Smeal Update: October 15, 2021
Reminder: Register for Executive Insights with Becky Savikas
Registration is now open for the Oct. 22 Executive Insights event featuring Becky Savikas, senior vice president of talent strategy, human resources partner and enterprise change at Highmark Health. The moderated discussion will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. in the Struthers Auditorium, 110 Business Building, and via livestream, for those who can’t attend in person. Register online.
Save the Date: Executive Insights with J.T. Marino
J.T. Marino, co-founder of Tuft & Needle and chief disruption officer at Serta Simmons Bedding, will be our final Executive Insights guest of the fall semester. He will join us from 11:15 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Nov. 12. Watch your inbox for an email with a registration link.
Smeal gift celebration planned for Oct. 22
As I mentioned on our Smeal Community Zoom last week, we will be hosting a special event from 3:30-4 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Business Building Atrium. President Barron will join me in announcing the details of a transformational gift to the Smeal College and to recognize the generous donors helping to make this possible. It is an important occasion for our college, and I hope you are able to attend. Please refer to the event invitation for registration and additional details: https://www.specialevents.psu.edu/SmealCelebration
As a gentle reminder for those attending in person, masking requirements are still in place in all Penn State facilities.
Smeal Business Bash ice cream available Monday
As part of its brand refresh, Smeal has partnered with the Berkey Creamery to temporarily rename its Birthday Bash ice cream as Smeal Business Bash. For those unfamiliar with the flavor, it features yellow cake batter ice cream, frosted cookie freckles, and blue frosting swirl. It will be available in Smeal-branded half gallons, as well as cups and cones, starting Monday.
Next Diversity Task Force conversation on tap
The Diversity Task Force has planned its next learning opportunity for noon Oct. 28. “Continuing the Conversation: Supporting Latinx Communities” coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month. Attending a training workshop prior to this is not required, but may enhance the discussion. A training workshop is available at noon Oct. 26. Register here. Check your inbox for an email dated Oct. 4, which contains registration information for the Oct. 28 conversation.
Smeal in the News
Hurvitz quoted in Tribune-Democrat, Yahoo! News
Fred Hurvitz, instructor of marketing and Kohl's Professor of Practice for Retail Studies, was quoted extensively in a story about The Johnstown Galleria being bought at a sheriff’s sale last month by its mortgage creditor. Read the story.
PGP leadership collaborates on BizEd story
Five members of Smeal’s Professional Graduate Programs team collaborated on a story titled “Creating an Academic Culture of Collaboration” that was featured recently on the AACSB Insights website. The collaborators included: Brian Cameron, associate dean for Professional Graduate Programs and Executive Education; Teresa Avery, managing director of the Executive MBA Program; Stacey Dorang Peeler, managing director of the Penn State Online MBA program; Michelle Rockower, managing director of online specialty master’s programs; and, Mike Waldhier, managing director of resident graduate programs. Read the story.
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
Click this link to participate in this week’s survey. Results will be shared during the next Smeal Community Zoom, at 1 p.m. Monday.
Question from faculty
How should I plan to teach my class if campus is closed due to weather?
In the event of a change in normal campus operations due to weather, students and instructors may not have the same access to University facilities and resources (such as Wi-Fi) and may have other commitments such as childcare. In recognition of this, Senate Policy 45-00 states that, “when a campus closes, faculty may not move a cancelled residential instruction class meeting to a synchronous online meeting.” Instructors may, however, provide asynchronous online instruction to make up for the cancelled class. Further details about how in-person, hybrid, remote synchronous (for those with an approved work adjustment), and Web courses should proceed in the event of a change in campus operations, please see this document.