College of Medicine Pandemic Response Friday Round-Up – Week of April 12-16

College of Medicine leaders updated faculty, staff and students on April 16 about the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

ALL COLLEGE OF MEDICINE UPDATES

BMR Courtyard to Reopen

April 19, 2021Penn State College of Medicine News

As the weather is improves, plans are underway to reopen the BMR courtyard. It is anticipated this area will be available for meals and breaks on Monday, April 19. As many individuals will be unmasked while eating and drinking, it is imperative that those using the courtyard maintain physical distancing and, when appropriate, wear a mask. The courtyard may be closed in the future depending on the extent of noncompliance with established safety precautions.

Eating and Drinking Outside of Labs and Offices

College of Medicine faculty, staff and students are reminded that eating and drinking in the hallways and open public spaces in the College of Medicine buildings are still prohibited. As the weather warms, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to eat outside and maintain physical distancing.

COVID-19 Testing for Students and Faculty Attending Graduation

All students and faculty attending commencement on May 15 will be required to have a negative COVID test prior to the ceremony. Instructions for obtaining a test will be sent in the near future to students and the limited number of faculty that have been specifically invited to graduation. COVID testing will not be required for family and friends who will be in attendance.

POLICIES and GUIDELINES

As information has changed throughout the pandemic, policies are updated regularly to help guide decisions for our faculty, staff and students. The best location to view these policies in on the med.psu.edu/coronavirus website where they are regularly posted and updated. A few highlights of policies with their direct link are as follows:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ― COMMENCEMENT

Q: Will students be able to walk across the stage?

A: Yes, students will be walking across the stage when they are recognized. Note: this is not being done at any other Penn State campus.

Q: Will graduate student mentors be able to hood graduating students?

A: Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, including social distancing, we are unable to have any hooding of graduating students. Graduate students' mentors are invited to walk across the stage with the graduate student when recognized.

Q: Are family members in the parking-level viewing area required to remain in their cars during the ceremony?

A: No, the parking-level viewing area will be set up as a comfortable, decorated viewing area and extension of the ballroom with chairs in socially distanced pods. A screen will be set up for viewing. Cars will not have access to the parking level the day of the ceremony. The goal is to make this a nice formal location for your family and/or friends to watch graduation.

Q: Is the parking garage disability accessible?

A: Yes, the parking garage is disability accessible. You may access the parking garage through the main lobby of Hershey Lodge. The parking garage is adjacent to the Bears Den.

Q: Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

A: Yes, the link for the ceremony will be available at med.psu.edu/commencement. The link will be public, and anyone will be able to view it. There are no restrictions to the number of people able to view.

Q: If I do not attend the in-person commencement, how will I receive my diploma?

A: If you are not in attendance for the commencement ceremony, your diploma will be mailed to you.

Q: Will my name be called if I am not there?

A: Your name will only be called if you make a graduation slide. An email will be sent to you in the coming weeks with information on how to submit a slide if you would like to be featured during graduation. Please fill out the information as requested. However, all graduate names will be listed in the graduation program.

Q: How can I receive a program if I do not attend the ceremony?

A: The program will be available for download on the day of the ceremony at med.psu.edu/commencement. You may also request a copy be mailed to you.

Q: Are tickets required?

A: Yes. Each student is allowed to bring up to three guests. Tickets will be dispersed at a later date, closer to commencement. A ticket is not required for a child sitting on an adult's lap.

Q: Is my family required to have a COVID test prior to attending the ceremony?

A: No. Family or other chosen guests are not required to have a COVID test, only graduating students.

Q: What will be required of students who plan to attend graduation in person?

A: All students will be required to complete rapid COVID PCR testing the week of May 10 prior to graduation. College leadership is currently exploring testing options to either consist of all in-person or a combination of in-person or a mail-in option. Specific details will be available shortly to assist with any plans that need to be made to accommodate the testing. Stay tuned to emails coming from your program director.

Q: If I test positive for COVID and am no longer eligible to participate in commencement, will I have an option to display a slide in my absence?

A: Yes, it will not be safe for you to attend commencement in person. You will have the option to display a slide in your absence. Your name will only be called if a slide is made. All names will appear in the program book.

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