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Academics
In his Remarks to the UPG Senate on September 22, 1998, Dr. Cassell stated the following six educational goals for UPG:
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Every UPG student who graduates must: -have been exposed to a significant international experience;
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To this end, various academic events and initiatives have taken place in the last seven years:
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First Freshman Convocation - August 23, 1997 |
Freshman Convocation Faculty, staff and students participate in this yearly event. Included is a candle lighting ceremony, which symbolizes the light of knowledge. Upper classmen pass on the light to the new students as a formal welcome to the UPG community. Dr. Frank Cassell delivered the first keynote address, and Rick Fogle, Dean of Student Services, explained that "the freshman convocation symbolizes the University community joining together to officially welcome the freshman students." |
New Programs
Several programs were added to the curriculum. In the fall of 1999, The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing began to offer courses towards a bachelor of science degree in Nursing at UPG. Additionally, in 2002 a new major in Management/Information Systems was approved along with a certificate program in Children's Literature. An agreement with St. Vincent College to offer secondary education certification for UPG students was also ratified.
In 2000, UPG initiated the Humanities Common Text Project. This project involves the selection and use of various humanities texts (generally novels) to be used simultaneously in a number of courses at UPG. These courses are drawn from a variety of disciplines. While each of these classes maintains a separate character and utilizes additional texts unique to that class, each features one or more of the common texts for that academic term.
On January 23, 2001, three UPG students and Dr. Estella Llinas were the first participants in a student/faculty exchange program with Mexico's University of Guanajuato. "This academic exchange program, which will enhance UPG's focus on international exposure for our students, will provide them with numerous benefits, including ultimate exposure to foreign language and culture," said Nancy Florez-Estrada, UPG assistant professor of Spanish and director of Rossetti International House. "It will truly be a life-changing experience." The students were enrolled in Spanish language, literature, history, and fine arts courses, lived with local residents and learned the language and culture of the Spanish colonial city located 200 miles northwest of Mexico City.
In March 2001, UPG was awarded Link-to-Learn grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. UPG received $63,450 to develop a new course in system administration and to upgrade classrooms and laboratory facilities. Funds helped to enhance the Information Technology programs for students in the Management Information Technology program.
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As part of the first La Cultura, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg launched a new student honorary society - the Da Vinci Scholars. These remarkable students exemplify the highest ideals of a UPG education. The criteria are very demanding. Those selected must rank among our best students in terms of scholarly achievement. But they must also measure up to other standards, including demonstrated service to the community, leadership, and participation in an approved international experience. Those few who are eligible then undergo an intense faculty examination. In the end only a small number of those eligible are finally selected.
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Return to the UPG 40th Anniversary Site
Updated 11/5/02