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

Jon Moss, Editor-in-Chief

Jon Moss is the fourth-ever editor-in-chief of The Pitt News to work for two terms. He reports on Pitt’s upper administration and how its actions impact students, faculty, staff and the wider University community. A native of Northern New Jersey, he will graduate in April 2022 as a business major and Spanish minor. He speaks three languages — English, Spanish and public policy. Jon previously served stints at The Pitt News as a news staff writer, online visual editor, assistant news editor and news editor.

Contact Jon confidentially by emailing [email protected] or calling 412-648-7985.

All content by Jon Moss
Barbara Como, a senior anthropology major, was struck by a Port Authority bus turning from Fifth Avenue onto DeSoto Street on Jan. 18.

Investigation ongoing into Pitt student’s death

By Jon Moss, News Editor
February 17, 2020
Graduate student union organizers delivered a broken heart for Valentine's Day to Chancellor Patrick Gallagher on Friday afternoon, in a demonstration to raise awareness for their ongoing campaign to establish a graduate student union.

Grad union organizers deliver broken heart to Chancellor Gallagher

By Jon Moss and Benjamin Nigrosh
February 14, 2020
Pitt’s College of Business Administration will partner with the Philadelphia-based Saxbys Coffee to create two student-run coffee shops in the Cathedral of Learning and Hillman Library this fall.

Student-run coffee shops coming next fall to Cathedral, Hillman Library

By Jon Moss, News Editor
February 13, 2020
Dr. Paul Duprex, director of Pitt’s Center for Vaccine Research, announced at Wednesday’s Senate Council meeting that the University seeks to acquire samples of the novel coronavirus in an effort to develop an intervention.

Pitt seeks to develop novel coronavirus vaccine

By Jon Moss and Lucy Li
February 13, 2020
A Pitt student filed a housing discrimination complaint against the University in September 2019.

Pitt, FHP to discuss housing discrimination allegation

By Jon Moss and Benjamin Nigrosh
February 10, 2020
Pitt police issue crime alert after burglary

Pitt police issue crime alert after burglary

By Jon Moss, News Editor
February 10, 2020
Pitt alum hired to lead Pittsburgh NAACP

Pitt alum hired to lead Pittsburgh NAACP

By Jon Moss, News Editor
February 6, 2020
Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed legislation mandating that all universities in the state must create anonymous online reporting systems for complaints about sexual harassment and violence.

Gov. Wolf proposes flat funding for Pitt in proposed budget

By Jon Moss, News Editor
February 4, 2020
The Allegheny County Health Department cited Las Palmas #2 for one low-risk health code violation Tuesday.

Las Palmas cited for health violation

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 30, 2020
Pitt student Ethan Kozak will face a nonjury trial on April 27 for three criminal counts, one each of ethnic intimidation, terroristic threats and harassment.

Pitt student’s trial pushed to late April

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 29, 2020
The Allegheny County District Attorney’s office dismissed two criminal charges faced by Pitt sophomore Matthew Stefurak.

Judge dismisses charges against Pitt sophomore

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 27, 2020
U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, R-Pa., second from left, House Speaker Mike Turzai, R-28, third from left, state Sen. John DiSanto, R-15, state Rep. Patty Kim, D-103, and Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse laugh at a remark during an event announcing that a new Navy ship will be named the USS Harrisburg. October 10, 2019.

Pa. House Speaker won’t seek 10th term

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 23, 2020
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 22, 2020
Pitt student dead after being hit by Port Authority bus on Fifth Avenue

Pitt student dead after being hit by Port Authority bus on Fifth Avenue

By Jon Moss and Janine Faust
January 18, 2020
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
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
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
Pitt police issued a crime alert Tuesday morning detailing a reported robbery on the 400 block of Atwood Street.

Pitt police issue crime alert after robbery

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 15, 2020
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded Pitt and civic network Remake Learning a $1 million grant for the Shifting Power initiative, which will provide a space for black and Latinx educators and learning scientists to work together and re-examine best practices in education.

School of Education receives $1 million Gates grant

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 15, 2020
More than three months after two incidents of slurs targeted a black first-year student, Pitt has not been able to identify the perpetrator or group of perpetrators who committed the acts.

Racial slurs case remains unsolved three months later

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 13, 2020
Pitt’s Office of University Counsel paid Philadelphia-based Ballard Spahr, a “union avoidance” law firm, $1,071,573 in fees between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, to provide legal support during the separate graduate student and faculty campaigns for unionization.

Pitt’s bill for ‘union avoidance’ law firm passes $1 million

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 12, 2020
Pitt administrators to launch new art initiative

Pitt administrators to launch new art initiative

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 9, 2020
Phi Gamma Delta was placed back in good standing after a hazing probe in October.

Pitt releases latest hazing report

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 8, 2020
The Allegheny County Health Department cited Pitt’s Forbes Street Market for two low-risk health code violations on Monday.

Forbes Street Market cited for two low-risk health code violations

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 6, 2020
Pitt police officer sues University for alleged age discrimination

Pitt police officer sues University for alleged age discrimination

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 6, 2020
The Bruegger’s Bagels located on 3714 Forbes Ave. closed in mid-December.

In case you missed it: News from winter break 2019

By Jon Moss, News Editor
January 5, 2020
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights has opened an investigation into violations of federal disability laws by Pitt.

Federal government probing alleged Pitt disability discrimination

By Jon Moss, News Editor
December 17, 2019
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher at a Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 23, 2018.

Chancellor, executives to receive second straight year of pay raises

By Jon Moss, News Editor
December 16, 2019
According to the online timeline of the Bigelow project, phase one focused on “utility infrastructure improvements” by installing utility lines on Bigelow.

Pitt preparing for phase 2 of Bigelow reconstruction

By Natalie Frank and Jon Moss
December 1, 2019
Pam Connelly, Pitt’s vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion and leader of the Office of Diversity of Inclusion, has announced that she will step down in early January.

Diversity and inclusion leader to step down

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
November 20, 2019
Pitt’s Board of Trustees discussed a proposed $10 million project to renovate all 21 floors of Litchfield Tower B on a meeting Monday morning.

Board committee approves Master Plan support projects

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
November 18, 2019
Phi Gamma Delta, which faced a hazing probe, was placed back in good standing Friday with no sanctions.

3 Greek life orgs face updated Pitt sanctions

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
November 17, 2019
Pitt student leaders wrote a letter to administrators in July calling for the expulsion of Ethan Kozak, who admitted to sending violent and derogatory messages to D.J. Matthews, a 20-year-old black Pittsburgh resident.

Pitt student’s trial set for late January

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
November 17, 2019
First-year student Jamal Johnson said he was the target of two racial slurs.

An ‘unwanting’ feeling: Investigation ongoing into two slurs against black first-year student

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
November 7, 2019
At a public Thursday morning meeting, the budget and executive committees of Pitt’s Board of Trustees both approved measures making funds available for projects in the Campus Master Plan.

Board committees approve increases to University debt limits

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 31, 2019
Market Central was cited by the Allegheny County Health Department for five health code violations Thursday.

Market Central cited for 5 low-risk health code violations

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 31, 2019
Provost Cudd makes a surprise appearance

Pitt to fund up to $250k in sexual misconduct prevention projects

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 30, 2019
The University placed Pitt’s chapter of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity on “Interim Restriction of Privileges-New Member Education” Monday, continuing a string of recent hazing allegations. Last Wednesday, Pitt suspended the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity, house pictured, on an interim basis, and placed the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and the Chi Omega sorority on “Interim Loss of Privileges-New Member Education.”

Fourth Greek life organization faces hazing probe

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 29, 2019
Posvar Hall evacuated after small construction fire

Posvar Hall evacuated after small construction fire

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 28, 2019
Starship’s food delivery robots have been criticized for creating difficulties at crosswalks for wheelchair-using students.

Food robot testing has resumed

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 25, 2019
U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan said there was no evidence to suggest Rosfeld's resignation was coerced under duress.

2 additional Greek life orgs face hazing probes

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 23, 2019
Pitt’s chapter of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity was suspended on an interim basis Wednesday due to possible involvement in hazing.

Phi Kappa Theta temporarily suspended after possible new member hazing

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 23, 2019
A former Pitt employee filed a civil complaint on Oct. 4 against the University in federal court for allegedly firing her based on a disability.

Former employee sues Pitt over allegedly violating federal, state law in termination

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 21, 2019
U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan said there was no evidence to suggest Rosfeld's resignation was coerced under duress.

Phi Kappa Theta new member education suspended after possible hazing

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 18, 2019
Telmar Palmer was charged Sept. 1 with invasion of privacy and attempted indecent assault.

Pitt police issue crime alert after attempted robbery

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 17, 2019
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher announced in a Tuesday email that the University would be implementing a community-driven response following the Association of American Universities 17-page report examining the current state of sexual assault and misconduct on campus.

Survey results highlight misconduct, sexual assault on campus

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 16, 2019
Jennifer Murtazashivili will serve as director of the GSPIA’s Center for Governance and Markets in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

Pitt launches new graduate research center with Koch funding

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 10, 2019
Jill Krantz was recently named Pitt’s new executive director of campus recreation.

Jill Krantz named executive director of campus recreation

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 9, 2019
Katie Pope is the coordinator of the Title IX office. The Title IX office will now be included in a division with civil rights, after the Office of Diversity and Inclusion separates into two divisions: Inclusion and Access, and Civil Rights and Title IX.

Diversity and Inclusion office reorganized in October

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 9, 2019
The shuttle stop located at Fifth and Bigelow will relocate to Schenley Drive in front of Hillman Library when Bigelow closes next month.

Pitt announces shuttle stop changes beginning in November

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 9, 2019
Hearing Examiner Stephen Helmerich said Pitt committed “coercive acts” leading up to the April grad student unionization vote.

Pitt files exception to proposed grad union ruling

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 8, 2019
A 47-year-old white police officer allegedly harassed two black Pitt students near Fifth Avenue and Atwood Street.

Police officer acquitted on 5 of 6 counts from October incident

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
October 3, 2019
Provost Ann Cudd maintained the University did not do anything wrong during April’s graduate student union election after a Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board official ruled that Pitt committed unfair labor practices.

Cudd says Pitt still considering options on proposed grad union ruling

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 29, 2019
The Board of Trustees approved several changes to Pitt’s bylaws on Friday at Pitt Johnstown.

Gallagher provides report on University initiatives amidst divestment protest

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 29, 2019
Telmar Palmer was charged Sept. 1 with invasion of privacy and attempted indecent assault.

Pitt police issue crime alert after aggravated assault

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 29, 2019
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher announced in August that the University will be redeveloping its investment strategies.

Board approves new trustee, revised bylaws

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 27, 2019
Pitt's Board of Trustees may discuss fossil fuel divestment at Friday's meeting.

Context: September Board of Trustees meeting

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 26, 2019
Union organizer Kim Garrett addresses the crowd at Bernie Sanders’ rally in Schenley Plaza in April.

Grad union organizers ready campaign for second election

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 24, 2019
President Donald Trump addresses the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters on Tuesday in New York City. World leaders from across the globe are gathered at the 74th session of the U.N. General Assembly, amid crises ranging from climate change to possible conflict between Iran and the United States.

U. S. House to begin impeachment inquiry

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 24, 2019
Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Funding Authority awarded the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy a $100,000 grant to restore parts of Flagstaff Hill, located across from the Phipps Conservatory.

State awards $100,000 grant for Schenley Park restoration

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 17, 2019
Pitt is looking to build a hotel and conference center in what is currently a parking lot next to the University Club and Thackeray Hall.

Pitt exploring plans for hotel and conference center next to University Club

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 15, 2019
Pitt’s Board of Trustees met for a short public meeting on Thursday morning.

Board committee approves revised bylaws, mission statements

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 12, 2019
The Engineering Accelerated Graduate program will be offered across all six of the Swanson School’s departments, allowing engineering students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degrees of science in five years, rather than six.

Pitt to offer 5-year master’s engineering program next fall

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 10, 2019
The University is aiming to instate its new student organization name policy in fall 2020.

SGB to form task force for preserving names of independent student organizations

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 6, 2019
The University is aiming to instate its new student organization name policy in fall 2020.

SORC to block clubs from re-registering next year over updated guidelines

By Erica Guthrie and Jon Moss
September 5, 2019
Pitt recently outsourced Wi-Fi services for students living in residence halls.

Failed connections: Pitt’s new Wi-Fi met with mixed reception

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 4, 2019
Telmar Palmer was charged Sept. 1 with invasion of privacy and attempted indecent assault.

UPDATE: Law enforcement: Online hate crime threat is ‘not credible’

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
September 4, 2019
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher talks to members of the Fossil Free Pitt Coalition, wearing orange t-shirts over formal dress, at Pitt's 2017 winter Board of Trustees Meeting in the William Pitt Union.

Pitt to develop socially responsible investing strategies

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
August 27, 2019
The Twentieth Century Club, located diagonally across from Chevron Science Center, was recently put up for sale following dwindling membership.

Second Oakland social club building for sale

By Jon Moss, Assistant News Editor
August 25, 2019

Meet the editors: News

By Erica Guthrie, Jon Moss, and Emily Wolfe
August 25, 2019
Audrey Murrell, former associate dean at Pitt’s College of Business Administration, will serve as dean for Pitt’s Honors College.

Transcript: TPN’s interview with UHC Dean Murrell

By Jon Moss, News Editor
August 22, 2019
Audrey Murrell, former associate dean at Pitt’s College of Business Administration, will serve as dean for Pitt’s Honors College.

Changes coming to Honors College with new dean

By Jon Moss, News Editor
August 22, 2019
Class of 2023 breaks demographic records

Class of 2023 breaks demographic records

By Vaibhav Gupta and Jon Moss
August 20, 2019
Thanksgiving break will last for a full week as of the 2019 fall semester.

