Pitt extends remote learning until mid-September, officials warn students not to host parties

PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh is extending its remote learning program until mid-September.

The provost and senior vice chancellor announced the change Wednesday, saying although she had hoped that after beginning the first week of the semester remotely the university could move to mostly in-person classes, the decision has been made to extend the remote period until September 14.

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“This adjustment to the schedule will allow for the completion of staged arrival and shelter-in-place procedures so that all students can start in-person classes at the same time,” Ann Cudd said in the letter.

You can read the full letter HERE.

In their weekly COVID-19 briefing, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and health director Dr. Debra Bogen expressed concern about the virus spreading on local college campuses -- and gave a stern warning to students to continue social distancing and wearing masks.

“The bigger thing that we are seeing and hearing already is the off-campus activity. So in neighborhoods like Oakland and Squirrel Hill and South Side and other places, nobody should be walking around on the streets without a mask on,” Fitzgerald said.

The University of Pittsburgh echoed this warning in a tweet directed at students. That warning said Pitt students who host large parties could be subject to suspension.

In the letter, Pitt’s dean said: “Your behavior is threatening a successful fall term for all of us ... If a student hosts a large party and is found responsible for a violation, the student will be sanctioned to disciplinary suspension through the semester ... Do not hold or attend parties where physical distancing is not possible or where attendees are not following face covering requirements.”

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