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January 12, 2026

Dear Pittsburgh-Based Faculty, Staff and Course Instructors:

Welcome back and Happy New Year! As we begin the spring 2026 semester, I am pleased to share essential action items for faculty, resources for student support and key university updates.

Faculty Action Items and Course Administration

Please prioritize the following administrative items to ensure a smooth start to the semester:

• Syllabus Registry and Canvas Requests: Add your syllabi to the syllabus registry — an important step for students on waitlists and for our 2026 Middle States accreditation — and as needed. Refer to the syllabus checklist for guidance.
• Academic Calendar: Starting this semester, the , the same platform as the main Â鶹´å Events Calendar. While Google Calendar and iCal versions remain available, please check LiveWhale for the official AY25-26 schedule.
• Moratorium Hours (4:50–6:50 p.m. ET, weekdays): Undergraduate course activities must be limited during this block to allow students time for university-affiliated co-curriculars. Exception requests must be made to the University Registrar for approval.
• Inclusive Holiday Observations: Consult the when planning mandatory activities and assignments. Students are encouraged to communicate needed flexibility early in the semester.
• Space Reservations: Use 25 Live to reserve classrooms, computing labs and spaces in the Cohon University Center, Tepper Building, Hamburg Hall and Mellon Institute.
• Student Services Suite (S3) Features: Explore the S3 Academic Activities and Advising Guidance for tools related to rosters, scheduling and grading.

Mandatory Professional Development for Faculty

Our commitment to student well-being is central to our mission. As I recently communicated to our faculty and course instructors, all faculty members and course instructors are expected to complete at least one of the following training programs by August 2026:

• Supporting Student Well-Being: Overview of the faculty role in supporting students and available campus resources
• Mental Health First Aid: Comprehensive, evidence-based program to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges.
• Pathways to Suicide Prevention: Experiential training to enhance knowledge and skills related to college student suicide prevention.

Additional faculty professional development opportunities include:

• Resources and strategies for creating a supportive classroom environment from the Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation.
• Faculty development opportunities and resources from the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty, including the Faculty Forward professional development series and mentoring guidance.

Student Support and Care Resources

• : Use this form to refer students to Student Affairs, or for students to self-refer, for general support or assistance. For immediate safety concerns, University Police is available 24-7 to help triage support, including Student Affairs on-call staff.
• Student Accommodations: Students can apply for accommodations at any time through the Office of Disability Resources. Those with approved accommodations must notify faculty for each course via a secure portal.
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS): CaPS provides a safe, confidential environment for all enrolled Pittsburgh campus students at no additional cost.
• Student Academic Success Center: The center offers a range of services to help students thrive, including academic coaching, tutoring, and communication and language support.
• NameCoach: Use this tool to help with name pronunciation and pronouns.
• Early Course Feedback (ECF): Collecting ECF helps you understand student experiences in your course. This feedback provides actionable insights to make impactful adjustments during the semester.

Federal Impact Resources and Updates

• University Resources on the Federal Transition: Access updates, guidance and tools to navigate national policies affecting higher education.
• Office of the Vice President for Research Federal Updates: Stay informed with timely updates on the evolving research landscape.
• : View comprehensive information, tips and advice for students and scholars on maintaining immigration status.

Leadership Updates and Community Events

• Dr. Burcu Akinci officially stepped into her role as the Dr. William D. and Nancy W. Strecker Dean of the College of Engineering on January 1.
• Searches for deans of the Tepper School of Business and Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences are underway.
• Please join us on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 for our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Keynote Lecture featuring Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum.
• I invite you to attend my Provost Office Hours to share your insights, challenges and goals for the community.
• Please engage in community programs, including the President’s Lecture Series, Deeper Conversations and the University Lecture Series.

I look forward to seeing you on campus as the new year begins, and I wish you all a successful and rewarding semester.

Sincerely,

James H. Garrett Jr.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer