The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News

Grad union organizers urge Pitt administrators to grant one-year funding extension.

Grad union organizers planning second election for this semester

By Neena Hagen, Senior Staff Writer February 4, 2020
After months of hearings, appeals and legal disputes between Pitt and graduate student union organizers, Pat Healy, an organizer and Ph.D. student, said the road to a possible graduate student union has been “tiring.”
Provost Ann Cudd and Assistant Provost Nancy Tannery stand next to a board that displayed the words “But is it art?” after having water poured on it.

Art here, there and everywhere: Pitt to catalog, purchase public art

By Ashton Crawley, Staff Writer January 30, 2020
Thousands of Oakland residents pass through “Light Up,” the large yellow sculpture in Posvar Hall Plaza, on their way to classes or meetings everyday, not thinking twice about it. But on Thursday, it was the center of attention.
Junior Stevie Kisty has been voted Best RA two years in a row in the Pitt News’ “Best Of” survey.

Stevie Kisty Voted Pitt’s Best RA Two Years in a Row

By Martha Layne, Staff Writer January 30, 2020
Emily Hearty, sophomore bioengineering major and Brackenridge resident assistant, said Stevie Kisty was more than just her RA her first year — he was a personal inspiration.
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher has created an Advisory Council on the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct in response to the AAU campus climate survey.

Sexual misconduct prevention panel plots course

By Rebecca Johnson, Senior Staff Writer January 30, 2020
When the Association of American Universities released a report last year detailing sexual misconduct on 33 university campuses, including Pitt, Yemi Olaiya said personal experiences with sexual misconduct inspired her to help survivors.
The University’s current dining contract with Sodexo will expire this summer with a new contract starting July 1. Planning for the contract transition to a new vendor or renewal with Sodexo would take place between March and July.

The inside scoop on the dining contract negotiation process

By Jon Moss, News Editor January 23, 2020
Pitt Dining will have to make a decision in the next few months — not on a menu, but on who gets to make the menus.
Pitt’s annual payments to the legal firm Ballard Spahr began to increase in 2016, coinciding with the launch of the graduate and faculty union campaigns.

Analysis: Comparing Pitt’s current Ballard Spahr spending with pre-unionization

By Neena Hagen, Senior Staff Writer January 22, 2020
Since the graduate and faculty union campaigns launched in 2016, Pitt has paid more than $1.3 million to “union avoidance” legal giant Ballard Spahr — an average of $328,000 per year.
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher plans to establish a yet-to-be-named group within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to develop campus-wide sexual misconduct prevention education programs.

Gallagher announces further steps to prevent sexual misconduct

By Rebecca Johnson, Benjamin Nigrosh, and Jon Moss January 16, 2020
Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher announced in a Thursday press release and at the Thursday afternoon Senate Council meeting that the University is expanding its community-driven response to prevent sexual misconduct.
Andy Stephany, the Staff Council president, reiterated the importance of Pitt community members sharing their opinions on the Plan for Pitt 2025, particularly because the planning process only occurs every five years.

Senate Council urges community members to engage with next Plan For Pitt

By Rebecca Johnson, Staff Writer January 16, 2020
Pitt administration entered the new year with a resolution in mind — gathering input from as many people across campus as possible.
Ex-Pitt police officer Michael Rosfeld filed a civil complaint against the University alleging that Senior Vice Chancellor for Engagement Kathy Humphrey “intervened with and acted in concert” with Pitt police Chief James Loftus after he arrested Humphrey’s son outside of Garage Door Saloon in 2017.

Ex-police officer acquitted in Antwon Rose case sues Pitt

By Jon Moss, News Editor January 16, 2020
Ex-Pitt police officer Michael Rosfeld filed a civil complaint against the University, Pitt police Chief James Loftus and Senior Vice Chancellor for Engagement Kathy Humphrey on Thursday for allegedly violating his due process rights and the 14th Amendment in his Jan. 18, 2018, termination.
The University is accepting proposals from faculty until Feb. 19 for projects to adapt, adopt or create open education resources for current course offerings as a part of a series of initiatives run by Provost Ann Cudd’s office to encourage the use of OERs.

Provost’s office accepting OER grant applications

By Jon Moss and Benjamin Nigrosh January 16, 2020
The University is accepting proposals from faculty until Feb. 19 for projects to adapt, adopt or create open education resources for current course offerings.
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