Physics and Astronomy

Welcome to the Department of Physics and Astronomy! During the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters, we are offering our instruction via a mix of online and in-person activities. To maximize safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, these in-person activities are primarily being held outdoors. Our faculty and staff are available to help you. Please contact us by email and phone and someone will get back to you promptly. While we are maintaining a department office presence, someone may not be available when you arrive; please email or call to arrange an appointment.

Many of our department events and activities have moved online. Our physics club and department seminars will resume online this fall; see our department seminars and events page for details.  Tutoring for physics courses has moved online (see our tutoring page). Any students needing course permits should email Ms. Kinga Picerno. All credit adjustment or other forms will be handled via email. Faculty are holding office hours online and will continue advising their students via email/video conferencing. Physics majors needing assistance should begin by contacting their assigned physics faculty advisor. Our weekly public telescope nights are suspended for the time being.

For information regarding the University’s plan to reopen, visit the Red Hawk Restart website; for information regarding COVID-19, consult the Coronavirus website. Students and visitors to our campus should complete the HawkCheck health screening before coming to campus. The proper wearing of face masks indoors and when social distancing cannot be maintained is expected.

We are fully committed to the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Continuing to deliver quality instruction to our students remains our priority.

Please contact me via email with any course or academic advising concerns that you are not able to resolve with your instructor or assigned advisor. Questions about signing up for introductory physics courses should be directed to Ms. Kinga Picerno. We continue to welcome new physics students and transfer students—please contact me by email if you would like to discuss our department programs.

The coronavirus pandemic is a national and world-wide emergency, and your personal behavior can have very serious consequences for yourself and others. We strongly urge all students to practice social distancing, wear masks when indoors or when social distancing cannot be maintained, wash hands frequently, avoid large gatherings, and practice healthy living habits (proper nutrition, regular and sufficient sleep and exercise, stress reduction). Be mindful that even young people can suffer serious effects from COVID-19, and that you might spread the virus even if you do not have symptoms.

Good luck, stay safe, and act responsibly.

Prof. Marc Favata, Chairperson, Physics & Astronomy
(4 Sept. 2020; updated 10 Nov. 2020)