By SUSAN JONES
In just over four weeks, students will begin to arrive in Oakland for the fall semester, and this year might look a little bit different than the past.
“This year we’ve planned many new activities that are intended to help students feel a sense of community and belonging from their first week on campus,” said Jayne Pizzuto, director of New Student Programs. “There has been a conscious effort to expand our offerings to help students feel connected to their classmates, to Pitt, and to the resources that Pitt has to offer. We want to celebrate these students joining the Pitt community while making the transition to university life an easy one.”
The first move-in days from Aug. 18 to 20 are for first-year students in residence halls from the Litchfield Towers to Sutherland Hall. Upper-level students can move in Aug. 22 to 24.
What staff and faculty need to know
Parking: Pitt permit holders will be allowed to park at the OC lot and Soldiers and Sailors Parking Garage. Those who hold permits at other locations will be getting an email from the Mobility Office on where to relocate during that week. Daily cash or Parkmobile parking will be restricted at all University lots and garages during the week of Aug. 18 to 24.
Unloading zones for students and their families will be set up at various places along Fifth and Forbes avenues and on some side streets, which will limit metered parking in those areas. Find a map of these unloading zones on the arrival.pitt.edu website. Once students unload, they will be directed to park in longer-term spaces at Posvar Hall, Soldiers & Sailors and the OC Lot.
Volunteering: Staff and faculty can join the Pitt Arrival team to welcome students and families. Volunteers will work at Welcome Stations as greeters, where they will help explain the move-in process, give out wrist bands to students’ family members and helpers, sign out moving carts, and give directions to long-term parking. They also will provide directions to useful locations on campus, like the University stores and more, and explain how how to sign up for a complimentary family meal pass (good for two free swipes into The Eatery or The Perch).
Those interested in volunteering can sign-up for a four-hour shift here. Volunteers receive a free Arrival 2024 t-shirt.
New activities and education
One of the more interesting events added to this year’s Welcome Week is the First-Year Frenzy, where students will have a chance to meet and connect with Pitt leadership, including deans of several schools, in a casual environment over lawn games on the Cathedral lawn.
A bigger Silent Disco will feature a live DJ, fun lighting, and an outdoor setup to accommodate more students. Identity-based meetings are another addition for the year aimed at helping diverse populations find a sense of community at Pitt during Welcome Week, Pizzuto said.
A large tent emblazoned with Pitt logos will be up starting Aug. 20 on the Cathedral lawn near the corner of Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard. It will house games and music.
Students will once again be required to attend a Navigating your Safety and Wellbeing at Pitt session, which launched last year. Student Affairs also is working to create content that highlights the importance of free speech and engaging in conversations respectfully with people who hold differing opinions.
“We want students to be aware of their rights on campus and understand how to use their voice responsibly,” Pizzuto said. “These messages will be woven into many of our Welcome Week programs.”
There also will be Pitt Fit Fest activities throughout the week, crafting sessions, a drag show, commuter student meet-ups, and buses for a late-night Target run on Aug. 22. A Global Carnival will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 23 on Gallagher Plaza outside William Pitt Union, followed by a movie night on the Cathedral lawn.
The week is capped off by the Welcome Back Bash from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Aug. 24 on Schenley Drive and Lantern Night from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 25.
Find the full schedule of events on the Student Affairs website.
Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042.
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