F E A T U R E I N T H I S I S S U E

The University Times series ON How often are Pitt department HEALTH focuses on Alzheimer’s chairs evaluated?...... 6 disease. See pages 7-10. Corporate philanthropy needs to change if it’s going to be effective, the head of the Walmart Foundation U N I V E R S I T Y says...... 13 & 14 TIMES VOLUME 43 • NUMBER 11 FEBRUARY 3, 2011 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH ULS goes Pitt, Oakland gear up for post-Super Bowl black itt and the City of Pitts- between Fifth Avenue and Sen- final destination,” Bochter said. will distribute a letter to Oakland burgh are taking preven- nott Street. Cars will be tagged “The message we really want to residents reminding them that all Ptive measures to minimize and towed, Bochter said at a Feb. get out is: Enjoy the Super Bowl, furniture must be removed from and gold any post-Super Bowl crowd 1 press conference. enjoy your friends and family — porches and outdoor areas. “This To show support for the damage should the Steelers defeat At 9 p.m., those same streets whoever you’re with — safely cel- ban has already been established Pittsburgh Steelers, who Green Bay Feb. 6. will be closed to vehicles for a ebrate where you’re at,” Bochter by the City Council and will be are getting ready to play the Some 400 additional police period to be determined by offi- said. “Coming Downtown to enforced,” Delaney said. Feb. 6 Super Bowl in Dallas officers will be on duty, including cers, Bochter said. Exit ramps celebrate is not a wise move. Don’t Pitt’s celebration task force against the Green Bay Pack- about 100 from agencies such as from the Parkway to Oakland in come to the South Side after the also has developed a marketing ers, the Cup & Chaucer in the Pitt and CMU police, as well both directions also will be closed game. Our plan after the game is campaign to discourage student Hillman Library is sponsor- as state and county sheriff police beginning at 9 p.m. to get everyone safely out of the misbehavior. The task force has ing a Black and Gold Party departments. DUI checkpoints Similar restrictions will apply South Side, safely out of Oakland, posted flyers across the campus, 1-3:30 p.m. on Feb. 4. will be established in and around to East Carson Street: No park- safely out of Downtown Pitts- has taken out ads in The Pitt News Hotdogs, hamburgers the city and officers will be enforc- ing after 4 p.m. on East Carson burgh. Our suggestion is please and has posted videos on You- and snacks will be provided, ing special parking restrictions, between 10th and 22nd streets don’t come to those places.” Tube and Facebook from student as well as black and gold according to Bill Bochter, the or on side streets between Sarah He cautioned that having leaders encouraging responsible bagels and cookies. city’s assistant chief of police for Street and Sidney/Bingham alcohol in an open container on celebratory behavior. In addition, For those sporting Steel- operations. Street; that area will be closed to any Pittsburgh street is a city ordi- the task force plans an email blast ers black and gold gear or Kick off for the game will be vehicles at 9 p.m. and reopened at nance violation; that ordinance to all undergraduates on Feb. 4. carrying Terrible Towels, approximately 6:30 p.m. at Cow- officers’ discretion. will be enforced, he said. Letters will be placed under there will be a 30 percent boys Stadium in Arlington, Tex. “The reason we’re closing Officials want to avoid a repeat the doors of rooms in all the resi- discount on drinks. In Oakland, parking will not be those streets after the game is so of the damage that followed the dence halls reminding students of As part of the festivities, a permitted after 4 p.m. on Forbes those who are leaving bars, restau- Steelers’ 2009 Super Bowl vic- student code violations, including concert by The Moonlight- Avenue between McKee Place rants and other venues can safely tory. Thousands of people took to throwing objects from windows. ers begins at noon. n and Bigelow Boulevard (inclusive) transit from that area to where the Oakland streets, where some The Oakland business com- and on all side streets in that area their car is parked and on to their revelers overturned cars, broke munity is looking at the Super windows and set fires, causing an Bowl event as a two-edged sword, estimated $48,000 in damages to said Georgia Petropoulos Muir, the Pittsburgh campus. (See Feb. executive director of the Oakland 5 and Feb. 19, 2009, University Business Improvement District Times.) (OBID). Mental health Following that disturbance, “OBID is embracing the event Pitt established a celebration as a huge opportunity for celebra- task force, comprising University tion and encouraging business police, administrators in Student owners to deck out their establish- Affairs and student leaders, to ments, to show their black and & the classroom develop strategies that promote gold pride.” Noting that many responsible behavior by students of the neighborhood’s bars and after events like the Super Bowl. restaurants expect to be filled with Pitt has designated the area on game-watching patrons, Muir Bigelow between the Cathedral said, “We want people to come in of Learning and the William Pitt and celebrate responsibly.” Union (WPU) as the only place On the other hand, she said on campus where students will be business owners who have surveil- allowed to congregate, according lance cameras in their establish- to officials in Student Affairs. ments are being asked to train The approved celebration will them on their storefronts and side- University experts advise how last for one hour beginning at walks. They also are being advised the conclusion of the game, after to be cautious with awnings that which those celebrating will be could be pulled down and Dump- to deal with troubled students told to disperse. sters that could be used to cause Pitt officials noted that the damage, Muir said. alls to the University suspended from Pima Community of calls from faculty and staff.” Student Code of Conduct will be Extra OBID cleaning crew Counseling Center tend College in October after violating Cox said callers often assume enforced; failure to disperse when staff will be on the job Monday Cto increase after reports of the school’s conduct code. that the student they are con- ordered and possessing alcohol are morning to clear away any litter campus violence elsewhere — such “People’s antennae are up,” cerned about is not getting help. violations of the code. and debris, she added. as the shootings at Virginia Tech Cox said, adding, “We are seeing “That may not be the case,” he Kenyon Bonner of Student At the Feb. 1 press conference, in 2007 and at Northern Illinois more students, although we are said. Should a caller inquire about Affairs said a large outdoor screen Bochter said the Pittsburgh police University in 2008 — turn public not seeing more who are a danger whether a student is being seen, near the Cathedral will show the are requesting that Oakland and attention to students who have to others.” In each of the past two the counseling center may not post-game Super Bowl celebration South Side stores remove any- exhibited frightening, bizarre or years, more than 3,000 students be able to say, he noted, citing and awards. There also will be a DJ thing that could be a projectile destructive behavior. have been seen at the center. confidentiality considerations. playing music and prize giveaways. from their storefronts. “We will Calls have risen again in the Calls to the center more often Most students will permit some Pitt Police Chief Tim Delaney be removing trash cans and other wake of the Jan. 8 shooting in focus on concerns about a student’s information to be shared, Cox said. said WPU and Hillman Library city property — basically, anything Tucson in which six people were own safety, Cox said, noting that If the student agrees, the counsel- will be locked during and after not nailed down,” he said. killed and Arizona congress- while counseling center staff are ing center may be able to tell the the game, and an officer will Bars in Oakland and the South woman Gabrielle Giffords was cognizant of the potential for caller who referred a student how be stationed at the Cathedral Side are asked to serve alcohol wounded, said University Coun- violent behavior, it is much less things went. “If they say no, then entrances. Intensity lighting will only in plastic containers during seling Center director James Cox. likely that a student would pose a we can’t,” Cox said. be positioned on the Bigelow Bou- and after the game to minimize While the Tucson violence did risk to someone else. levard and WPU lawns. Campus potential property damage or not occur on a college campus, the “We’ve always gotten calls FERPA surveillance equipment will be injury, Bochter said. suspect in custody had exhibited when people have concerns about Privacy laws have their limits, operated as always, he said. —Kimberly K. Barlow bizarre behavior and had been students,” he said. “We get a lot CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Delaney added that the city & Peter Hart n

1 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

U N I V E R S I T Y S E N A T E M A T T E R S / John J. Baker Do Pitt’s salary practices work well for most faculty?

This question was raised at the Dec. 10 Senate budget policies allotted increase for maintenance and MME. meeting. I believe the answer is NO because Pitt’s annual salary An associate professor who received Pitt’s full salary pool increase increase pool is underfunded relative to inflation in most years. every year would have a projected FY 2010 salary of $83,302, which Underfunding may be a good short-term strategy for difficult budget is $6,166 (8 percent) above the amount needed to maintain the same years, but when done too frequently it drops the salaries of most buying power as in FY 1995, but $1,298 (-1.5 percent) below the Pitt long-term faculty well below the average for their academic rank. average salary for an associate professor, despite 15 straight years of Pitt’s current salary increase policy went into effect in 1994 and receiving Pitt’s full salary pool increase every year. has four components: 1) maintenance of real salary; 2) merit increases; The calculations in the chart illustrate several important points 3) equity adjustments, and 4) market adjustments. The chancellor about Pitt’s salary practices for the last 15 years. Faculty needed to determines the portion of the total raise pool to be devoted to each receive the full maintenance and MME components of the annual pay component, with advice from the University Planning and Budget- raise every year just to stay slightly (2.1 percent) ahead of inflation. Linden to head ing Committee. Even with full maintenance and MME component raises every Each responsibility center receives the same percentage for main- year, long-term faculty fall well behind the average Pitt salary for European studies tenance of salary (2 percent this fiscal year) and merit, market and/ their academic rank (-12.3 percent for professors, -6.9 percent or equity (MME) adjustments (1 percent this year). In most years for associate professors and -7.4 percent for assistant professors) & EU centers (but not this year), a small portion of the annual salary pool increase because Pitt has a separate 0.5 percent salary fund called academic (usually 0.5 percent) is reserved for distribution by the provost based initiatives that is used for maintaining salary market competitiveness Political science professor upon demonstrated needs for MME adjustments. and other priorities. Ronald Linden has been named Pitt’s salary increase policy correctly identifies the pay issues that Receiving Pitt’s maintenance-only increases every year for the last director of Pitt’s European Stud- need to be addressed. However, it does not require the chancellor to 15 years would have caused a faculty member to lose 11.8 percent ies Center and European Union fund the maintenance salary component fully — and in 14 of the last in buying power compared to FY 1995, which is not maintenance Center of Excellence. 16 years he has not, to the detriment of long-term faculty, as shown of salary. Linden served as director of in the chart below. This chart is an update of an analysis I did in a The salary lost in a single year by underfunding the annual the Center for Russian and East 2006 Senate Matters column. It takes the average Pitt salaries for salary increase pool relative to inflation is minor compared to the European Studies, 1984-89, and professors, associate professors and assistant professors in FY 1995 huge loss produced in future earnings and retirement benefits, due again in 1991-98. From 1989 to and shows what they would be in FY 2010 after receiving annual to compounding on a lower salary base in each subsequent year of 1991, he was director of research pay increases equal to A) the federal government’s consumer price employment. for Radio Free Europe. index for urban workers (CPI-W); B) the maintenance component I favor having a merit component to Pitt’s salary increase policy, He is the author or editor of Pitt’s annual salary pool increase; C) both the maintenance and but Pitt’s practice of underfunding salary increases relative to infla- of seven books on Central and MME components of Pitt’s annual salary pool increase, or D) the tion in most years fails to work effectively for most faculty. There Eastern Europe. full amount of Pitt’s annual salary pool increase. simply is not enough money going into Pitt’s annual pay raises in Linden was a Fulbright most years to adequately reward everyone who deserves it. Research Scholar and a Fulbright Rank Pitt’s A) B) C) D) Pitt’s It’s easy to understand why underfunding weakens Pitt’s merit Distinguished Lecturer in Yugo- average Projected Projected Projected Projected average policy. Let’s assume for a given year that inflation is 2.7 percent, slavia; a research scholar at the salary in FY 2010 FY 2010 FY 2010 FY 2010 salary FY salary salary salary salary in FY the maintenance component is 2 percent, the MME component is Kennan Institute for Advanced 1995* based on based on based on based on 2010* 1 percent and five faculty in the department have about the same Russian Studies of the Woodrow receiving receiving receiving receiving salary. If one of them receives a 6 percent raise, the other four can Wilson International Center for CPI-W Pitt main- Pitt the full increases tenance main- amount receive average raises of only 2.25 percent each, which is below Scholars; a senior fellow at the increases tenance of Pitt inflation. However, if the raise pool is 1 percent higher (4 percent) United States Institute of Peace, only & MME salary pool increases increases and one person receives a 6 percent raise, the other four still can and a guest scholar of the East average 3.5 percent each. European studies program of the Professor $76,300 $110,217 $97,203 $112,523 $119,025 $128,300 Pitt’s administration has done a good job of managing the Uni- Woodrow Wilson International Associate Professor $53,400 $ 77,136 $68,029 $ 78,751 $ 83,302 $ 84,600 versity and the problems it has faced except for this one problem: Center for Scholars. Assistant Professor $44,000 $ 63,558 $56,054 $ 64,888 $ 68,638 $ 70,100 underfunding annual salary increases relative to inflation. The In 2009-10, he was awarded a administration has opted for lower salary increases over politically Transatlantic Academy Fellowship A) The annual CPI-W increases from FY 1996 to FY 2010 were: 2.7%, 2.5%, 3.3%, 1.7%, sensitive higher tuition increases in order to meet short-term budget from the German Marshall Fund 1.6%, 2.7%, 3.4%, 1.6%, 2.4%, 1.9%, 3.3%, 3.5%, 2.5%, 4.1% and 0.1% respectively. goals. The tuition concerns are real and the effect on salaries slight to study Turkish foreign policy. B) The annual Pitt maintenance increases from FY 1996 to FY 2010 were: 0%, 2.5%, 2.0%, in any one year. The negative effects of these lower annual salary He has received grants from the 1.7%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 1.5%, 1.5%, 1.5%, 1.5%, 1.75%, 2.0%, 2.5% and 0%, respectively. C) The annual Pitt MME increases from FY 1996 to FY 2010 were: 0%, 3.5%, 3.0%, 2.7%, increases on long-term faculty salaries are not considered because National Council for Eurasian 3.5%, 4.0%, 3.5%, 2.5%, 2.5%, 2.5%, 2.5%, 2.75%, 3.0%, 3.5% and 0%, respectively. they take many years to manifest. and East European Research and D) The annual Pitt salary pool increases from FY 1996 to FY 2010 were: 0%, 3.5%, 3.0%, 3.0%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 4.0%, 3.5%, 3.0%, 3.0%, 3.0%, 3.25%, 3.5%, 4.0% and 0%, respectively. Pitt’s administration can address this issue by raising tuition to from the International Research * Source of FY95 and FY10 average salary figures: AAUP’s Academe. The average Pitt salary a higher level than it might like, or by continuing to underfund the and Exchanges Board. in FY 2010 is higher than predicted by receiving annual salary pool increases because there is a annual salary increase pool relative to inflation. The latter practice Linden received his PhD in separate 0.5 percent fund of money called academic initiatives that goes into faculty salaries for a few selected faculty. has little effect on Pitt’s star faculty because they get the lion’s share politics from Princeton, his mas- of the few big merit increases given annually. ter’s degree in political science As this chart reveals, an associate professor with Pitt’s average Sadly, it’s rank-and-file long-term faculty and staff members, the from the University of Michigan salary in FY 1995 would have needed a projected FY 2010 salary of backbone of the University, who lose out when the salary increase and his bachelor’s degree in gov- $77,136, a professor $110,217 and an assistant professor $63,558 pool is underfunded. If this practice continues to occur, it’s liable ernment from Boston University. just to keep pace with the same buying power they had in FY 1995. to create a huge morale problem at Pitt. He succeeds Alberta M. Sbra- An associate professor who received only the maintenance com- If you agree that Pitt needs to start funding future annual salary gia, who became vice provost for ponent of Pitt’s annual salary increase would have a projected FY increase pools at higher, more sustainable levels, do something graduate studies. n 2010 salary of $68,029, which is $9,107 (-11.8 percent) below the about it. Write a letter to the University Times, start a petition or amount needed to maintain the same buying power as in FY 1995, get involved in the Senate. Doing nothing is tantamount to agreeing $16,571 (-19.6 percent) below the average salary for an associate with Pitt’s salary practices for the last 16 years. professor, despite 15 straight years of satisfactory service. The Senate is seeking faculty to run for officers, Faculty Assembly An associate professor who received both the maintenance and and committees. If you are interested, call or email Lori Molinaro MME component of Pitt’s annual salary increase would have a (624-6505; [email protected]) in the Senate office and nominate your- U N I V E R S I T Y projected FY 2010 salary of $78,751, which is $1,615 (2.1 percent) self or a colleague. n above the amount needed to maintain the same buying power as in TIMES FY 1995, but $5,849 (-6.9 percent) below the Pitt average salary for John J. Baker is past president of the University Senate and chair of the EDITOR an associate professor, despite 15 years of receiving Pitt’s full unit budget policies committee. N. J. Brown 412/624-1373 [email protected] WRITERS Pitt’s administration responds: each year for the past 15 years would not have seen their salaries keep pace with inflation. Fortunately, the vast majority of faculty Kimberly K. Barlow 412/624-1379 The maintenance of an effective salary policy has been instru- members at the University of Pittsburgh consistently make contribu- [email protected] mental in fostering the sustained progress Pitt has experienced over tions that earn them salary increases beyond the mere maintenance the past 15 years. Each year, in forming their recommendation to the component. Though a careful and complete analysis of the data Peter Hart 412/624-1374 [email protected] chancellor, the members of the University Planning and Budgeting would require more time than we have to respond to this column, a BUSINESS MANAGER Committee (UPBC) work to find the appropriate balance between rough overview of the available data indicates that at least 95 percent Barbara DelRaso 412/624-4644 maintenance and the other components of the salary increase pool. of the faculty who have been at Pitt since 1995 have received more [email protected] The chancellor also considers this balance as he makes his final than the maintenance component, and at least 85 percent have seen Events Calendar: [email protected] determination, and it is worth noting that this past year the chan- their salaries increase by more than the inflation rate. The University Times is published bi-weekly cellor increased the maintenance component by 0.5 percent over We are committed to continuing working with Dr. Baker and on Thursdays by the University of Pittsburgh. the UPBC recommendation. our other colleagues on the UPBC to meet the fiscal challenges we Send correspondence to University Times, Dr. Baker’s analysis of the 16-year salary aggregates he has pre- face in maintaining our salary policy through careful attention to 308 Bellefield Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260; fax to 412/624-4579 sented leaves him concerned that Pitt’s annual salary increase pool is competitive pressures and a lasting commitment to fiscal sustainability. or email: [email protected]. underfunded relative to inflation in most years. As an across-the-board Patricia E. Beeson Subscriptions are available at a cost of $12.50 statement, his data indicate that this is clearly not the case: Compar- Provost and for the remainder of the publishing year, which ing the change in average salaries from FY 1995 to FY 2010 across Senior Vice Chancellor runs through July. Make checks payable to the University of Pittsburgh. all ranks, the growth in our average faculty compensation has easily The newspaper is available electronically at: outstripped that of inflation. He is further concerned that faculty Arthur G. Ramicone www.utimes.pitt.edu. receiving only the maintenance component of the salary increase Chief Financial Officer

2 FEBRUARY 3, 2011

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 because of disability status,” Van Slyke said, adding that a student however, particularly when with a disability still can have bad campus safety may be at stake. behavior. “If a student’s behavior Following the shootings at Vir- is aggressive or inappropriate, call ginia Tech, new federal guidance Mental health them on that,” she said. on Family Educational Rights “If a teacher is seeing behavior and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws that’s problematic, distressing, was published to better balance concerning or odd, the most safety and privacy. important thing they can do is see Shawn E. Brooks, associate & the classroom if it’s disruptive to the academic dean of students and director of community,” she said. If so, they Residence Life, noted for instance need to set in motion the judicial that in cases of violations of drug or process. alcohol laws or situations in which “Some students exhibit behav- a student poses a threat to himself ior that doesn’t — or shouldn’t — or others, FERPA doesn’t apply disrupt the academic community and otherwise private information or learning environment, but may be shared with parents or may be seen as different or odd,” appropriate others. Additionally, she said. That could range from if a student is claimed as a depen- carrying multiple garbage bags dent, FERPA doesn’t prevent the University experts advise how full of items or having a dazed University from sharing informa- appearance due to medications, tion with the student’s parents, to blurting out off-topic answers Brooks said. or engaging in strong repetitive “I’d rather defend a violation to deal with troubled students habits. of FERPA than be accused of not “We really rely on the instruc- communicating effectively with Brooks said, “It’s all of our jobs Office of Student Conduct, which declined to specify how often no- tor to be the one to determine a parent,” Brooks said, inviting when dealing with the student sets in motion a hearing process. contact orders have been issued, if behavior in the classroom is faculty or staff with questions on population. It’s not just about the Details are outlined in the code, except to say the occurrences are disrupting the learning environ- where to draw the line to contact student who may be troubled or which can be found online at www. not unusual for a campus of Pitt’s ment,” Van Slyke said. his office. acting out, it’s about the commu- studentaffairs.pitt.edu/conduct. size. “It does happen multiple If the behavior doesn’t rise nity and the other students who are The code allows faculty and times but not weekly or monthly,” to the level of conduct violation Vigilance impacted by that behavior as well.” staff broad leeway in filing judicial Brooks said. and the student provides notifica- Brooks observed, “Anytime charges based on a student’s behav- tion of a disability, it prompts an there is a national tragedy of the Whom to call ior, Cox said. “Any inappropriate Disability and conduct interactive dialogue among the magnitude of Virginia Tech or Even if the behavior is merely behavior on the part of a student Disability has been redefined student, instructor and a disability Arizona, peoples’ sensitivities are odd rather than threatening, “It’s can be a violation.” to include a number of so-called specialist to come up with a plan very heightened around students’ perfectly acceptable to call the Among the listed offenses “hidden” disabilities. Attention to meet everyone’s needs. peculiar or threatening behavior.” counseling center,” Brooks said. is failure “without just cause to deficit hyperactivity disorder, Disclosure of the disability is The downside, he said, is that “Weird is not against the law,” comply with the lawful direction learning disabilities and psycho- an option, although it’s not always “we get lulled into a false sense of said Cox, but if a student’s behavior of a University official acting in logical disorders made up the top necessary or advisable, she said. security once the issues fade from is questionable, faculty and staff the performance of their duties three disabilities first-time college “We teach students to advocate our mind.” are urged to call for advice. and authority.” In this context, students disclosed in a 2010 Fresh- for themselves on a case-by-case The ongoing message from “If there is a question, perhaps Cox noted, “official” applies to man National Norms survey. (See basis when accommodation is the University administration is: in something a student has writ- all faculty or staff, noting that an story on page 5.) necessary,” she said. Communicate. ten, or emailed, send a copy to the employee may file a complaint if, Standard language on course For instance, a student with Plenty of help is available on counseling center,” he said. for instance, a student is harass- syllabi at Pitt typically states that autism may fail to read social cues campus and communication is key “Anytime that any student rises ing someone in their department students who are requesting an in a group. That could be resolved when a student displays behavioral to the level that we’re concerned or refuses to leave an office when accommodation for a disability by making the group smaller, or or mental health problems. for their safety, action is taken. We asked. are to contact both their instruc- by agreeing on a discreet hand “When in doubt, consult,” don’t ignore it,” Cox said, noting Brooks noted that most judicial tor and Disability Resources and signal the professor could use to stated Kathy Humphrey, vice that a counseling center staffer is board actions involve alcohol or Services, which verifies the dis- alert the student when behavior provost and dean of students, in a on call 24 hours a day. He advised drug use and only a “very mini- ability and determines reasonable is inappropriate. memo sent to faculty at the begin- members of the campus commu- mal” number involve threatening accommodations for the course. In a case in which a student had ning of the academic year. “We nity to call the campus police if a behavior. Information regarding a stu- profound motor tics that surfaced need to be prepared to recognize student clearly poses a danger to Student conduct officer Debo- dent’s disability is confidential, when making a presentation, “We potential threats and take appro- himself or others. rah Walker confirmed such inci- but disability status does not had to talk about educating the priate action when necessary. Cox offered some simple dents are “isolated.” give carte blanche with regard to community about the non-typical “We have all seen that tragedies advice on where to turn: Walker said she advises anyone behavior. Pitt’s disability policies behaviors that were going to occur at schools and universities are • If the situation crosses the with concerns for the safety of a acknowledge that while students that could potentially be quite often sad lessons if the possible line into an immediate safety faculty or staff member or students with disabilities have rights, they frightening,” Van Slyke said. “It consequences of mental health concern, call the police. to call the campus police. Some- also have the responsibility to depends on the behavior, the class and behavioral problems are left • If it’s a mental health issue, times, police will file a judicial meet the University’s standards and the dynamic.” unaddressed,” said Humphrey in call the counseling center. referral with her office, but if the for academic performance and Van Slyke pointed out that odd the message that called attention • If it’s a behavioral issue, call situation doesn’t rise to the level conduct. behavior isn’t always an indicator to the University’s Faculty and the Office of Student Conduct. at which police would be involved, Although a student’s diagnosis of disability. Students can choose Staff Guide for Helping Dis- Walker said, anyone affiliated with may explain certain behaviors, “It’s to present themselves in a way tressed Students. Code of Conduct the University could file it. not an excuse for violation of the that makes them appear different, The guide, available in the The Student Code of Conduct Cox noted that the judicial code,” Brooks said. without any diagnostic category, resources section at www.counsel- states that any member of the board may determine that the Lynette Van Slyke, director she said. Furthermore, different ing.pitt.edu or at www.studentaf- University community who feels student needs a mental health of Pitt’s Disability Resources and doesn’t always have to equal scary, fairs.pitt.edu, covers concerns they have been wronged due to a evaluation. Services office, concurred. “Dis- she said. ranging from dealing with angry violation of the code may sched- A judicial complaint triggers ability doesn’t exclude them from “If you feel that someone is students to substance abuse and ule a meeting with the student safeguards, Brooks said. In an that standard,” she said. disruptive to the learning com- suicide and includes emergency conduct officer or a designee to egregious situation in which a “It’s important to remember munity, use the appropriate phone numbers for on- and off- discuss the situation. They also member of the University com- we need to treat our students resources,” she said. campus resources. may file a judicial referral with the munity feels threatened, a no- equally — no better, no worse — CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 contact order or interim suspen- sion could be issued. “We want to make sure people feel as safe as they possibly can on campus,” Brooks said, adding, “If someone is intimidating, fright- ening or aggressive, we need to intervene.” In the case of a no-contact order, the individuals involved are informed that the order is in place and that no contact — face-to-face or electronic — is permitted. If the order is violated, police would be called and additional judicial action — and possibly legal action — could follow, he said. The University errs on the James Cox Shawn Brooks side of safety, Brooks said. He Deborah Walker Lynette Van Slyke

3 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

so good referrals are important,” Experts advise Gallagher said. “If it’s someone you think is sui- cidal or seems seriously depressed how to deal or vulnerable in some way, you may Mental health be afraid that talking to them about with troubled it will push them over the edge,” he said. “The fact is that almost all students students when they’re in trouble CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 appreciate it when somebody & the classroom expresses concern for them.” Discussing troubled students Following the shootings at Vir- Honesty is the best policy ginia Tech, Pitt formalized a group when encouraging a student to that had been meeting informally seek counseling. “You should to share information on troubled always be clear to the student students, said Brooks, who chairs about why you are making the the Caring for At-Risk Students, referral.” Sending a student to or CARS committee. The group, the counseling center under false which meets weekly, includes pretenses — for instance, send- representatives from across the ing a student to the counseling University: Pitt police, Athletics, Is a student distressed ... or center for career counseling when Veterans Affairs, all the Student the concern really is related to Affairs departments including behavior — puts the mental health Residence Life, the University professionals in a bind. “Already dangerous? It’s tough to tell trust is compromised. You need Counseling Center, Student Health (represented both by a ccording to Robert Gal- even frightened? Those are the eccentric behavior into frighten- to be honest,” he urged. doctor for the medical side and a lagher, adjunct associate ones who are most worrisome. ing behavior, Gallagher said. Accompanying the student drug/alcohol counselor, Brooks Aprofessor in the School Here again this should be brought A student might talk or write to the counseling center may noted), International Services, of Education and former vice to the attention of a responsible about a plan to take action against be appropriate, especially for an Cross Cultural and Leadership chancellor for Student Affairs, person on campus,” Gallagher someone or against a number of anxious student or one who is Development, Disability Services it may be difficult to determine advised. people for what they represent, he reluctant to go, Gallagher said. and Student Conduct. which students might cross the said. “You often find a past history Encouraging students to stick “If a student crosses our radar line from distressed to dangerous. Stalkers of impulsive or violent behavior. with the counseling also is impor- as either being a potential threat There are several types of “Another concern is the stalker, You can detect this sometimes tant, he said. If a student who goes to himself or others or exhibits behavior that should be of par- the student who is obsessive about in written papers or overheard to counseling reports that the behavior of concern, we’ll bring up ticular concern, said Gallagher, someone,” Gallagher said. More remarks about wanting to harm initial session didn’t go well, “tell the student’s name and the reasons who was director of the University people are killed by stalkers than someone. While there often is the student to stick with it. Hang behind the discussion,” Brooks Counseling Center for 25 years. in the kind of mass shooting that evidence of past problems, some- in there, it takes a while.” said, adding that should a specific occurred in Arizona, he said. “Last times it’s hard to learn about that” student come to the attention of Anger year, in the 320 schools I surveyed, because of privacy issues, he said. A listening ear multiple representatives, deeper One concern is the inappropri- there were seven students killed by Even if such a student is Most students who approach a discussion would be warranted. ately angry, non-psychotic student obsessive pursuers. That would identified, unless there is a direct faculty member or other adult will The committee is not intended whose reaction is disproportionate extrapolate to close to 50 across all threat it’s difficult to demand that not need professional counseling, just for dealing with threatening to the circumstance. “Somebody colleges. Also,168 students were the student get treatment, Gal- Gallagher noted. A student who is behavior. Many situations could has given them a bad grade. Some- physically injured. Even these lagher said, adding that it’s hard tearful about a broken relationship cause a student to be mentioned body has done something that’s numbers do not reflect the true for counselors to help someone or a death or who expresses anxiety — someone dealing with the death cost them their job, somebody number who are harmed because who is uncooperative. “Counsel- or anger often can be helped by of a loved one, a residence hall embarrassed them. They were many of these cases do not come to ing centers are really best suited someone who simply is willing to resident who has been taken to treated unfairly. They ruminate the attention of counseling center to the student who wants to get listen and help guide them through the hospital, a student who had about it, they can’t get over it; staffs,” Gallagher said. Stalkers help,” he said. whatever the concern is. recent contact with police — all they feel it very personally,” Gal- aren’t always students pursuing However, if there is uncertainty may be brought up to the group to lagher said. other students, he said. “Faculty How to help about whether more than a good provide a baseline of understand- “Occasionally, they are danger- and staff are certainly not immune Concerned faculty or staff ear is needed, consultation with a ing across various areas. ous. Those are people that friends from this happening to them.” should make a referral to the mental health professional in the “We want everyone at the table are more likely to identify,” he counseling center, providing the counseling center may be called to know what everyone knows,” said, although an adviser or faculty Frightening behavior student’s name and situation. for, he said. Brooks noted, adding, “A lot of member with whom the student The fourth area of concern “There are a lot of students —Peter Hart & times we find referrals already has a close relationship also may is the student who goes beyond who don’t come in on their own, Kimberly K. Barlow n have been made.” recognize the student’s problem. Should a student be acting If an appeal to reason has no out in a peculiar way, regardless effect on the anger level, alerting Tips for keeping your classroom safe of whether a threat is involved, the administration is the most Brooks urged faculty and staff to appropriate solution, he advised. itt psychology in education arise, think safety first. filter the situation through the professor Mary Margaret • Always give a hostile person lens of possibility: “What is the Bizarre behavior PKerr, who has written plenty of physical space — at least 3 possibility that this student needs Another concern are the extensively on school crisis pre- feet. If you are concerned about an some kind of assistance?” students who do not seem to vention/intervention strategies anticipated interaction, scan your Brooks reiterated that the have mental illness, but behave and student behavioral problems, environment and remove anything University has a broad safety bizarrely: Students who ask said, “My biggest worry is when that could be thrown at you. net of professionals available to inappropriate questions or act people abdicate their responsibil- • Do not escalate a situation. intervene with at-risk students. “I strangely. “Almost everybody ity for safety to others. Safety is Do not corner a student or raise want faculty and staff to know they knows this type of behavior when everyone’s responsibility. your voice with a hostile student. don’t have to be the sole arbiter they see it,” Gallagher said, citing “For example, we know that • Do not reprimand a student of when to get involved,” Brooks a former student who had the odd perpetrators often signal their publicly. Instead, call the student said. “Think about the well-being habit of removing his shoes and intent in advance. We also know Mary Margaret Kerr in after class to review what hap- of the campus population and our socks, then powdering his feet that being aware of one’s sur- number into your cell phone. pened and make a plan to prevent students. When you feel some- in class. roundings and reporting anything • Make a mental note of where it from recurring. thing isn’t right, don’t sit on that “The give-away sign is: Is suspicious is fundamental to safety emergency exits and defibrilla- • Alternatively, suggest a information. Pass it along.” the student making the faculty in any workplace or campus. Yet tors are. meeting later in a departmental —Kimberly K. Barlow member or other students feel too many people plug in their ear- • Call the student judicial conference room or space where & Peter Hart n anxious or uncomfortable and phones, focus on their cell phones conduct office, the University others will be nearby. and move through campus barely Counseling Center or the campus • Use the syllabus to provide Resources for faculty and staff noticing what’s around them,” police if you need advice on a explicit examples of behavior you • The Staff Association Council is sponsoring a campus safety she said. particular individual or situation. consider inappropriate. But do brown bag lunch at noon today, Feb. 3, in the William Pitt Union She offered some common “We have tremendous talent to not set up a rule or situation that Ballroom. Kathy Humphrey, vice provost and dean of students; sense tips: advise us here at Pitt,” Kerr said. requires you to confiscate pos- Deborah Walker, student conduct officer, and Ronald Bennett of • Review safety procedures in sessions. These confrontations the Pitt police will discuss security awareness, authority of campus your work environment. For faculty usually escalate hostility. Instead, security officers, criminal procedures and the student conduct process. • Watch what’s going on Kerr suggested classroom address a violation through a More information can be found at www.sac.pitt.edu. around you. Listen to conver- strategies to mitigate problems private communication or your • The University Counseling Center annually updates its Faculty sations. Pay attention to your and lessen the chances for a situ- established grading policies. and Staff Guide for Helping Distressed Students. The guide offers instincts. Report things that ation to escalate into danger. Kerr said, “When you’re clear information on anxiety, depression/suicide, anger, grieving, substance disturb you. • Get to know your students, and complete about behavioral abuse, multicultural challenges and disability resources and services, • Sign up for emergency so they are not anonymous. expectations, and you are fair and and lists emergency phone numbers for on- and off-campus resources. notifications so you know when • Go over safety tips at the reasonable, then you’ll definitely It is available online at www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu. n a situation is unsafe. beginning of each course. reduce the number of problems.” • Program the campus police • If a confrontation should —Peter Hart n

