March 11, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
Earlier today, the Chancellor announced our plans forward in consideration of the impact of COVID-19.
We are joining educational institutions from across the country—and the world—in working to find creative solutions to continue our essential teaching and research missions under an exceptionally fluid global circumstance. Our first priority is the health and safety of our community. We are also committed to continuing to deliver a first-rate Pitt educational experience to students on all five of our campuses.
Though this week is spring break, I have been grateful to have conversations with University Senate leadership, deans, regional campus presidents, faculty, and student leaders. This collective wisdom is going to be key in the days and weeks ahead.
As the Chancellor mentioned, we will be cancelling classes next week. We believe that this will provide important additional time for all of us to collaborate, to plan thoroughly, and to work through online instruction strategies that will enable the smoothest transitions possible. You will receive further specific guidance from your school’s dean or regional campus president. Our University Center for Teaching and Learning and Pitt IT are committed to supporting you and your students’ needs for educational design and technical assistance.
It is plain—and so I will just say it: The changes we must now realize around temporary remote teaching, events, and more are deeply significant and will present challenges. We will address them together. I also believe those challenges will present opportunities—because when we address and resolve them we will be helping the Pitt community not just in this instance, but also into the future.
We are navigating very new waters—as a University and as individuals—in a quickly changing environment. There are bound to be questions and special situations as we move forward. Your deans, regional campus presidents, and department chairs will be exceptional sources of information and support. In turn, I want to let you know that I am committed to collaborating with you to realize the best outcomes possible.
There are also many existing University resources available to provide information or help:
- University Center for Teaching and Learning, including messages about Instructional Continuity
- Office of Public Safety & Emergency Management, for the latest updates, precautions and resources, FAQs, and CDC updates and resources
- Office of the Provost, for faculty updates
- IT Resources to Support Remote Work
As scholars, you seek to advance knowledge and to share it—and to inspire every Pitt student. I deeply appreciate all the ways you do this under all circumstances. In times of calm or stress, your work is always our source of common strength.
As we seek to protect the health of the entire Pitt family, I sincerely thank you for your understanding and patience. Please reach out to me with your questions and concerns (provost@pitt.edu).
Best,
Ann E. Cudd
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor