Pitt Online has officially merged with Pitt EDGE — the University’s new Center for Excellence in Digital Education — “to expand high-quality online learning and build the internal capacity needed to meet the evolving demands of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce,” Provost Joe McCarthy announced last week.

Course design services formerly under Pitt Online have been fully integrated into the new center, uniting the University’s instructional design talent and digital learning infrastructure under one forward-facing initiative. A new website, edge.pitt.edu, outlines the services and resources available.

“This move allows us to streamline our digital learning efforts while focusing resources where they’ll have the greatest long-term impact,” said Anthony Delitto, associate provost for digital education.

“I’m eager to see the possibilities that emerge from the integration of the Pitt Online team," said Rae Mancilla, executive director of digital learning and innovation who is leading instructional design in Pitt EDGE. "This merger allows Pitt EDGE to elevate instructional design as a strategic force across the University, mentor a new generation of designers and strengthen Pitt’s capacity to scale meaningful online learning experiences for learners of all types.”

The new Pitt EDGE team of instructional designers will be responsible for ensuring a consistent design approach to the University's evolving portfolio of online and hybrid programs, both credit and non-credit.

Stephen Butler, Pitt Online director of online programs, has joined the EDGE team to supervise continuing education development along with a renewed effort toward expanding and enhancing staff development initiatives.

“This new structure allows us to expand non-credit offerings, strengthen staff professional development within our internal community and ensure our programs meet the highest standards for compliance, regulations and quality,” Butler said. “We look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the University to create flexible, relevant and meaningful learning opportunities.”

Pitt EDGE was established in fall 2024 to become the University’s internal online program manager. The team provides services and/or consultation in the areas of:

• Market analysis and enrollment projections

• Paid media placement and planning

• Enrollment outreach, support and best practices

• Academic planning proposal development

• Budgeting strategies and resource alignment

• Instructional design and student support

• Emerging technology integration and technical support

• Quality assurance and continuous improvement

• Accreditation and compliance

• Developing industry partnerships 

“Pitt EDGE’s top-of-funnel enrollment services will include lead generation, nurturing and early engagement of prospective online students and supporting schools in guiding students through application and matriculation," said Natalie Baney, executive director of marketing and communications for Pitt EDGE. "Our digital services will address student demand for personalized, tech-enabled enrollment and will help overcome fragmented, inefficient and often costly, processes across Pitt’s graduate and professional schools."

All Pitt EDGE services are provided through a flexible blended hourly rate. There is a free initial consultation. Those interested in exploring ideas for an online, hybrid or continuing education program or who need support, can find information on the Pitt EDGE website.

The University Center for Teaching and Learning will remain the primary hub for residential teaching support and will continue to provide core services such as support for teaching excellence and the effective application of educational technologies.

“The Teaching Center is proud to add Pitt EDGE to our list of University collaborators who drive innovation and excellence in teaching and learning at Pitt,” said interim Co-Executive Directors Michael Arenth and Bridget Ridge.

As a result of the merger, the Pitt Online title will no longer be a physical unit but the brand that represents all University online and hybrid programs. A new website geared toward prospective students will launch later this year.