‘Looking at Changes in the Ways We Teach’ Is Focus of 2018 Senate Plenary
Teaching Today, for Tomorrow was the topic of the 2018 Senate Plenary, which took place on March 27 in the William Pitt Union Assembly Room. The annual conference focused on the changing environment of education and teaching and opportunities for the academic community to progress with it. Read more »
Public Health Symposium Panelists Discuss Legacy of Parran Hall Namesake
Students, faculty and community members gathered for a symposium on the legacy of Thomas Parran Jr., U.S. surgeon general from 1938-1948 and the founding dean of the Graduate School of Public Health.
The school invited four scholars to discuss Parran’s medical career and his connection to the controversial and unethical Tuskegee and Guatemalan syphilis studies, and debate whether Parran’s name should be removed from the University building named in his honor. Read more »
Senate Committee Receives 2017 Mean, Median Salaries Reports
The “Mean and Median Salaries of Full-Time Employees” report for fiscal year 2017 was presented at the University Senate budget policies committee’s (BPC) March 16 meeting. The report, based on data from Oct. 31, 2016, covers all regular (not temporary) full-time employees except research associates and postdoctoral associates. Read more »
Staff Engagement Survey Findings Previewed for Staff Council
Early results of the Staff Engagement and Climate Survey were previewed at the Staff Council meeting on March 21. Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Cheryl Johnson said the survey will hone Pitt’s efforts “to really get crystal clear on who we would aspire to be, to be an employer of choice.”
Conducted November 2017 to January 2018 and sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of Human Resources, the survey focused on such areas as working conditions, the state of diversity and inclusion at Pitt and opportunities for workplace growth and autonomy. Read more »
Wilson: Continuity is Certain in Senate Officer, Faculty Assembly Elections
At the March 21 meeting of the University Senate Council, President Frank Wilson noted the continuity that would come from any outcome of Senate officer elections, because all three candidates are active members of shared governance.
During his report, Wilson said that Wednesday, April 4, was the first day of voting for Senate officers. Three faculty members are running to succeed Wilson. Read more »
Title IX Investigation Prompts Communication Climate ‘Rebuild’
Investigations of current and past conduct inside the Department of Communication in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences have found “a consistent pattern in which women were not as valued and respected as their male colleagues,” according to a statement issued March 22 by Kathleen M. Blee, Bettye J. and Ralph E. Bailey Dean.
The investigations discovered “an environment in which the inappropriate acts of the few were tolerated by the silence of others,” which resulted from “failures of systems and failures of character.” Read more »
Mentoring Award Honors Four Arts and Sciences Faculty
Four faculty members from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences have received the 2018 Provost’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring. This award recognizes faculty members’ commitment to mentoring and working with doctoral students, leading to their career success. In its 13th year, the honor includes a $2,500 cash prize. Read more »
Feick Chosen Interim President of Titusville, Bradford Campuses
Lawrence Feick has been named interim president of the University’s regional campuses in Bradford and Titusville, effective June 30, 2018, until a permanent president is appointed.
Livingston Alexander, the current president of the two campuses, announced in June 2017 his intention to retire this summer, after 15 years of service. Read more »
Swanson School of Engineering Names Martin New Dean
James R. Martin II has been named dean of the Swanson School of Engineering. He will begin his deanship on Aug. 15. Martin’s leadership will follow that of Gerald D. Holder, who has served as dean of the Swanson School since 1996 and returns to the faculty in fall 2018. Read more »
Costello Appointed New Dean of Dental Medicine
Bernard J. Costello, professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery, has been named dean of the School of Dental Medicine. He had been serving as interim dean since February 2018. He began his deanship on April 1 and succeeds Thomas W. Braun, who retired in January after having served as dean for 18 years. Read more »
Dental Medicine Dean Braun Retires After 18 Years in Role
Having served as dean of the School of Dental Medicine for the last 18 years as part of a distinguished 40-year career at the University, Thomas W. Braun retired, effective Jan. 31. Read more »
University of Pittsburgh Drug-Free Schools Annual Notification
To implement its commitment to provide a drug-free environment for its students, faculty and staff, the University of Pittsburgh prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance on University property or as part of any University activity. Read more »
In Brief: April Events Include Sustainability Week, Drug Take Back Event
In Brief: Life Solutions Webinars for April, Faculty and Staff Development Registration
In Brief: Move More This Month, Employee Wellness Center Closing for Training
In Brief: May Events Include Chancellor’s Picnic, Staff Council Spring Assembly