Student Success Series
The University Center for Teaching and Learning in collaboration with the Office of the Provost will present a series of workshops on Student Success during the Fall 2021 semester.
We know Pitt faculty are committed to the welfare and success of students. Sometimes, putting these ideas into practice can be challenging and complex. Given that the demographics of our students are changing at Pitt, we aim to provide practical tools to increase the efficiency of your daily work in your interactions with students. Join us in conversations to support all students as we return to campus this fall.
Understanding and Supporting Students Admitted under the Test-optional Process
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
In this session, we provide an overview of the test-optional admissions policy at Pitt and data from the current admissions cycle for Fall 2021. We also identify and discuss possible implications and strategies for student success to support all our students as we prepare for the fall term.
Watch the session recording: Understanding and Supporting Students Admitted under the Test-optional Process
In-class Belonging Initiatives to Support Student Sense of Belonging
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Noon– 1:30 p.m.
Join us to learn more about the collaborative efforts between the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), Office of the Provost, and the Teaching Center which involves teaching instructors to deliver an in-class exercise at the beginning of the term that is designed to change classroom norms about the meaning of adversity and belonging in that course. We have focused thus far on large, gateway STEM courses and our efforts have shown good results. This session provides faculty with tools to implement and adopt the intervention in your course content. We also announce train the trainer opportunities.
Watch the session recording: In-class Belonging Initiatives to Support Student Sense of Belonging
Creating a Culture of Caring in the Classroom
Tuesday, October 28, 2021
Noon–1:30 p.m.
Register for the October 28 session
In our most recent Pitt Gallup Study, one of the key findings included that students favored professors exhibit behaviors in their teaching and approach with students that demonstrate an interest in students and the subject matter – and is reflected in the energy they bring to the classroom. Specifically, students indicated the importance of creating a culture of caring in the classroom by:
- taking time to notice students
- extending to accommodate students
- affirming and encouraging students
This session will dig deeper into these behaviors and discuss practical ways to incorporate them into teaching and learning.
Mentoring and Advising Series Workshops Fall 2021
Join the Office of the Provost as we bring together mentors and advisors around the University for a series of workshops and professional development opportunities to learn about relevant issues.
Introduction to Pitt ACT
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Noon-1 p.m.
Watch the recording of the Introduction to Pitt ACT session »
For the Fall 2021 semester, the Office of the Provost is launching the Pitt ACT (University of Pittsburgh Advising Certification and Training) Program: Advising and Mentoring Foundations Training. This suite of online onboarding and training materials provides standard resources for all advisors and mentors across the University. We are excited to introduce this new resource to the campus community! In this session, we will present background information about the project, highlight key aspects of the training curriculum, introduce logistics about how to register, and provide a forum to answer questions. You can also sign up to have the Pitt ACT Team to present on the project to your unit. Reach out with questions at pittact@pitt.edu.
Introduction to the Catalog of Opportunities for Advisors and Mentors
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Register online for the October 19 workshop
The Catalog of Opportunities is powered by Suitable, which is the same platform used by the OCC, myPittGlobal, Honors OCC, and Business Outside the Classroom. The catalog displays the existing Suitable platforms in one unified view so that students can search all activities across multiple disciplines. The catalog also includes opportunities that don’t fall under a specific theme, as well as those that are not assigned a level or competency under one of the formal programs. Students can use the catalog to search and filter by keywords and phrases and also view in-progress achievement privately. The catalog is also open to Pitt staff and faculty to contribute opportunities that are relevant for students.
Academic advisors have access to the Catalog of Opportunities via single sign-on to review their student's engagement beyond the classroom and encourage purposeful involvement to help them achieve their educational goals. In this session, we will review advisor access and workflow integration.