Thanksgiving break to last full week

By Jon Moss, News Editor
August 20, 2019
Pitt has outsourced WiFi services for all residence halls and University-owned housing units beginning this fall, and will charge students for faster speeds.

Pitt outsources dorm WiFi, will charge for faster speeds

By Jon Moss, News Editor
August 8, 2019
Chick-fil-A moving to upper campus, other dining changes start this fall

Chick-fil-A moving to upper campus, other dining changes start this fall

By Jon Moss, News Editor
August 8, 2019
Man arrested, charged after two attempted rapes

Man arrested, charged after two attempted rapes

By Jon Moss and Emily Wolfe
August 1, 2019
Police officer faces trial after allegedly assaulting, harassing Pitt students

Police officer faces trial after allegedly assaulting, harassing Pitt students

By Jon Moss, News Editor
July 31, 2019
Criminal complaint charges Pitt student with ethnic intimidation, making terroristic threats

Criminal complaint charges Pitt student with ethnic intimidation, making terroristic threats

By Jon Moss and Janine Faust
July 30, 2019
Pitt to hold listening sessions on One Bigelow project

Pitt to hold listening sessions on One Bigelow project

By Jon Moss, News Editor
July 25, 2019
John Keeler to step down as GSPIA dean

John Keeler to step down as GSPIA dean

By Jon Moss, News Editor
July 24, 2019
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher talks to members of the Fossil Free Pitt Coalition at Pitt's winter Board of Trustees Meeting at the William Pitt Union on February 24. | Stephen Caruso

Report examining socially responsible investing at Pitt released

By Janine Faust and Jon Moss
July 19, 2019
The Pitt student leaders’ letter to administrators calling for the expulsion of Ethan Kozak.

Student, Pitt leaders to meet to strengthen student code of conduct

By Janine Faust and Jon Moss
July 12, 2019
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher addressed the University’s admission process in relation to the FBI’s Operation Varsity Blues at the most recent board of trustees meetings.

Board committee approves budget, tuition hikes

By Jon Moss, News Editor
July 10, 2019
Gov. Tom Wolf recently signed legislation mandating that all universities in the state must create anonymous online reporting systems for complaints about sexual harassment and violence.

New state law breaks down barriers to reporting sexual harassment

By Jon Moss, News Editor
July 9, 2019
The Pitt student leaders’ letter to administrators calling for the expulsion of Ethan Kozak.

Provost, dean of students respond to letter calling for student expulsion

By Janine Faust and Jon Moss
July 6, 2019
Student organizations call for expulsion of Pitt student who sent violent, racist threats

Student organizations call for expulsion of Pitt student who sent violent, racist threats

By Janine Faust and Jon Moss
July 5, 2019
Telmar Palmer was charged Sept. 1 with invasion of privacy and attempted indecent assault.

Pitt police issue crime alert after burglary, attempted sexual assault

By Jon Moss, News Editor
July 5, 2019
Provost Ann Cudd speaks at a Student Government Board meeting on Oct. 24, 2018.

Transcript: TPN’s interview with Provost Cudd

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 29, 2019
Pitt's Board of Trustees may discuss fossil fuel divestment at Friday's meeting.

Gallagher: Endowment report to be released soon

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 28, 2019
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher addressed the University’s admission process in relation to the FBI’s Operation Varsity Blues at the most recent board of trustees meetings.

Gallagher provides updates on University initiatives

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 28, 2019
Thomas Richards, executive chairman of CDW, will serve as the board of trustees chairperson-elect.

Board approves chairperson-elect, new trustees

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 28, 2019
Provost Ann Cudd speaks at a Student Government Board meeting on Oct. 24, 2018.

Cudd’s freshman year: affordability, unionization and plans for the future

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 28, 2019
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher at a Board of Trustees meeting on Feb. 23, 2018.

Context: June Board of Trustees meeting

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 25, 2019
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed Pitt’s annual funding bill to increase the University’s funding by 2%

House passes Pitt funding bill by 167-34 vote

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 25, 2019
Pennsylvania State Capitol Building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Harvey Barrison | Flickr

Pitt to get 2% state funding increase; House Republicans file amendment to avert fetal tissue research

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 24, 2019
The under-construction stoplight and crosswalk outside Lawrence Hall.

City to start neighborhood planning process in Oakland

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 24, 2019
Dave Smith, outreach coordinator of the Clean Air Council, speaks at a Tuesday afternoon press conference about air pollution in the Mon Valley.

Activists call for independent audit of troubled U. S. Steel plant

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 20, 2019
SkyVue apartments on Forbes Avenue.

SkyVue cited for non-functioning fire alarm, two other fire violations last October

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 18, 2019
U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works plant.

Fire at U. S. Steel plant cuts power to key pollution control systems

By Jon Moss, News Editor
June 18, 2019
Load More Stories