Smeal Update: November 20, 2020

In-person instruction period is completed

Thanks to a great team effort, we have made it to Nov. 20, with a good number of in-person classes. We learned things about defending against the virus that we will employ in the spring. One important lesson is that the basics of masking, hygiene, social distancing, and minimizing the size of gatherings work. Thank you to all for your efforts to make this a successful portion of the semester. We say so long to the students today with a sense of accomplishment for what we—and they—managed, and with anticipation for a successful, remote, conclusion to the semester.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My hope is that you all have a safe, healthy, restful Thanksgiving holiday. This Thanksgiving will be different for many of us, as plans to travel and gather are modified or cancelled. Many may need a little help adjusting, and I want to remind you that Smeal Assist and the Employee Assistance Program are there to help. 

Business Building will be locked after today

When classes end today, most students will be returning home until the start of spring semester. At the same time, Penn State will transition from in-person to remote instruction. The Smeal community is reminded that after today, the Business Building will be locked down. Employees can still gain entry with card swipe access.

Smeal in the News

For Campbell, students become family

Jamie Campbell, Smeal’s assistant dean for Diversity Enhancement Programs, displays a special affinity for the students he serves. Read the story.

Impacting the world, one generation at a time

Karen Quintos followed in the footsteps of her mother, Nancy Hughes, as a pioneering alumna of the Smeal College of Business. Read the story.

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. The HR deadline for this phase of the review passed last week, so there is urgency to finishing this task.

Do you know someone who rocks? Nominate them!

Each month the Smeal Staff Advisory Committee names a You Rock! Award recipient. The honorees for November are Carrie Marcinkevage and the Salesforce CRM team. Congratulations! 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 explores causes you are passionate about. Click this link to participate. Results will be shared during next week's Smeal Community Zoom. 

Frequently-asked question from faculty

Where can I find answers to my questions about alternative grading?

Alternative grading will be implemented for the fall 2020 semester to serve as a safety net for undergraduate students who encounter significant challenges that impede their academic goals due to circumstances beyond their control. The keepteaching website contains more information and FAQs about alternative grading, including how students enter their elections for alternative grading, how financial aid might be affected, and whether faculty should encourage students to elect or not to elect alternative grading for a particular course.