Initiatives

The Office of the Provost is responsible for a number of strategic initiatives tied to the University’s mission as a public research university. The office's priorities focus on programs, strategies, and initiatives that bolster and enhance the University’s strengths and vision for growth and transformation as reflected in the five pillars of the Plan for Pitt

These include leading efforts to build on excellence in teaching and research, improve access and lower student debt, support data-driven decision-making, achieve efficiencies and cost savings, and lead with ethics and integrity.

Two Kessler Scholar Program students hold up the embossed coins they received during the annual coin ceremony.
Access and Affordability

Ensuring access to—and affordability of—education is a significant priority for the University and for Office of the Provost. The office is deeply committed to exploring ways to address challenges and opportunities in allocating need-based financial aid and lowering student debt.

An advisor smiling, talking to a student.
Advising

At Pitt, advising and mentoring are integral to the University’s educational mission. We apply best practices in undergraduate academic advising to enhance student success measures such as retention, persistence, and graduation and continue to work intentionally to standardize collaborative and holistic advising practices for every student.

A man standing at a podium speaking into a microphone in front of a banner that reads "Data Sci + AI Forum."
AI and Data Science

The University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to leading in the responsible, innovative, and human-centered use of artificial intelligence and data science included the launch of the Hub for AI and Data Science Leadership (HAIL) in order to bring together existing AI and data science efforts across Pitt into a cohesive, visible, and collaborative hub. 

The top of the Cathedral of Learning as seen through a frame of fall leaves.
Digital Education

Established in the Office of the Provost, the University of Pittsburgh Center for Excellence in Digital Education, or Pitt EDGE, sets the strategic vision of the University for online and continuing education and works to expand access to the high-quality education offered at Pitt.

A student raising their hand in the classroom.
General Education Reform

A task force comprised of faculty, advisors, staff, and students from across all schools and campuses was convened by the Office of the Provost and Academic Leadership Team with an aim to center student learning outcomes in a unified general education curriculum for undergraduates across all schools and campuses. Learn more about progress to date.  

A yellow art sculpture by Posvar Hall.
Public Art on Campus

Public art at its best transforms ordinary places into spaces of discovery, learning, reflection, social critique, and simple joy. Here at Pitt, we have launched a program to revitalize our public art collection and integrate it into the multidimensional life of the University.

Students talking and looking at their laptops.
Student Success

The Office of the Provost demonstrates its commitment to student success through a variety of resources, programs, and opportunities that positively impact the student experience in ways intended to ensure every student has the chance to succeed and feel they belong at Pitt.
 

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Year Of... at Pitt

Originally launched in 2014, the “Year of …” program, annually selected a thematic area of focus for the academic year meant to unite the campus community around specific, timely topics.