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Into the Unknown
Nothing could have prepared the Class of 2020 for what was about to happen as graduation neared. Read how one new alumna took advantage of University resources to navigate her job search.
Where Does Your Swab Go After Surveillance Testing?
At Pitt, the MiGEL Lab and its robot liquid handler play a major role in processing surveillance testing samples. Learn how samples are pooled, tested and sequenced to help in the battle against COVID
The Plan for Pitt 2025 Gets a Revised Timeline
The University paused work on the strategic plan to take time to address racial equity and justice during the pandemic. The process has now resumed with opportunities for input from campus
Pirates Recreate Iconic World Series Photo for 60th Anniversary
Lifelong baseball fan and Pitt operating engineer Mike Pawlowski recently facilitated a re-shoot of the famous Forbes Field photo for the Pirates’ celebration of the Oct. 13, 1960, Game 7 win.
Students: Learn to Take Care of Yourself on Self-Care Day
Tomorrow’s Student Self-Care Day marks a day off from classes for students to take a break and focus on the key life skill of self-care. See what programming Pitt has in store—ranging from a workout

Q&A: Peter Salk on the Lessons Learned from Vaccine Development History
Peter Salk was 11 years old when a University of Pittsburgh team led by his father, the late Jonas Salk, created the inactivated poliovirus vaccine. Today, at 76, he’s back in the spotlight as
Grad Student Resources Addressed in Virtual Town Hall
Members of the Office of the Provost, University Counseling Center, Student Health Service and the Office of Student Life shared their insights on navigating the graduate experience at Pitt.
United Way Campaign Addresses Triple Crisis
Hari Sastry, senior vice chancellor and Chief Financial Officer—and this year’s campaign chair—discussed public health, economic and racial justice crises the nation is facing with Bobbi Watt Geer
Pitt Police Step Up Communication with Students
As the Pitt Police remain vigilant throughout the pandemic, they respond to requests for transparency and more frequent communication with students. Join them in an Oct. 15 town hall.
Winter Could Be ‘Double-Whammy’ for Mood Disorders
As Americans continue to social distance, conditions such as seasonal affective disorder could make winter especially hard, says psychology’s Kathryn Roecklein. Read about her work and her tips for
Against the Odds
High achievers must often overcome significant obstacles on their way to success, no matter the field. But Elayne Arrington (ENGR ’61)—like other Black women in STEM before her—encountered more than
A Runner’s Delight
Members of Pitt’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams say Pittsburgh gives other cities a run for their money in terms of trails and scenery. Meet some of their runners, and discover a new trail or
Quarantine Protocols Keep Students Full and Fulfilled
Pitt roommates Melanie Dong and Sophie Becker were close contacts of someone who tested positive for COVID-19, so they quarantined in their residence hall room. They want their peers to know it’s less
Documentary on Thomas Starzl Honored by Organ Donation Organization
“Burden of Genius,” a documentary that came to life in Carl Kurlander’s classroom, will receive the Donate Life Hollywood Inspire Award tonight.

Think Before You Share
In the internet age, misinformation can spread like wildfire—and, in the COVID-19 era, endanger lives. First-year student Thea Barrett is working with media organizations to help reduce its speed and
Download the COVID Alert PA App
In September, the state released an app that anonymously identifies and alerts users of potential COVID-19 exposures. The more people who use it, the more effective it becomes.
Enthusiasm for Chemistry Spans Time Zones
Organic chemistry is tough in the best of times, but both students and instructor George Bandik report a successful course so far under Flex@Pitt.
Pitt Professor Takes on Policy Challenges for People with Disabilities
In addition to his research on policy and wheelchair access, Mark Schmeler recently joined the City-County Task Force on Disability to study unconscious bias toward people with disabilities.
Reminder: Register for Oct. 7 Pittsburgh Campus Flu Shot Clinic
Faculty and staff who are members of UPMC Health Plan can get their annual flu shot at the Petersen Events Center on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Advance registration via the Office

Closing the retention gap: Pitt Success Pell Match Program celebrates new milestone
In its first year, the groundbreaking program for students with high unmet financial need essentially closed the retention gap for those eligible for federal Pell Grants — what Provost and Senior Vice