Return to research plans moving ahead under heavy scrutiny
More than 600 labs have been reviewed in the School of Medicine alone; some faculty say communication has been spotty.
Pitt’s three operating postures present challenges on all levels
Faculty, staff and students still have questions about how the fall semester will proceed.
Remote teaching, health risks and extra work concern faculty
Professors anxious about providing a classroom experience if they or students aren’t in the class.
Staff early retirement package includes six months of pay
More than 800 who are 59 and older are eligible for the plan; decisions must be made by July 31.

New Trustees’ chair forming ad hoc committee on fossil fuel investments
Gallagher tells board the University will have to be innovative to deal with pandemic and social justice issues.
Five students, one employee who have been on campus test positive for COVID
University will be giving updates of case numbers but no specific details on individuals.
Faculty age 65 and over offered bonus to retire by Aug. 31
Around 230 qualify for the program with 10 or more years of consecutive service at Pitt.

Pitt will pay $22 million to rent space in local hotels for students
The plan is designed to de-densify residence halls that have communal bathrooms.

Pitt–Bradford cancels public, in-person events for fall
Events for students will still take place, but the Pitt Band won’t be visiting this summer.
PLRB rules Pitt list for faculty union was ‘legally inaccurate’
University says it handled matter appropriately and “will carefully consider our next steps.”
Flex@Pitt will keep options open for students and faculty
Instructors being asked to prepare for a variety of scenarios; chancellor says extra compensation being discussed.

Blood drive organized for injured Engineering professor Greg Reed
The avid triathlete was seriously hurt while riding a bicycle near his Gibsonia home.
Distribution from endowment will remain the same for 2020-21
Board committee votes to keep 4.75 percent level after approving an increase last year.

Vacated office space may be used for classes, DeJong says
Staff Council gets updates on early retirement plan and efforts to standardize computer equipment.
Second half of CARES Act funding will be used on restart costs
The $10.6 million will go toward tech and training for Flex@Pitt and safety measures.

Pitt Athletics following detailed plan for return of staff
Face coverings will be required in public spaces; face-to-face meetings discouraged.

University’s purchase of Pitt-branded masks will benefit vaccine research
Athletics and other departments collaborate on ordering nearly 140,000 masks for faculty, staff and students.
University agrees to buy all output from new solar power facility
The move, along with plan to purchase from hydropower plant, aids in carbon neutral pledge.

Law professor Wang named vice provost for Faculty Affairs
She will assume part of the role now filled by Laurie Kirsch, who is stepping down this month.

Social Work professor selected for vice provost role
Wallace will lead on faculty diversity and development starting July 1.
Statement outlines environmental, social and governance investing policy
The document on the consolidated endowment fund was released in March to little fanfare.

Lessons learned: Participation not a problem during move online
Engineering professor found positive results in flipping classes and trusting students.
Pandemic has presented benefits and unique challenges for disabled
Panel discusses some “forgotten needs” and how work from home and telehealth have helped.

Facilities Management getting ready for campus re-entry
All buildings have received a deep cleaning; signage will outline guidelines.
Juneteenth forum urges Pitt to do more to increase Black students, faculty and staff
Student organizations encouraged to unite and speak with one voice to demand change.

Pitt’s pandemic heroes: Work on seeking grants doesn’t shut down
Carrie Rodzwicz helps faculty in Center for Social and Urban Research craft study proposals.
Parking payroll deductions will resume in July
New rates also kicking in; employees can put permits on hold if they’re not back on campus.

McCarthy says ‘very broad group’ consulted on new academic calendar
Vice provost also outlines classroom scenarios possible in the fall at Senate committee meeting.

Arrest made in fatal bus accident; Pitt working on safety issues
Students were consulted on new awareness campaign that will launch this fall.

Car parade of fans surprises Art Levine to mark his transition
The former SVC for Health Sciences stepped down June 1 and will head the Brain Institute.
5 key takeaways from student town hall on fall 2020
Rotating classes, shorter Welcome Week, housing options, and safety protocols discussed.

Pitt alum named as vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion
Clyde Wilson Pickett has headed several academic diversity programs throughout the country.
Senate budget committee wants more transparency of racial data
Covington Ward says the University struggles with hiring and retaining Black faculty and staff.