University Times

The Consortium for Educational Resources on Islamic Studies (CERIS) – a collaboration of academic, nonprofit and religious organizations in the tri-state area spearheaded by Pitt’s University Center for International Studies (UCIS) and the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh – now has a web site, www.cerisnet.org.

“The CERIS Web site offers basic information about our organization and its members,” said Robert W. Matson, director of CERIS and professor of history at Pitt-Johnstown. “Our new events module is an outstanding resource for information on lectures, cultural events, conferences and other activities related to Islamic studies occurring in our area.”

According to Matson, the tri-state’s need for academic programs and educational resources on Islam and the Islamic world became clear following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. CERIS was formed to address both the area’s demand for and its lack of resources on Islam and related topics, he said.

Drawing on the collective strengths of the region’s institutions of higher education, CERIS offers students and the public high-quality programs relating to the many languages, literatures and disciplines of Islamic studies.

“We recently added to the web site a module with information on courses related to Islamic studies being offered in the region,” said Frances Leap, an associate professor of religious studies and theology at Seton Hill University and the school’s CERIS representative.

On its resources link, the web site includes information on books, videos and local organizations, as well as URL links to web sites giving information about Islam. The web site’s courses link provides information on local academic programs that incorporate Islamic studies themes.

Members of CERIS – in addition to Pitt, Pitt-Bradford, Pitt-Greensburg, and Pitt-Johnstown – include California University of Pennsylvania, Carlow College, Chatham College, Community College of Allegheny County, Duquesne University, Geneva College, the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh, La Roche College, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Point Park University, Robert Morris University, Saint Francis University, Saint Vincent College, Seton Hill University, Washington and Jefferson College, Waynesburg College, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and Youngstown State University. CERIS also is endorsed by the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education.