Lessons From the Pandemic: Creating Accessible Learning Experiences
Since the rapid and massive shift to online learning in March 2020, online instruction has frequently (and sometimes unfairly) been criticized as a less effective method of teaching and learning. There is ample evidence that remote and online instruction has consistently benefited some students, including people working while attending school, parents and caregivers, and some disabled people. Learn more about some of the lessons learned from the pandemic in the Teaching Center's latest Teaching at Pitt column in the University Times.

New Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workshops
Two new workshops have been scheduled that focus on specific aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classroom:

• Nov. 4: Political Diversity in the Classroom
• Dec. 2: Dialogue for Difficult Subjects

October is Mental Health Awareness Month
October is Mental Health Awareness Month at Pitt, and faculty are encouraged to think about how engaging with your students can support their well-being. To assist you with having conversations with students, please visit Thrive@Pitt and the University Counseling Center (UCC) resources and services pages. You may also find it helpful to gain additional knowledge and skills to effectively support student well-being by participating in either the “Flourish at Pitt: Supporting Students’ Emotional Well-Being” sessions and/or the Mental Health Champion Certificate Program. Faculty and staff should consider their own well-being as well. Self-care tips, resources and support are available by visiting Wellness for Life at Pitt.

Session 1: Who Does What in Academic Leadership at Pitt?
On Oct. 12, the Office of the Provost is hosting the first of its fall 2021 faculty development workshops on academic and faculty leadership: Who Does What in Academic Leadership at Pitt? The academic operations of a large research University are expansive and include a wide range of activities and services. New and continuing faculty can come to this session to learn more about what members of our academic administration do, including the types of issues they handle and roles they play, as well as governance practices. Please visit the University calendar to learn more and register.

Apply by Oct. 15: Provost's Award for Diversity in the Curriculum
Applications for the Provost's Award for Diversity in the Curriculum are due Oct. 15. This award recognizes faculty who have modified their course or revised curricula to strengthen diversity and inclusion, resulting in changes of impact. Any full-time or part-time Pitt faculty member who has participated in diversity initiatives at the University may apply for this award. Please encourage faculty who have embraced inclusive teaching practices to submit an application. You can learn more about the award, eligibility, applications, and selection procedures on our website.

Input Needed on DEI Workshops
The Teaching Center is seeking your input on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) workshops through a short survey (completion time: 1 minute). DEI is imbedded in the Plan for Pitt as a vehicle to create a welcoming environment, so we want to know what topics are of interest to you to help promote a University community that is rich, vibrant, and embraces differences. This survey will be available until Sept. 30, and we sincerely appreciate your response. For more information, please contact Barbara Evans, director of equitable and inclusive teaching at the Teaching Center. Additionally, the Provost's Award for Diversity in the Curriculum nomination period remains open through Oct. 15. Please encourage faculty who have embraced inclusive teaching practices to submit an application. You can learn more about the award, eligibility, applications, and selection procedures on our website.