College of Engineering

Message from the College of Engineering Dean

Boise State College of Engineering students welcome back. I hope your spring break was one where you could relax and “literally” unplug for a bit. First, I want you to know that the College of Engineering faculty, staff, and leaders have been working to keep things safe and ensure that your experience for the rest of the semester is one of quality and engagement. Our first concern is the safety of you and your loved ones, as well as your successful progression in your academic programs.

A lot has changed over the last week and I wanted to reach out and let you know about a few things. First, it became obvious to me, even before Gov. Little’s stay at home order, that it was going to be increasingly difficult to maintain a safe environment in our buildings. As such, all buildings, including computer labs, are now closed to students. I know this is going to affect some of you in unique ways, including devices and internet availability, the ramifications of schools closing or family becoming sick, the change of course delivery and your learning style, the challenges of a change of housing or job status, etc. Please let us know what challenges you are facing! If your advisor or instructor can’t help, your department chair or I am here for you. We have a list of contacts in this message. Please reach out. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to your success. There is a lot of information regarding student resources that has been sent or will be coming from your advisors. While we are trying to use all available delivery methods, keep checking your email and Blackboard.

To our Seniors, the class of 2020, we realize this is not the semester experience you had envisioned nor the celebration we were all hoping for as you complete your degree. We are continuing to explore virtual opportunities for you to participate in the Design Showcase, Research Conference, and graduation celebrations. As you know, graduation will look very different. This will be the first year where we have a worldwide digital celebration that brings our faculty and students together. You will still be invited to attend in person at the December graduation. Stay tuned for more details to come and we look forward to sharing these special occasions with you.

This week, many of us, including you, have lived our mission, “with an unshakeable focus on learning, we empower all to think critically and solve our world’s complex challenges.” We remain enabled by our values of integrity, inclusion, and innovation. We will continue to work with you to solve and innovate. At this moment, our Engineering Innovation Studio team is underway with Project Face Shield, 3-D printing PPE for our hospital staff. We are here to continue to adjust and learn how we can best serve you, our students.

Again, welcome back. Reach out. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.

Yours truly,
JoAnn S. Lighty
Dean, College of Engineering
Professor, Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering