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

The spring University Senate Interested in the future of Oakland? plenary session examined the There’s still time to get involved in the development of the Oakland relationship between teaching 2025 plan...... 2 excellence and tenure. Facilities Management introduces its See pages 7-10. U N I V E R S I T Y sustainability team...... 3 TIMES VOLUME 43 • NUMBER 17 APRIL 28, 2011 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH Pitt recovers most Staff, faculty of millions lost in needed to test Westridge fraud case Port Authority large portion of Pitt consolidated endowment fund, endowment funds that and its remaining unrecovered Awere lost in an investment principal interest represents less “smart card” scheme has been returned to the than $8 million or approximately University. 0.3 percent of the University’s Pitt received $44.4 million — $2.4 billion endowment,” Fedele technology about 85 percent of its net invest- stated. ment — last week in a distribution More of investors’ money from Robb Evans & Associates, could be returned to them as the the court-appointed receiver in receiver continues its efforts to connection with the Westridge recover additional funds. taff and faculty volunteers pants. The May 16 target date is an terms of negotiation time, the end Capital Management fraud case. CMU announced last week that are needed for a pilot pro- important one as the full program of that contract is relatively soon, Brick Kane of Robb Evans it had received payments totaling Sgram to test Pitt ID cards roll-out [for Pitt ID holders] is Ritchie said. stated that, per a March 21 federal more than $40 million, which rep- on the Port Authority of Allegheny planned for Aug. 1. The goal is In addition, Pitt could ask for court order, the receiver on April resents approximately 83 percent County’s new farebox technology. to work out all potential glitches a renegotiation of fees based on 21 began distributing $792 million of its $49 million investment. The program runs May this summer.” the most recent round of service to investors in entities operated Pitt and CMU jointly filed a 16-June 17. Volunteers are asked The system will replace the cuts made by the Port Authority, by Paul Greenwood and Stephen complaint against Greenwood to register with Panther Central current process, where Port which went into effect March 27. Walsh. and Walsh and their firms in at [email protected] and agree to Authority drivers push a “Pitt (See Jan. 20 University Times.) Greenwood and Walsh, who 2009 in federal court in Pitts- record on a form the routes, stops button” as riders flash their IDs. Pitt’s Fedele said, “Obviously, operated Westridge Capital Man- burgh in hopes of recouping their and times of their rides on Port According to spokesperson the service cuts have been a chal- agement, WG Trading Investors investments, which included an Authority vehicles during the pilot Jim Ritchie, the Port Authority lenge for those who travel to and other related firms, were estimated $65 million of Pitt’s test period. The goal is to ensure expects to convert fully to the new work by Port Authority buses, but charged in 2009 with operating endowment. (See March 5, 2009, that valid Pitt IDs will be identified system for Pitt riders, including because the cuts have only been a $1.3 billion Ponzi-style scheme University Times.) as such by the new system. students, on Aug. 1, assuming in place for a little more than a that misappropriated money from The University’s FY09 finan- In recent months, the Port the technology is shown to work. month, Pitt has not yet done any institutional investors including cial statement reported the value Authority has installed new fare- The transit authority expects to formal assessment of the impact Pitt and Carnegie Mellon Uni- of its investment as $34.9 mil- boxes on all its vehicles. (Installa- implement the system for the on University [employees and versity, as well as pension funds lion, representing a 50 percent tion on the T, or light rail transit, is general public sometime in 2012, students]. and foundations. write-down from its previously expected to be completed in May.) Ritchie noted. “The University’s agreement Instead of investing the funds, recorded fair value. (See Oct. 29, The fareboxes are equipped Pitt issued new ID cards with with the Port Authority does the two men are accused of spend- 2009, University Times.) with new “smart card” technology, the smart card technology embed- include language acknowledging ing millions on lavish lifestyles that Pitt’s investment included whereby riders will “tap” their IDs ded in them in 2009. that the compensation paid by the included the purchase of horses, $21.25 million that was wired to on the farebox scanners, which are The new system is expected University is in consideration for a mansions, cars, art, books and WG Trading Co. just days before mounted on a designated orange to yield a more accurate count of certain level and type of service,” collectibles. regulators suspended Greenwood square atop the farebox. Pitt riders than the current manual he said. According to Pitt associate and Walsh. Although the Univer- Pitt associate director of news system. It also aims to weed out “The University does plan to director of news John Fedele, the sity argued that those funds should John Fedele said: “We are aiming invalid ID cards, Pitt and Port consult with the Port Authority University previously recovered be returned in their entirety, that for several hundred participants, Authority officials said. regarding service modifications approximately $9.3 million from amount was included as part of but will begin the pilot on May 16 In a related matter, the Uni- and the impact these may have a Westridge-related account. Pitt’s receivership claim, according using the number of participants versity’s contract with the Port on our riders. These discussions “All of the funds recovered have to Fedele. we have at that point. Currently, Authority may be affected by the may also include recommended been returned to the University’s —Kimberly K. Barlow n we have 125 confirmed partici- new technology, as well as by other compensation adjustments if it is recent developments. determined that service modifica- The University’s five-year con- tions have a significant impact on Open enrollment deadline is May 11 tract with the Port Authority for the University’s overall ridership pen enrollment for Pitt’s Plan, is 3.3 percent for the lion-$104 million, up from about fare-free rides runs through July levels.” employee benefits con- health plan year that begins July $100 million for the current plan 31, 2012. Pitt is paying $5.91 mil- Currently, there are no con- Otinues until May 11. 1, according to Benefits direc- year. The University will continue lion for 2010-11. The agreement tract-related negotiations sched- Information packets with details tor John Kozar. That compares to absorb 80 percent of the annual calls for Pitt to pay $6.8 million uled, Fedele said. of Pitt’s benefits plans, including to a projected national average rate increase to the medical pro- for 2011-12. (See Oct. 11, 2007, The University’s payment to vision and dental plan options, and increase of 6.4 percent, he noted. grams covered under the UPMC University Times.) the Port Authority is subsidized in long-term care and life insurance Panther Gold enrollees, who medical plan options, Kozar said. But, Port Authority officials part by the $90 per term security, choices, were mailed during the make up about 90 percent of Employees who elect to main- have said, under terms of the con- safety and transportation fee that week of April 18. the approximately 23,000 plan tain their current benefits need tract signed in 2007, implemen- Pittsburgh campus students pay. Employees who did not receive members (employees, spouses/ not take any action; all others tation of the farebox technology (The balance comes from the their packets should contact Ben- domestic partners and children), must make changes by May 11. triggers a reopener clause in the auxiliary operations budget of the efits at 412/624-8160. will see their monthly premiums Changes must be made elec- contract. Instead of Pitt paying a Office of Parking, Transportation Pitt health insurance premi- rise $2 for individuals, from $57 tronically by following the online monthly fee, the University will and Services.) ums are going up next year, but to $59; $5 for parent/child(ren), enrollment procedure, accessible be charged by the ride as it is Ritchie said, “We are in at a rate lower than the national from $140 to $145; $7 for two at www.hr.pitt.edu by clicking on “scored” by the smart card system. continuous discussions with the average, officials here say. Copays adults, from $208 to $215, and the “open enrollment” link. An That per-ride fee will have to be University on these issues and on prescription drugs also will $10 for family coverage, from instruction sheet for online enroll- negotiated, Ritchie confirmed other things like smart card imple- increase. $290 to $300. ment is provided in the printed this week. mentation and routing. The level The overall cost increase of Pitt’s overall health care costs enrollment materials. “It’s my sense that the con- of service for Oakland has not been Pitt’s medical plans, which are for the coming plan year are A confirmation letter will tract that’s in place likely will run reduced significantly.” administered by UPMC Health projected to be roughly $103 mil- CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 through next year,” because, in —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 MM A TA T E RT S /T Nathan E HersheyR S Is your salary unfairly low? by John J. Baker In recent Senate Matters columns, I have discussed fairness in Pitt faculty salaries from the perspectives of gender equity (March 3 University Times) and salary compression (Feb. 3 University Times). The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) defines salary compression as the circumstance in which more senior faculty at a particular institution are paid less than recently appointed junior faculty. Fortunately, considerable public information is available to help faculty members put their salaries in context. Pitt reports average faculty salaries at the three professorial ranks annually to the AAUP for publication in the March-April issue of Academe. In 2010-2011, for an adjusted nine-month contract, Pitts- burgh campus full professors averaged $132,800, associate professors $88,400 and assistant professors $72,200. Some long-time faculty assume their salary is unfairly low if it is significantly below the average for their academic rank. However, this is not necessarily the case, because the reported average includes all salaries regardless of discipline — and salaries vary widely across Kimberly K. Barlow different academic fields. In considering how fair one’s own salary is, start by examining average salary for colleagues at your academic rank within your Group plans for Oakland 2025 school. This information is reported annually to the Pennsylvania ave some good ideas about 50 facilitators and volunteers who The forum is scheduled for Department of Education in Pitt’s Snyder Report (http://bit.ly/ the future of Oakland? It’s organized and staffed the event. 6-8:30 p.m. at St. Nicholas hTNyBY) and to the University Senate budget policies committee in not too late to get involved “The overall goal of Oakland Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 419 a report titled “Mean and Median Salaries of Full-Time Employees H FY [year].” in a nascent planning process 2025 is to identify topics and to S. Dithridge St. Complimentary (See March 31 University Times.) convened by Oakland Planning evaluate whether the needs of the food will be served, child care and If long-employed faculty learn that their salaries are significantly and Development Corp. (OPDC), people in the neighborhood are transportation will be provided and below the reported average for their academic rank in their school, supported by the University and being met,” said Sherry-Torres. speakers will be accompanied by the next step is to compare their academic work productivity to that co-sponsored by the University “I was pleasantly surprised that sign-language interpreters. of their peers. Senate community relations com- 86 of the participants agreed to To RSVP, call 412/621-7863 Pitt compensates non-instructional activities (research, publication mittee (CRC). join one of 10 — we later added ext. 17 or email Sherry-Torres at and administration) at significantly higher levels than instructional OPDC last month kicked an 11th — study circles.” [email protected]. activity (teaching). The average Pitt instructional and non-instruc- off “Oakland 2025,” a year-long Those groups were charged For more information on tional salaries at the three professorial ranks can be calculated from planning process that aims to with meeting for five sessions Oakland 2025, visit www.opdc. salary and FTE data in Pitt’s Snyder Report. The table shows these develop a comprehensive vision to discuss the specific topic they org/programs-services/plan- for four academic fields in 2009-2010; 2010-2011 data are not avail- for Oakland, based on community chose, with the goal of recom- partner/2011-community-plan/. able yet. (Note that salary data in different reports typically do not stakeholder input and resulting mending action steps. By the end of 2011, Sherry- match — not only because of date discrepancies, but also because of action plans for such broad topics Some of the topics floated Torres said, the hope is to combine different data definitions: Full-time or FTE? Nine-month contract as housing, public transportation, at the kick-off were absentee the action teams’ recommen- or 12? All campuses or Pittsburgh only?) youth and family services, edu- landlords; transportation issues, dations into a comprehensive Professor Associate Professor Assistant Professor cational opportunities, absentee such as the need for more and Oakland community plan that Pitt academic area (Snyder Instr.* Non-* Gap Instr.* Non-* Gap Instr.* Non-* Gap landlords, traffic, pedestrian safety better bicycle paths; the dearth addresses the residential market Report page #) salary instr. sal. salary instr. sal. salary instr. sal. and amenities. of neighborhood-based grocery and appropriate public/private Whole univ. The next meeting of Oakland stores; the lack of an elementary development strategies; crafts a (p. 51) $112,005 $126,357 $14,352 $70,234 $ 87,447 $17,213 $54,291 $65,861 $11,570 2025, which is open to the public, school, and the quality of real “green” vision; furthers ideas per- English is May 12. estate in the Oakland area, said taining to multi-modal transporta- (p. 60) $ 87,692 $104,461 $16,769 $64,470 $ 69,823 $ 5,353 $53,684 $58,573 $ 4,889

The planning process is orga- Sherry-Torres. tion, and explores the potential for Foreign nized in partnership with Oakland “These are all things that integrating public education as a language residents; community organi- have been on people’s minds, that community development strategy (p. 57) $ 82,872 $102,150 $19,278 $68,777 $ 73,465 $ 4,688 $53,418 $54,976 $ 1,558 zations; businesses; property people are rough and ready about, to enhance Oakland as a long-term Health profession & owners; institutions, including but this is the first time that people option for families with children. related sciences Pitt and UPMC; faith-based orga- from all over have been brought The plan is expected to serve as (p. 58) $ 84,168 $150,634 $66,466 $50,645 $ 91,879 $41,234 $42,041 $63,878 $21,837 nizations, and public agencies, together to have these conversa- a blueprint for improvements that Engineering according to OPDC community tions,” she said. community and business leaders, (p. 56) $119,679 $156,445 $36,766 $81,427 $101,668 $20,241 $63,484 $84,409 $20,925 organizer Tara Sherry-Torres, “The next big event is our politicians, investors and local *Instructional and non-instructional salaries are calculated from salary and FTE data in Pitt’s 2009-2010 Snyder Report who reported to CRC April 19. action forum on May 12,” in foundations and institutions with to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; the academic year does not include the summer term. The March 24 public kick-off which the public is encouraged interests in Oakland can work to drew 140 people from Oakland — to participate, said Sherry-Torres. implement, she added. As the table shows, there were significantly lower average salaries many more than expected, Sherry- At the action forum, the study q for instructional activities across all four academic areas, especially in Torres said — in addition to some teams will post their themes and CRC co-chair Denise Chis- the health professions and engineering, where faculty are expected action recommendations and give holm encouraged members of the to obtain research grants. a short synopsis of the group’s Pitt community to attend the May If a faculty member believes that his or her non-instructional work. 12 event. She noted that she and output compares favorably with that of similarly occupied colleagues “Every group has to choose at two fellow committee members in the unit but has a below-average salary, then it is reasonable to least two action items that they’re are on the Oakland 2025 steering conclude that his or her salary is unfairly low. The faculty member U N I V E R S I T Y sticking with in terms of recom- committee and that CRC in March should speak with the department chair, then write a letter to the mendations. Once they report participated in a pilot “audition,” dean or director with a copy to the chair requesting a salary adjust- TIMES out, we’ll move very quickly to posing as a planning group and ment and giving the reasons for the request. organizing people into action using a report-card style grading In my experience, most deans try to be fair and usually will make EDITOR a salary adjustment for a meritorious faculty member who has an N. J. Brown 412/624-1373 teams, because as great as the of select topics. [email protected] conversations are in identifying CRC and Oakland 2025 steer- unfairly low salary relative to comparable faculty in the unit. The funds available for making such an adjustment may be limited in a WRITERS things, the trick is really to retain ing committee member Tracy that engagement and have people Soska noted that Pitt already is given year, so it may take more than one year to bring the faculty Kimberly K. Barlow 412/624-1379 member up to an equitable level. [email protected] choose the topics they really want playing a prominent role in the to work on. They’ll work with a overall planning. If a dean declines to make such a salary adjustment, the faculty Peter Hart 412/624-1374 team that’s led by a project man- “We hosted the training of the member can file a formal grievance with the Provost’s office. This [email protected] ager from the community and group facilitators on the whole last resort should be undertaken only after other remedies have been BUSINESS MANAGER they’ll be hooked up to various process, and we have students exhausted and there is good supporting evidence for both merit and Barbara DelRaso 412/624-4644 resources, such as neighborhood involved in co-facilitating with an unfair salary relative to comparable faculty in the responsibility [email protected] community organizations.” community residents. There are center. Events Calendar: [email protected] The teams will be self-suf- staff and faculty involved, too,” Faculty who passively wait for a dean to make a voluntary salary The University Times is published bi-weekly adjustment may never receive one. Pitt’s administration does not on Thursdays by the University of Pittsburgh. ficient and establish their own Soska said. timeline for meeting and prepar- He added that Oakland 2025 consider salary compression alone a sufficient reason for adjust- Send correspondence to University Times, ment, and a faculty member normally must have demonstrable 308 Bellefield Hall, University of Pittsburgh, ing written reports and recom- can be traced back the University Pittsburgh, PA 15260; fax to 412/624-4579 mendations, she added. Senate fall 2008 plenary session on non-instructional work output merit to receive one. or email: [email protected]. At the May 12 forum, new- the quality of life in Oakland and Subscriptions are available at a cost of $12.50 comers will have the opportunity University-community partner- John J. Baker is past president of the University Senate and chair of the for the remainder of the publishing year, which budget policies committee. runs through July. Make checks payable to the to join an action team, as well as ships, where a key recommenda- University of Pittsburgh. to vote for the themes they feel tion was to develop a community- The newspaper is available electronically at: should be the highest priorities, based planning process. www.utimes.pitt.edu. Sherry-Torres said. —Peter Hart n CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

2 APRIL 28, 2011

q Most of Pitt’s major projects Fink updated the committee on receive some level of LEED cer- Sustainability coordinator named campus construction and renova- tification, he said. tion projects for which the Uni- Fink said Facilities Manage- itt is consolidating its garden (a planting sustained by of research facilities and for versity is seeking LEED certifica- ment plans to prepare an annual “green” efforts under the water runoff) that will be installed projects for which Pitt is seeking tions. LEED has four certification sustainability report. Following Pnew position of sustain- near the Petersen Events Center. LEED (Leadership in Energy levels. The most basic is certified, the April 21 meeting, he told the ability coordinator. While Marcinko will work with and Environmental Design) cer- with levels rising to silver, gold, University Times that no report In a rare open meeting of the students, he said groups need tification. then platinum based on points a would be made this year, both Senate plant utilization and plan- to come to him with projects on • Dan Fisher, assistant vice project attains in green design cat- to allow new sustainability team ning (PUP) committee, Joseph which definitive action can be chancellor for research opera- egories related to energy savings, members time to settle into their Fink, associate vice chancellor taken. The rain garden project is tions. Fisher is responsible for water efficiency, carbon dioxide positions and to determine what for Facilities Management, intro- an example, he said; Pitt’s Mascaro maintenance and operations of emissions reduction, improved the report should include. duced Dan Marcinko, who took Center for Sustainable Innovation Pitt research facilities. “We are indoor environmental quality q on the new responsibilities last had received money for the project the model for operations and and stewardship of resources and In other business: November. and Facilities Management was maintenance of regional biocon- sensitivity to their impacts. • Eli Shorak, associate vice Marcinko, Facilities Manage- able to help identify potential sites. tainment labs across the country,” Pitt is seeking gold LEED chancellor for Business, reported ment’s assistant vice chancellor for Fink introduced Facilities Fink noted. certification for its Mascaro center the following progress on campus administration, already is respon- Management sustainability team Fisher’s involvement in the project, the Benedum Hall core projects: The Salk Hall addition is sible for such duties as budgeting members. development of the National Insti- and shell renovation phase I, the under construction; a new outer and accounting, procurement and They are: tutes of Health-funded regional Graduate School of Public Health skin soon will be installed at the contract administration. • Laura Zullo, senior manager biocontainment lab (RBL) at (GSPH) renovation and the Bio- Chevron Science Center; the The need for a sustainability of energy initiatives. Formerly Biomedical Science Tower 3 led medical Science Tower 10th floor Concordia Club project has been coordinator has been the subject senior manager of capital and the NIH to name him chair of its renovation, he said. completed, and work is continu- of ongoing discussion at PUP. Fink special projects, Zullo is respon- operations committee for RBLs. The University is seeking ing on the Bouquet Gardens said the University administration sible for energy conservation and On campus, one sustainability- silver LEED certification for the expansion and the Benedum Hall agreed, with the stipulations that utilities management, including related project Fisher will be Benedum Hall renovation phase addition. the position be part-time and energy audits and analysis of util- responsible for is a new mainte- IIa, the Salk Hall addition, Chev- Design for the GSPH project housed under Facilities Manage- ity budgets. nance management system for ron Science Center addition and has been completed and Pitt will be ment. Fink noted that the University research facilities, Fink said. the Pitt-Greensburg sustainable seeking city approval soon, he said. As sustainability coordina- is seeking to identify additional • Will Mitchell, senior man- office/classroom building. • John Wilds, assistant vice tor, Marcinko will interact with ways to conserve energy and to ager of custodial services. Mitch- Pitt is seeking LEED-certified chancellor for Community Rela- University departments, faculty develop new energy policies. ell is responsible for custodial level certification for the mid- tions, reported that the city has and student groups to coordinate Zullo will be using a new enter- operations, waste management campus complex renovation, the increased lighting on Bigelow green initiatives. prise energy management system and recycling and waste mini- GSPH addition, Fifth Avenue Boulevard between Fifth and “He’s the face, he’s the name that tracks utility usage and costs mization, including recycling residence hall construction and Forbes avenues in response to Staff you have when there’s discussion building-by-building, he said. of construction and demolition the Pitt-Johnstown nursing school Association Council concerns of some initiative we want to • Mary Rugh, senior manager waste. Mitchell is involved with addition. about visibility. take,” Fink said at PUP’s April 21 of engineering. Rugh, who man- battery and cell phone recycling Fink said the University does In addition, installation of a meeting. He noted that Marcinko ages Facilities Management’s initiatives on campus and is work- not have a policy requiring it to new streetlight south of the Wil- was involved in the Carrillo Street engineering group, is responsible ing to expand the use of more pursue LEED certifications, “but liam Pitt Union driveway is under steam plant project, which has for Pitt’s high-voltage electric environmentally friendly cleaning will seriously consider LEED for consideration, he said. decreased pollution produced by distribution system, building products, Fink said. our projects if it makes sense.” —Kimberly K. Barlow n Pitt’s steam generation facilities. automation systems and metering. Marcinko said the University’s She also reviews electrical system sustainability-related web pages designs. Senate election results announced are being updated. • Christin Whitco, senior He also has been working project manager. Whitco is a ichael R. Pinsky has English. sford. with University groups on green LEED-accredited professional, been re-elected for a • Natural Sciences: Don Chia- There were no openings this projects. One such project is a rain responsible for managing design Mthird term as president rulli, computer science. year for new Assembly members of the University Senate. Pinsky is • Social Sciences: David from the Swanson School of Engi- U N I V E R S I T Y S E N A T E professor of critical care medicine, Barker, political science; Daniel neering, the School of Social Work bioengineering and anesthesiol- Berkowitz, economics. or the University Library System. M A T T E R S ogy in the School of Medicine. Professional schools Pitt’s Bradford, Greensburg, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Patricia M. Weiss, reference • Business: Kimberly Gleason. Johnstown and Titusville cam- From our freshman reps and information technology • Education: Cindy Tananis. puses elect their own representa- by Patricia Weiss librarian, Health Sciences Library • Law: Sallie Smith. tives to Faculty Assembly. At the April 5 Faculty Assembly meeting, Provost Patricia Beeson System, was re-elected for a • Information Sciences: Roger Newly elected members to described the University’s educational assessment process and its second term as vice president. Flynn. Faculty Assembly serve the first role in preparations for Pitt’s 2011-12 reaccreditation evaluation. Pinsky and Weiss ran unop- • Public and International year of their three-year terms on After the meeting, we caught up with two of the freshman rep- posed. Affairs: Clyde Mitchell-Weaver. the Assembly; during their second resentatives to Faculty Assembly we are following this year. Their Linda Frank, associate profes- Schools of the Health Sciences and third years, they serve on comments: sor in the Department of Infec- • Dental Medicine: John both the faculty-only Assembly From Kevin Kearns, tious Diseases and Microbiology, Close. and on Senate Council, which Graduate School of Public and International Affairs: Graduate School of Public Health, • Health and Rehabilitation includes faculty, staff, students I thought the presentation by the provost was clear and compel- won election as secretary, defeat- Sciences: David Beck. and administrators. Elections for ling. It is clear that a good-faith effort to track student-learning ing incumbent Laura Fonzi. • Health Sciences Library new members of the Senate’s 15 outcomes is not just a compliance or accountability issue, but also Officers serve one-year terms System: Liping Song. standing committees continue makes sense from an educational standpoint. If done well, student beginning July 1. • Public Health: Carol Red- until midnight May 1. Only learning outcomes could be an important pedagogical innovation. New Faculty Assembly mem- mond. Faculty Assembly members are From Colleen Culley, School of Pharmacy: bers also were elected. They are: • Pharmacy: Susan Skledar. eligible to vote. I appreciated the update and clarification on the budget implica- School of Arts and Sciences • Nursing: Michael Neft. For more information, contact tions of the commonwealth appropriations from the provost. As she • Humanities: John Lyon, • Medicine: James T. Becker; the Senate office at 4-6505. noted, the line items affected by the proposed cuts are greater than German; Neepa Majumdar, Gilles Clermont; L. Dade Lun- —Peter Hart n what I had heard explained thus far. The presentation by the provost on student learning and re- accreditation was informative. It was good to hear that the curricu- Speakers announced for regional grad ceremonies lum assessments requested by the Provost’s office are being used Gen. Jack Keane, a retired four-star general with 37 years of and rolled into the overall University assessment. I appreciated From left: Gen. Jack public service, will be this year’s Keane, Liz Murray the discussion about the history nationally surrounding the need and Jack Daniel for program assessment at the University level. I agree with the commencement speaker at the provost’s comments that the assessment should be faculty-driven to Greensburg campus. UPG will ensure that the stakeholders are gathering and interpreting the data hold its commencement exercises about programs. The discussion about a central office of assessment at 11 a.m. April 30 on Ridilla Field. was thoughtful and seemed to be supportive of the plan to keep the Keane continues to advise The child of cocaine-addicted the J. Curtis McKinney Student assessment at the faculty level. government officials on the wars parents, Murray became homeless Union. The School of Pharmacy has recently completed the self-study in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also at the age of 15. She enrolled in the Daniel has served the Univer- process as part of our successful reaccreditation. The 14 standards works as a national security analyst Humanities Preparatory Academy sity in a number of administrative that the provost described were similar for the school’s report with for Fox News. in New York City and graduated in capacities, including vice provost institutional content, educational effectiveness and assessment. It was Pitt-Johnstown will hold its only two years while camping out for Undergraduate Studies and interesting to hear that the University will be focusing the self-study commencement ceremony at 1 in city parks and subway stations. dean of students, 2002-05. document on the assessment standards with institutional effectiveness p.m. April 30 on the Campus Mall She received a full scholarship to Pitt-Bradford’s speaker — and assessment of student learning. near Blackington Hall. Harvard in 2000, graduating in international opera star Marilyn It was encouraging to hear that the focus of the University is quality Elizabeth “Liz” Murray, whose 2009 with a BS in psychology. Horne — was announced earlier. of our schools and programs. n life story was depicted in the Jack Daniel, Pitt Distinguished The UPB ceremony will take place 2003 made-for-TV movie “From Service Professor of Communica- May 1 at 2 p.m. in the KOA Arena Homeless to Harvard,” will be the tion, will address Pitt-Titusville Patricia Weiss is vice president of the University Senate. of the Sport and Fitness Center. keynote speaker. graduates at 2 p.m. April 30 in —Peter Hart n

