Dean's Messages Archive

As I write this, in late June, we at Penn State are addressing issues we never could have imagined just a few months ago. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic began to grip the world in March, we could not have anticipated the confluence of issues we are facing currently as we prepare for the University’s planned return to campus in late August. Like the rest of the University, the College of Arts and Architecture is still working out details, asking questions, and piecing together answers on everything ranging from how students and faculty can safely return to studios and classrooms, to how we as a college can address the mounting racial tensions across the country.

On June 15, Penn State announced its plans to resume on-campus work and instruction in the fall. The announcement, “Back to State,” outlines guidance to date for resuming “on-campus, in-person classes and other activities this fall in a limited fashion,” with a “highly flexible mix of in-person, remote, and online instruction throughout the semester.” This guidance is evolving on a daily basis as we ask more questions and make informed decisions accordingly.

From the onset of the remote teaching/remote working mandate, I have maintained a position that privileges the health and safety of faculty, staff, and students, and a commitment to not endanger the lives of the college community when we can do otherwise. Our faculty and academic unit heads have been working diligently to determine the delivery mode of courses for the fall, based on pedagogical and instructional needs, as well as the current safety protocols and guidance on keeping themselves and students as safe as possible.

Like other universities across the country that are making purchases of hand sanitizer, masks, and plexiglass, we are also reacting – along with the rest of the world – to the ongoing protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death and other incidents of racial bias. As you may be aware, Penn State unfortunately found itself in the national news for several alleged incidents of hate speech on the part of students. In response, President Barron has established a Student Code of Conduct Task Force and Select Penn State Presidential Commission on Racism, Bias, and Community Safety to work together to provide concrete, actionable proposals to the University on how to address issues related to racism, bias, and religious intolerance on campus. The Board of Trustees has appointed an oversight group to hear regular updates from the select commission.

In addition, the University has launched a roundtable series, “Toward Racial Equity at Penn State: Social Difference, Social Equity, and Social Change.” I am proud to be a panelist for the first conversation, “Race, Our Campus Climate, and Workplace,” on Tuesday, June 30, 3–5 p.m., which can be watched live at watch.psu.edu/toward-racial-equity. I encourage you to tune in if your schedule permits. Furthermore, in recent meetings with members of the Philanthropic Council and the Arts and Architecture Alumni Society Board, I discussed our progress on revisions to the strategic plan, as well as a set of actionable items our college will pursue to promote student success, to advance research, creative practice, exhibitions, and performances, and to confront racial bias and systemic oppression.

As I mark my first six months as dean of this fantastic college, I anxiously look forward to when I can meet more of our alumni and friends in person. In the meantime, please check out the first installment in our new series, “Movers Shakers Designers Makers,” where I chat with alumni from across the college. It was great to reconnect (via Zoom!) with School of Theatre alumnus and social media entrepreneur Mike Karns.

I hope you and your families are staying safe and healthy, and finding creative ways to live and learn in the midst of uncertainty in so many aspects of our lives. Thanks, as always, for your support.