Date: March 20, 2020
To: Liberal Arts Faculty, Post Docs, Graduate Students, and Staff
From: Clarence Lang

Dear Liberal Arts Faculty, Post Docs, Graduate Students, and Staff:

As you may be aware, Governor Tom Wolf yesterday ordered all non-life-sustaining businesses to close their physical locations as of last night, with enforcement beginning at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, March 21 and until further notice.  Attached for your information is both a copy of Gov. Wolf’s order and a document clarifying which particular businesses are defined as “life-sustaining.”

Please note that Gov. Wolf’s order does not apply to virtual or telework operations such as working from home – Penn State willcontinue offering classes remotely to students and all faculty and staff are asked to continue their work remotely.Because “Educational Services” are not defined as life-sustaining operations, however, campus buildings—including libraries and computer lab facilities—are now closed and locked as a measure to keep the public from entering.

Although all campus buildings will remain accessible to those with card swipe access, it is critical that everyone who can work from home do so completely, until otherwise notified. I emphatically urge those of you who have been teleworking to continue doing so until further notice, and those of you who have been working on campus to begin teleworking, effective at the close of business today. If there are logistical challenges (i.e., internet connection issues at home) that make it difficult for you to complete your job responsibilities remotely, please contact your immediate supervisor as soon as possible. The Dean’s Office team will do its best to address the matter with you both. In addition, please note that all buildings with General Purpose Classrooms (GPCs) have been set up to be accessible via card swipe to all faculty involved in teaching and instruction across the University Park campus. This means that a Penn State ID can be used to access any building that has a GPC in it.

I appreciate your patience and resolve as we continue to navigate these uncertain times. I know this has been a challenging week, but I am proud of the way our college community has responded in the face of adversity. Please be well, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks,

Clarence