  • Students who are exhibiting symptoms or think they’ve been exposed should stay home and contact University Health Services, their campus health center or primary care provider.
  • Any Penn State employee who develops symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or thinks they’ve been exposed should notify their supervisor and leave work immediately or remain at home. Faculty and staff should contact their personal health care provider for a phone assessment or use Penn State Health OnDemand. In addition, employees must contact Occupational Medicine if they are self-quarantining, exposed to or develop symptoms of the virus.

Teaching Tip #37 – Poll Everywhere Licensed for Use by COE Faculty

The College has obtained a license for Poll Everywhere for faculty who are interested in increasing student engagement in their courses. To find out more about the tool, see this Getting Started webinar. To be added to the license, contact the Office for Digital Learning.

Be well!

Justin Schwartz
Harold and Inge Marcus Dean, College of Engineering