Dean's Community Message

May 7, 2021

Dear College of Engineering Community,

You did it! You made it through another far-from-normal semester, and that’s worth celebrating. The work ethic and resilience that our engineering community demonstrated when faced with a global pandemic is nothing short of exceptional. Students adapted to mixed-mode learning with creativity and grit, demonstrating what it truly means to be engineers. Faculty and staff worked countless hours to ensure this academic year met the high standards that we expect, all while building comradery and offering helping hands virtually.

It has been 15 months of uncertainty. And, while the light at the end of the tunnel grows brighter as more people receive their vaccines, we are still navigating the big questions of what the future holds. Despite the nebulous nature of it all, you preserved with aplomb. I am proud to be your dean, and I hope you all hold the same amount of pride for yourselves, your colleagues, and your students. It is well deserved.

A special congratulations to our graduating engineering students! Whether you have plans to attend commencement safely in-person or virtually, please know that we are celebrating with you. We are proud of you and all that you have accomplished. We look forward to seeing what you achieve in this next chapter of your lives. In case you missed it, here is a special congratulatory message from me.

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”
—Confucius

These past months have been grueling to say the least. Please make sure to take a break and check in with yourself. Your mental and physical well-being should come first. Before diving into your summer work plans, I am encouraging everyone to please take some time to focus on your personal and family needs.

Here are today’s updates:

COVID-19 Mitigation Plans for May and Summer Semester

Penn State’s COVID-19 Operations Control Center has developed a comprehensive COVID-19 mitigation strategy for the transitional month of May and the summer 2021 semester for all campuses that includes vaccine consideration, masking, testing, contact tracing, and quarantine and isolation. The detailed plans can be found here.

Parking, Traffic, and Transit Changes for Spring Student Departure

To accommodate vehicle loading near student residence areas for spring semester departure, Penn State announced the parking, traffic, and transit adjustments that will continue through Sunday, May 9, at University Park. Please see the full list of changes here.

Students Encouraged to Upload COVID-19 Vaccination Record through myUHS

For University Health Services to provide the best possible care when the need arises, Penn State is strongly encouraging all students to upload their COVID-19 vaccine records through myUHS. While the COVID-19 vaccine is not required at this time, the University and the college are strongly encouraging all students to sign up for and get the first available vaccine.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Events

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! There are numerous virtual events planned for this month that focus on Asian American and Islander heritage. Here is a list of upcoming events for next week:

Rainbow Engineering Network Trainings

The College of Engineering has launched the Rainbow Engineering Network (REN), an initiative originally created by the Eberly College of Science to foster a fully inclusive environment in research groups. Faculty members who are interested in joining the REN must complete two trainings, which are also open to all staff and students. The first training, “Safer People Safer Places Foundations,” will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, May 18, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Register here. The second training, “Safer People Safer Place Transgender and Gender Inclusion 101,” will take place via Zoom on Wednesday, May 26, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Register here.

Teaching Tip #90 – Simple Canvas course setup

When preparing your summer course, check out these simple canvas course setup recommendations to help your students stay on track, navigate your course easily, and find what they need. As always, contact the Office for Digital Learning for more information or assistance.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and to all the mothers in the engineering community, Happy Mother's Day!

Justin Schwartz
Harold and Inge Marcus Dean, College of Engineering