Pitt joined a new national effort to strengthen community engagement

The University of Pittsburgh was selected for the inaugural cohort of a Campus Compact program designed to help colleges and universities across the nation strengthen their civic and community engagement.

Pitt is among 22 institutions chosen for the organization’s new Campus Action Planning for Civic and Community Engagement Innovation Cohort, which will gives schools a roadmap for integrating community engagement work more fully into how the institution operates.

Each participating school assembles a team of up to 10 campus and community members for a guided, seven-month stretch of planning and early implementation. Pitt’s team is led by Jamilah Ducar, associate vice chancellor for engagement and community affairs.

The team also includes: Samantha Balbier, director of the Institute of Politics and Elsie Hillman Civic Forum; Catherine Cordova, director of academic planning and retention in the David C. Frederick Honors College; Justin Dandoy, director of PittServes; Sera Mathew, director of inclusive and equitable teaching in the University Center for Teaching and Learning; Tasha Peacock, assistant director of student programs and community outreach for the Institute of Politics; Joylette Portlock, director of the University Center for Social and Urban Research’s Community Impact Network; Jamelle Price, associate director of learning and development in the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs; Trupti Sarode, director of strategic initiatives in the School of Public and International Affairs; Belkys Torres, associate vice provost for curricular innovation in the Office of the Provost; and Shannon Wanless, director of the University Center for Social and Urban Research and associate professor in the School of Education.

The work will build on Pitt’s 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, a national designation the University first earned in 2020 and renewed this year through 2032.

Pitt’s Office of Engagement and Community Affairs coordinates the University’s community partnerships, including sustained commitments in the Homewood, Hill District, Greater Hazelwood and Oakland neighborhoods.

Photography by Tom Altany