Smeal Update: April 24, 2020

Dear Smeal Community,

Welcome to another edition of the Smeal COVID-19 Update, which includes important information regarding the University’s response to the pandemic and the impact on Smeal.

Our Smeal Coronavirus FAQ page contains links to the University’s faculty/staff FAQs and other pertinent information.

In light of President Barron’s recent financial update, I would like to clarify Smeal’s position and how we will meet our fiduciary responsibilities. Please watch this video.

In case you missed it …

• The 2020 Outstanding Staff Awards Recognition Ceremony was held Wednesday, virtually on Zoom for the first time. The honorees included:
  • Customer Service Award: Jessie Sorensen, IT support specialist, RIIT Group
  • Leadership Award: Julie Cutler, academic adviser, Undergraduate Education
  • Outstanding Staff Award: Krista White, internship manager, Business Career Center
  • RISE Above Award: Dawn Maguire, academic adviser, Undergraduate Education
  • Staff Sustainability Award: Melissa Forsha, budget analyst, Professional Graduate Programs

Keeping the Smeal Community virtually connected

• To ensure that faculty and staff members may remain connected to one another and to promote a strong sense of community during this period of remote learning and telecommuting, Smeal has created a Microsoft Teams Space. To join the Smeal Community team click here or use code: g35pap8 in the “Join a team with code” section of your Teams client.

Smeal in the News

• Penn State Online MBA student Joshua Carlson, a night shift nursing supervisor in Dallas, shared his personal reflections from the frontlines of the pandemic. Read the Smeal News story.
• Smeal continues to play an integral role in the Penn State interdisciplinary COVID-19 response effort called MASC. Read the Penn State News story.

Deadline nears for Penn State compliance training

• A reminder that the deadline to complete the University’s 2019-20 annual compliance training is April 30.

Next Smeal Community Zoom Session planned

• As a reminder, the next Smeal Community Zoom Session has been planned for 11 a.m. – noon Monday. If you are able to attend, connect via this link:  https://psu.zoom.us/j/590100562?pwd=c2F3MnRGS0Q3ZEp5a1dyQXdLRXVpZz09

Keep a watchful eye out for students in distress

• The pandemic has created some acute challenges, especially for students. If you are aware of a student who is experiencing emotional distress, financial hardship, food insecurity, or a similar challenge, please consider the following:
  • Referring them to Penn State Counseling and Psychological Services, which is operational and providing services via telephone at 814-863-0395.
  • Donating to the Student Care and Advocacy Emergency Fund.
  • Donating to the Lion's Pantry, for students residing in the State College area.

If you have information regarding COVID-19 and its impact on Penn State Smeal and would like to share it through this update, please email it to Andy Elder, manager of public relations, at awe2@psu.edu. You can also share examples of “We Are” stories involving anyone in our Smeal Community.

Regards,

Chuck