The “Year of …” program, which was started in 2014 by former Provost Patty Beeson, is going on hiatus, at least for the upcoming school year.
Each year, the provost’s office has provided matching funds to support events and projects related to the theme. A committee of faculty, staff and students were selected to decide on the grants.
For the past two years, the focus has been on “Discourse and Dialogue.”
“We have engaged the idea of a ‘Year of’ for a number of cycles, and there has been significant and lasting impact on the University from this program,” Provost Joe McCarthy said. “Like all important initiatives of this nature, it makes sense to periodically take a look to evaluate themes and structure going forward. This year, as we continue to realize some of the benefits of our only two-year extended cycle (on Discourse and Dialogue), it is a good time for us to take a hiatus and engage in that evaluation.”
Some very tangible impacts from previous topics include the Global Hub in Posvar Hall, during the 2018-19 Year of Pitt Global and the Center for Creativity’s Understory space in the basement of the Cathedral of Learning during the 2019-20 Year of Creativity.
Previous “Year of” topics were:
2022-23: Emotional Well-being
2021-22: Data and Science
2020-21: Engagement
2019-20: Creativity
2018-19: Pitt Global
2017-18: Healthy U
2016-17: Diversity
2015-16: Humanities
2014-15: Sustainability
— Susan Jones
Have a story idea or news to share? Share it with the University Times.