Smeal Update: May 28, 2021

Reminder: Return-to-in-person-work exception requests due by Tuesday

Full-time staff and academic administrators who desire a remote or flex work arrangement for fall 2021 should complete the Smeal Return-to-In-person Work Exception Request Form by Tuesday. Employees and supervisors should discuss employee preferences and departmental needs and expectations prior to submitting the request. Employees already in a remote work arrangement pre-pandemic, under an approved telecommuting agreement, or who wish to return to the office five days per week do not need to complete the form. Requests will be reviewed by supervisors, unit heads, and Dean Whiteman in consultation with the Smeal return-to-in-person work taskforce. Decisions will be communicated by July 5. For more information, see the email from Tamara Giluk sent on Tuesday.

Performance review cycle ends June 30

The end-of-year ratings phase of the performance review cycle began March 17. End-of-year reviews must be completed by June 30. Staff employees should have received a notification in their Workday inbox to complete their self-evaluation. Employees must have approved goals in Workday, or they will not receive the notification or have access to complete end-of-year evaluation activities. Workday will launch end-of-year activities once this is completed. On June 30, Workday will close for this review cycle. After June 30, it will not be possible to enter evaluation comments or overall ratings in Workday. For more information, see the email from Penn State Human Resources sent on Monday. Anyone with questions should reach out to HR Services at 814-865-1473.

A Smeal Farewell

Matt Mooney, assistant dean for teaching, learning and technology, will mark his last day at Smeal on Monday. Matt joined Smeal as director of eLDIG during spring semester 2015. Good luck in the Beehive State, Matt!

Inaugural issue of Smeal Magazine available online

The first issue of the college’s reimagined and redesigned alumni publication, Smeal Magazine, is now available online. The May 2021 issue includes news, features, an alumni perspective, faculty opinions on a trending topic, and much more.

Smeal in the News

Eva Steiner featured on The TreppWire Podcast

Eva Steiner, associate professor of real estate and King Family Early Career Professor, was recently a featured guest on The TreppWire Podcast. Steiner discussed managing real estate risk. Trepp is a leading data and analytics provider in the commercial real estate industry. Listen to the podcast.

Steve Tracey speaks at IBM 2021 Supply Chain Digital Growth Expo

Steve Tracey, executive director of the Center for Supply Chain Research®, delivered the Day 3 keynote address at the IBM 2021 Supply Chain Digital Growth Expo. Tracey’s talk was titled “The Quest to Develop Supply Chain Talent.”

Do you know someone who rocks? Nominate them!

Each month the Smeal Staff Advisory Committee names a You Rock! Award recipient. You can nominate a co-worker for the You Rock! Award online.

The Smeal Community Weekly Poll

This week's survey asks you to assess a popular herb. Click this link to participate. Results will be shared during the next Smeal Community Zoom.