‘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.

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.
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 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.
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.”
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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.