Message from Dean Lawless

Members of the College of Education community,

As you learned a short time ago in a message from President Barron, our University is operating out of an abundance of caution and after consultation with the Board of Trustees has decided to continue remote learning and working through the end of the spring semester. In addition, examinations will be administered remotely, and spring commencement ceremonies will be postponed while the University explores options for celebrating the achievements of our students. These decisions align with recommendations from the federal government that call for restricting of all gatherings of more than 10 people.

The full announcement is available on Penn State News.

As we navigate these new and changing waters, our college leadership team is looking for ways to facilitate the learning and working that is continuing remotely. College-specific information will continue to be shared on our information website. Anyone in the College of Education with questions or concerns related to remote delivery of course materials, field experiences (student teaching, internships, etc.), advising, technology issues or other issues may fill out our web form, available here.

We also are committed to finding ways to celebrate all that We Are and all that we have done during this unprecedented situation.

While commencement has been postponed, the University is committed to finding the best way possible to recognize the achievements of our graduates. We as a college also are looking at ways to celebrate our graduating seniors virtually. There are no plans in place yet, but we will share more information as plans develop.

We also are looking at ways to celebrate those among our faculty and staff who won our college-wide awards. Again, we will share more about this as plans develop.

I also want to take this moment to reiterate my deep appreciation and admiration for all of you and the work you have been doing to keep our educational mission at the forefront. While the situation is far from normal, you all have worked hard to normalize the current operations. Faculty have worked with students to make sure they can succeed in this new learning environment. Staff have set up home offices and have continued to do the work that's so important for the overall success of our college. Students have been flexible and are working hard to adapt their learning to this new environment. You all have made great sacrifices and adjustments, and for that I truly am grateful.

As always, please check the University's information website and our college's information site for updated information. If you have any questions or concerns, please share them at edrelations@psu.edu.