Dear Pitt community,
During what we hope has been a productive and restorative summer, important work has continued across the University, as shared during recent town halls and communications. One area of focus has been our community’s response to the Dear Colleague letter from the U.S. Department of Education, which outlines updated expectations around civil rights compliance, Title IX, ADA accessibility, and student support services.
A representative working group has been diligently reviewing these requirements, consulting with stakeholders and offering thoughtful recommendations aligned with our broader commitment articulated in the Plan for Pitt 2028: to foster a welcoming and engaged University community where all members are able to thrive.
We want to share an important update regarding this work. With input and advice from the Dear Colleague Letter Working Group, Pitt will launch an Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing on July 1, 2025. Under the direction of Clyde Wilson Pickett, this office will ensure oversight and support in key areas such as civil rights and Title IX compliance, ADA accessibility and accommodations, sexual misconduct prevention education, and the monitoring of institutional progress on campus climate and student success, previously overseen by the former Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
This change allows us to meet this moment while advancing values that have long defined our university: integrity, fairness, inclusion, and a belief in the possibilities for every member of our community.
The new Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing will serve as a vital partner in cultivating a university where students, faculty and staff are engaged, supported and respected across all areas of campus life. Its work will not only support legal and policy compliance, but also ensure that Pitt remains a place that affirms the rich tapestry of thought, perspectives and fairness that have defined us for nearly a quarter millennium.
In this spirit, we want to extend our gratitude to all those who took time to provide their valuable feedback and perspectives during this process. Your feedback and collective contributions have been invaluable during this complex time. We recognize that there’s more work to do. As we take our next steps, we look forward to your continued engagement and to sharing additional updates as this transition progresses.
Sincerely,
Joan Gabel
Chancellor
Clyde Wilson Pickett
Vice Chancellor for Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing