Stay connected with the University through Pittwire Live

By SUSAN JONES

In an effort to keep the Pitt community a little more connected while its members are scattered around the country and world, Pittwire Live was born.

The new website spotlights online activities available to all or parts of the University community. And that list of events keeps on growing.

  • Trying to stay motivated during this unusual time? Check out “Inspired in Isolation: Finding Motivation and Meaning in the Moment,” 2-3 p.m. April 20 via Microsoft Teams. Sponsored by the Office of Human Resources.

  • Want to learn more about the Pitt Prison Education Project? Join Chris Bonneau, professor of Political Science and president of the University Senate, for a Coffee Shop Talk: Teaching and Learning Behind Bars, 10-10:30 a.m. April 21. Register here for access information.

  • Eager to see who won the Randall Family Big Idea Competition? See the awards ceremony, where $100,000 in prizes will be handed out to student entrepreneurs, at 5 p.m. April 22 on YouTube. 

  • Want to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day? Have Coffee & Conversation with Aurora Sharrard, Pitt's Director of Sustainability, to learn about Pitt's sustainability history, followed by invigorating conversation, 10-11:30 a.m. April 22. Register here for access information.

  • Interested in participating in this fall’s PARK(ing) Day? Find out more about turning metered parking spaces into temporary parklets, creative interventions and social spaces at an information session, 12:30-1:30 p.m. April 30 via Zoom. Register here for access information.

These are just some of the events that have either been moved online or have popped up to meet the needs of the dispersed Pitt community. The events can be accessed through the Pittwire Live website or through the University Events Calendar.

Pittwire Live was the brainchild of Kathy Humphrey, senior vice chancellor for Engagement. The idea was to provide “a variety of virtual resources to engage students, faculty and staff across all five campuses,” Humphrey told Pittwire.

The website also has links to Pittwire articles, student announcements, links to volunteer opportunities and other ways to connect through online channels and social media.

Pittwire Live will continue to promote virtual events, social channels and information after the pandemic crisis has passed, the University said in a statement, “because we believe that some audiences and organizations are finding this approach to be worthwhile and will continue.”

Publishing your event

Anyone with access to publish to the University Events Calendar can add a virtual event that will be linked to Pittwire Live. More than 200 events were posted in the past two weeks from a variety of organizations driven by students, faculty and staff.

The site has tips about how to host a virtual event, including security suggestions to avoid “Zoombombing,” how to record in the various online platforms and what disability accommodations need to made.

A committee of faculty, staff and students is reviewing events to be featured on the Pittwire Live home page. For questions, go to the website's contact page.

Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 412-648-4294.

 

Have a story idea or news to share? Share it with the University Times.

Follow the University Times on Twitter and Facebook.