Dean's Community Message

April 2, 2021

Dear College of Engineering Community,

As the weather slowly, but surely, warms, and the light lasts longer each day, I am finding more hope each day. I am also reflecting on how far we have come and that which we must still process.

A year ago, we were about three weeks into the unknown, and we never imagined it would last this long. We never expected to send off the class of 2020 virtually, or for the incoming first-year students to have such an unusual introduction to college. Our vocabulary has expanded, too — I didn’t think I’d use “contract tracing” or “nasal swab” as often as I have in the past year!

This year has been hard. We all experienced something unimaginable — and we all grieved our losses, big and small. We also acted with kindness, spoke with care, and contributed to incredible feats of innovation. From wearing masks to developing fresh ways to teach and learn to inventing new methods of production for PPE, I continue to be so proud of our engineering community.

Now, as the hope builds and we feel the sun on our faces, it can be difficult to melt away the isolation and fear that permeated the year. If you are struggling, please know there are resources available to help. For students, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is available 24/7 at +1 (877) 229-6400. You can also text “LIONS” to 741741 for crisis support. For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is free for all benefits-eligible employees and their families. EAP is confidential and available 24/7 at +1 (866) 799-2728. Everyone can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at +1 (800) 273-8255. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress.

We are still continuing into the unknown. Remember to do what you can to protect each other. Treat each other — and yourselves — with care. Check in with each other. Email me. Things have been difficult, but they will get better. Hold on and reach out.

This week, I leave you with two quotes. The first I already shared in a previous message, but it bears repeating. The second is centuries old and still holds true.

“Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think and loved more than you know.”
—Christopher Robin, A.A. Milne

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
—Aesop

Here are today’s updates:

April 7 is a Wellness Day

I encourage you to make plans to participate in some of the scheduled programs focused on intellectual and spiritual wellness or find time to engage in other personal wellness activities. Instructors should not hold classes, nor require students to complete additional work. This day should be treated much like a spring break day. It is time for you to practice self-care, and to help others do the same.

April 6 and 7: Webinars for Faculty, Staff Supporting Fall 2021 Remote Students

Penn State will host four webinars to help faculty and staff who expect to support students who cannot return to campus in fall of 2021. More details are available on the Keep Teaching website.

All Pennsylvania Residents Eligible for Vaccination on April 19

The full schedule of vaccination rollout is available here. The Centre Daily Times previously released a list of locations in Centre County that are administering COVID-19 vaccines. Keep in mind that supply is limited and some locations do not currently have supplies but are offering waitlists. Vaccines are also available in other counties. This interactive map shows locations across Pennsylvania where vaccines are available.

President Barron’s March 31 Webcast

President Barron hosted a live webcast on the University’s response to the coronavirus, employees returning to work on campus, health and safety of the community and other topics related to the pandemic. President Barron was joined by panelists Lorraine Goffe, vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer, and Kelly Wolgast, director of the COVID-19 Operations Control Center. The webcast will be archived and available for viewing soon at liveevents.psu.edu. More information is available here.

Main takeaway messages:

  • Continue to wear masks and physically distance to help mitigate the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases.
  • The University does not currently have a vaccination requirement, but vaccination is strongly encouraged.
  • More employees will be allowed to return to campus over the summer. Those who support and interact with students will be prioritized. The University is continuing to work on a transition plan to increase the number of on-campus employees through the fall, with the understanding that individual cases will require flexibility. More information will be shared when it is available.
  • General salary increases are under discussion, but it is too early to determine if there will be increases this year or what they might look like.

Spring Reminder for Students to Take Academic Planning Steps Now

Registration is now open for summer and fall courses. The University released a curated list of actions students should consider taking now as they make their academic plans for the rest of the year. More details are available here.

Reminder: Summer Success Scholarship for Undergraduate Students Application Due April 30

Applications for the Summer Success Scholarship are now open. Undergraduate students who need to take at least one summer course to graduate on time and are in need of financial support are eligible for this scholarship. Undergraduate students at all Penn State campuses, including World Campus, are encouraged to apply. More information and the application link can be found here. The deadline to apply is April 30.

Teaching Tip #85 – 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 promoting study groups from the Keep Teaching website.

Be well and take care!

Justin Schwartz
Harold and Inge Marcus Dean, College of Engineering