From the President: March 17 Message About Major Changes to 2020 Commencement
This is a generation-defining moment. And like every such moment that has gone before, it is not only the crisis itself but also how we respond that matters most.
The Penn community has responded heroically. Everyone has had truly difficult decisions to make. That we have done so together will contribute directly to the health and lives of members of our community and countless others. We will continue to do this guided by the best understanding and evidence for what will protect and save lives.
I write to all of you personally today to thank the entire Penn community and—as importantly—to recognize how wrenching this is for everyone in the Penn family.
To each and every one of our students—Penn undergraduate, graduate, professional and nontraditional students—I know you are deeply concerned and uncertain about what comes next and I share those feelings with you. You have goals and dreams left undone, plays not being performed, games and meets not taking place, research interrupted, spontaneous late-night conversations not occurring, and a thousand other losses both large and small that we all mourn. It hurts to have so much changed so quickly.
To the great Class of 2020 in particular: You have worked so well and achieved so much. And now, life-altering global events that affect all of us have taken away something that is uniquely yours: your final semester on campus, surrounded by friends and faculty, enjoying all of the accomplishments, milestones and traditions that you have gone to such lengths to earn and enjoy. That is a special—and an especially difficult—loss.
But your amazing Penn story does not end this way. I promise.
In light of the disruption our graduating students are going through, we all want to do more, not less, to celebrate and honor you. The day of your scheduled Commencement, May 18, should not pass without recognizing that you are now Penn graduates, which we will do virtually. We also will celebrate and honor you in person with Commencement ceremonies on Penn’s campus when it is safe and feasible to do so.
It will be some time before we know the specifics, but we will do our utmost to give your achievements and time at Penn the fullest celebration possible.
To our proud Penn alumni, we also promise that we will hold an on-campus celebration of our 2020 Alumni Weekend when it becomes safe and feasible again to do so. Our Penn alumni and especially those who were planning and working so hard on celebrations for milestone reunion years want to come home, and I cannot wait to welcome all of you in style. Of course, we cannot know the dates for these events right now given how uncertain the immediate future is, but we will provide additional details as soon as it’s possible to do so.
I cannot begin to say enough in praise of our faculty and staff, who continue to keep our university functioning, and our doctors, nurses and researchers who keep our medical system operating. You are our heroes. You have children at home, aged parents and family members at risk, and are concerned for your own health and safety. Yet you give your all to support our University and community. I’m so very proud, and we’re all tremendously grateful.
This is a difficult moment for everybody. We’re all trying to adjust our lives and plans while doing all we can to safeguard public health and the wellbeing of those around us. With all my heart, I want to thank everyone for working together in doing what’s right even though it means giving up things we cherish.
There’s no other community in the world I’d rather stand with and work with at such a time, and I am so proud of you all. Stay strong, stay safe, stay in touch. We will meet this moment. That’s a Penn promise.
—Amy Gutmann, President
2020 Penn Relays Cancelled
Penn’s Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics announced that the 2020 Penn Relays, scheduled for April 23-25, has been canceled due to the evolving coronavirus public health threat. The Penn Relays, which has been contested uninterrupted since 1895, celebrated its 125th consecutive running last year.
“Based on the current novel coronavirus pandemic, we cannot host an event in late April without putting our participants, spectators, officials, volunteers and staff at risk,” said M. Grace Calhoun, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W’69 Director of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Pennsylvania. “We remain hopeful that the recent measures put in place by many health organizations, government officials and academic institutions will curtail the spread of this disease. Penn has hosted the Penn Relays for 125 consecutive years through the World Wars and other world-wide health issues. This spirit of perseverance and resiliency will continue as we plan for a track meet later in the year when the health and safety of our community is more certain.”
Penn will endeavor to host a substitute track meet at a later date. The three-day event will shorten into a one-day event designed to provide the opportunity for youth, high school and open runners to persevere and enjoy a competitive and festive atmosphere which they might have missed this spring.
“No one associated with the Penn Relays has ever wanted to see a cancellation,” said Dave Johnson, the Frank Dolson Director of the Penn Relays. “While participating in the meet as an athlete, coach or official remains a bucket list goal for many, the event has long served as an annual homecoming for families, friends, teams and social groups. Without the Penn Relays, springtime in Philadelphia will not be the same. We will be back for the 2021 Penn Relays on April 22-24 at Franklin Field, when we hope to see brighter days and be reunited with Penn Relays family.”
The Penn Relays has adapted to worldwide conditions in the past. The meet was altered in 1917 and 1918 when several colleges, including most Ivy League institutions, curtailed their track programs during World War I. During World War II, travel restrictions reduced participation and spectator attendance while gas rationing was in effect in 1943 and 1944.
By default, all ticket orders will be credited toward the 2021 event; however, refunds for the sale price of 2020 tickets will be available by request. Per ticket fees and order processing fees will not be refunded. By processing a refund, the account holder agrees to have all tickets removed from their account. Account holders will not be eligible for ticket renewal rates and must purchase at general public rates for the 2021 Relays. Should you wish to move forward with a ticket refund, you may not have access to the same seat location for the 2021 Relays. The deadline to request a refund is March 27, 2020. If you would like to proceed with a ticket refund, please go to https://tinyurl.com/relaysrefund
Message to Penn Faculty and Staff Regarding University Operations
Consistent with an order issued by Governor Wolf late Thursday [March 19] afternoon, the University of Pennsylvania is suspending all operations performed onsite except for those that are life-sustaining. Remote work is not impacted by this order and is expected to continue.
Effective 12:01 a.m. on March 21, 2020, only those University employees who are performing life-sustaining work are permitted to be physically present at the University. This includes, but is not limited to, those employees performing the following services for the University:
- Public Safety and Security services
- Ambulatory Healthcare services (e.g., StudentWellness, Penn Dental)—elective procedures prohibited
- Hospital services—elective procedures prohibited
- Animal care
- Support services for students remaining in the dorms (e.g., dining, housekeeping and maintenance)
- Transportation and delivery services
- Building and facility support services (e.g., housekeeping and maintenance) for those areas performing life-sustaining services or to address emergent situations
- Scientific research services
- Data processing, hosting and related services
- IT Support for those performing life-sustaining services or to address emergent situations
- Broadcasting services (e.g., WXPN)
- Utility services
- Hotels
Each School/Center should have a list of employees who are essential to the performance of life-sustaining work for the University. These employees should be notified of their essential designation in response to the latest order regarding COVID-19 and be provided a notice indicating this that can be shared in conjunction with the state’s enforcement efforts related to the Governor Wolf’s order.
Faculty who are not already prepared and ready to complete virtual instruction from a location other than campus beginning this Monday should make arrangements to do so as soon as possible. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Dean of their respective School.
When scheduling staff for onsite work, staffing should not be in excess of what is necessary to support life-sustaining operations. While on campus, practice social distancing and other healthy habits.
Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact your supervisor directly. Further inquiries can be directed to the Employee Solution Center at (215) 898-7372 or you may send an email to hcmsolutioncenter@upenn.edu
—Wendell E. Pritchett, Provost
—Craig R. Carnaroli, Executive Vice President
Martine Haas: Lauder Professor
Wharton Dean Geoff Garrett announced the appointment of Martine Haas as the Lauder Professor at the Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management & International Studies.
The Lauder Professorship was established by brothers Leonard A. Lauder (W’54) and Ronald S. Lauder (W’65) when they founded the Lauder Institute in honor of their father, Joseph H. Lauder. Dr. Haas’s appointment as the Lauder Professor accompanies her role as the Anthony L. Davis Director of the Lauder Institute (Almanac May 28, 2019).
“Leonard and I are pleased to have Professor Haas hold the Lauder Professorship,” said the Honorable Ronald S. Lauder, chairman of the Lauder Institute Board of Governors. “Martine embodies our vision for the global connectivity and understanding that we seek to support through the Lauder Institute. Professor Haas has already raised the Institute’s international profile by highlighting the expertise of our Global Fellows and faculty, and we look forward to many more achievements and the great success that will, no doubt, follow in the coming years.”
“This is a wonderful moment,” added Leonard A. Lauder. “Professor Haas is a great leader and thinker with a strong vision for the worlds of today and tomorrow. She knows how to inspire and motivate, and is the perfect person to guide the next generation of global leaders. My family and I are honored that she has been appointed as Lauder Professor.”
Dr. Haas has been a member of the Penn faculty since 2007. An expert on global business, including collaboration in multinational firms, global teamwork, and the sociology and social psychology of organizations, she has received scholarly awards from the Academy of Management and Academy of International Business and teaching awards from both the Wharton MBA and undergraduate programs. She has worked for McKinsey & Company and Oxfam, and served on the faculty of Cornell University and as a visiting faculty member at London Business School. Dr. Haas earned a PhD in organizational behavior and an MA in sociology from Harvard, an MA in international relations from Yale, and a BA in human sciences from Oxford.
Human Resources Open Enrollment: Monday, April 20-Friday, May 1, 2020
Penn Benefits Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to make changes to your healthcare elections. While Open Enrollment is still a few weeks away, we want to give you plenty of time to learn about the upcoming changes.
We also have unprecedented news to share. There will be no increase in medical and dental rates for the third straight year. That means Penn’s faculty and staff enrolled in a medical plan will not see an increase for the 2020-2021 plan year.
There are many other developments for you to consider as you choose a plan for you and your family, including a new online enrollment process. For the first time, benefits-eligible faculty and staff will make their elections and any updates using the Workday@Penn portal at www.workday.upenn.edu
Be sure to carefully review enrollment information mailed to your home. This year, the Division of Human Resources will provide a single enrollment guide that lists the benefits available to full-time faculty and staff, as well as part-time and ACA eligible employees. Penn provides many other tools and resources to help you make an informed decision.
For more information about your benefits, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/openenrollment
You’ll have access to benefit comparison charts, contribution charts, and more.
Plan Changes as of July 1, 2020
No Increase in Medical and Dental Rates for the Third Year
Your cost for medical and dental coverage will not increase for the 2020-2021 plan year.
The University of Pennsylvania’s medical and dental plans have seen favorable claims experience over the past several years, which has enabled Penn to maintain the same rates for the third straight year. Although the healthcare market in general has experienced approximately 5% medical cost inflation over the past few years, Penn’s plan costs have been much lower than the industry trend.
Thanks to plan design changes, favorable claims experience, enhanced prescription drug
management, wellness initiatives and better employee consumerism, Penn’s faculty and staff enrolled in a medical plan will not see an increase in the 2020-2021 plan year.
New Enrollment Process with Workday@Penn
This year you will complete Open Enrollment at the Workday@Penn portal at www.workday.upenn.edu The benefits enrollment process has been simplified and is quick and easy. Use your PennKey and password to access the portal. Then follow the steps listed below to enroll or make changes to your benefits for the 2020-2021 plan year.
Be sure to review your current elections and available choices in Workday even if you plan to keep the same coverage you have now. After Open Enrollment, healthcare benefits changes can only be made if you declare a qualifying life event.
Also, review your beneficiary information, confirm its accuracy for all elections and update it if necessary. Once you have made your elections, you must print a confirmation. No confirmation statements will be mailed. However, an enrollment guide will be mailed to your home in April.
Steps to Enroll:
- Log into Workday at www.myworkday.com/upenn/login.html
- From your home page, select the Inbox icon in the upper right corner or click “Go to Inbox”
- Select “Open Enrollment—Event” in your inbox
- Click “Elect” or “Waive” next to the corresponding benefit plan (your current coverage will be displayed for each benefits election)
- When you have completed all of your elections, click “Submit”
A One-Time Opportunity to Increase Supplemental Life Insurance Coverage
The University through MetLife is offering a one-time opportunity to enroll or increase your Supplemental Life Insurance.
Eligible faculty and staff can increase their supplemental life insurance coverage during Open Enrollment before providing evidence of insurability (i.e. proof of good health). This means, if you’re not currently enrolled, you can elect .05 x to 5 x your benefits base, or if you’re currently enrolled you can increase your coverage up to the 5 x max. If you select a total coverage level above $750,000 (coverage amounts based on your benefits base) you must provide additional evidence of insurability. To take advantage of this opportunity, you must elect this increase during this year’s Open Enrollment period.
Watch the mail for your personalized information sheet from MetLife, which will provide you with detailed information about your current life insurance amounts and your available options during Open Enrollment. Please remember to review and/or update your beneficiary information in Workday.
Remember that Penn provides you with Basic Life Insurance of 1 x your benefits base salary (maximum of $300,000) at no cost to you. If you are PT/ACA eligible, Penn provides a maximum of $50,000 in Basic Life Insurance. This one-time Supplemental Life Insurance coverage is in addition to the Basic Life benefit.
*Note: You must be currently eligible for life insurance to take part in this offer. The amount of coverage is based on your benefits base that is effective as of March 2020. If you are a union employee, you can select up to 6 x your base salary to the max of $750,000. If you are PT/ACA eligible, you can select up to 2 x your base salary.
Colonoscopy Screening Age Requirement Removed
Effective July 1, an annual (as recommended by your medical provider) colonoscopy screening will be covered at $0 co-pay for those enrolled in the Keystone HMO, Aetna POS II and the PennCare/Personal Choice plan. The age and frequency limitation for this type of screening has been removed.
Penn Introduces Telemedicine
The University has partnered with Penn Medicine to offer a virtual care telemedicine practice called Penn Medicine OnDemand. Formerly called FirstCall, Penn Medicine On-
Demand provides urgent primary care services by providers in the Penn Center for Connected Care.
Penn Medicine OnDemand providers address your immediate care needs such as sore throats, rashes, earaches, muscle or joint pain and other minor injuries.
The telemedicine practice is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by Penn Medicine providers who deliver fast and speedy care using video visits. When an in-person, office-based appointment with a PennCare provider is recommended, the Penn Medicine OnDemand team will help you schedule it at a time and location that is convenient for you.
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
When you participate in a Health Care Flexible Spending Account, you set aside pre-tax dollars to use for certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
The IRS has increased the FSA limit from $2,700 to $2,750 for the 2020 calendar year. As you know, you can only rollover $500 to the next plan year, so be sure to submit your claims for the current plan year in a timely manner.
The rules for using your FSA account remain the same. You may still need to provide receipts to verify that your claims are qualified expenses in accordance with IRS guidelines.
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for HDHP
An HSA is a tax savings account for High Deductible Health Plan participants. HSA funds may be used to offset the cost of care. Penn will contribute to your HSA $1,000 for single coverage or $2,000 for family coverage. You can also contribute additional money to an HSA via pre-tax payroll deductions.
The IRS has announced an increase in the HSA family maximum contribution by $100 for calendar year 2020. The single contribution limit will be $3,550 and the family contribution limit will be $7,100—inclusive of your employer contribution. If you are 55 and over, you can contribute an additional $1,000.
Penn’s Health Savings Account administration is moving from WageWorks to HealthEquity, effective May 2020. BNY Mellon will no longer serve as the custodial bank for HSA accounts. A new account will be opened for participants at HealthEquity. BNY Mellon will transfer your HSA balances to HealthEquity by the end of May.
If you are currently enrolled in a Health Savings Account, you do not need to take any action for your account to be moved.
You will receive a new HealthEquity health savings card in May. Please watch for important notification in the mail and your email from HealthEquity.
Open Enrollment Presentations and Wellness Fairs
Due to the evolving situation around COVID-19, the on-campus Open Enrollment Presentations scheduled for March 31, April 2, April 7, April 9, April 13, April 27 and April 29 have been cancelled.
The Wellness Fairs scheduled for April 21 and April 22 have also been cancelled.
Health Care Rates for 2020-2021
|
Full-time Weekly Paid |
|
|
|
Full-time Monthly Paid |
|
|
|
|
Single Coverage |
Emp. & Spouse |
Emp. & Child(ren) |
Emp. & Family |
Single Coverage |
Emp. & Spouse |
Emp. & Child(ren) |
Emp. & Family |
MEDICAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PennCare |
$47.08 |
$117.46 |
$79.15 |
$146.08 |
$204.00 |
$509.00 |
$343.00 |
$633.00 |
Aetna Choice POS II |
$32.31 |
$83.08 |
$54.69 |
$103.15 |
$140.00 |
$360.00 |
$237.00 |
$447.00 |
Aetna HDHP |
$21.00 |
$54.92 |
$35.31 |
$68.77 |
$91.00 |
$238.00 |
$153.00 |
$298.00 |
Keystone HMO |
$22.15 |
$59.31 |
$37.38 |
$73.38 |
$96.00 |
$257.00 |
$162.00 |
$318.00 |
DENTAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Penn Family Plan |
$8.77 |
$17.21 |
$19.41 |
$27.38 |
$38.02 |
$74.59 |
$84.10 |
$118.63 |
MetLife |
$6.31 |
$12.60 |
$13.89 |
$18.93 |
$27.34 |
$54.62 |
$60.18 |
$82.03 |
VISION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Davis Vision |
$1.09 |
$2.36 |
$1.77 |
$3.00 |
$4.73 |
$10.22 |
$7.65 |
$13.01 |
VSP |
$1.62 |
$3.54 |
$2.66 |
$4.51 |
$7.10 |
$15.33 |
$11.53 |
$19.55 |
Enhanced Penn Health Insurance Coverage and Care Access
Dear Colleagues:
Penn’s insurance carriers, Independence (Blue Cross), Aetna, CVS Caremark, Keystone (IBC), and Penn Medicine’s Connected Health Virtual Care Telemedicine Practice are all closely monitoring the COVID-19 virus (Coronavirus) situation. They are committed to making sure that our participants can receive appropriate testing and treatment for this virus if needed.
Here is an overview of the enhancements Penn’s insurance carriers have made to our plans to improve access for members. This information is also available at the Penn Health Plans and COVID-19 web page at https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay/health-life-and-fsa/penn-health-insurance-and-covid-19
Testing will be covered. During this public health crisis, Independence and Aetna will cover the COVID-19 test as a preventive service and waive cost sharing (such as co-pays and coinsurance) for the test when performed at a hospital or an approved laboratory. This applies to all Penn plans: PennCare PPO, Aetna POS II, Keystone/AmeriHealth Health Plan, Aetna HDHP and Aetna POS Standard.
Treatment will be covered. At this time, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for COVID-19. Members should receive care from their doctor to help relieve symptoms as they would other viral respiratory infections. Independence and Aetna will continue to cover medically necessary health care costs to treat infectious diseases, including COVID-19, based on the terms of the member’s insurance plan.
Telemedicine is available. OnDemand (215-615-2222). In an effort to reduce potential exposure, the carriers and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending the use of Telemedicine services. You may access Penn Medicine’s Virtual Care Telemedicine Practice Connecting Penn Medicine employees and University employees with Penn Medicine providers, 24/7/365. The highlights of eligibility are below:
- Open to the public, any patient with any insurance plan, normally a $49 fee-for-service. This fee will be waived under Penn Medicine’s COVID-19 community health initiative for anyone who works on Penn Medicine campuses, regardless of their insurance plan, including University faculty and staff. This applies to all Penn plans, PennCare PPO, Aetna POS II, Keystone/AmeriHealth Health Plan, Aetna HDHP and Aetna POS Standard.
- Patients 14 years or older who are located in PA, NJ, DE, MD. For patients under 14, parents or guardians are urged to contact the child’s healthcare provider.
- Practice is staffed by full-time CRNPs.
- Provides medical advice, short-term care prescriptions, and scheduling collaboration with Penn Medicine primary care teams.
- Connect via PennChart’s audio-video “facetime” technology using the MyPennMedicine (MPM) app, downloaded from the Apple or Google store.
- Self-schedule 20-minute virtual appointments via MPM or call us for help downloading the MPM app.
- Visit us at www.PennMedicine.org/OnDemand
CVS/Caremark. CVS Health is taking steps to address the outbreak and protect member access to medication. The latest steps we are taking will help ensure patients of all ages have every option available to them when it comes to filling prescriptions. As long as COVID-19 continues to pose a threat, CVS will maintain a relentless focus on how best to serve you and your family members.
Encourage Members to Refill Maintenance Medications. We know that access to needed medication is important to you and your family members during the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. We strongly recommend you take action and refill any needed medications for yourself or a family member, who have long-term maintenance medications with a 90-day supply, or up to your plan’s maximum quantity. Contact your pharmacist with how to obtain a 90- day supply if desired. Under the Penn plans you may obtain a 90-day prescription refill benefit for maintenance medications and the option of home delivery from CVS Caremark Mail Service pharmacy or from a local CVS store.
Relaxing Refill Restrictions. CVS Caremark is waiving early refill limits on 30-day prescriptions for maintenance medications at any in-network pharmacy. Relaxing refill-too-soon limitations allows members to fill maintenance medication prescriptions ahead of their normal fill schedule to ensure members are able to maintain an adequate supply of medication on hand.
Free Home Delivery from CVS Pharmacy. Beginning immediately, CVS Pharmacy will waive charges for home delivery of all prescription medications. With the CDC encouraging people at higher risk for COVID-19 complications to stay at home as much as possible, this is a convenient option to avoid coming to the pharmacy for refills or new prescriptions. This includes mail order and home delivery via your local CVS pharmacy.
If you have any questions about the enhancements, please contact the Penn Benefits Solution Center at Health Advocate at 1 (866) 799-2329.
—Division of Human Resources
March 16 Update for Faculty & Staff on COVID-19 Exposure
Dear faculty and staff:
I recently informed Penn undergraduate, graduate, and professional students that three of our undergraduate students have tested positive for COVID-19. All had traveled internationally during Spring Break and were very forthcoming about details of their itinerary, allowing us to conduct a thorough contact investigation.
The COVID-19 outbreak is unprecedented and is impacting all of our lives—both on and off campus. I want to again assure you that the University remains committed to the health and safety of its campus during these challenging times.
While we take necessary and drastic measures to mitigate the spread of this infection, let us also remember that empathy, love and kindness are also contagious. Let us remember to treat each other with compassion and respect.
—Dr. Benoit Dubé, Associate Provost and Chief Wellness Officer
Dear students:
I am writing to share that three Penn undergraduate students have tested positive for COVID-19. Two students are home, away from campus. One was on campus and tested by Penn Medicine. Upon release from the hospital, that student will be quarantined and cared for in an undisclosed campus location following public health protocols.
Protecting the anonymity of these students is of utmost importance. Please respect your classmates’ privacy and think about how you would want others to act if you were contending with COVID-19.
Equally important to all of us is understanding how this disease spreads and taking steps to minimize risks.
The affected students were part of a group that traveled together abroad for Spring Break. Some members of that trip returned to campus last week, where they lived in close quarters and socialized with friends.
I greatly appreciate these students sharing details of their travel and contacts. This communication allowed the University to identify 20 additional students—most of whom are not currently on campus—as having medium to high risk of exposure, necessitating 14 days of self-isolation and symptom checks wherever they are.
COVID-19 may not have personally touched you or anyone in your life—yet. Based on scientific modeling, it may soon impact people you know and love. Social distancing is vital for all of us—including young and healthy students. We have a collective responsibility to mitigate the spread of this disease to protect those more vulnerable. Learn more here:
From Containment to Mitigation of COVID-19 in the US: https://tinyurl.com/jamacovid
Flattening the Coronavirus Curve: https://tinyurl.com/NYTmitigation
What else can you do now?
- Minimize your social activity. Wherever you are or go this week, be vigilant and thoughtful.
- Wash your hands frequently and take your temperature. If you develop a fever, frequent cough, or have difficulty breathing, please limit your contacts and call your health care provider for guidance.
- Continue to check for University updates and information https://coronavirus.upenn.edu
Thank you for your empathy and thoughtful response to this public health emergency.
—Dr. Benoit Dubé, Associate Provost and Chief Wellness Officer
Wharton School’s New Course, Delivered Remotely, on the Impact and Implications of Coronavirus/COVID-19
As the world grapples with the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania has developed a new course, conducted remotely, to address in real time how global business and financial uncertainty can be managed in the wake of such dramatic events.
The six-week, half-credit course is Epidemics, Natural Disasters and Geopolitics: Managing Global Business and Financial Uncertainty. It begins March 25, after the University’s announcement that courses will move to remote instruction to limit the effects of the coronavirus. This course is available to all Penn degree-seeking students. Students will join the course via livestream. Over 450 students from across Penn have already expressed interest and pre-registered.
“There are significant business lessons to be learned from the global response to the coronavirus outbreak, and Wharton is at the forefront of sharing valuable insights and creating a community to exchange ideas,” said Wharton Dean Geoff Garrett. “This is a teachable moment for the global academic community, and this course is just one example of how Wharton is coming together to provide support during a time of heightened anxiety and ambiguity.”
Course lesson titles include “Leading amid Unpredictable Rapidly Changing Events with Contested Facts,” “Financial Market Reactions to the Coronavirus and Disaster Risk,” “Emotional Contagion and Epidemics,” and “US-China Relations after the Trade Wars and the Coronavirus.”
The course has been developed by Management Professor Mauro Guillen, who will join other Wharton faculty including Sigal Barsade, Mohamed El-Erian, Zeke Emanuel, Geoff Garrett, Martine Haas, Sarah Light, Carolyn Kousky, Howard Kunreuther, John Paul MacDuffie, Barbara Mellers, Katy Milkman, Jeremy Siegel, Beth Simmons and Kent Smetters as lecturers.
“We are proud to launch this course as it draws directly from the current geopolitical climate and will offer students insights into this crisis and all types of high-risk events,” said Dr. Guillen. “I’m thrilled to take part in this course which was developed very quickly and through the generous support of professors and staff who understand the urgency.”
For more information on how the University of Pennsylvania is responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, visit the Penn Coronavirus website: https://coronavirus.upenn.edu