Dean's Community Message

November 17, 2020

Dear College of Engineering Community,

We are just a few days out from the transition to remote learning on Friday. Students, please take the time to schedule an appointment to participate in departure testing. Nov. 19 is the last day students are able to participate in this free testing. More information about departure testing and how to schedule an appointment is available here. With COVID cases spiking across the country, it is crucial that we continue to do our part to help keep our community and families safe.

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
—Martin Luther King Jr.

Here are today’s updates:

Updates Regarding Travel from the PA Department of Health

Today an order issued by Gov. Wolf’s administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Health announced that travelers entering Pennsylvania from other countries or states, as well as Pennsylvanians who are returning home from other countries or states, need to produce a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to returning to Pennsylvania or quarantine for 14 days upon entry into Pennsylvania. This order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, and will be in effect until further notice. More information can be found here.

Parking, Traffic, and Transit Changes for Fall Departure

The University announced parking, traffic, and transit adjustments that will be in place beginning Friday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 22. Several faculty and staff parking lots will be closed for student departure vehicle loading, and there are numerous changes to the traffic flow around campus. Please view the full list of changes here.

Reminder: Benefits Open Enrollment Ends Friday, Nov. 20

As a reminder for faculty and staff, the 2021 benefits open enrollment ends on Friday, Nov. 20, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Benefits-eligible employees can utilize the Benefits Mentor, a tool designed to help determine which health care plan may be the best for you and your family. Informational sessions are being conducted via Zoom. The full schedule can be found here.

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

As a reminder, the University is welcoming Dr. Ibram X. Kendi to lead a discussion on his book, “How to Be an Antiracist.” This virtual event is part of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences 125th Anniversary Lecture Series and co-sponsored by the College of Engineering. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 6:00 p.m. A Penn State login is required to watch the livestream. More information can be found here.

LGBTQ+ STEM Day: Wednesday, Nov. 18

Tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 18, is the International Day of LGBTQIA+ People in STEM. The date is symbolic of the 60th anniversary of American astronomer and gay activist Frank Kameny’s U.S. Supreme Court fight against workplace discrimination, a fight that continues today not only in the U.S. but in so many other countries worldwide. Visit the Pride in STEM website for more information.

Teaching Tip #58 – Teaching with Mindfulness

In recent years, research in psychology has demonstrated that activities intended to promote mindfulness can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. According to Ute Hülsheger, et. al (2013), mindfulness refers to a “state of consciousness in which individuals attend to ongoing events and experiences in a receptive and non-judgmental way.” One mindfulness strategy that can potentially help your teaching is meditation prior to starting your class. Take five minutes to sit in quiet solitude, focusing on your breathing, and tuning out distractions. Consider looking up short, guided meditations online to help you increase relaxation and focus prior to starting class. For more on mindfulness, stay tuned for the spring Leonhard Center workshop offerings!

Take care!

Justin Schwartz
Harold and Inge Marcus Dean, College of Engineering