Dean's Community Message

October 2, 2020

Dear College of Engineering Community,

Happy Friday and happy October! As we continue through this period of mixed modes of working, learning, and teaching, I want to remind everyone to please continue to be mindful of the many daily challenges facing members of our community. Continuing with our increasingly busy work and class schedules while navigating the complexities of our day-to-day lives in 2020 can be overwhelming at times, and now, more than ever, it is vital that we continue to practice understanding, patience, and compassion.

I would like to share a tip that we received from Kathryn Jablokow, professor of engineering design and mechanical engineering: Be kind. Do nice things for people, just because. Send flowers to someone, or call an elderly relative, or give your students an extra day to hand in their assignments. Smile at people you don’t know, even with your mask on. Tell people they matter. Say thank you. Lift others up, and you will be lifted up.

Here are today’s updates:

Update: Employee On-Demand Testing

The voluntary walk-up testing for on-campus employees concludes at 5:00 p.m. today in the basement level of the HUB Parking Deck. The University is exploring the possibility of continuing employee on-demand testing beyond this week. Please note that if you participated in the voluntary testing, you are not excluded from surveillance testing. You must participate in the surveillance testing even if you have already been tested at the walk-up site or at an off-campus testing site.

Reminder: COVID Alert PA App

As a reminder, the University is strongly encouraging faculty, staff, and students to download and use the COVID Alert PA app, a COVID-19 exposure notification app designed to help minimize the spread of the virus. The app is available on smartphones from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Keep Engaging Fall Webinar Series

The University is launching a webinar series intended for staff and instructors who support the ongoing empowerment, engagement, and well-being of students. The “Keep Engaging” Fall Webinar Series will be held via Zoom from noon to 1:00 p.m. every Monday beginning Oct. 5, through Nov. 16. More information may be found here.

Teaching Tip #46 – Virtual study groups

Encouraging and guiding students to develop inclusive and effective virtual study groups can help promote student success and engagement. For some assistance, see this guidance for faculty to promote virtual study groups from the Keep Teaching website.

Take care!

Justin Schwartz
Harold and Inge Marcus Dean, College of Engineering