Pitt–Bradford cancels public, in-person events for fall

Pitt–Bradford announced this morning that it will not hold public, in-person events this fall, such as the Alumni and Family Weekend, Founders’ Day, concerts and art exhibitions, in an effort to protect the health and safety of the campus community and its neighbors.

The Pitt Band also will not be going to Bradford for band camp, which usually starts in Oakland and then spends a few days in Bradford. Brad Townsend, director of bands, said they are making arrangements to have band camp here on the Oakland campus. "At this point we plan to perform at the games, but we do not yet know what all that will look like," he said.

“I know this is disappointing news,” Catherine Koverola, Pitt–Bradford’s president, said in a news release. “But when we make these decisions, we keep two important principles in mind: We want to ensure the health and safety of our campus community and our neighbors and provide an excellent and inclusive experience for our students.”

While public events will not be held, the Pitt–Bradford Student Affairs Office is planning a mix of online and socially distanced in-person activities for students, and the Office of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement is developing creative ways for alumni to stay connected with their alma mater and each other.

No decision has been made yet about whether varsity and recreational athletics will be played. Athletics officials are working with the NCAA and the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference to determine what will be safe for athletes. More details are expected next month.

Koverola stressed that in making these decisions she and others at Pitt–Bradford are following guidance from Pitt’s Healthcare Advisory Group, which includes experts in epidemiology, infectious disease management and environmental and occupational health.