Smeal Update: November 6, 2020
In case you missed it: Executive Insights with Siemens USA CEO
For those of you who were unable to attend last Friday’s virtual Executive Insights session with Barbara Humpton, president and CEO of Siemens USA, a recording of the moderated session with Dean Whiteman can be found on Smeal’s Vimeo channel.
New video series highlights PGP portfolio
The Smeal Marketing and Communications Office recently produced four videos highlighting the college’s integrated Professional Graduate Program portfolio. The videos were introduced at last week’s MBA Roundtable Curricular Innovation Symposium, which Smeal sponsored and hosted. The videos were created by 2018 marketing graduate Nick Savino. All four videos can be viewed on this Vimeo showcase.
Smeal in the News
Darnell and Treviño quoted in article about online cheating
Linda Treviño, distinguished professor of organizational behavior and ethics, and Michelle Darnell, Smeal director of Honor and Integrity and director of the Tarriff Center for Business Ethics and Social Responsibility, were quoted in a San Francisco Chronicle story that highlighted a rise in online cheating during the pandemic.
Benefits Open Enrollment runs through Nov. 20
Benefits Open Enrollment will run through Nov. 20. You should have received a notification in your Workday inbox to enroll in benefits. Resources are available to help you decide which options are best for you and can be accessed here: Benefits Open Enrollment Resources. Remember, that you MUST re-enroll in the Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account/Dependent Care Savings Account and specify your contribution for the year; this will not “roll over” automatically.
Performance review is now open in Workday
The 2020-2021 performance review is now open in Workday for full-time staff. Check your Workday inbox for a notification titled "Set Content: 2020-2021 Step 1: Setting Goals and Expectations" and complete the Set Goals phase of the performance review cycle by entering the goals you developed during October into Workday. Be sure to add the Smeal Honor & Integrity goal to your review by clicking “use existing goal” as you are entering your goals; it has been cascaded to you so should appear in the drop down box to choose when you click this option.
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
The Staff Advisory Committee, in an effort to engage the Smeal community, is conducting a weekly poll. This week's survey focuses on streaming services. Click this link to participate. Results will be shared during next week's Smeal Community Zoom.
Frequently-asked questions from faculty
Will instructors at University Park and the campuses be able to use their classrooms after the University moves to remote instruction after Nov.20?
At University Park, general purpose classrooms will be closed during the Thanksgiving break, from Nov. 21-29. Classrooms will reopen on Nov. 30 for instructor use until the conclusion of classes on Dec. 11. Classrooms will not be open during finals week. At the Commonwealth Campuses, general purpose classrooms will remain open to instructors for use after Nov. 20, but instructors should check with local campus officials regarding availability of specific facilities. If an instructor is alone in the classroom, then they do not need to wear a mask. Masks must be worn in the presence of others, and shared equipment such as microphones, keyboards, and other items should be wiped down in accordance with Environmental Health and Safety “Guidelines for Cleaning Computer Products”.
Will Penn State continue to offer quarantine and isolation for students who test positive and need to stay past Nov. 20?
Yes. Penn State’s quarantine and isolation space at University Park and the Commonwealth Campuses will continue to be available after Nov. 20 for students who need to quarantine or isolate over the Thanksgiving break or after courses resume remotely on Nov. 30.
Students who are identified as needing to isolate or quarantine on or before Nov. 20 are expected to complete their isolation or quarantine period on campus or in another suitable single occupancy space off campus before they leave for Thanksgiving break and remote learning.