4 FEBRUARY 3, 2011 Mental health & the classroom

ore and more students hyperactivity disorder (5 percent) are arriving on college or a psychological disorder (3.8 Mcampuses with mental percent) than any other disability health problems, and the trend or condition. Learning disabilities shows no sign of abating. Survey shows more students ranked third at 2.9 percent. For 29 years, Robert Gal- The 2010 freshman norms are lagher, a School of Education based on the responses of more faculty member and former vice are arriving on campuses than 200,000 first-time, full-time chancellor for Student Affairs, students at 279 baccalaureate insti- has overseen the National Survey tutions and the data statistically of Counseling Center Directors. adjusted to reflect the 1.5 million The annual survey draws from 320 with mental health problems first-year students who entered colleges and universities, repre- four-year colleges in 2010. senting 2.75 million students who academic counseling along with times the meds aren’t working, Another survey indicates that —Peter Hart & have available counseling services some personal counseling. “Now, or they go off the meds and that’s the trends Gallagher is observing Kimberly K. Barlow n at their institutions. almost all counseling centers are where the problems come in.” seem likely to continue. The 2010 survey revealed that spending the vast majority of the There’s also a trend of grow- The most recent Freshman 10.8 percent of students received time dealing with mental health ing up too soon and doing things National Norms survey, released personal counseling and 38.3 per- issues,” he said. before they’re mature enough to last month by UCLA’s Higher cent were seen in other contexts Why the change? “I see a handle them, he said. Education Research Institute, such as workshops, orientations lot of different things,” he said. “They’re drinking earlier, found that record numbers of and classroom presentations. “Recent generations have been they’re having sex earlier, they’re freshmen entering college in fall The survey found that 90.5 so over-protective of kids, parents getting into marijuana earlier, 2010 — nearly 1 in 10 — expected percent of directors reported smoothing out all the bumps for those kinds of issues. Some of to seek personal counseling while rising numbers of students coming them, and when they get out in the them have very severe drinking in college. That represents an to college counseling centers with real world they have a harder time problems by the time they arrive increase of nearly 50 percent serious psychological problems adjusting to the stresses. here. And it does impact on their compared with 40 years ago, when — currently 44 percent of the “Another big issue is that an success. As they struggle with the UCLA survey first posed the students seen at counseling centers awful lot of students are now that, they’re much more likely to question. fall into this category. Of these, 6 getting treatment in high school have more serious psychological Freshmen reporting disabili- percent have impairment so severe and they’re on psychiatric meds,” problems.” ties also are at record levels and on they cannot remain in school he said. The full 2010 survey report the rise, with “hidden” disabilities without extensive psychological “These are students that are is available at www.iacsinc.org/ at the top of the list. The survey assistance. The directors reported bright and capable — as long as NSCCD%202010.pdf. found more students self-iden- Patty Nagle/CIDDE 37.7 percent of the students seen they stay on their meds. Some- q tified as having attention deficit Robert Gallagher experienced severe distress such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks or suicidal ideation, but were able to be treated successfully. Directors surveyed reported Teaching TAs how to handle classroom problems that a total of 2,200 students were nexperienced instructors are student to go, but also as a resource sometimes are not adept at design- be. “That can be perceived as hospitalized for psychological in particular need of guid- to which a concerned TA can turn ing tests based on the teaching threatening,” she said. reasons during 2007, an aver- Iance, said Carol Washburn, for advice. objectives and students may get age of almost eight students per an instructional designer at the upset if questions seemingly are Communication school. In 2001, that figure was Center for Instructional Devel- Minimizing classroom stress pulled from nowhere. “If someone While students’ privacy must five students per school. opment and Distance Education Stress can play a role, Wash- feels a test was not fair, often it be respected, communication can The number of distressed (CIDDE), which oversees new burn said. “You can minimize wasn’t,” she said, again touting defuse fear over peculiar behavior. students has been on the rise for teaching assistant orientation. stress on students,” she said, good instructional design as one “If a student is talking a lot to him- years, said Gallagher, who directed Safety comes first — literally urging instructors to build in preventive measure. self in class, there could be a lot of the University Counseling Center — in the orientation sessions that structure and clear expectations reasons for that,” Washburn said, for 25 years. “It goes back to 1988 train about 270 new TAs each fall, when designing their courses. “A Avoiding conflict noting that sometimes compassion when I first began noticing in our Washburn said. The first order of disorganized class can result in Not all classroom disruptions rather than fear is called for. counseling center that we were business is to have participants unhappy students. With a lot of can be avoided, but some foresight She recounted an instance in seeing more students with more type the campus police phone structure and clear expectations can minimize conflict. “You can which she was met with a barrage serious problems and that it was number into their cell phone con- your students do better, you’re prevent a lot of problems by having of expletives when she turned her taking up more and more of our tact list. Next, the TAs are taught happier as an instructor and you structure and clear expectations in back to write on the board on the time. I asked on my survey to seek advice from the University have less dissatisfaction.” your class,” Washburn said. first day of class. When it came whether other schools were expe- Counseling Center if they have One common reason students A student’s anger may be time for students to introduce riencing the same thing. concerns about a student. might challenge a teacher is piqued if his or her behavior is themselves, one of them addressed “At that time, 56 percent of “TAs have been stalked,” she anger over a grade. Instructors challenged, so it is important to the situation. “I don’t want to the counseling center directors said, reiterating that those situa- establish policies early on issues scare anybody,” he said, clearing reported that they, too, were tions need to be reported to the such as late arrival or web surfing the air by explaining that he had seeing this trend. Now, for the police. during class. Such policies set a Tourette syndrome and his utter- last five years or more, it’s been Given that the numbers of standard that an instructor can ances weren’t rooted in any ill will up over 90 percent.” distressed students on college point to when a student behaves or grudge against others in the Students with mental health campuses are on the rise, Wash- in an unacceptable manner. classroom. problems adversely affect aca- burn said training on dealing with Should a student do or say “That was the best thing for demic achievement, classroom them is part of the orientation. something that makes a TA that class,” she said, commending management and student reten- New TAs learn to handle a range uncomfortable, Washburn advised both his directness as well as class- tion as well as the individual, he of difficult classroom situations that the issue be addressed with the mates’ compassionate response to said. “Mental health problems can during orientation and in other student and the situation docu- a situation that, left unaddressed, impact negatively on a student’s workshops that present case stud- mented with the TA’s supervising could have resulted needlessly in physical, emotional, cognitive ies for discussion. instructor or chair. a stressful, frightening semester. and social well-being and in some The emotional issues students She cautions TAs to be aware of “In general I don’t think people cases can lead to violent acting out may bring to the classroom can interpersonal dynamics that could are very well educated in terms of or suicide.” be especially difficult for inex- contribute to an uncomfortable these types of disabilities or ill- Gallagher noted that when perienced TAs, Washburn said. interaction. For instance, a large nesses. I think we need more edu- he started his career more than The emphasis is on utilizing the male student with a loud voice can cation in terms of what’s normal four decades ago, counseling University Counseling Center — be intimidating to a small-statured and what’s not normal,” she said. centers did a lot of career and not only by advising a distressed Carol Washburn young TA without intending to —Kimberly K. Barlow n

5 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

negotiating with the Port Author- At Faculty Assembly meeting ity to make service cuts elsewhere. Thomas Smitherman sug- gested that Faculty Assembly “use Debate over dept. chair evaluations surfaces the bully pulpit of the Pitt faculty” and write an op-ed article pointing ow often are Pitt depart- sor and I’ve never been asked to also plan to extend these policies • Deborah Brake, co-chair of out the negative effect that service ment chairs evaluated? evaluate any of the chairs.” to the regional campuses.” the Senate anti-discriminatory cuts are having on the University’s H When the issue sur- At Pinsky’s request, Blair The new subcommittee will policies committee, reported that educational efforts. faced at the Jan. 25 Faculty agreed to investigate the situation urge the Provost’s office to expand her committee is looking into Paul Munro said students have Assembly meeting, there was some in the French and Italian depart- its analysis of Provost-area salary the potential conflict between a been late for his classes because disagreement between faculty ment and report back to Pinsky. differentials by gender to include medical condition that is excluded of the service cuts. Munro, who members and Andrew Blair, vice Nicholas Bircher of the medi- Health Sciences faculty, she said. from coverage in the University’s co-chairs the Senate plant utili- provost for Faculty Affairs. cal school lobbied for including q health insurance plan and Pitt’s zation and planning committee, Blair, who is the Provost’s his school in the chair evaluation Marra’s subcommittee replaces nondiscrimination policy. said PUP looked into potential liaison to Faculty Assembly, said, process. the ad hoc committee for the pro- She noted that the policy contingency plans, such as extend- “All chairs across the University, “Given that we have a well- motion of gender equity-II, which was updated in 2008 to prohibit ing the shuttle system to areas including at the regional cam- validated system for every school expired at the end of 2010. Ad discrimination or harassment of outside of Oakland to compensate puses, are evaluated three years except the School of Medicine, on hoc committee chair Irene Frieze any individual based on “gender for the service cuts. He said that after their last evaluation or three behalf of the faculty of the School reported to Faculty Assembly on identity or expression.” (See Sept. under Pitt’s contract with the Port years following their year of of Medicine I would advocate that her committee’s major efforts: 25, 2008, University Times.) Authority, Pitt shuttles cannot appointment; deans are evaluated in the near term to extend that • Obtaining more infant/tod- The potential conflict lies in replicate Port Authority routes. five years after their appointment evaluation to the school,” Bircher dler openings at the University the fact that transsexual surgery, Michael Spring noted that was or five years after their last evalu- said. “It’s a reasonable tool to use Child Development Center and even when deemed medically nec- a condition when the Pitt-Port ation.” even in the medical school.” working to provide additional essary by a physician, is excluded Authority agreement started in the He said the single exception The discussion about depart- child care options for faculty specifically from insurance cov- mid-’90s, but he recommended is the School of Medicine, where ment evaluations sprang from a and staff in Oakland and nearby erage by UPMC Health Plan, Pitt renegotiate that restriction. chairs are not evaluated because report on a new gender discrimi- neighborhoods. she said. The antidiscriminatory • Faculty Assembly heard a their roles vary; some have dual nation initiative subcommittee, • Surveying women faculty policies committee will work with report from Ron LaPorte of the roles as academic leaders and part of the Senate’s antidiscrimina- about the need for leadership the Senate benefits and welfare Graduate School of Public Health clinical leaders, while others have tory policies committee. networking and skills develop- committee to determine what on his TED (technology, enter- only one role or the other. The subcommittee, chaired ment programs. recommendations, if any, should tainment, design) talks program. Some Faculty Assembly mem- by Kacey Marra of the School • Assisting “trailing spouses” be made regarding negotiations of The purpose of the program is to bers took exception to Blair’s of Medicine, is continuing some (spouses/domestic partners of future health insurance contracts, bring together faculty from vari- description of the schedule for of the work of the former ad hoc faculty hired from outside the Brake said. ous disciplines to get to know each department chair evaluations. committee for the promotion of region) in finding positions in Pinsky asked that she report other and what others do. Beverly Gaddy of Pitt-Greens- gender equity-II. Pittsburgh. “We received reports on this issue at a future Faculty Last September, LaPorte burg said, “At Greensburg, we Marra said the group also about the programs that have been Assembly meeting. organized “Pitt Professor Day,” used to do evaluations of chairs wants to help establish specific developed at Pitt by the Office of • Senate Vice President which was designed to share “ideas but we have not had them since guidelines for appointment and Human Resources and the Office Patricia Weiss asked if Assembly worth spreading” from a broad the arrival of President [Sharon] evaluation of deans and chairs, of Affirmative Action, Diversity members had received any student range of disciplines. (See Sept. 16 Smith. As faculty president I asked and it was this item that prompted and Inclusion to determine what feedback on the Port Authority University Times. The presentations that we re-initiate those but we the Faculty Assembly debate. She is now being done and to better service cuts. (See Jan. 20 University are posted online at http://mediasite. have not. So we’ve not done evalu- said her group hopes to work with publicize these activities,” Frieze Times.) cidde.pitt.edu.) ations for four years.” the Provost’s office to develop a said. Susan Shaiman of the School He said the project could Dental medicine’s John Baker template with specific procedures • Comparing female faculty of Health and Rehabilitation Sci- enable people worldwide to see said there have been evaluations for appointing, compensating salaries, retention, promotion and ences said many of her school’s what is being done at Pitt. of his school’s dean but he was and evaluating deans and depart- tenure trends with those of their students have clinical assignments Pitt’s TED talks program, unaware of any evaluations of ment chairs. “The template will male counterparts. in areas of the county affected by which drew an audience of about department chairs. incorporate features that make • Working with the Office of the service cuts. 70 for four talks, was so successful Blair said a reorganization the opportunity for administrative General Counsel to make legally “This is true not just in SHRS that LaPorte is seeking volunteers of departments in the School appointment equally available to required changes to sexual harass- but in the schools of education and from Faculty Assembly to do a of Dental Medicine might have both women and men,” Marra ment policies and advising Human social work and others. So, this is 15-minute talk on their field. skewed the timeframe for chair said. Resources on the online training not just an issue for immediate “It would be great if you had evaluations, but he insisted the Blair noted that there already program now required for all neighborhoods. This will even- suggestions, or if you had a great dental medicine school was not is an evaluation instrument, “an faculty and staff. tually cause us to lose students,” topic that you wanted to present,” excluded from the evaluation online survey that was developed The ad hoc committee’s final Shaiman said. LaPorte said, adding that volun- process. “We have been tracking by the Council of Deans in con- report is available on teh Senate Bircher said Pitt should survey teer presenters can contact him at that very carefully,” he said. sultation with various parties. web site, www.pitt.edu/uni- students and employees who ride [email protected]. He added that “the results of There are scaled responses as well vsenate/. Port Authority vehicles, deter- No date is set yet for the next the chair evaluations go to the as augmented responses. Primar- q mine which are the most needed TED talks program, he said. deans to share with the chairs ily, it’s meant to be a formative as In other Assembly business: routes and use that information in —Peter Hart n as they think appropriate. The opposed to a summative evalua- results of the evaluations of the tion, meaning that it’s supposed deans go to either the provost to be constructive and helpful. Provost Beeson to address honors convocation or the senior vice chancellor for “I was concerned that you’re Patricia E. Beeson, Pitt provost and senior vice chancellor, will Health Sciences, also to share looking at a new evaluation tem- be the keynote speaker at Pitt’s 35th annual honors convocation, to with the deans as they think plate for chairs, and I just would be held at 3 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Carnegie Music Hall. appropriate.” like you to keep in mind that there The convocation recognizes faculty accomplishments; staff service; University Senate President is an evaluation process in place,” undergraduate, graduate and professional student academic achieve- Michael Pinsky asked if the evalu- Blair said. ment, and student leadership. ation process is kept private. “Is it Marra said the subcommittee Beeson began her service as Pitt’s chief academic officer on Aug. likely chair evaluations occur and was not interested in evaluating 15. An economics professor whose scholarly work focuses on regional [faculty] wouldn’t know about it?” the performances of department and urban economics, Beeson came to Pitt as an assistant professor in Pinsky asked. chairs. “That’s not really the type 1983. She was tenured and promoted to associate professor in 1990 Blair said there is nothing of evaluation we would focus on. and became a full professor in 2000. clandestine about the evaluation We are more interested in evaluat- Beeson’s first administrative appointment came in 2001 when she process. “Faculty members in ing how the chairs are hiring and was named associate dean for undergraduate studies in the School the schools or department would determining compensation across of Arts and Sciences. In 2004, she joined the Provost’s office as certainly know about it because their faculty.” vice provost for graduate studies. Two years later, she also assumed they’re contacted for the evalua- As head of the new subcom- responsibility for undergraduate studies. tion. It’s not a sample. Every eli- mittee, Marra plans to convene For more information on the convocation, contact Special Events, gible faculty member is asked to a group of faculty, staff, postdocs 4-7100. n fill out the survey. We get very and students from across Pitt’s five good response rates, incidentally.” campuses to discuss gender equity The departments determine issues, address salary differentials, Nominations due April 1 for Baranger award which faculty are considered develop workshops on leadership The deadline for nomina- former vice provost for graduate for teaching careers. core or “voting faculty,” Blair skills and work to expand child tions from faculty members and studies, among other posts, who A&S graduate students who explained, but typically the group care and dependent care options. students for the 2011 Elizabeth retired from Pitt in 2004 after have taught or served as teaching includes tenure and tenure-stream “The objective of this subcom- Baranger Teaching Award is Feb. 44 years. assistants in 2010 are eligible for faculty. Sometimes length of ser- mittee is to ensure that faculty 11. The Baranger award is the award. Up to six awards of $250 vice is considered, he added. are treated equitably by gender The annual award is sponsored intended to make graduate stu- each are given annually. Assembly member Francesca in several areas of University by the Arts and Sciences Gradu- dent teaching more visible and Nominations should be sub- Savoia of the Department of activities, including recruitment, ate Student Organization and valued on the campus, to raise the mitted at www.as.pitt.edu/gso/ French and Italian Languages and hiring, allocation of leadership recognizes outstanding teaching standards of teaching by graduate teachingAward.html. Literatures said, “ I’ve been at Pitt responsibilities, compensation by graduate students in Arts and students and to help graduate Winners will be announced by for 25 years, I’m a tenured profes- and promotion,” she said. “We Sciences. It is named for Baranger, students prepare professionally April 1. n

6 FEBRUARY 3, 2011

ON HEALTH

Pitt experts examine the issues

Increasingly, studies have shown, people are seeking health-related information. A recent Pew Internet study found that 80 percent of Americans with Internet access turn to the web for answers to their medical and health questions. But three-quarters of consumers fail to check how reliable and how current that information is, the study revealed. In an effort to detangle some of the overload of health information that is out there, this occasional University Times series, On Health, is turning to Pitt experts for cur- rent — and reliable — information on some of today’s major health-related topics.

eware the gathering costs associated with caring for AD in the brain. ral Center, part of the National tinguishing Alzheimer’s disease storm: According to the patients, could bankrupt Medicare What triggers the onset of Institute on Aging, there are two from other types of dementia, BAlzheimer’s Association, by the middle of the century, some Alzheimer’s still is unknown. main kinds of Alzheimer’s. About such as vascular dementia, fronto- Alzheimer’s disease (AD) strikes experts believe. However, it is known that brain 95 percent of the AD cases are temporal dementia, Lewy body someone every 71 seconds; it That speaks to the urgent need damage can begin as many as 10-20 termed late-onset Alzheimer’s, dementia, Creutzfeldt-Jakob currently affects more than 5.2 for more laboratory research, years before symptoms present, as rarely occurring before age 60 disease and Parkinson’s disease. million Americans and more than clinical trials and funding, AD tangles begin to develop deep in and most prevalent in those age According to the Alzheimer’s 25 million people worldwide. experts at Pitt said in a recent series the entorhinal cortex (the brain’s 80 and older. Disease Education and Referral A form of dementia, Alzheim- of interviews with the University network for memory) and plaques The other type, early-onset Center, criteria for an Alzheimer’s er’s is an irreversible neurode- Times. form in other areas of the brain. Alzheimer’s, is believed to be a diagnosis include a decline in generative disease that is not a q As more plaques and tangles form, genetic disorder and typically memory coupled with at least normal part of aging. The disease Alzheimer’s disease was named healthy neurons begin to work less develops in people age 30-60. one of the following: difficulty grows progressively worse over after German psychiatrist and efficiently, gradually losing their Some cases of early-onset AD, with language or communication; time, slowly destroying memory neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer, ability to function and eventually known as familial Alzheimer’s difficulty with everyday activities, and thinking skills and eventually who first described the condition dying. This damaging process disease, are inherited, caused or difficulty with one’s ability to interfering with the ability to carry in 1906 after noticing during an spreads to the hippocampus, the by genetic mutations of one of perceive the world accurately. out simple tasks. AD also is fatal: autopsy changes in the brain of a area of the brain essential to form- three chromosomes leading to the Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s typi- Today it’s the seventh-leading woman who had exhibited symp- ing memories. As the death of formation of abnormal proteins. cally involves a thorough review cause of death in the United States, toms of memory loss, language neurons increases, affected brain These mutations are not present of a patient’s medical history according to the National Institute difficulties and unpredictable regions begin to shrink. By the in late-onset Alzheimer’s. and a comprehensive evaluation on Aging. behavior. final stage of Alzheimer’s, damage Currently, AD can be diag- including medical, neurological, The Alzheimer’s Association As he examined her brain, is widespread and brain tissue has nosed definitively only during an psychiatric, social and cognitive estimates that by 2050, as many Alzheimer discovered many shrunk significantly. autopsy, but that may be changing. assessments to determine the as 16 million Americans could be abnormal clumps, called amyloid While Alzheimer’s disease has The Food and Drug Administra- level of memory deficiency and suffering from AD, which is the plaques, and tangled bundles been recognized for more than 100 tion now is considering approval the overall function of the mind most common form of dementia, of fibers, called neuro-fibrillary years, its causes and cure remain of an imaging test to detect the and nervous system. accounting for about 70-75 per- tangles. Plaques and tangles in elusive, frustrating researchers, plaque buildup in the brain that Such evaluations are conducted cent of cases. the brain are two of the main doctors and health care workers characterizes the disease. Even regularly at Pitt’s Alzheimer Dis- That fact, coupled with the features of Alzheimer’s disease. alike. without the test, scientists now ease Research Center (ADRC), a 10-15 year average duration for The third is the loss of connections According to the Alzheimer’s have several methods to help them cluster of more than 30 affiliated the disease and the enormous between nerve cells, or neurons, Disease Education and Refer- determine with about 90 percent Alzheimer’s experts from various accuracy whether a person who parts of the health care spectrum. is having memory problems has Founded in 1985, ADRC’s “possible” Alzheimer’s disease overall objective is to study the (the dementia could be due to changes in the brain of Alzheimer’s another cause, such as depression disease patients with the aim or drug interaction) or “probable” of improving the reliability of Alzheimer’s disease (no other diagnosis of AD and developing ALZHEIMER’S cause for the dementia can be effective treatment strategies. found). ADRC is funded by the by Peter Hart Most diagnostic uncertainty National Institute on Aging. n arises from the difficulty of dis- CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

7 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 five or six years ago and just now the family realizes that it has been a problem,” Lopez said. Is it just forgetfulness ... or Alzheimer’s “For many years, we were taught having memory problems ... or something else? in old age is considered normal and we can let it go,” he said. “But we TV remote control or the washer/dryer; you have to use a recipe ou can’t remember where you parked your car. You misplace now know that memory problems for familiar meals; you have trouble remembering security codes or your cell phone. You forget the name of a neighbor. can be caused by something other commonly called phone numbers — these probably are symptoms Y Are these so-called senior moments indications of than old age, that something bad of dementia,” Rickard said. Alzheimer’s? is happening, and that needs to be The inability to put a meal together often is one of the first signs What all patients who come to Pitt’s Alzheimer Disease Research addressed by a doctor — and the of dementia. “People can’t multi-task anymore. Besides being just Center (ADRC) have in common is an indication of at least some sooner the better.” slipping memory, there’s a deterioration in the ability to follow memory decline, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Alzheimer’s, As part of the evaluation, multi-step instructions or commands,” Rickard said. said Carolyn Rickard, certified physician assistant in the ADRC Carolyn Rickard, ADRC physi- Whether a patient has Alzheimer’s or not, getting an evaluation is memory clinic. cian assistant, completes a physical a good idea, she said. It helps families plan — physically, emotionally, Memory problems can have sources other than Alzheimer’s, exam, then asks the patient a series legally, financially — for what lies ahead, she said. It’s also important such as depression, drug interactions, strokes, head injuries and of questions designed to home for family members to know, because they are at an increased risk other types of dementia. in on the state of the patient’s if a parent or sibling has the disease. “We tell patients there are a couple things that you don’t need to memory. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by its slow, progressive worry about. If you occasionally lose your keys, or if you walk into a “I’m going to talk about their decline. “With vascular dementia, for example, the patient may room and don’t remember why you went there, these are probably symptoms. How long have they have a stroke or a TIA (transient ischemic attack), something that just senior moments and are normal with aging,” Rickard noted. had them? Is it progressively worse changes overnight, but then the course stays rather stable until you “We don’t always give people bad news here. or staying on a plateau? How has have another vascular event. But some memory lapses are cause for concern. “Forgetting their memory change affected “With Alzheimer’s disease, typically, it would be a line of steady phone conversations, not showing up for appointments, if you their day-to-day routine?” she decline,” Rickard explained. n can’t remember the ATM number any more; you can’t work the said. “I’ll talk about mood and sleep disorders. I’ll go through the full list of medicines. I might ask for The Alzheimer’s evaluation: What to expect some of the records from the atients who come to the patient acknowledges that the patient’s primary care doctor.” Pitt’s Alzheimer Disease ADRC evaluation may conclude Rickard also reviews the PResearch Center (ADRC) that the patient’s driver’s license patient’s habits, such as alcohol are referred by the affiliated should be revoked. and cigarette use, abuse of medica- Benedum Geriatric Clinic, their For some people, it’s worse to tions, prior illnesses. primary care physician (PCP) learn that they have to stop driv- Then she performs a psy- or by a family member/friend; ing than to learn that they have chological evaluation. “I’d start sometimes they refer themselves. dementia, she said. with: ‘What are we supposed to To be eligible for an evaluation, Following the interview with be checking out today?’ If they patients must be accompanied by Henderson, the patient and the don’t know why they’re at the someone who agrees to attend any study partner meet separately with center, that already tells me a lot future appointments. This person, a variety of specialists. of information,” Rickard said. who ADRC calls a study partner, Oscar Lopez, a neurologist and Asking patients their age pro- typically is a family member, director of ADRC, said: “We have vides insight into how well their friend or professional caregiver. the social worker, the psychiatrist, memory is working. “Most can Both patient and study partner are the neurologist and the physician’s tell me their year of birth, because interviewed during the evaluation. assistant, who helps with the that’s a fixed number that doesn’t Patricia L. Henderson, ADRC neuro-psychological evaluation, change. Remembering your age research program counselor, is the all asking similar questions. These is a little different,” Rickard said. initial contact for the patient and are completely independent Another test she gives is asking remains the point person through- assessments, going on in paral- out the evaluation and follow-ups. lel. The reason we do that is to Patients must bring all medica- avoid missing something that is tions, including over-the-counter important. Don’t blame the brain drugs, and their most recent brain for everything, because what can CT or MRI scan. If the patient happen from the neck down can has not had a brain scan, Hen- affect your cognition.” derson sets up an appointment ADRC co-director William for one with Pitt’s Department Klunk: who is a psychiatrist, of Neurology. added, “I always tell the patient “When you come in for the and the study partner to bear with initial visit, usually you’re at the us if we ask the same questions. We point of realizing you’ve got to all have our own little niche, so do something, that there have Institute on Aging, so they cover The rest of the blood sample I’ll be listening for more psycho- been some memory problems,” the cost of the evaluation. We work is coded for confidentiality and logical aspects, such as whether she said. “This is where a lot of with the National Alzheimer’s stored under the control of ADRC depression is a factor. Others ON people are: They’re looking for Coordinating Center and in turn investigators at Pitt’s Graduate will be listening for neurological the right diagnosis and where to we have to report some informa- School of Public Health. aspects; others for other aspects. go for help. I try to set the tone, tion back to them,” Henderson A portion of the sample is sent And I add: ‘Don’t feel you have to to get the patient to relax,” Hen- explained. to the National Cell Repository answer the same way all day long. derson said. By signing the consent form, for Alzheimer’s Disease, where It’s not an inquisition. Many times Typically, she recommends the patient agrees to enroll in it is made into a cell line that as you think over an answer, you that the family view the HBO ADRC’s clinical research pro- can be used for genetic research, may find you remember some- special, “The Alzheimer’s Proj- gram. That program requires Henderson said. thing better.” ect,” (available online at www.hbo. blood samples and a DNA speci- One part of the consent form Lopez said, “It’s a completely com/alzheimers/), one segment of men. sometimes is a deal-breaker, she unusual way to do medicine. We which was filmed at ADRC. One blood sample is used to noted. Pennsylvania physicians go step-by-step, question by ques- HEALTH Henderson explains the check B12 and thyroid levels, are required to report those indi- tion, for about four hours.” 10-page consent form, which because incorrect levels can cause viduals they believe would have All of the evaluation team both the patient and study partner confusion in a patient. “We want difficulty driving safely because members ask when the symptoms must sign. to make sure we rule that out,” of a mental disability, Henderson of memory loss started, Lopez “We’re funded by the National Henderson said. said. By signing the consent form, said. “We ask that many times,” because there is an important Among the members of difference between when family the ADRC staff are, from members began to notice memory left: Patricia Henderson, Pitt experts examine the issues research program coun- slippage and the true onset of the selor, who advises fami- disease, he said. lies on caring for Alzheim- “For example, you have a er’s patients; MaryAnn Oakley, education and person who has had problems information coordinator, for five or six years, and then who also serves as study one day goes to the hospital for recruitment coordinator, and Carolyn Rickard, certi- a urinary tract infection. For the fied physician assistant in ALZHEIMER’S family, everything started after the ADRC memory clinic who assists with patient the urinary tract infection, but evaluations. when you start probing deeper, by Peter Hart you realize these symptoms started

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patients to draw a clock display- ing the time 11:10. “Alzheimer’s patients typically will set the hands to the 11 and to the 10. The con- ceptualization and thinking are not there,” she pointed out. Rickard also compares the patient’s answers with the study partner’s perceptions, which are obtained in a separate interview. “The partner will say, ‘He can’t do the bills anymore. He’s messing up on his pills.’ And the patient will say, ‘I’m fine, I still do everything I’m supposed to do,’” Rickard said. “We use the word ‘confabulat- ing.’ Alzheimer’s patients don’t lie, they confabulate. Because our memory is stored in short- term memory cells and long-term

memory cells, some patients These are Pittsburgh Compound-B PET Images of normal control, patients with MCI show moderate (MCI+) or severe amyloid- can’t remember what they had MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and AD subjects showing a beta deposition (MCI++), but as many as 40-50 percent show no for breakfast that day, but can range of amyloid-beta deposition. evidence of amyloid-beta pathology (MCI-). The vast majority of Most controls show no evidence of amyloid-beta deposition clinically diagnosed AD patients show heavy amyloid-beta depo- remember detailed history of what (NC-), but a substantial portion (~25 percent) do (NC+). Most sition (AD). they did 10 years ago,” she said. “I’ll ask the study partner to try early signs of memory impairment conference. in six months or a year and look literature on caring for Alzheim- to pinpoint the rough duration of while still functioning, still work- “We have a neurologist, the for changes.” er’s patients, including making symptoms. At what point did you ing, living life normally. For some physician assistant, the social He added, “We’re dealing with legal plans, organizing activities first notice memory issues? Are people the MCI never gets worse, workers, the nurse practitioners, human behavior and that is grey. for the patient, financial planning they more frequent now? Was while others with MCI eventually the neuro-psychologists and vari- It’s black-and-white probably in and appropriate caregiver support the decline an even progression of develop Alzheimer’s. ous others who work on research only 5 percent of the cases. It’s not services, such as home care, day steady decline, or a lot of ups and Input from the study partner is grants, all to lend their expertise uncommon to have some disagree- care or assisted-living services. downs, good days and bad days?” crucial in determining the degree and come up with a diagnosis,” ment, so we delay the diagnosis Based on the patient’s home Rickard asks. of memory decline. Klunk will ask Henderson said. until we have more information.” situation, Henderson might sug- She asks the study partner the study partner how frequently The group studies the patient’s After a diagnosis is determined gest getting a Life Alert system about the patient’s driving, about the patient exhibits certain behav- brain scan to rule out strokes and at the consensus conference, the in the house, or having a family the ability to manage medications iors: “Are there physical signs tumors and they measure atro- patient and family members are member check that the patient is and to handle finances. Pills and of anxiety? Are there moments phy and blood flow in the brain. invited back to ADRC where taking medications properly. She bills are among the first things that of sadness or depression? Does They review the patient’s medical they’re given the diagnosis by the might recommend certain home need monitoring when someone the patient feel guilty? Have low history and test results, she said. doctors and recommendations by safety devices, adaptive equipment has Alzheimer’s, she said. self-esteem? Blame himself for “So, in the evaluation, there’s the the counselors. or special clothing to help ensure ADRC defines the three stages things he’s not responsible for? biology of the brain, the interview Lopez said, “We present what the patient’s safety. of memory deficiency as mild When getting him to do things process, the psychological testing we found in lay terms to the family. Finally, follow-up plans are cognitive impairment (MCI), he normally likes, does he enjoy and we put all of that together Although we’re not an agency, we discussed. Typically, patients who moderate cognitive impairment them or think they aren’t worth it and come up with a diagnosis,” help patients with information and are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are and severe cognitive impairment. anymore? How is his sleep? His Henderson said. recommend support services.” asked to return to ADRC every six Klunk said evaluating the degree appetite? Are his moods steady? Lopez and Klunk acknowl- Rickard added, “We never hide months to be evaluated for further of impairment is the main thrust If you needed him to cooperate, edged that evaluators occasionally a diagnosis from a patient. If you memory decline. Patients with of the diagnosis. like take a phone message, could disagree on the diagnosis. have Alzheimer’s disease, we will mild cognitive impairment are Lopez said some people show he do it? Does he like to be around Lopez said, “When we face tell you that. Some patients don’t asked to return once a year for a people, compared to his norm?” disagreement we usually ask for believe it at first, and that’s fine. re-evaluation. After the four-hour evaluation, more information or request addi- In fact, we occasionally have a “We also do phone follow-ups ADRC staff prepare reports and tional testing. We try to explain to patient who refuses to come back, with the study partner, to deter- meet at a consensus conference families we think that there may although that’s rare,” Rickard said. mine if the patient’s medical condi- to discuss a diagnosis. About 30 be more than one thing going on ADRC provides Alzheimer’s tion or medications have changed” ADRC people participate in that here. We bring the patient in again Association and Institute on Aging in the interim, Henderson said. n Caregivers need to take care lzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC) evaluators also cautioned. are concerned about the health of patients’ caregivers. For example, caregivers of patients who refuse to move into A “It sometimes surprises me to what extent the other smaller, more manageable accommodations should not take no for person is willing to sacrifice in order to take care of someone with an answer. “You don’t take routine to an extreme, when legitimate Alzheimer’s,” ADRC director Oscar Lopez said. “That’s all part practical concerns are involved or especially when routines com- ON of the emotional and financial burden of this disease. People are promise their safety,” Rickard said. willing to sacrifice everything, even their own health, to care for an The Pittsburgh area is blessed with a high concentration of Alzheimer’s patient.” resources for caregivers, which rural communities often don’t have, ADRC co-director William Klunk said, “This is a horrible disease Rickard noted. Adult day care programs, in-home nursing care and for the caregiver, because it’s so time-intensive and the progression of assisted living facilities can be lifesavers for family caregivers. Often, the disease is so long. We tell caregivers to get every possible scrap adult children live at a distance, and providing the proper care for of help you can; killing yourself doesn’t make the family member’s the parents becomes problematic. life any better. So be sure to take care of yourself, too.” “That’s when some caregivers have to say, ‘I’ve got to place mom Carolyn Rickard, ADRC physician assistant, said, “Caregivers in assisted living. It’s a safety issue,’” she said. don’t know what their own breaking point is, or how the pressure is Caregivers also face psychological difficulties as family members’ affecting their own health. That’s why we have to sometimes push health declines. “Watching the change is painful. Mrs. Reagan, refer- HEALTH people to use day care or assisted living. This disease is 24/7. I see ring to President Reagan’s Alzheimer’s, called it the ‘long good-bye.’ such a relief for caregivers who have their patient in day care for A spouse or family member can linger for several years without even one day a week.” recognizing you. That takes its toll,” Rickard said. Often caregivers are resistant to such suggestions, she acknowl- Klunk said, “The point is as a caregiver you have to prevent edged. wearing down yourself.” “I hear so much from families, ‘Well, my father won’t want to He estimated that half of the people in their 50s have cared for go. That’s not him, that’s not his personality.’ But once patients get an aging parent or older relative. there, they generally enjoy it. Some participate in activities and some Rickard said, “We get a lot of families here where the caregiver Pitt experts examine the issues just go and watch, but they enjoy it,” Rickard said. is in the sandwich generation — that’s big stress. You’re pulled in “I tell people it’s like taking a child to kindergarten. Sometimes so many directions. Whatever type of dementia it is, the family you have to be firm. They don’t want to go that first day. They becomes the bad guy. You become the target of the patient’s anger, cry,” she said. “We typically have spent our whole life not bossing when they’re losing independence and showing the frustration of our parents around, but at some point it’s that whole parent-child their life changing.” reversal that we have to work through.” “It’s a tremendous, widespread problem,” Klunk added. “And For people with dementia, routine is very comforting, Rickard said. it’s getting worse as the population ages. I often remind myself that ALZHEIMER’S “Once you establish the day care as part of the routine, it goes well.” without a cure, many of us now in our 40s and 50s are going to get However, the concept of routine should not be overplayed, she Alzheimer’s.” n by Peter Hart CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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R E S E A R C H N O T E S Treatments for slowing Alzheimer’s disease hile there is no cure of getting the disease. About 40 The finding, reported in for Alzheimer’s dis- percent of all people who develop the journal Brain in 2008, is a Wease, science has made late-onset Alzheimer’s carry this significant step toward enabling inroads in slowing its progres- form of the gene. clinicians to provide a definitive sion, so early diagnosis is help- However, carrying APOE e4 diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in ful, Alzheimer Disease Research does not necessarily mean that a living patients, can help clinicians Center (ADRC) experts said. person will develop Alzheimer’s monitor the progression of the According to the National disease; conversely, people with- disease and may further the devel- Institute on Aging, several medi- out APOE e4 can develop the opment of potential treatments. ON cations approved by the U.S. Food disease. Klunk’s research group’s 2004 and Drug Administration may Most experts believe that paper, “Imaging Brain Amyloid delay memory decline temporarily additional genes may influence in Alzheimer’s Disease With and slow AD symptoms for some the development of late-onset Pittsburgh Compound-B,” was individuals for a limited period Alzheimer’s in some way. Scien- named by Nature Medicine as of time. tists around the world are search- the most highly cited research Donepezil (Aricept), rivastig- ing for these genes. paper published on AD since HEALTH mine (Exelon), and galantamine Both ADRC’s director, Oscar 2004. The efforts of Klunk and (Razadyne) are used to treat mild Lopez, and co-director, William Mathis have resulted in the 2004 to moderate Alzheimer’s; meman- Klunk, are at the forefront of MetLife Foundation Award for tine (Namenda) is used to treat Alzheimer’s research. Medical Research in Alzheimer’s moderate to severe Alzheimer’s. Lopez’s primary research has Disease; the 2008 Potamkin Prize Scientists currently are inves- focused on the distribution (inci- for Research in Pick’s, Alzheimer’s tigating associations between dence and prevalence), behavioral and Related Diseases, and the cognitive decline and vascular symptoms, risks and long-term 2009 Ronald and Nancy Reagan and metabolic conditions such as outcomes of dementia, especially Research Institute Award for Pitt experts examine the issues heart disease, stroke, high blood Alzheimer’s disease. He has outstanding contributions to the pressure, diabetes and obesity. attempted to identify clinical or research, care and advocacy of By understanding these relation- genetic factors that modify the AD patients and their caregivers. ships and testing them in clinical natural history of dementing ill- Klunk also recently received trials, researchers hope to discover nesses, and has published widely a $400,000 grant from the Cure ALZHEIMER’S whether reducing risk factors on the patterns of progression of Alzheimer’s Fund for a joint for these diseases may help with all clinical forms of AD. He also Pitt-Harvard project to search by Peter Hart Alzheimer’s as well. has demonstrated the effects of for new drugs to slow AD. The CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 According to the Alzheimer’s psychiatric drugs and dementia Pitt-Harvard grant will allow Association, preliminary evidence medications on the progression Klunk to produce new compounds suggests that strategies for general of AD. and then have co-investigator healthy aging may help reduce the Currently, Lopez, who also Rudolph Tanzi of Harvard test the ADRC: Educating physicians risk of developing Alzheimer’s. is a professor of neurology and compounds for viability. These measures include control- psychiatry, is conducting a large- For some time, Klunk has as well as the community ling blood pressure, weight and scale investigation on the clinical been creating markers to track n addition to being an outpatient facility for memory assess- cholesterol levels; exercising, diagnosis of mild cognitive impair- the accumulation of amyloid beta, ments, Pitt’s Alzheimer Disease Research Center (ADRC) including mental exercises; eating ment, and is the principal or co- which forms the plaque that builds Ihosts a number of other Alzheimer’s disease-related programs a diet that is low in fat and includes principal investigator of seven up in the brain of people with AD. and clinical trials. Among the center’s outreach programs is the fruits and vegetables, and staying National Institutes of Health- Curcumin, commonly known Alzheimer Outreach Center, a community satellite that aims socially active. funded dementia-related grants. as the spice turmeric, has been to increase the awareness of Alzheimer’s disease in the African- One of the great mysteries of Klunk, professor of psychiatry shown to aid patients with American community, said MaryAnn Oakley, ADRC education late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, the and director of the Laboratory of Alzheimer’s disease by stimulat- and information coordinator. most common form of AD, is why Molecular Neuropharmacology at ing the immune system to clear “That’s part of what we do here, educating the community and it occurs in older adults almost Western Psychiatric Institute and the brain of amyloid beta. educating physicians,” Oakley said. “We’re not here to take their exclusively. Clinic, is a pioneer in the field of Unfortunately, nearly 100 patient away from them. If a patient comes here, they still go back Research on how the brain amyloid imaging. percent of the spice is broken to their PCP, and we very much want to communicate back and changes normally with age may Klunk and fellow Pitt down by the body before it gets forth to their PCP.” be shedding light on this question. researcher Chester Mathis dis- to the brain, Klunk said. A person ADRC also educates health care professionals by allowing Scientists are learning how age- covered and developed an imag- would have to consume more them to observe the diagnostic evaluations, Oakley said. Profes- related changes in the brain may ing agent, known as Pittsburgh than 20 pounds daily to have any sionals such as nurses, social workers, physician assistants, health harm neurons and contribute to Compound-B (PiB), that binds to meaningful effect. care administrators, physical therapists, occupational therapists, Alzheimer’s damage. These age- the telltale beta-amyloid deposits “What we’re trying to do is find medical students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows are related changes include shrink- found in the brains of AD patients. that .0001 percent of curcumin eligible. The goal is to improve clinical, research and advisory ing of certain parts of the brain, PiB is a radioactive compound that would get to the brain ... from skills through an increased understanding of a multidisciplinary inflammation and the production that, when coupled with positron taking one little pill. So that’s the approach to patient care. of unstable molecules called free emission tomography imaging, whole idea here: to make a cur- In another educational effort, individuals in St. Margaret’s geri- radicals. can be injected into the blood- cumin derivative that’s stable in atric fellowship program spend a week at ADRC, learning about Several studies have linked a stream to enable researchers to the body but still does the same Alzheimer’s in a hands-on environment. gene called APOE to late-onset see the location and distribution of thing that curcumin does,” Klunk Recently, ADRC collaborated with the Warhol Museum on two Alzheimer’s. One form of the gene, the beta-amyloid plaque deposits explained when he accepted the unusual programs. The collaboration was inspired by the artwork of APOE e4, increases a person’s risk associated with Alzheimer’s. research grant last fall. n Brazilian artist Jose Rufino, whose work focuses on loss, specifically loss affecting victims of political repression in Brazil. “Rufino expanded this idea in a different way, looking at loss of a person’s memory, or the loss of a person with AD,” Oakley explained. The result was an exhibit at the Warhol created by Rufino from documents and drawings by ADRC patients. In another program, museum curators show ADRC patients different works and discuss them. Afterwards, patients go into the museum’s studio and create a piece of art themselves. Clinical trials are a major focus of ADRC, matching patients and their family members with additional AD-related research studies. “The center itself is a part of a larger research study. Once people are enrolled here as a participant, we can then look at them for additional studies,” Oakley said. “We sometimes have drug trials, imaging studies, and we have different kinds of observational or caregiver studies. We have a population of control participants, too.” Some control subjects have been with ADRC for more than 20 years, she said. Descriptions and eligibility requirements of ongoing studies and trials are available on the ADRC web site, www.adrc.pitt.edu. The site also contains information on Alzheimer’s disease and numerous outside resources, such as links to the Alzheimer’s Dis- ease Education and Referral Center, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center, the Family Caregiver Alliance, the National Institute on Aging and Pitt’s Institute on Aging. For more information about ADRC, call 412/692-2700 or email Oakley at [email protected]. n ADRC co-director William Klunk, left, and director Oscar Lopez

