Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

The side of a building, with the Cathedral of Learning in the background
Perhaps you’ve heard of Senate Council but you aren’t sure what it does. This explainer introduces the group’s goals and key players ahead of today’s monthly meeting.
A woman in glasses with trees in the background
In a pair of studies, ecologist Jessica Stephenson found that both animals and humans instinctually hunker down in small groups when infection looms—but that impulse can come with a price.
A woman in a black graduation cap and gown posing with a statue of a panther
Samantha Cortes (EDUC ’20) says the Panthers Forward program helped make her feel more connected during her final, untraditional year at Pitt. Seniors can apply for the program, which offers networking, mentoring and up to $5,000 toward federal student loans, through Sept. 20.
Two people put trash into bags outdoors
Jessica Benham (A&S ’19) founded the Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy, and her disability rights work can be seen all around town—including area cleanup days and the Pittsburgh airport.
A man in a Pitt face mask and striped shirt
Compressing the academic calendar to finish on-campus learning by Thanksgiving break means Labor Day is a class and work day at Pitt this year. The move was designed to limit the risk of spreading COVID-19 during the holiday travel season.
a woman in a Pitt branded blue and gold face covering with her arms crossed on her chest
Senior Sai Bhatte and a committee of undergraduate and graduate students are working to keep campus open. “You hear complaints from your friends, your peers, your professors—to be in a position to take that to someone in power and make a change is really impactful,” she said.
A man in a pink and gray shirt with a Pitt face mask
Years ago, three students dreamed up the Year of Engagement and worked to make it a reality for 2020-2021. Learn how to get involved—including applying for funding and winning prizes during the Fourteen Day Challenge, which starts today.
A woman in an orange shirt leaning against a brick wall
While Pennsylvania was in the midst of COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders, Pitt senior Gina Watkins was digging into the reasoning behind past quarantine measures—finding racism and xenophobia were major players in policy decisions.