September 10, 2020
Dear Pittsburgh Campus Students, Faculty and Staff,
This is a September like no other. I continue to be inspired by the resilience, kindness, and determination of our faculty, students, and staff as we work together to navigate the very fluid situation brought about by COVID-19. We are all eager to meet new people and explore the campus—and the world—more freely. We are trying all we can in the terrain we are in.
Pitt is working hard to maximize the teaching and learning experience on campus—and I have a few updates to share.
On Monday, September 14, additional in-person classes may be offered (8% of classes are already being held in person).
What does this mean for faculty and students?
- Some additional courses may be moving to in-person learning over the next few weeks.
- Students who wish to study remotely may continue to do so.
- Faculty who wish to continue to teach remotely may do so.
- In-person instruction that adheres to proper physical distancing (6 feet) is permitted under Pitt’s Standards and Guidelines on Shared Spaces. The Commonwealth’s guidance also exempts classroom settings used for educational instruction from indoor gathering limitations.
Please remember that we created the Flex@Pitt model to give faculty and students the choice of whether to teach and learn in person or remotely. That choice has not changed.
At this time, the Pittsburgh campus remains in the Elevated Risk Posture. There is no expectation that most classes will be in person. Many faculty members will continue to offer instruction only online, synchronously and asynchronously. That said, our COVID-19 Medical Response Office (CMRO) has advised that in-person classes can safely take place in this posture.
We are taking a prudent, gradual approach to resuming in-person instruction. Our classrooms have been carefully prepared and are equipped and safe for use. Students, faculty, and staff are complying with face covering guidelines on campus, which have recently been clarified to include all shared spaces on campus, and we have in place building access controls, temperature scanners, and health attestation requirements.
A healthy and safe classroom environment means:
- All students and professors wear face coverings throughout class and in hallways;
- Students sit spaced 6 feet apart and instructors keep 6 feet distance in the classroom; and
- Building access is provided to only those who are wearing face covering and have had their temperatures checked.
The CMRO and offices across campus have created the infrastructure and processes to support this environment. But our collective work is not done. If you haven’t seen this great video yet, Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner touches upon ways we can all flatten the curve by following health rules, contacting health professionals if you feel ill, and isolating/quarantining if that is necessary.
In the days and weeks ahead, I encourage faculty, students, and staff to stay in communication with each other. For faculty, it will be key to communicate the options you have decided to provide to your students. Students, it is important to stay engaged with your classes and communicate your needs to faculty. For staff, it will be really important to stay abreast of changing conditions and communicate with colleagues about them.
Earlier this week I was excited to work my first shift as a building concierge at the Cathedral of Learning. The best part was seeing and greeting everyone—and making sure that everyone was staying as safe as possible. I wear my Pitt face covering with pride, knowing that we will continue to take the precautions necessary to reduce the spread of the virus. Working together, we can do just that.
Hail to Pitt!
Ann E. Cudd
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor