Pitt officials said Friday afternoon that the University will move from the middle to the lowest level of its three-tiered reopening system — the Guarded risk phase, equivalent to Pennsylvania’s green phase of reopening — on Oct. 19.

Provost Ann Cudd said in a Wednesday afternoon email to faculty members that they can apply to teach their classes in person if there is a “definable benefit” to in-person instruction, and if an instructor’s dean or regional campus president approves teaching plans.

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

Faculty government leaders discussed multiple items related to the COVID-19 pandemic at Tuesday afternoon’s Faculty Assembly meeting held via Zoom.

The first deadline for incoming first-years to commit to fall enrollment passed on May 1.