Resolution Concerning Exceptions to In-Person Participation Requirements for Graduate Benchmark Examinations

Whereas, Concern about the risk of COVID infection remains high within the university community; and

Whereas, The CDC reports that all 5 counties where Penn State graduate campuses are located are currently experiencing “High” transmission rates; and

Whereas, The Committee on Academic Standards has been charged to consider policy revisions concerning remote attendance for doctoral benchmark examinations for this academic year; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Graduate Council endorses a reinstatement of a universal exception to Graduate Council requirements for in-person benchmark examinations for the Fall 2021 semester.

The Council encourages individual programs, graduate faculty and graduate students to use their best judgement in balancing the educational needs of students with the safety of everyone involved in the examination process.

Approved by Graduate Council, September 15, 2021