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R E S E A R C H N O T E S The University Times Research Notes column reports on funding awarded to Pitt researchers and on findings arising from University research. We welcome submissions from all areas of the University. Submit infor- Aerobics pump nication Science and Disorders: reward and other stimuli are pro- mation via email to: [email protected], by fax to 412/624-4579 or by campus up seniors’ • Connie Tompkins, to study cessed differently by adolescents,” mail to 308 Bellefield Hall. memory centers behavioral treatment for adults Moghaddam said. “This could For submission guidelines, visit www.utimes.pitt.edu/?page_id=6807. A new study shows that a year who have damage to the right side intensify the effect of reward on of moderate physical exercise can of the brain and who have difficulty decision making and answer sev- from the School of Medicine and 2008, the researchers surveyed increase the size of the brain’s understanding conversations; eral questions regarding adoles- the Graduate School of Public 230 caregivers who were making hippocampus in older adults, lead- • Kittie Verdolini, to study cent behavior, from their greater Health (GSPH). decisions on behalf of incapaci- ing to an improvement in spatial voice problems in teachers and susceptibility to substance abuse They recently presented their tated patients on ventilators with memory. treatment of vocal fold nodules to their more extreme reactions to findings at the Society of Critical greater than a 50 percent chance The project — conducted by in children, and pleasurable and upsetting experi- Care Medicine congress in San of dying from their illnesses. researchers at Pitt, the Univer- • Sheila Pratt and John Dur- ences.” Diego. They found caregivers who sity of Illinois, Rice University rant, to develop a head tracking In addition, malfunctions in A patient’s loved ones were hadn’t had a prior conversation and Ohio State University — is and orientation procedure for the the orbitofrontal cortex have been more confident about acting as with patients about treatment considered the first study of its automated assessment of hearing observed in cases of schizophrenia, surrogate decision-makers when preferences were less confident kind focusing on older adults who in infants and toddlers. mood disorders and other psycho- they perceived their communica- about making decisions and it already are experiencing atrophy logical disturbances, Moghaddam tion with intensive care physicians took them 40 percent longer — 33 of the hippocampus, the brain Teen brain said. The type of erratic activity to be of high quality, said senior days versus 21 days — to decide structure involved in all forms of explained? in the cortex that she and Stur- investigator Douglas B. White, to discontinue life support. memory formation. Neuroscience researchers man observed could aggravate a faculty member in critical care “This prolongation of the The study, funded through have recorded neuron activity in these conditions at a time when medicine and director of its dying process may not be in the the National Institute on Aging, adolescent rat brains that could the maturing brain is vulnerable. program on ethics and decision- best interest of patients and it appeared in the Jan. 31 Proceed- reveal the biological root of the “The symptoms of these ill- making in critical illness. places an enormous burden on the ings of the National Academy of teenage propensity to consider nesses generally begin to appear “This is the first evidence to health care system,” White said. Sciences. rewards over consequences and during adolescence,” Moghaddam suggest that how a doctor guides “Health care reform will Researchers divided 120 sed- explain why adolescents are more said. “Adolescence is a period of family members through the for- provide incentives for formal entary older people without vulnerable to drug addiction, behavioral and psychiatric vulner- eign territory of critical illness may advance care planning between dementia into two exercise groups. behavioral disorders and other abilities, so the disorganized brain influence their ability to act as a physicians and patients, such as One group walked around a track psychological ills. activity and excess excitation could surrogate,” he noted. “Teaching the completion of advance direc- for 40 minutes a day, three days a The team reported in the Jour- push a brain already predisposed doctors to be better communica- tives and living wills. Our findings week; the other group did stretch- nal of Neuroscience that electrode to mental disorders too far, trig- tors may be an important step indicate that informal conversa- ing and toning exercises. recordings of adult and adolescent gering the onset of symptoms.” in improving end-of-life deci- tions between patients and their Magnetic resonance imaging rat brain-cell activity during the sions for patients. The study also families may be very important for and spatial memory tests were performance of a reward-driven Antimicrobial reinforces the value of patients, both patient-centered decisions conducted before the interven- task show that adolescent rat research families and friends having prior and the family’s comfort with tion, after six months and at the brains react to rewards with far funded conversations about the end of life the huge responsibility of being end of the one-year study. greater excitement than adult Ian Nettleship, a faculty so that they can feel comfortable a surrogate.” The aerobic exercise group brains. member in mechanical engineer- with their decisions about medi- The research team included showed an increase in volume of This frenzy of stimulation ing and materials science in the cal care.” Seo Hong and Lisa Weissfeld the left and right hippocampus occurred with varying intensity Swanson School of Engineering, For the study, conducted at four of GSPH and Alyssa Majesko of 2.12 percent and 1.97 percent, throughout the study along with has received a $197,653 grant from intensive care units at the Univer- of UPMC. respectively. The same regions of a greater degree of disorganiza- the National Science Founda- sity of California-San Francisco The project was funded by the the brain in those who did stretch- tion in adolescent rat brains. The tion for “Nanoparticle Control Medical Center between 2005 and National Institutes of Health. n ing exercises decreased in volume brains of adult rats, on the other of Microbial Development on by 1.40 and 1.43 percent. hand, processed their prizes with Ceramic Surfaces.” The aerobic exercise group a consistent balance of excitation Nettleship and co-investigator also showed improved memory and inhibition. Anil Ojha of the Department function, an improvement associ- Adult and adolescent rats — of Microbiology and Infectious ated with the increased size of the which exhibit behavioral and Diseases in the Graduate School hippocampus. biological similarities to adult of Public Health will study the The authors also examined and teenage humans — were effect of silver nanoparticles on several biomarkers associated presented with three holes to poke the attachment of bacteria to the with brain health, including their noses through and received a surfaces of ceramics used in water brain-derived neurotrophic factor sugar pellet when they chose the filters and medical devices in order (BDNF), a small molecule that is center hole. to develop ceramic materials that involved in learning and memory. Brain activity in the adoles- are resistant to biofilm formation They found that the increases in cents was similar to that of the and fouling. hippocampal size were associated adults most of the time but strik- The study also will provide with increased amounts of BDNF. ing differences arose when the technical help to organizations “We think of the atrophy of the younger rats retrieved rewards. that make low-cost ceramic water hippocampus in later life as almost As each of the adult rats collected filters for poor communities in the inevitable,” said Pitt psychology a sugar pellet, the orbitofrontal less-developed world. faculty member Kirk Erickson, cortex neurons showed the normal the paper’s lead author. “But we’ve increase in both excitation and Talk aids shown that even moderate exercise inhibition, with consistent levels medical for one year can increase the size of each impulse throughout the decisions of that structure. The brain at that study. Family caregivers who had stage remains modifiable.” Adolescents, on the other not discussed life support mea- hand, exhibited surges of excita- sures with critically ill patients tion that ranged from twice to four took nearly two weeks longer to times the levels in adults. At the decide to forgo further medical same time, the inhibitory impulses intervention than those who had in the adolescents’ brains barely prior conversations about the changed from the low levels they issues, according to researchers experienced before receiving the sugar pellet. The extreme difference in brain activity provides a possible physiological explanation as to why teenagers are more prone than adults to rash behavior, addic- Stretching less helpful than tion and mental diseases, said lead aerobic exercise researcher Bita Moghaddam, a faculty member in neuroscience. SHRS faculty She and co-author David Stur- awarded NIH man, a neuroscience doctoral grants student, observed the disparate Several faculty members in reactions to reward in individual the School of Health and Reha- neurons in the orbitofrontal bilitation Sciences recently were cortex, a brain region that weighs awarded National Institutes of payoff and punishment to plan and Health research grants. make decisions. SHRS announced NIH grants “The disorganized and excess to the following faculty members excitatory activity we saw in this in the Department of Commu- part of the brain means that

11 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES Pitt’s endowment ranks 28th largest in NACUBO study itt’s endowment ranked surveyed in the 2009 study. we’ve been in the top quartile of of the institutions they support.” investment fees or any manage- 28th largest among 850 Factors that influence the size college and university endow- However, they cautioned that ment expenses. Pinstitutions surveyed in the of the endowment include invest- ment performance over the past average three-, five- and 10-year Using that formula, Pitt’s 2010 National Association of Col- ment gains or losses as well as the five years.” returns remained below the level spending rate would be 5.6 lege and University Business Offi- effects of gifts and contributions, The FY10 survey showed needed to fund missions for the percent, Fedele said. However, cers (NACUBO)-Commonfund withdrawals and expenses. investment returns averaged 11.9 long term after accounting for Pitt’s actual endowment spending Study of Endowments, released Pitt’s increase was the result of percent, a distinct improvement spending, inflation and expenses. formula distributes 4.25 percent last week. The endowment ranked several familiar factors, said John over FY09, in which the average The 2010 survey found three-year using a three-year trailing average seventh among public universities. Fedele, associate director of news. return was -18.7 percent. Pitt’s net returns averaged -4.2 percent, with a guaranteed floor. “That Pitt’s endowment value is “We’re in a capital campaign and FY10 investment returns were while five-year returns averaged 3 means that we take the market recovering after declining 21.3 we’ve got very generous donors slightly above the average at 12.52 percent and 10-year returns aver- value of our portfolio on Dec. 31 percent in fiscal year 2009. who contribute to the endowment, percent. aged 3.4 percent. for the previous three years, add According to the survey, the as well as the return on our invest- In a joint statement, John Average endowment spend- those figures together and divide endowment’s FY10 market value ments. We don’t swing for the D. Walda, NACUBO president ing was 4.5 percent in FY10, up by three. We take that number (for the year ended June 30, 2010), fences in our investments, because and chief executive officer, and from 4.4 percent in the prior year. and multiply it by 4.25 percent. If stood at more than $2.03 billion. that also leads to a lot of strikeouts. John S. Griswold, Common- The survey found that the aver- that amount is less than what we That represents an increase What we try to do is consistently fund Institute executive director, age public university endowment spent the previous year, we invoke of 10.6 percent compared with hit singles and doubles and, over stated: “After a strong first half spending rate rose to 4.3 percent, the floor to bring the total up to nearly $1.84 billion at the end of time, that provides a steady, suc- of FY2011, we are hopeful that up from 3.7 percent in FY09. match that year’s dollar figure, so the prior fiscal year. cessful but conservative return,” good results in FY2010 can be The spending rate represents that we have a consistent source Although Pitt’s FY09 endow- Fedele said. repeated for the current fiscal the percentage of the beginning of funds in the budget,” he said. ment value fell from $2.33 billion “Because of this strategy, in any year and thus return endowments market value of the endow- The study is available at www. at the end of FY08, it ranked 27th- one year you wouldn’t expect to to the solid footing needed to ment that is withdrawn to cover nacubo.org/Research.html. largest among the 842 institutions see us in the top performers, but support the long-term missions institutional expenditures, net of —Kimberly K. Barlow n

P E O P L E O F T H E T I M E S The People of the Times column features recent news on faculty and staff, including awards and other honors, accomplishments and administra- Lester C. Olson, a faculty Three Pitt faculty members engineering for her vision and tive appointments. We welcome submissions from all areas of the University. Send informa- member in the were among 503 fellows named by contributions to enhance profes- tion via email to: [email protected], by fax at 412/624-4579 or by campus mail Department of the American Association for the sionalism, responsible research to 308 Bellefield Hall. Communica- Advancement of Science (AAAS) and diversity within the national For submission guidelines, visit www.utimes.pitt.edu/?page_id=6807. tion, received for contributions to advancing and international scientific com- the Golden their respective fields. munity. anticancer drugs, particularly top 2010 research award by the Anniversary • Geoffrey C. Bowker, senior Fischer combines her diverse those that influence DNA repair Society for Cinema and Media Monograph scholar of cyberscholarship in background in science, communi- pathways. Studies, and several co-edited Award from the School of Information Sci- cation and education with experi- Gold participated in the men- volumes. the National Communication ences, was honored as a fellow ence in neuroscience research to toring program of the Society Together Association for his essay “Picto- in information, computing and run an annual trainer-of-trainers for the Advancement of Native with Vladi- rial Representations of British communication for his contribu- conference. The conference pro- Americans and Chicanos in Sci- mir Padu- America Resisting Rape: Rhetori- tions to the social study of science vides faculty with the materials and ence and is on the minority affairs nov, Condee cal Re-circulation of a Print Series and technology, particularly how instruction to carry out workshops committee of the Biophysical directed the Portraying the Boston Port Bill scientists work and collaborate on research ethics and professional Society. working group of 1774.” The essay appeared in using technology. development for scientists. on contempo- the December 2009 publication Bowker focuses his research Her particular interest is in Nancy Condee, a faculty rary Russian culture, supported by Rhetoric & Public Affairs. on the use of the Internet and building research capacity in low- member and director of graduate the American Council of Learned The Golden Anniversary other digital resources in scientific resource environments. She has studies in the Department of Slavic Societies and the Social Science Monograph Awards are presented research and discussion. He works provided instruction to scientists Languages and Literatures, has Research Council. She was chair to the most outstanding scholarly with scholars to uncover ways in in Africa, Europe, South America been named the inaugural director of the board of directors of the monographs published during the which new forms of knowledge and Asia. of Pitt’s Global Studies Center. National Council of Eurasian and previous calendar year. Up to three are — or could be — generated by • Barry Gold, chair of the Condee served as the director East European Research, 2002-06. awards are given each year. the creative use of these resources. Department of Pharmaceutical of the cultural studies program, She is president of the American As noted on the award citation, Currently, Bowker studies distrib- Sciences in the School of Phar- 1995-2006. Most recently, she Association of Teachers of Slavic Olson’s work was recognized as “a uted scientific work, focusing on macy and co-director of the Drug served as the first academic direc- and East European Languages and significant contribution to schol- how researchers and institutions Discovery Institute, was named tor of the multi-region academic serves on the board of directors arship in visual rhetoric. The essay organize electronically to share a fellow of pharmaceutical sci- program. She also teaches in the of the Association for Slavic, East provides an historically rich, criti- information. ences for his contributions to the film studies program. European and Eurasian Studies. cally nuanced and theoretically •Beth Fischer, a faculty fields of cancer pharmacology, Condee’s research focuses on Formerly the global studies important analysis of early Ameri- member in family medicine in the environmental carcinogenesis and post-1964 Russian culture, with program, the Global Studies can visual rhetoric. Substantial, School of Medicine and director medicinal chemistry. an emphasis on film, literature and Center in August received its innovative and interdisciplinary, of the survival skills and ethics His research interests are popular culture. Her publications first designation as a national the essay serves as a model for program, was named a fellow in related to designing, synthesizing include “Imperial Trace: Recent resource center by the U.S. the rhetorical interpretation of societal impacts of science and and characterizing small-molecule Russian Cinema,” chosen for the Department of Education.n persuasive images.”

Prashant Kumta, Edward R. Weidlein Chair Professor in the Department of Bioengi- neering, has been elected to the Ameri- can Institute for Medical Biological Engineering’s College of Fellows, class of 2011. The College of Fellows recog- nizes leaders in the medical and biological engineering field who have distinguished themselves through their contributions in research, industrial practice or education. The citation to be read on behalf of Kumta at the Feb. 21 induction ceremony reads: “For outstanding contributions to nanostructured biomaterials sci- ence and technology as applied to craniofacial and orthopedic tissue engineering applications.” Kumta’s research interests cover the two broad areas of energy storage and biomaterials.

12 FEBRUARY 3, 2011 The changing face of corporate philanthropy lot of philanthropy and it doesn’t work very well,” she to a foundation for money. But in training them when necessary. has not worked,” said, reiterating the value of well- there are a lot of other things “We should put as much money “Athe head of the defined focus. “What we try to do foundations and companies can into training them as in put- Walmart Foundation said bluntly is find really good organizations do for you.” Companies can lend ting them out there,” she said, in a recent Philanthropy Forum who are effective, who are focused, an executive to share expertise or noting for instance that reading lecture on campus. who have a commitment and the they can make in-kind gifts. One volunteers need training for the Margaret McKenna, who took persistence, then sit down with example: Walmart, when renovat- complicated and crucial task of the reins of the Walmart Foun- them and design what a proposal ing stores, donates the old shelves helping children learn to read. dation in 2007 after more than is and what the money goes for and refrigeration equipment to “The money put into training 20 years as president of Lesley as opposed to us saying, ‘Here’s food pantries and sends Walmart pays off so much in terms of return University in Cambridge, Mass., $500. We want you to go do X.’ employees to install them. “There on investment, it’s unbelievable,” spoke on “Corporate Philan- We never do that.” are things companies can do she maintained. thropy: Tackling Tough Problems beyond money.” with New Approaches,” in a Jan. Corporate philanthropy’s role q Evaluation 27 lecture at the University Club. McKenna noted that contri- McKenna commented on She praised so-called “venture Citing the nation’s ongoing butions by individual donors still several trends in corporate phi- philanthropists” who donate and problems in education, racial make up the bulk of charitable lanthropy. watch to see what works. “I think gaps in achievement, affordable giving. A 2010 report by the that absolutely is the right thing housing, jobs and job training, Giving USA Foundation showed Cause marketing to do,” she said. “I think we need “That’s where a lot of philanthropy individuals were the source of 75 So-called “cause marketing” to see that evaluation works and

money has gone. But the world percent of giving in the nation; was born in the early 1980s with programs work and we need to put Kimberly K. Barlow hasn’t gotten a lot better. And private, community and operating an American Express campaign in money to things that, in fact, do Margaret McKenna, head of there’s been a lot of money spent,” foundations made up 13 percent that raised $1.7 million to renovate work and make a difference so we the Walmart Foundation McKenna said. of the total; bequests contributed the Statue of Liberty, McKenna can fix some of these problems.” not just food, the problem is nutri- “What can we do better so 8 percent and corporations made said. “They spent $4 million in q tion,” she said. Grants also help we make a difference, not just do up 4 percent. Although corporate advertising on the campaign. McKenna said Walmart’s phil- food banks become more energy ‘nice’? … What can we do that giving is increasing, “We’re a very They raised the applications by anthropic mission is “to overcome efficient so they can spend more will actually build some capacity small piece of the pie,” McKenna 45 percent and increased the use barriers and create opportunities of their budget on their mission and continue to have sustainable said. of American Express cards by 27 for low-income people so they rather than utilities. change and make people’s lives percent in three months.” can live a dignified life,” citing “We’ve looked at hunger and better?” she asked in the talk The power of power McKenna suggested that con- educating the workforce and nutrition in so many different sponsored by the Johnson Insti- Companies can do more than sumers look closely at cause mar- ending hunger as part of that goal. ways.” tute for Responsible Leadership give money, they can influence keting initiatives. “If somebody “We also want to make the people Noting that hunger especially in the Graduate School of Public social change, she said. The says a percent of this purchase who work for us proud” as well affects the very young and the and International Affairs. Walmart Foundation’s millions in will go to the Special Olympics as improve the reputation of the elderly, she said the company is philanthropic gifts each year pale and has a full-page ad in the local company, she said. committed to getting universal Advice in comparison to what Walmart, Pittsburgh paper, and the percent In choosing its causes, McK- in-school breakfast programs. “I think we need to be much as the largest company in the is .000001 percent of the purchase, enna said the foundation first “Kids who are hungry can’t learn,” more strategic, which means that world, can do with personnel and there’s something wrong with considers impact then looks for a she said, adding that achievement you not only need to figure out policies, she said. that,” she said. “And no one’s cause that fits with the company. affects obesity as well. what your purpose is, you have to “I have become so respectful really challenging that in terms “So, hunger. We’re the largest Walmart also supports Meals figure out what you’re not going of the power of power, the power of cause marketing today. People grocer in the country. It makes on Wheels and has created an to do,” McKenna said. of a company and the power of are spending a lot more money to sense,” she said, noting that edu- institute on nutrition for the group “I think we also have to real- capital. And the power of influ- advertise the product than they are cation, workforce, hunger and in recognition that the nutritional ize that to create real change is ence,” she said, citing Walmart’s in terms of money that’s going to sustainability are the foundation’s needs of senior citizens differ from a long-term commitment,” she recent announcement that it plans the cause.” key issues. other age groups. said, noting that one-time, one- to lower salt and sugar and elimi- She cited the company’s com- q year gifts typically don’t change nate transfats in its store-brand Volunteerism mitment to fighting hunger — $2 McKenna said her current the world. “You have to keep a foods — and influence its vendors McKenna said Walmart is part billion over five years. “We knew position has been her most chal- commitment for a long time if you to do the same — as part of a new of a corporate trend in supporting that giving away food was not lenging job. As a university presi- really want to make a difference.” healthy food initiative. volunteerism. The company pays enough,” McKenna said. The dent, “I felt incredibly responsible Collaboration is crucial. “We “That means so much more an organization $250 for every 25 company also purchases refrig- for students at Lesley University,” cannot make a dent in these prob- than anything I can do with hours a Walmart associate gives erated trucks for food banks and she said. “I feel even more respon- lems if we try to do it by ourselves,” money. That’s enormous. One to that organization, she said. donates refrigerators and freezers sible now in terms of this money, in she said. of the things we forget about However, in addition to send- to ensure that nutritious protein- terms of influence on the company, as nonprofits is when we go to ing employees out as volunteers, rich food can be delivered safely to to make the right choices, involve Partnerships companies, we think about going companies should be investing people in need. “The problem is the right people, have the right A true partnership is a team impact,” she said. working together to find the best “Having to say no, having to way to get to the answer, McK- be very strategic and narrow and enna said. From a local perspective consistent and patient” is diffi- “People talk about partner- cult, she said. Likewise, it’s hard ships, but oftentimes there’s a big va Blum, president of the ing overall. the U.S. had missed the boat in to eliminate programs that don’t partner and a little partner,” she PNC Foundation, and “Everybody was doing some- terms of preschool education and work, “giving up even if you’ve said, adding that after the big part- EBill Strickland, president thing a little bit differently,” she understanding the first five years done it for 20 years,” she said. ner is gone, the programs often and CEO of Manchester Bidwell said, making it impossible to of life,” she said. “When you get “We have such a precious com- aren’t continued. McKenna said Corp., offered their response and measure the impact. “And that was to third grade it’s too late. Almost modity in terms of money and her university experience taught took questions from the audience no longer acceptable to us. And I when you get to kindergarten it’s influence and such a responsibility her that in educational partner- following Margaret McKenna’s think it is no longer acceptable too late. A disadvantaged child facing the challenges that exist ships, “Universities tend to be Jan. 27 Philosophy Forum lecture. in most corporations,” she said. walks into kindergarten that first today. We need to be hardheaded the big partner and schools tend Blum said the PNC Founda- “Our philanthropy is still day with a vocabulary gap of 18 and look at the bottom line in to be the little partner.” To ensure tion’s practices align in many driven locally, but it is within those months. … That gap just keeps terms of the difference we’re sustainable programs, “When we ways with the trends in corporate missions. And we really do try to getting larger,” she said, adding making. And that’s a hard job.” created partnerships with public philanthropy McKenna touched measure things,” Blum said. that by fourth grade, those chil- McKenna said she hopes that schools, we created an initiative upon in her talk. PNC also chose to take on dren aren’t reading or doing math corporate philanthropists can with a team who built the partner- “We always say we cannot be a cause that extended company- at grade level. look back in a decade to find that ship in the program, who carried a strong bank in a weak commu- wide, deciding with input from She noted that PNC’s power to the current movement toward it out and who evaluated it,” she nity,” she said, as she described the employees that the emphasis tackle this issue goes well beyond strategizing and evaluating the said. “So that when the university path PNC took in arriving at its should be on education and the $100 million it has commit- impact of their money on the basic left, it was institutional. Someone corporate philanthropic mission. children. ted. “A big part of our program is problems of society has succeeded. owned it. Not the university; the “Our philanthropy is driven “We did a lot of research on advocacy,” working to talk about While corporate philanthropy school system owned it.” very locally. We really believe that what our cause should be within funding quality preschool educa- represents less than 14 percent In her corporate foundation our regional presidents in each that area,” Blum said. tion for all children, she said. of charitable giving, “I hope that position, she said partnering is of our geographic markets need “Our filters were that we Not only does corporate we can say, looking back … that focused first on determining which to understand the needs of their wanted an issue that was at the philanthropy help a cause, “It we’ve made a significant dent in issues to tackle then finding who’s communities,” she said. How- cutting edge and we didn’t want it helps our company; it helps our something: that we’ve doubled the tackling them well. Sometimes ever, until about nine years ago, to be crowded, because we wanted employees,” Blum said. high school graduation rate; that donors will give something an when the bank chose to focus its to have the ability to make a dif- PNC pays employees for 40 we’ve cut obesity by 10 percent,” organization doesn’t want, or philanthropy on early education ference and to know that we were hours of volunteer time a year and McKenna said. a nonprofit will try to fit into a and economic development in making a difference,” she said. about 40 percent of employees “Pick one of them and do it and foundation’s priorities in order to underserved communities, it was “The more we looked at the have volunteered in some way in learn to work together. Share the get funding. With a poor fit, “You impossible to evaluate what the studies and talked to the experts, the program, she said. “There’s credit,” she urged. end up doing something one-off company’s giving was accomplish- the more we were convinced that CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 —Kimberly K. Barlow n

13 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

some strategic thinking to get at this problem that appears to be intractable, I’m not sure we’re Philanthropy from a local perspective going to recognize what this country looks like in 30 or 40 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 years. The way we’re going is not such a feeling of being connected that those respondents are nine Strickland, who heads the not just a play on words, that’s a sustainable.” to partners, to Head Starts, to the times more likely to be engaged Pittsburgh-based parent organi- different way of thinking about He decried the dropout rates centers where they work, to par- employees. zation of the Manchester Crafts- this environment,” he said. of 50-60 percent in some major ents who sit on parent councils,” “We are very proud of what men’s Guild and Bidwell Training Another refreshing perspective public school systems. “If Wal- she said. we’re doing,” Blum said. “We’re Center, described his point of view is the concept of return on invest- mart or PNC put out 50 percent The company has benefited always looking at how we can make as that of one who is the beneficiary ment, he said. “That takes us way of their product as defective, the as well. “Companies want an it better. Corporate philanthropy of philanthropy. Calling McK- down the road from the traditional likelihood of having any kind of engaged employee,” Blum said, is a very important part of every enna’s approach “refreshing,” he charitable ‘do-it-because-you- business would be pretty remote,” noting that in employee surveys, company and I think the best said he was encouraged to hear feel-sorry-for-someone’ kind of he said. “We’ve come to accept when asked how they felt about companies recognize that and her talk about planning. mindset to looking at resources as this in the public environment.” PNC’s support of the Grow Up really use the power they have as a “One of the things she didn’t opportunities to do good, and that With strategic thinking, long- Great school readiness program, company to help the communities talk about today was charity,” these outcomes can be measured in term planning and collaboration, “A huge percentage of employees in which they live.” Strickland said. “What she talked some way,” Strickland said. a turnaround is possible, he strongly agree,” Blum said, adding q about was philanthropy. That’s “For those of us who are on the maintained. “If I didn’t think it not-for-profit side, the more we was possible, I wouldn’t be doing can get into the process of thinking the things that I’m doing.” about return on investment, our He cited his own example of lives are going to be a lot easier establishing an inner-city green- than they have been to this point.” house in which students could Strickland said he was part train for horticulture careers. of a group of advisers called to “I realized that Alcoa made the White House in December aluminum, PPG made glass and to discuss ways of identifying Bayer made plastic, so I got a organizations and individuals chance to present my idea to these who are doing exemplary things companies,” he said. “We created and determine what makes them a strategic opportunity, not using successful as a means of advising money but product to reconfigure government on how to use public our strategy about creating plant money more strategically. science and horticulture, and now “What fascinated me about the agriculture, in one of the toughest meeting was there was not one neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.” public official in the meeting,” Strickland said he foresees an Strickland noted. “The president exciting future when community- was reaching out to the private based organizations are seen as sector to assist the White House not-for-profit assets, rather than to come up with a plan to get more liabilities. serious about these problems, par- “There are examples where Kimberly K. Barlow ticularly those the nation’s youth corporations and community- Bill Strickland, president and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corp., and Eva Blum, president of the PNC Foundation, offered responses to Margaret McKenna’s Jan. 27 Philosophy Forum lecture. are facing,” he said. based organizations can think “I work in an environment in terms of products that are where many of the young people available, reconfigure and expand who are poor — oftentimes minor- your strategy and I have to think ity — as Eva pointed out, are effec- that’s where the fresh air and the tively disengaged from learning opportunities for this country have and life by the time they’re 5 years to be going.” old. Basically what we’ve created —Kimberly K. Barlow n is this sort of a welfare system that keeps them in this limbo state” for life, he said. UPB, Jamestown “That is a very bad way to use something called a human Community College resource. That’s just not smart make transfer pact business planning, it’s not smart social planning and it certainly Pitt-Bradford has entered into betrays a lack of conscience or transfer agreements with James- morality about many of the citi- town (N.Y.) Community College zens of this country who deserve a to help students who plan to earn better fate,” Strickland said. an associate’s degree at JCC and “Unless we start employing transfer into a bachelor’s degree program at the Bradford campus. The new agreements cover UPB programs in history/political sci- ence, human relations, interdisci- plinary arts and writing. Each agreement guarantees acceptance of JCC students who complete up to 75 transferable credits (with a minimum grade of C in each course), achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, meet Pitt-Bradford conduct standards and complete application and deposit require- ments by May 1. The agreements also guaran- tee junior standing to students who transfer a minimum of 60 credit hours and guarantee the opportunity to complete the bach- elor’s degree in four semesters to students who complete courses specified in the agreement as part of their associate’s degree. Pitt-Bradford and JCC also have updated other transfer articu- lation agreements, and many of the changes give JCC students more latitude in choosing courses that will transfer. The transfer agreements are detailed at www.upb.pitt.edu. n

