Chair’s message:
Our students, faculty and staff faced unprecedented challenges in 2020 with Temple Made dedication, grit and resilience. Together, we made a rapid transition to remote instruction and worked diligently to implement best practices for online learning. We celebrated as students became graduates, moving forward in their careers at Comcast, Vanguard, Google and many others.
Over the past year, CIS faculty explored research that addresses important societal issues, such as using augmented reality to provide enhanced computing education for those with atypical neurocognitive abilities and studying the impact of COVID-19. Given the importance of computing to addressing today's many challenges, we have introduced two new graduate programs that will offer broader access to those interested in computing education.
Meanwhile, as the nation grappled with racial injustice, including the unjust deaths of African Americans such as George Floyd, the Black in Computing organization urged the computing community to act. In response, we reaffirmed our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism in our department in a number of significant ways.
When I look at what our students, faculty and staff accomplished during this unprecedented year, I am amazed—but not surprised. Our CIS community epitomizes the university motto: Perseverantia Vincit, or Perseverance Conquers.
Jamie Payton
CIS Chair and Associate Professor