A Message to Penn Nursing PhD Students

Dear Nursing PhD Students,

This email is a follow up to previous campus messaging referencing steps the University is taking in response to CDC guidelines. Please note that Penn Nursing is always committed to supporting students in making progress in their academic pursuits. We understand that this is a challenging time for everyone but are committed to providing guidance and information as soon as it is made available.

Coursework and Research

  • Courses will be delivered online when they resume on Monday, March 23rd. This applies to seminars, first-year sessions, pod meetings, journal clubs, etc.
  • Please discuss the best way to address your research progression with your Faculty Advisor or Chair.
  • Campus buildings are currently remaining open and accessible for you to utilize, including the Biomedical Library.  However, no larger in person group meetings are permitted at this time.

Academic

  • Please continue to schedule and complete Qualifying Exams, Candidacy Exams, Dissertation Defenses as planned.
  • Faculty advisor and committee meetings should also continue as planned (remotely if needed).
  • Annual Progress Reports should still be developed with your faculty advisors and committees for May submission.

Dissertation Defenses

  • Defenses should continue as planned. As Fagin Hall is still open, defenses will take place in your reserved room unless otherwise communicated. Defense committee members can attend in person but are also permitted to do so remotely (this is an exception made for the Spring 2020 semester). Anyone else planning to attend must do so remotely. The Center for Teaching and Learning has provided guidance on remote conferencing tools.
  • The Graduate Division of Arts and Sciences will allow for electronic signatures on all defense documents for the dissertation deposit. Additionally, online deposits are also permitted for the remainder of Spring 2020.
  • We will be in contact with students who have defenses scheduled this semester with more details as they become available.

Teaching Assistants/ Residencies

  • As the Vice Provost of Education Office previously communicated, teaching assistants should be in contact with their course directors to assist with their assigned course for the remainder of the semester.
  • If involved in a Teaching or Research Residency, please be in contact with your faculty preceptor on what is needed to compete and meet the residency requirements.

University Housing

  • If you are a graduate assistant in university housing and are unsure as to whether you are permitted to remain in residence, please contact you house dean immediately.

Academic & Wellness Support Services

Please note that our campus-wide partners will continue to operate providing services remotely and in person. CAPS and Student Health remain open at this time.

We know that this is a challenging time for everyone and are available to meet remotely to address any questions and concerns. Please know that we are committed to sharing information as it is provided to us.

Stay safe and utilize https://coronavirus.upenn.edu/ for the most recent University wide information.

Sincerely,

 

Janae Lamoureux, M.S.Ed.

She/Her/Hers

Associate Director of Graduate Academic Affairs