By MARTY LEVINE
Staff Council meetings are staying virtual, so far, for the 2022-23 school year, and Faculty Assembly and Senate Council meetings of the University Senate will be held in a hybrid format, in-person in 2700 Posvar Hall and via Zoom.
“Holding our meetings virtually has increased our participation to the highest level in years,” said Staff Council President Angie Coldren, since employees have different work schedules and many are not on campus regulary.
“We do miss the in-person format and having time for a closed session for Staff Council members only,” Coldren added. “However, we are looking at adding special sessions, possibly quarterly or bi-annually, that will allow for a closed-session-type of meeting with active Staff Council members.”
Despite the choice of a hybrid meeting format, Senate President Robin Kear said, “we sincerely hope that more faculty will return to in-person attendance. We miss seeing them and miss the personal connections that come with in-person interaction.”
But some faculty members still need the hybrid option, she said. “COVID-19 still has the power to disrupt us. We would appreciate it if attendees use the Zoom option only as necessary.”
To that end, the organization is disabling the chat function for meetings, so that attendees will need to raise their hands to contribute. And, Kear said, “we will be asking anyone presenting information to Assembly or Council to do so in person.”
Committee meetings are still at the discretion of the committees whether to be held in person, via Zoom, or in hybrid mode, she added.
Marty Levine is a staff writer for the University Times. Reach him at martyl@pitt.edu or 412-758-4859.
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