Skip to Navigation
University of Pittsburgh
Print This Page Print this pages

November 9, 1995

Pitt seeking state funds

Pitt has asked state lawmakers for $3.5 million over the next four years to build a Distance Education Network. The proposed communications infrastructure would use interactive television, satellite technology and instructional computing to forge stronger links among Pitt's five campuses and deliver education programs to locations off campus.

Pitt currently has one fully equipped distance education classroom at the Pittsburgh campus (211 Lawrence Hall) and four temporary sites at the regional campuses. The proposed network would create six fully equipped classrooms and one conference site in Pittsburgh, two classrooms in Johnstown and one classroom each at the Bradford, Greensburg and Titusville campuses.

The plan also calls for hiring a small technical staff, training faculty in distance education technology, and improving Pitt's video production and satellite capabilities to the point that each campus could broadcast classes to the other four.

In the budget request submitted to Harrisburg Sept. 25, Pitt's administration asked for approximately $1.34 million for the Distance Education Network during the fiscal year that begins July 1, 1996. The University plans to seek state support totaling $3.5 million over four years, with appropriations decreasing each year. By July 2001 the network would be self-supporting.

Pitt's budget request cites current distance education between the Pittsburgh and Johnstown campuses and between the University and Armstrong County Schools. "The Network is truly an opportunity for Pitt to expand its mission of providing quality education to the citizens of western Pennsylvania," the request states.

Filed under: Feature,Volume 28 Issue 6

Leave a Reply