14 FEBRUARY 3, 2011

Pitt Lab Performances Deadlines C A L E N D A R “The Well of Horniness” & CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 “Medusa’s Tale”; through Feb. OMET Teaching Surveys Provost’s Inaugural Lecture Geology & Planetary Science 6; Studio Theatre, CL, Th-F 8 Tuesday 15 Request deadline is Feb. 4 for sur- “The Torturous Route to Estab- Colloquium pm, Sat. 2 & 8 pm, Sun. 2 pm veys to be given March 15-April lishing a New Clinical Entity: “Evaluating the Ca Isotopo (4-6568) HSLS Workshop 21. Log onto www.omet.pitt.edu; The Apraxia of Speech Diagno- Proxy,” Matthew Fantle, Penn “PubMed Basics,” Linda Hart- click on the direct link. (4-6134) sis,” Malcolm McNeil, SHRS; State; 11 Thaw, 4 pm man; Falk Library classrm. 1, Exhibits Elizabeth Baranger Teaching 2500 Posvar, 4 pm Greensburg Campus La Cul- 10-11:30 am Award Gut Club Lecture tura Lecture Hillman Exhibit Senate Community Relations Deadline for nominations is Feb. “The Role of Intestinal Flora in “IFTA India Trip,” Katrina Beck- “The University of Pittsburgh Committee Mtg. 11. To submit a nomination, go the Pathophysiology & Treat- man, Stephanie Chaffee, Frances Press Celebrates Its 75th Anni- 272 Hillman, noon-2 pm to www.as.pitt.edu/gso/teachin- ment of IBS,” Mark Pimentel; Mahl & Meghan Stromberg; 118 versary,” through Feb. 18; UPCI Basic & Translational gaward.html. UClub Ballrm. A, 6-8:15 pm Village, UPG, 7 pm Hillman 1st fl. Latin American Research Seminar Voices Across Time Summer Greensburg Campus Lecture lecture rm., reg. library hours “Ultrasound-microbubble Inst. “The Lords of the Lash & the (8-7710) Mediated Gene Delivery for PhD Defenses Application deadline is March Lords of the Loom: Freedom, Bradford Campus Art Exhibit Cancer,” Liza Villanueva; Hill- 1 for June 27-July 29 institute. Slavery & the Making of Early Medicine/Neurobiology “Rooted in Intuition: Paintings man Cancer Ctr. Cooper classrm. For application, go to www. America,” Eric Kimball, history; “Development & Behavioral & Sculptures by Diane Marie D, noon (412/623-7771) voicesacrosstime.org & click on Campana Lecture Ctr., UPG, Significance of Precise Tonotopy Kramer”; through Feb. 25; KOA Philosophy of Science Lecture NEH Summer Institute. (info: 7 pm in an Inhibitory Circuit of the Art Gallery, Blaisdell, UPB “The Absolute Arithmetic Con- 4-4100 or [email protected]) tinuum & Its Peircean Coun- Auditory Brainstem,”Amanda HSLS Exhibit Friday 11 Clause; Feb. 10, LRDC 2nd fl. “Harry Potter’s World: Renais- terpart,” Philip Ehrlich, Ohio Event Deadline U; 817R CL, 12:05 pm (4-1052) aud., 10 am sance Science, Magic & Medi- Endocrine Conference cine”; Feb. 14-March 26; Falk Greensburg Campus Lecture The next issue of the University “Continuous Oral Contracep- Library “Black History: More Than a Theatre Times will include University tion: Changing Paradigms,” HA&A Exhibit Week, More Than a Month,” and on-campus events of Feb. Michelle Roberts; 1195 Starzl Kuntu Repertory Theatre “Mind Space, Maximalism in Carolyn Lewis, Action Planning 17-March 3. Information for BST, 8:30 am “Traces”; through Feb. 5; 7th fl. Contrasts”; U Art Gallery, FFA, 101; 118 Village, UPG, 5:30 pm events during that period must WPIC Lecture Alumni aud., Th-Sat. 8 pm, also 10 am-4 pm M-F (8-2400) Women’s Basketball be received by 5 pm on Feb. 10 at “Entering the Golden Age Feb. 3 at 11 am (4-8498) Vs. Providence; Petersen, 7 pm 308 Bellefield Hall. Information of Schizophrenia Treatment: may be sent by fax to 4-4579 or Neuroplasticity-Based Cognitive Wednesday 16 email to [email protected]. n Training for Impaired Neural Systems,” Sophia Vinogradov; Clinical Oncology & Hematol- WPIC 2nd fl. aud., 11 am-12:30 ogy Grand Rounds pm “The Role of Chemotherapy in Sr. VC’s Research Seminar the Evolving Landscape of Mela- “Metabolic Regulators of Pan- noma Management,” Hussein creatic Beta Cell Proliferation,” Trading cards from Tawbi; UPMC Cancer Pavilion the Health Sciences Laura Alonso; Scaife aud. 6, noon Herberman Conf. Ctr. 2nd fl. Library System’s GI Research Rounds exhibit “Harry Pot- aud., 8 am “Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel ter’s World: Science, Pathology Research Seminar Magic & Medicine,” Syndrome,” Mark Pimentel; M2 which will be on dis- “The Cell & Molecular Patho- conf. rm. Presby, noon play Feb. 14-March genesis of Liver Fibrosis & 26 in Falk Library. Philosophy of Science Lecture Portal Hypertension,” Don “Fell Meets Haag: How Can We Chase Rockey, Southwestern Tell Free & Interacting Quantum Medicine School; 1104 Scaife, Fields Apart?” David John Baker, noon (8-1040) U of MI; 817R CL, 12:05 pm HSLS Workshop (4-1052) “Pathway Analysis Tools 1,” Senate Budget Policies Com- Ansuman Chattopadhyay; Falk mittee Mtg. Library classrm. 2, 1-3 pm 512 CL, 12:10 pm GI Grand Rounds Courtesy National Library of Medicine Bradford Campus Comedy “Liver Diseases”; 11 Scaife conf. Show ctr., 5 pm “Beyond Funny,” Pitt Improv- Men’s Basketball ers; Bromeley Family Theatre, Vs. S. FL.; Petersen, 7 pm Blaisdell, UPB, 7:30 pm Women’s Studies Queer Valentine’s Day Made Simple Cinema Saturday 12 “Happy Together”; 3415 Posvar, 7:45 pm Bradford Campus Admissions Visit Maggie & Stella’s Open House Thursday 17 Meet at KOA Speer Electronics to pick up a special Lobby, Blaisdell, UPB, 12:30 pm World History Workshop Valentine’s Wishlist. (1-800/872-1787) “World History as Teaching Women’s Basketball Moments,” Tom Anderson; 3703 Vs. S. FL; Petersen, 2 pm Posvar, noon Bradford Campus Fieldhouse Fill it out with your Asian Studies Lecture Frenzy “Audible Traces: Document- favorite things by Women’s basketball vs. LaRoche, ing Indian Prisoners of War in th 1 pm; men’s basketball vs. February 8 . World War I Europe,” Neepa LaRoche, 3 pm; alumni men’s Majumdar, English; 4130 Posvar, basketball, 5 pm (814/362-7520) noon (8-7370) We will mail it to Endocrine Research Confer- Sunday 13 ence your sweetheart, mom, “Regulation of Mitochondrial dad, sister or special friend so they can Heinz Chapel Choir Chamber Energy Metabolism by Lysine Choir Festival Acetylation,” Eric Goetzman; shop in time for Valentine’s Day. Heinz Chapel, 3 pm (4-4125) 1195 Starzl BST, noon Epidemiology Seminar Monday 14 “The Challenges in Environ- Receive a free gift with any purchase mental Epidemiology: The from your Valentine’s Day wishlist. Neurobiology of Brain Dys- Good, the Bad & the Ugly,” * while supplies last through February 14th. function Lecture Evelyn Talbott; A115 Crabtree, “Autism & Autism Spectrum noon Disorder,” Nancy Minshew; 114 Chemistry Seminar Victoria, 9:30-11:30 am “Progress in the Middle-Down HSLS Film Screening Proteomics (Automated LC-MS/ “Harry Potter & the Order of MS Analysis of Small Proteins & the Phoenix”; Scaife lecture rm. Large Peptides),” Catherine 6, 7 pm Fenselau, U of MD; 12B Chev- ron, 2:30 pm 209 Oakland Avenue, Sennott Square, Pittsburgh PA 15213  412-648-1353  www.maggieandstellasgifts.com

15 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES

C A L E N D A R UPCI Basic & Translational World History Workshop Research Seminar “Africa in World History,” February “Cutting Edge Opportunities for Rebecca Shumway & Yolanda Optical Imaging: A Review of Covington-Ward; 4130 Posvar, CL, 3-5 pm (4-8519) Thursday 3 Saturday 5 New Technologies Within the 5-8 pm Biostatistics Seminar CBI,” Simon Watkins; Hillman Bradford Campus FAFSA “Corrections for Case-Control Bradford Campus Free Flu Chemistry Workshop Cancer Ctr. Cooper classrm. D, Workshop Design in Secondary Trait Shot Clinic “Job Searching for Chemical noon (412/623-7771) Bring 2010 tax return, W2s, Analysis,” Hua Yun Chen, U Mukaiyama U Rm., Frame- Professionals”; Ashe Aud., Chev- Philosophy of Science Lecture tax schedules, social security of IL-Chicago; A115 Crabtree, Westerberg Commons, UPB, ron, 8:30 am-4 pm (jpauses@ “From Substantival to Func- numbers, birthdates, asset infor- 3:30 pm 11 am-2 pm pitt.edu) tional Vitalism & Beyond: mation on parents & students, Geology & Planetary Science Brain, Behavior & Cancer Bradford Campus Improv Animas, Organisms & Atti- driver’s license number for stu- Colloquium Seminar Workshop tudes,” Charles Wolfe; 817R CL, dents; 158 Sport & Fitness Ctr., “Environmental Change, Energy “Role of the Endocannabinoid Pitt Improvers; 218 Frame- 12:05 pm (4-1052) UPB, 6-8:30 pm (814/362-7550) & Isotopes,” Shikha Sharma, System in Regulation of Nausea Westerberg Commons, UPB, Global Health Film Women’s Studies Queer WVU; 11 Thaw, 4 pm & Vomiting,” Linda Parker; Hill- noon-3 pm “Triage: Dr. James Orbinski’s Cinema Bradford Campus Behavioral man Cancer Ctr. Cooper conf. Men’s Basketball Humanitarian Dilemma”; A115 “Fire”; 3415 Posvar, 7:45 pm & Social Sciences Lecture rm. C, noon Vs. Cincinnati; Petersen, 6 pm Crabtree, 3:30-5:30 pm “Egypt: The New Islamic Revo- Endocrine Research Confer- Medieval & Renaissance Stud- lution,” Tony Gaskew, criminal Thursday 10 ence ies Lecture justice; Harriett B. Wick Chapel, Monday 7 “Developmental Decisions in the “Italian Saints Against Bohemian HSLS Workshop UPB, 7:30 pm Pancreatic Epithelium: Role of GI Lecture Heretics: Heterodoxy, Witch- “Adobe Photoshop for Begin- Cell-Cell & Cell-Matrix Interac- Friday 4 “Dilation,” Kevin McGrath; M2 craft & Mysticism c. 1500,” ners,” Julia Jankovic; Falk tions,” Vincenzo Cirulli; 1195 conf. rm. Presby, 7:30 am Tamar Herzig, Tel Aviv U; 501G Library classrm. 2, 9-11 am Starzl BST, noon Neurobiology of Brain Dys- CL, 4:30 pm Endocrine Research Confer- HPI Briefing Epidemiology Seminar function Lecture ence “Preparing Advocate to Become “Diabetes Prevention & Treat- “Schizophrenia, Other Psycho- Wednesday 9 “Dissecting Src-family Kinase an ACO: Hospital-Physician ment: Hospital—Home—Com- ses & Bipolar Disorder,” David Signaling in ES & CML Cells Integration,” Mark Shields, munity,” Linda Siminerio; A115 Lewis; 114 Victoria, 9:30-11:30 Orthopaedic Surgery Grand With Chemical Genetics,” Advocate Health Care; PAA, Crabtree, noon am Rounds Thomas Smithgall; 1195 Starzl 8-9:30 am Asian Studies Lecture HSLS Lunch With a Librarian “Surgical Treatment for Low BST, noon Magee-Womens Black His- “Teahouse, Brothel & Street “Search Clinic”; Falk Library Back Pain: Lumbar Fusion vs. Epidemiology Seminar tory Month Celebration Corner: Venues & Songs of a conf. rm. B, noon Intervertebral Disc Arthro- “Development of the Tycho Magee-Womens zero level aud., Hong Kong Blind Singer,” Bell plasty,” Steven Leckie; Monte- Database, Digitization & Inte- 8 am-4 pm Yung, music; 4130 Posvar, noon fiore 7th fl. main level LHAS gration of 122 Years of Weekly Endocrine Conference Tuesday 8 (8-7370) aud., 7 am US Surveillance Data in Elec- “Cutaneous Manifestations of Staff Assn. Council Safety Clinical Oncology & Hematol- tronic Form,” Willem van Endocrine Disease,” Robin Cell Biology & Physiology Workshop ogy Grand Rounds Panhuis; A115 Crabtree, noon Gehris; 1195 Starzl BST, 8:30 am Seminar Kathy Humphrey & Deborah “Molecular Insights & Trans- EOH Seminar ULS Concert “Driving Biological Discovery Walker, Student Affairs; Ronald lational Challenges in Adult “Genomics of Pulmonary Func- The Moonlighters; Cup & Chau- Using Quantitative Proteomics,” Bennett, Pitt Police; WPU Neurooncology,” Frank Lieber- tion in Mice,” Koustav Ganguly; cer, ground fl. Hillman, noon John Yates; 520 E&EI, 11 am Ballrm., noon man; UPMC Cancer Pavilion 540 Bridgeside Point, noon Philosophy of Science Lecture Health Services Research Humanities/Women’s Studies Herberman Conf. Ctr. 2nd fl. Asian Studies Lecture “On Models With Separate Sys- Seminar Colloquium aud., 8 am “An Update on Korean Studies tems of Screener-Offs for Bell’s “Explaining the Rise in Educa- “Dude, Where’s My Phallus? Pathology Research Seminar Resources at Pitt,” Xiuying Zou, Correlations,” Tomasz Placek, tional Gradients in Mortality,” Forgetting, Losing, Looping,” “Heat Shock Protein 70 Is an Pitt’s East Asian Library, & Ho Jagiellonian U; 817R CL, 12:05 Seth Richards-Shubik; 305 Judith Halberstam, USC; 602 Endogenous Inhibitor of Toll- Nam Choi, Korean Inst. of Sci- pm (4-1052) Parkvale, noon CL, 12:30-2 pm (4-8519) like Receptor 4 Signaling During ence & Technology Information; Hillman Steelers Party MWRI Seminar Chemistry Seminar Enterocyte Apoptosis in the 4130 Posvar, noon (8-7370) Cup & Chaucer, Hillman, “Importance of Conducting “Electroanalytical Measure- Setting of Necrotizing Enteroco- HSLS Workshop 1-3:30 pm Research in the Area of Disease ments in Living Systems: Under- lotis,” Amin Afrazi; 1104 Scaife, “EndNote Basics,” Andrea Humanities/Women’s Studies Prevention: Obtaining Skills standing Neurological Disease noon (8-1040) Ketchum; Falk Library classrm. Lecture Through MMPH Program,” State Mechanisms,” Michael Staff Assn. Council Mtg. 2, 1-3 pm “Transgenders in a Global Ronald LaPorte & Faina Linkov; Johnson, U of KS; 12B Chevron, 532 Alumni, 12:15-2 pm Chemistry Seminar Frame,” Judith Halberstam, MWRI 1st fl. conf. ctr., noon 2:30 pm Pathology Research Seminar “Strategies for Broadening USC; 602 CL, 2 pm (4-8519) Humanities/Women’s Studies “The Role of Macricryptic Participation & Fostering Excel- Music on the Edge Concert Forum Peptides in Stem Cell Recruit- lence in Chemistry,” Jodi Wese- DEORO; Bellefield aud., 8 pm “The Future of Queer Studies,” ment & Differentiation,” Vineet mann, American Chemical (tickets: 412/394-3353) Judith Halberstam, USC; 602 Agrawal; 1104 Scaife, 12:30 pm Society; 12A Chevron, 4 pm (8-1040) Geology & Planetary Science UNIVERSITY HSLS Workshop Colloquium “Intro to Vector NTI,” Carrie “Metal Chemistry in the Mar- Iwema; Falk Library classrm. cellus Shale,” Tracy Bank, U of TIMES 2, 1-3 pm Buffalo; 11 Thaw, 4 pm English/Communication Lec- ture publication schedule Tara McPherson, USC; 324 CL, 5 pm CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 Events occurring Submit by For publication C L A S S I F I E D Feb. 17-March 3 Feb. 10 Feb. 17 • $8 for up to 15 words; $9 for 16-30 words; $10 effect. 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