Dean's Community Message

Jan. 22, 2021

Dear College of Engineering Community,

We’ve finished your first week of the semester! I hope the start of your semester has gone smoothly, and, even though we are remote, that you are continuing to properly physically distance and wear a mask. Please also remember to focus on remaining connected even though we are apart.

As this week comes to an end, I am reminded of the powerful poem recited at the inauguration. Today’s quote is particularly reflective of the days since the insurrection that occurred at the Capitol Building—the very same place as the inauguration. This week has demonstrated that democracy is resilient, as is our college and the people who make up our community—all of you. Our democracy, our college, our community remain strong, but not invincible. We must remain vigilant against disunity and the pandemic alike. The vaccines, while an incredible scientific and engineering feat, are not yet widely available, and while we await their broad distribution, coronavirus variants are showing more rapid transmission. This is no time to let our guard down, even as we become increasingly hopeful.

“So, while once we asked, ‘how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?’, now we assert, ‘how could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?’ We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be, a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free. We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation.”
—Amanda Gorman, 2021 inaugural poet

A key part of our vigilance is following pre-arrival testing protocols; this is critically important for the spring semester. To get started, all students should first log in to the Know Your Status portal and check their test status. Additionally, for help with planning, students also can use the COVID-19 Testing Requirements Checklist. Currently, the percentage of engineering students who have completed or started the pre-arrival testing process lags nearly all other colleges at University Park. Let’s rise to this challenge as an engineering community and lead the way on testing. We have work to do!

  • Students from all campuses are required to participate in COVID-19 testing, even if they did not leave the campus community over winter break. Visit the Testing and Support page to learn more. You can also view the University’s dashboard to learn more about the prevalence of the virus in our tested population.
  • Even if you have received the vaccine, you must participate in COVID-19 testing if you are returning to or remaining in a campus community. Also, vaccinated individuals must still follow masking protocols.
  • With testing, masking, and physical distancing, we are doing our best to protect ourselves and each other.

Here are today’s updates:

Updated Student Code of Conduct

After a multi-month review by the Student Code of Conduct Task Force, a revised Student Code of Conduct has been implemented for the spring 2021 semester. The changes reflect new language to address racism and advance equity. The University community is invited to submit comments and questions anonymously through an online form. More information is available here.

COVID-19 Action Flowchart for Employees and Managers

The University has posted an updated version of the  COVID-19 flowchart that helps all Penn State employees and their managers decide on the next course of action if the employee has or may have been exposed to COVID-19. In addition, the University released a manager checklist to assist employees who raise concerns about COVID-19.

Reminder: Spring COVID-19 Testing for Students and Employees

The University has developed and announced a comprehensive testing strategy for all campuses that includes both required and voluntary testing during the remote learning period and the in-person portion of the spring semester. On the University’s newly revamped virus information website, detailed information is available related to:

Note for Employees: On-campus testing and kits for at-home testing are only available for those in the University's return-to-work database. For employees not in the return-to-work database, there are testing options via pharmacies, urgent care clinics, or you can reach out to your medical provider. In Centre County, there is a free, walk-in testing site, which is not affiliated with Penn State, currently available at 1155 Benner Pike, Suite 120. More information on days and hours of operation of the site is available here. Additionally, State College Borough offers a website with testing locations across Pennsylvania. Billing to insurance and out-of-pocket costs to employees can vary depending on testing circumstances including location, whether the test was ordered by a physician, symptomatic/asymptomatic testing, etc. Penn State Aetna members can visit this site for COVID-19 resources and contact information. Employees with other coverage should check with their provider regarding the specifics of their plans.

Historical Courses Tool

The University launched historical courses tool that allows students and advisers to search across the University for courses that were offered in the previous summer sessions, giving students and advisers a sense of the wide range of summer courses that typically are available through Penn State. While no decisions about the delivery modes for summer 2021 have been made, this tool and the forthcoming Summer 2021 Schedule of Courses should help students begin their summer planning.

W2s are Available

Electronic W2s are now available in Workday. In accordance with Pennsylvania law, local taxes are reported to the listed work municipality based on the work address in Workday. The appropriate funds are then sent to the employee’s local municipality, based on the employee’s home address in Workday. Please contact HR Services at 814-865-1473 with any questions.

Teaching Tip #69 – Loaner Equipment for Students

Penn State IT is continuing their loaner equipment program for students during the spring 2021 semester. If any of your students need technology (webcams, laptops, hotspots, etc.) to effectively engage in your course, direct them to the IT Loaner Programs. Loan requests are typically processed the day they are received, and equipment will be delivered via overnight shipping.

Be well!

Justin Schwartz
Harold and Inge Marcus Dean, College of Engineering