Dear Graduate and Professional Students,

I hope you are enjoying these sunny, crisp, early fall days. It has been wonderful to see so many of you on campus again.

October is not only a beautiful month in Pittsburgh but also a month full of events and activities at Pitt. I have shared a number of these happenings below.

I especially want to call your attention to two exciting University-wide events:

The Latinx Connect Conference (October 14-16), which takes place during Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month, will bring together students, educators and community leaders to dialogue about Latinx identities, cultures and contemporary issues. The conference is virtual and free to all.

Also, the second annual University of Pittsburgh Civic Action Week (CAW) (October 4-9) is a week-long event designed to educate, engage and encourage collective responses to persistent societal challenges. CAW 2021 seeks to advance community and civic engagement centered on racial justice, equity and inclusion through dialogue, deliberation and disruption. 

I urge you to take advantage of all the University events, activities and resources that are available to you in addition to everything offered by your program and school. I hope to see you sometime this month at an event or during my monthly office hours!

View the Extended Orientation Resource Fairs session recordings and slide decks to learn more about resources for academic support, professional development and student life.

An ombudsperson is available in each school to assist graduate students with resolving conflicts and issues that may arise during their education and training. If you believe that an issue has not or cannot be addressed within your academic department, the ombudsperson can help mediate conflicts and provide information about institutional policies related to student issues, including the University’s grievance procedures.

The National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD) is a nationally recognized, independent organization that provides online career development and mentoring resources for faculty, postdocs and graduate students. Learn more, including how to claim your free institutional membership through the University of Pittsburgh.

Academic year 2021-2022 is the Year of Data and Society at the University of Pittsburgh. Keep your eye out for special programming and events related to this theme. December 1, 2021, is the second of three deadlines for proposals for the 2021-2022 academic year.

The University’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Western PA will provide 40 slots in their all-day preschool programming to children of Pitt faculty, staff and graduate students.

The University of Pittsburgh is engaged in the self-study evaluation process in preparation for the reaffirmation of Pitt's accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 2022. It is essential that we obtain feedback from the entire Pitt community. To facilitate giving feedback, the draft self-study includes a “road map” so that students can focus on parts of the self-study that are of interest to them. Pitt community members can submit comments using the Qualtrics survey on or before October 15, 2021.

Nominations for the 2022 Provost’s Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring are being accepted through October 15, 2022. This award recognizes outstanding mentors who have had the greatest impact on students who are seeking research doctorate degrees. View award guidelines and past winners.

Nominations for the 2020 Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award are being accepted through October 15, 2020. View award guidelines and past winners.

Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) Wellness Coffee Hour, Friday, October 8, 2021, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. ET at the O'Hara Student Ballroom: Hitting the mid-semester slump? Come join GPSG, the Student Government Board and the University Counseling Center for coffee and other refreshments! Register to attend.

White Oppression: Black Cis and Trans Women in Olympics, Thursday, October 14, 2021, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.: For Queer History Month, Pan-African Graduate and Professional Student Association (PANAF), GPSG, and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion are co-hosting a Critical Conversation webinar. Register to attend the Zoom event.

Coffee with Carla, Wednesday, October 20, 2021, noon-1 p.m. ET: Connect for casual conversation about your student experience during this virtual “coffee hour” with Dean of Students Carla Panzella! Register to attend.

Applications for the Civic Engagement Microgrant Program are due October 12, 2021. Microgrants of up to $4,000 will be awarded to graduate student and postdoc-led groups in the STEM and social sciences to design projects that create dialogue with public officials, local community leaders, and the public around issues of common concern. The funds provide opportunities for grantees to develop skills in communication and program planning, along with an understanding of policy and government to have an impact in their local areas.