Dean's Community Message

November 13, 2020

Dear College of Engineering Community,

I hope you were all able to join us yesterday for our virtual kickoff event for our 125th anniversary celebration! If you’d like to relive the excitement, or you were unable to attend, the videos are available on engineering125.psu.edu. I encourage you to check it out and to join us as we continue our quasquicentennial celebration through 2021.

Today’s inspirational quote comes from all of you, our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. When putting together the Engineering125 video, a call went out for you to submit videos answering questions, including, “If you had to describe Penn State Engineering in one word, what would it be?” The answers that came back filled me with pride for our college and our community.

“If I had to describe Penn State engineering in one word, it would be:
Innovative — Inspiring — Collaborative — Engaged — Supportive — Hope — Multidisciplinary — Inclusive — Exciting — Creativity — Community — Opportunity — Global”

Here are today’s updates:

A Conversation with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, author of “How to Be an Antiracist”

As part of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences 125th Anniversary Lecture Series, the University is welcoming Dr. Ibram X. Kendi in a virtual conversation. I’m proud that the College of Engineering is a co-sponsor of this event, and I encourage everyone to attend on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 6:00 p.m. A Penn State login is required to watch the livestream.

Fall Grading for Graduate Students

The Graduate School has decided not to reimplement Optional Alternative Grading for fall of 2020. However, students facing significant challenges are able to request alternative grading on a limited basis with the support of their graduate program. Details on how to request alternative grading are listed in the “Exceptions” section of this document.

Return Home Resources and International Travel Guidance

With the University’s Nov. 20 transition to remote learning just a week away, the Return Home page on Penn State’s virus info site provides guidance for students and families including an overview of the three steps students should take to minimize the chances of carrying the virus home. The steps include scheduling a pre-departure test (this is critically important for the health and safety of all!), continued masking and distancing vigilance, and limited interaction for several days before and after going home.

For students traveling from the United State to China, please be aware that you are required to present both a negative COVID-19 NAT/PCR test certificate AND a negative IgM antibody test certificate from tests taken within 48 hours of boarding the flight. For all students who plan to travel internationally, please check with your destination country for updated guidance regarding testing requirements.

Reminder: Status of In-Person Meetings, Events, and Gatherings

An order issued by Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Rachel Levine on Oct. 6 amends previous COVID-19 orders to allow for adjusted capacity to gathering limits. The guidance applies to any Penn State-sponsored event, either on or off campus. Remember, whenever feasible, meetings and events should be held remotely.

Summer 2021 Schedule of Courses

Given the continual changes that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to bring to the planning process, the University is delaying the publication of the Summer Schedule of Courses until there is a more complete picture of what summer of 2021 will look like. The University will release more information about summer course modes and schedules as soon as possible.

Teaching Tip #57 – Using Zoom for Study Groups

Set up a Zoom meeting space for your students to engage in a coffee chat or a study group without a host being present. When scheduling the meeting, select the option to “Allow participants to join anytime”. Then, in your Zoom account settings (Settings>In Meeting (Basic)), enable screen sharing and select “All participants” in the “Who Can Share?” section.

Be well!

Justin Schwartz
Harold and Inge Marcus Dean, College of Engineering