Guarded risk opens some doors, but changes are limited
Students will be asked to shelter in place for final 2 weeks of semester, which will end most in-person classes.

Education department, AAUP enter controversy over professor’s white paper
Pitt accused of violating academic freedom; University says Wang’s removal was done by UPMC.
Pitt extends paid winter break for employees by three days
The recess period will now start on Dec. 21, with staff returning to work on Jan. 4.

17 new student cases reported; shelter in place starts Nov. 12
Dean Bonner warns students to celebrate Halloween responsibly and avoid large gatherings.
Lessons learned: Teaching center helps faculty focus on goals
While tech issues may come first, the key questions are what do you want to do and why.

More than 50% of eligible staff take early retirement
A total of 453 people, with hundreds of years of experience, left Pitt at the end of September.
Pitt pandemic heroes: Law school IT running from home ‘command center’
Law students, staff and even the dean are helping Kim Getz support faculty on campus.

Johnstown, Bradford regionals move to Elevated as student cases increase
Medical Response Office cites gatherings by athletes for rise on Cambria County campus.
Pitt requesting 5 percent increase in state funding for ‘21-‘22
The full-year appropriation in this year’s budget helped University plan through crisis.

‘Nobody prepares you’ to deal with mental illness
Senate plenary speaker says disclosing diagnoses should be carefully considered.
Discussions look at ‘Shattering the Statistics’ on sexual violence
First event focuses on defining the problem, particularly on college campuses.

Hiring controls and working from home continue as the norm
HR says it hasn’t seen a surge in requests for new hires since early retirements.
CFO survey looking at administrative tasks for efficiencies
The new study, which is going out to 5,000 staff members, is separate from HR’s.

Police town hall focuses on transparency, accountability
Pitt’s Chief Loftus says he’d welcome involvement from a county oversight committee.
IP, grievance and religious observance policy changes approved
Senate Council OKs required Black Studies course as part of diversity initiatives.

Diversity inventory hopes to centralize resources and events
Faculty, staff and students are invited to add to the database, which should debut next year.
Center on Race and Social Problems tackles 2020 election
The fall institute focuses on how voting and systemic racism intersect.
Pitt ranks 43rd in U.S. News global rankings
Several health sciences departments place in top 20 in worldwide listing.

Online Jazz Seminar to honor Nathan Davis and Geri Allen
The annual event marks 50 years of performances and symposiums.
Pitt will allow up to 5,500 fans at final 2 home games
Up to 1,000 people at Heinz Field will be students, including the band and spirit squads.