Dean’s Welcome Back Message Fall 2020

Dear College of Engineering Faculty and Staff,

Welcome back!

I am very excited about the Fall 2020 semester, my first semester as Dean of our College of Engineering. I have missed the noise and energy of the students and faculty and I look forward to seeing you on campus again.

Undoubtedly the past five months have been challenging. I thank you for your incredible dedication and commitment. You have proven yourself by your resiliency in Spring 2020 when we transitioned to remote delivery. Your efforts and accomplishments have been truly inspirational.

I recognize the Fall 2020 semester will have its share of challenges. Over the past several months, thoughtful and time-consuming work was done to implement safety protocols to prepare for our return to campus, prioritizing the health and wellness of our students, staff and faculty.

Our classrooms and buildings look a little different.  Classrooms have been reconfigured to accommodate the required social distancing, sanitizer/wipes are in the rooms for students to use, and signs requiring face masks are displayed.  In line with safety, the college and the departments have purchased wide angle cameras to assist with capturing your lectures and allowing students to attend class virtually.

Now more than ever, the health, safety, and well-being of our engineering community must be our highest priority. We all have the responsibility and obligation to promote overall safety by Strictly Adhering to the Guidelines of Social Distancing and Face Mask. It is only through our consolidated efforts that we can add this layer of safety.  This endeavor is bigger than any one of us. This is about community—our community.

I look forward to leading the college with you and celebrating another successful semester in December.

Best regards,

Ahmed Khattab
Dean