College of Medicine Pandemic Response Friday Round-Up – Week of March 15-19
Commencement 2021 Announcement
On March 17, Penn State sent an announcement that this year’s undergraduate commencement would be held in person. Immediately following that announcement, the College of Medicine announced its commencement plans, which will be a hybrid ceremony.
This approach will allow our graduating students to celebrate with each other in person at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, as that venue has enough space to safely accommodate our needs. Students’ family and friends will participate via webcast to protect the health and safety of our community. We encourage our faculty and staff to participate via webcast as well. More information will be released as planning continues.
Match Day celebrated March 19
Match Day marks a pivotable moment for our fourth-year medical students as they find out where they matched for residency. Please take a moment to congratulate our students on this special day at this dedicated landing page: med.psu.edu/match-day. It was created so students can share where they’ve matched with family, friends and the Penn State College of Medicine community. We encourage you to leave words of wisdom or praise as they take this next step in their medical career. Tag us on our social media with hashtags #Match2021 and #PSUMatch:
- Twitter: @PennStHershey
- Facebook: @PennStateCollegeofMedicine
- Instagram: @pennstatehershey
Ramping Up Research Updates
Lab Capacity Remains at Phase 4
The College is still in phase 4, which permits research labs to work at up to 80% capacity, if they can maintain appropriate physical distancing requirements of at least 6 feet between individuals. Masking is still required for everyone while in the lab and on campus, even if you and everyone in the lab environment has been vaccinated.
Visiting Scholar Program and Research Internships
The Visiting Scholar program as well as research internships for most undergraduate and all high school students remains temporarily suspended until further notice.
In-Person Lab Meetings
In-person research lab meetings are still prohibited and should be conducted remotely.
Daily Check-In
Faculty, staff and students are still required to provide a daily COVID symptom attestation via the Check-In.
Mark Your Calendar for Penn State Health Town Hall on March 24
Penn State Health will host a virtual town hall on Wednesday, March 24, at noon. College of Medicine employees are encouraged to attend:
- Zoom link: zoom.us/j/93405262414
- iPhone one-tap: US: +16465189805, 93405262414#
- Phone: 929 205 6099
- Webinar ID: 934 0526 2414
COVID-19 Resources
See the latest policies, information and resources for both on-campus and remote working and learning by visiting med.psu.edu/coronavirus.
In Case You Missed It
See last week’s email for more information on the following topics:
- Fully Vaccinated Staff/Students Should Still Follow Safety Protocols
- Travel Guidance Update
- Remote Work from Outside the U.S.
- Vaccination of New Employees and Current Employees
- Observational Research Allowed Starting Monday, March 15
- Clinical Research Staff Testing Positive for COVID Notification Process
- Study Teams Must Notify Employee Health if They Have a COVID-Positive Study Participant
- Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
- Clinical Shadowing
- Classroom Instruction for Fall 2021
- Penn State Health COVID Town Hall Scheduled for March 24
- COVID-19 Memorial and Vigil to Take Place at Hershey Medical Center
- New Break Space Available at College of Medicine
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