Dear Pitt Students:
It’s hard to believe it is nearly November—and as we begin to look toward the end of the term, I’d like to share some information and suggestions with you.
As we continue to observe the University’s health and safety guidelines in response to COVID-19, it is important that we continue to take precautions to keep ourselves and one another safe, healthy, and on track for success.
First, please remember to communicate with your instructors if you are feeling ill and must miss class—especially before any assignments are missed—so that you can discuss arrangements to make up the work. Your instructors know we need to be flexible and have plans to support students who may be ill, in quarantine or in isolation should the need arise.
With temperatures dropping, heat will be coming on in Pitt buildings, but I want to assure you that closing windows, etc. does not negatively affect the air quality in classrooms. Automated systems are in place to introduce greater volumes of outdoor air inside all buildings. All classroom ventilation systems have been tested according to an assessment plan developed by engineers, contractors, and specialized technicians, and the systems undergo regular, ongoing maintenance checks.
Be aware that enrollment appointments for the Spring 2022 term began Monday, October 25, and the open enrollment period begins Saturday, November 6.
To help you navigate the content/delivery of classes, we are refining the course attributes listed within our student information system. I want to share the following points that may help as you search for courses to take for the upcoming spring term.
Using the PeopleSoft/Highpoint Campus Experience (CX) module within my.pitt.edu, students can search for a class using a variety of course attributes, such as identifying:
- General Education Requirements (within DSAS, SCI, etc.);
- Interdisciplinary Theme (like sustainability, civic engagement, etc.);
- High Impact Practices (like writing intensive, capstone, etc.); or
- Instructional Delivery Mode (like remote-engagement, hybrid, etc.).
For example, if you want to find a class that meets remotely, you would look for the "Online" value of the "Instructional Delivery Mode" attribute. Alternatively, one can look for the "Writing Intensive" value of the "High Impact Practices" attribute, or for one of the sustainability values within the "Interdisciplinary Themes" attribute. Find more information about course attributes system codes. We are continuing to work to enhance your ability to search for exactly the right classes (and class modalities) to help you to properly “Forge Your Own Path.”
As always, please email me any time at vpmccarthy@pitt.edu if you have questions or concerns.
Hail to Pitt!
Joe
Joseph J. McCarthy
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies