Chancellor Patrick Gallagher praised how closely most students have followed mitigation measures, amid a rise in COVID-19 cases on campus the COVID-19 Medical Response Office linked to an increase in social gatherings over Halloween.

All students will be asked to shelter in place for 14 days before leaving campus for winter break, according to Dr. John Williams, the head of Pitt’s COVID-19 Medical Response Office.

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said Thursday that he expects the [email protected] model to continue into the spring semester due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He also said it’s likely that next semester’s schedule will be compressed similar to the fall so there aren’t vacations where people leave and come back to campus.

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said he remains concerned about the upcoming semester, but has worked to reduce risk wherever possible.

The news comes as some students, faculty and staff have urged the University to join the growing number of colleges that are moving to online-only classes in the fall, to avoid the risks of bringing students back to campus.

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said Wednesday morning that he, too, is concerned about the state of the country at this point in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Pitt’s nearly $1 billion education and general budget will contract by around 5.9%, or $51.6 million, next year, following Wednesday morning approval.

Pitt released a list of its 25 highest-paid non-officer positions for fiscal year 2019 as required for all state-related universities by Pennsylvania’s Right-To-Know Law.

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher announced Tuesday that Pitt has established three reopening postures and universal health rules to guide the University through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said Friday that Pitt is in a “watershed” moment, while dealing with the dual crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and combating racial injustice.