3 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES Release of nuclear materials inevitable, Pitt expert says he release of nuclear “Their motivation is nuclear enough to prevent proliferation a usable nuclear weapon. “Even not useful in a weapon, while 0.7 materials — by accident security and safeguards because of this nuclear material,” he said, if you steal a nuclear weapon, percent is U235, a fissile material Tor intentionally — is the concern is that, as more people adding that extrinsic barriers though, you just can’t go off and that could be used in a nuclear inevitable, engineering faculty understand the technology asso- also play a role. Those include light a match and set it off,” he reactor or a weapon. member Larry Foulke said in a ciated with nuclear science and physical security — barriers such said, noting that they contain Separating the U235 out of recent lecture on campus. engineering, there’s more oppor- as “guards, gates and guns” at safeguards that prevent unauthor- the natural uranium enriches it. His April 14 talk, hosted by tunity for people to do bad things nuclear facilities — along with ized use. The material is low-enriched if Pitt’s Center for National Pre- with the technology,” Foulke said. institutional barriers — mate- Terrorists could steal fissile it contains less than 20 percent paredness, focused on the dan- “So we want to educate the rest of rial accountability and detection materials from production reac- U235, but it’s known as highly gers associated with the nuclear the world with a focus on nuclear standards and international safe- tors or divert them from facilities enriched if it contains more than resurgence — a topic made all the security and safeguards.” guards in the form of treaties and such as power plants. But Foulke 20 percent U235. more timely by the recent accident q agreements. said, “The plutonium you get He estimated that it would take at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear As the world’s population Still, there are plenty of out of a nuclear power plant that 50 kilograms of highly enriched power plant in Japan, noted center increases, the need for energy will potential sources for those seek- is designed to make electricity is uranium to design a nuclear director Ken Sochats. grow, Foulke said, adding that he ing to acquire nuclear materials: not very good nuclear material.” weapon, but that just 10 kilograms Foulke came to direct Pitt’s believes that energy will be the thousands of nuclear weapons; High costs and technical difficulty of weapons-grade plutonium — a nuclear engineering program after No. 1 problem in the world in the tons of highly enriched uranium also are deterrents. “If you get mass about the size of a softball — retiring from a career with West- next 50 years. and plutonium, and hundreds of some plutonium and try to put a would suffice. inghouse Energy Systems and the Although he’s in favor of solar research reactors, fuel site facili- weapon together in your garage In a nuclear power plant, some Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. and wind power, nuclear power ties and nuclear power plants, he — I just don’t think you could do of the uranium that is used as fuel is “People sometimes ask me, ‘Is also must play a role in meeting noted. it,” he said. converted to plutonium in the pro- there going to be another nuclear the world’s energy needs, Foulke However, risks remain. “Even cess, but the spent fuel wouldn’t accident?’ And I say, yes there maintained. “I’m for solar, I’m for Threats a crude nuclear weapon made out make a very good weapon, he is. Anything that humans make, wind but I think it’s very naive to Nuclear terrorists could of reactor-grade plutonium could said, because plutonium 239 is anything that humans operate, believe that solar and wind can acquire an intact nuclear weapon, destroy the heart of a city. Many transmuted from U238 early in will cause accidents,” Foulke do the job.” improvise a nuclear device using could die. Most would die from the process, then turns into other said. What’s more, “I believe that, Developing nuclear energy, stolen nuclear material, sabotage the blast,” he said, adding that types of plutonium that can’t be perhaps even before my lifetime however, allows more nuclear a nuclear power plant or other such an attack also would have used for weapons. is over, some terrorist will acquire material to be put into circulation, facility or make a radiological devastating effects on the world “To make weapons-grade nuclear materials and make a very he said. “As more and more coun- dispersal device, or dirty bomb, economy. plutonium, you’ve got to stop crude nuclear weapon and deto- tries develop the knowledge and Foulke said. “I believe terrorists could build the reactor quite frequently nate that weapon,” he said. the technology, there is a greater While sabotage is a risk, an improvised nuclear device if and take the plutonium out to “I don’t know how to stop it. chance that the materials required “Nuclear power plants are among they get hold of fissile materials,” process it. That’s no good for Perhaps a center like this can be to make nuclear weapons will be the most highly protected pieces Foulke said. Although it would be making electricity. If you’re an influential in trying to influence in existence,” he said. of infrastructure,” making them a technically challenging, he said, electricity-producing reactor, the attitudes toward protection hard target, Foulke said. “They could put together a device you don’t make weapons-grade … of the nuclear material in the Proliferation Dirty bombs are more weapons that could level a U.S. city.” plutonium, you make what we call world.” “Proliferation is the business of mass disruption than weapons The biggest challenge, he reactor-grade plutonium with all Foulke said that some 60 of the acquisition of either nuclear of mass destruction, Foulke said. reiterated, would be in obtaining these other isotopes. That’s what nations had sought the Interna- weapons, nuclear weapons capa- “If you took a dirty bomb and the fissile material. makes it hard to make a weapon tional Atomic Energy Agency’s bility or the materials that can be exploded it at the entrance to the from reactor-grade plutonium,” help in building their civilian used to make nuclear weapons,” Liberty Tubes, you shut down What might terrorists do? Foulke explained. nuclear power industries before Foulke said, adding that the two Pittsburgh,” he said. In such an Terrorists won’t make weapons the Fukushima incident slowed major players in proliferation are event, “People are not going to from reactor-grade plutonium, Enrichment technologies the resurgence of interest. “There nations and sub-national groups, stick around. They’re going to Foulke said. Instead, they would In the early days of the nuclear may not be 60 today but there are more loosely labeled as terrorists. leave,” rather than stay and be mine the raw materials then enrich era, Manhattan Project scientists still perhaps 20 or 30 nations out In his opinion, the latter represent exposed. “If anybody would die them with clandestine technology. quickly recognized the impor- there who are very interested in a greater potential threat than does from the explosion of a dirty Foulke explained that uranium tance of learning to separate the building a civilian nuclear power a rogue state. bomb, they’d die from the blast, 235, an isotope of natural uranium, U235 isotope from the U238 iso- industry,” he said. Many factors serve to prevent not the radioactivity.” is the only fissile material that tope, Foulke said. Their method of “As more countries use nuclear proliferation. “If I have some fis- The main threats of nuclear occurs naturally. Others, such as gaseous diffusion — a process in energy, there becomes more risk sile material, the intrinsic barrier, terrorism would be either the uranium 233, plutonium 239 and which the uranium was mixed with for proliferation of nuclear mate- of course, is to get enough of it to acquisition of a nuclear explosive plutonium 241, are human-made. fluorine gas and then separated rials,” Foulke said. do something bad with it,” Foulke device, or of the materials needed However, other materials such through a membrane — required His presentation was based said, adding that in addition to the to make one, he said. as thorium 232 or uranium 238 huge amounts of energy and a on materials developed for the radiation nuclear materials emit, “The theft of a device in Paki- — both of which are found in the facility that took up acres of land. international science collabora- they often have a heat load that stan, I think, is a real concern,” Earth’s crust — can be transmuted “This is not something you tion organization CRDF Global’s makes them difficult to work with, he said. into fissile materials. could do clandestinely,” he said. nuclear education consortium, or emit enough neutrons to make Foulke said it would be dif- Foulke said that 99.3 percent of “But times are changing and this which offers assistance to nations them difficult to use as a weapon. ficult, although not impossible, natural uranium, as it’s mined from is what worries me.” seeking to develop nuclear power. “But intrinsic barriers aren’t for terrorists to gain control of the ground, is U238, a material Today, centrifuges — each about 6 feet high and about a foot in diameter — can be used to sepa- rate out the isotope by spinning the gas. “This does not require acres and acres of land. It does not require megawatts and megawatts of energy for the process,” Foulke said, adding, “You know that Iran has been able to hide their work on this for a long time.” Of even more concern, Foulke said, is laser enrichment, a newer process that doesn’t involve gas, but uranium ore. The ore is heated to a vapor then a laser is used to draw off the isotopes. “Once this technology is avail- able to the rest of the world, it’s going to be very easy to do this,” he warned. “The easy path if any nation wants to make a weapon: You mine your own uranium. You create your own enrichment facility that you can hide,” he said. “I think the spread of enrich- ment technologies represents the greatest threat to the possibility of an improvised nuclear device by some terrorist or by some rogue nation who wants to use good stuff for bad purposes.” —Kimberly K. Barlow n

4 APRIL 28, 2011

5 U N I V E R S I T Y TIMES BPC discusses reports on instructional output, pay he state budget continued the shortfalls someplace.” He likened the letter to advocacy local circles its level of national help raise that local consciousness. to be the main topic of Baker reiterated that faculty efforts Pitt’s graduate and under- excellence. “People love hearing what faculty Tdiscussion at the April 15 can play a part in improving the graduate student government “We really are one of the at Pitt are doing,” he said. Senate budget policies committee budget situation by asking their organizations were spearheading. world’s best academic centers. In other business: (BPC) meeting. legislators and Gov. Tom Corbett Pinsky said it’s important This is not hyperbole, this is a • Baker reported that the The bulk of the meeting was a to reduce the proposed 50 percent for faculty to speak out if they fact,” he said. “I travel all over the annual salary report comparing closed session in which Vice Pro- budget cuts to Pitt’s appropriation. believe in the importance of low- world lecturing and people are Pitt faculty salaries with peer insti- vost for Academic Planning and Pinsky discussed a letter con- cost higher education in general profoundly impressed with what tutions likely would be presented Resources Management David taining talking points and legisla- and the importance of Pitt in we’re doing.” He suggested that at BPC’s June meeting. DeJong discussed the status of tors’ contact information that the particular. community outreach in the form • BPC’s next meeting is set for Pitt’s fiscal year 2012 budget. Senate, with the administration’s He noted that Pitt perhaps of faculty speaking to community 12:10 p.m. on May 20 in 512 CL. In the meeting’s open session, approval, sent April 25 to faculty. has not underscored enough in groups about their work is a way to —Kimberly K. Barlow n BPC chair John J. Baker offered a brief analysis of data from two Joint State Government Commis- sion reports on faculty instruc- Benefits open enrollment deadline is May 11 tional output and pay. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Using the figures reported to be sent to the employee’s home tests and prostate exams. Insurance Co. without the need by implementing relatively small the JSGC (which Baker pointed address within a few days of Pitt is continuing to offer nutri- to complete an Evidence of Insur- adjustments with minimal nega- out are different from IPEDs data changes being made, according tional counseling with a registered ability application, provided the tive impact,” she said. and figures used by the American to Human Resources. dietician. The service, available up employee previously has not been Michael Pinsky, president of Association of University Profes- Open enrollment is the only to six times per plan year, can be declined coverage by Unum. For the University Senate who sits sors), he noted that the average time that the Internal Revenue accessed at 1-800/807-0751. this benefit only, open enrollment on the medical advisory commit- salary for instructional faculty Service permits benefits changes The University will continue is extended to May 31. tee, said, “I am pleased with the of all ranks at Pitt increased 0.34 to be made. Otherwise, changes to offer optional dental and vision More information on the group limited cost increases considering percent from 2004-05 to 2009-10. are permitted only if there is a coverage. For dental coverage, long-term care insurance plan is the tough budget realities faced “If you look at these salary qualified life event such as birth of Pitt entered the first year of a new available at http://w3.unum.com/ both in terms of rising costs and increases across the board it’s a child, marriage, divorce or loss two-year contract with United enroll/upitt/enrollment.aspx. reduced state support.” less than inflation. We have a of a spouse’s coverage. Concordia. The Davis Vision q Staff Association Council 16.4 percent increase in inflation To help keep the increases in three-year contract is entering Faculty and staff representa- (SAC) President Gwen Watkins, in that six-year period and these health plan rates relatively low, its third year. tives on Pitt’s medical advisory who is on the advisory committee, salaries would average out less Kozar said, the University is The dental and vision plan committee were pleased that said, “SAC representatives worked than that,” he said. making two copayment changes: designs will remain the same; health insurance cost increases will with the medical benefits advisory During the same period tuition • Pharmacy copayments for however the dental rates have be relatively low for employees. board to make recommendations went up 30.7 percent for in-state generic and preferred brand increased by 1.8 percent. The rates Advisory committee member with regard to health benefit costs. students and 18 percent for out- drugs will increase by $2 for each for the vision program will remain Linda Rinaman, who also chairs On behalf of staff, we thank them of-state students and instructional prescription. Copayments for the same for the third consecutive the University Senate benefits for their diligence in creating a revenues showed increases of 41.7 non-preferred brands will increase year. Details on both plans are and welfare committee, told the plan where costs for staff have and 43.3 percent, respectively. by $4 for each prescription and contained in the packets. University Times, “Through been kept in small rates.” Citing critics in the state copayments for specialty medica- Due to new federal health insurance premiums and out-of- q budget debate who call attention tion will increase by $9 for each care reform provisions, cover- pocket expenses, employees pay, More information on Pitt’s to rising tuition costs, Baker said, prescription. age of eligible adult children will on average, only 20 percent of health care and other employee “They seem to be criticizing us • For Panther Gold HMO plan change Pitt’s benefits, effective the medical bills charged by hos- benefits can be found at www. because we’re raising instructional only: Office and specialist visits July 1, Kozar said. The new policy pitals, doctors and pharmacies; hr.pitt.edu/benefits/. revenue, but the figures they track will increase by $5. allows adult married and unmar- the University budget covers the Human Resources will hold don’t account for money going Plan members can save on ried children, up to the age of 26, remaining 80 percent of the true benefits fairs on Pitt’s five cam- into non-instructional things. prescription drug copays by to be covered under their parent’s cost of our health care. We are puses: Other expenses that the universi- purchasing a 90-day supply of medical insurance. The federal fortunate that these health care • Pittsburgh — noon-2:30 ties have go up, and they’re not prescription drugs at the Student provisions supersede Pennsylva- costs will be limited to a relatively p.m. May 5, 1105ABC Scaife looking at them.” Health Service pharmacy or Falk nia’s Act 4 provision that provided modest 3.3 percent increase this Hall; long-term care insurance The report showed a 4.3 Pharmacy at a discount. The sav- coverage up to age 30. year, especially considering that presentation — noon-1 p.m. May percent increase in Pitt’s state ings is equal to one copay. However, at Pitt any depen- the national cost of health care has 9, 1105B Scaife. appropriation over the six-year Plan options continue to be dents that are age 26 or older and increased by nearly twice as much.” • Johnstown — 11 a.m.-1 p.m. period, Baker said. Panther Gold (HMO), Panther enrolled in coverage as of June 30, Rinaman credited the dedica- April 28, Student Union Cambria Senate President Michael Premium (PPO), Panther Plus 2011, will be “grandfathered” for tion of the Benefits department Room. Pinsky said, “We’re supposed to (PPO) and Panther Basic (PPO). coverage under Act 4 as long as for holding down cost increases. • Greensburg — 11 a.m.-1 p.m. be keeping in-state tuition low Details on premium rate increases they meet the eligibility criteria. “The Benefits office has worked May 3, 101 and 118 Village Hall. and that’s the reason we get a state are included in the informational For more information on these tirelessly with the medical advisory • Bradford — 11 a.m.-1 p.m. appropriation. … The argument is packets. policies refer to www.hr.pitt.edu/ committee to consider all options May 9, Frame-Westerberg Com- the amount of state appropriation All plans will continue to waive benefits/depcover.htm. that will allow the University to mons, Mukaiyama University hasn’t gone up in proportion.” copays and deductibles for age- Kozar noted that this year continue offering its employees Room. Pinsky said he agreed with the related wellness and preventive open enrollment also provides access to — and coverage for — • Titusville — 11 a.m.-1 concept of keeping tuition low for services completed in-network, an opportunity for employees to world-class health care, while at p.m. May 10, Haskell Memorial in-state students, but if the state such as pediatric immunizations, enroll in group long-term care the same time constraining both Library. doesn’t help, “we have to make up mammography, colonoscopy, Pap insurance through Unum Life employee and University costs —Peter Hart n

Marcos topped the category with 0.19 pounds per person. Brandeis 79.69 percent. University topped the category Pitt just misses recycling goal The Pittsburgh campus ranked with 39.01 pounds. No. 99 out of 181 schools in the • No. 139 of 219 schools in itt came close to meeting RecycleMania 2011 pitted that Free the Planet does each year waste minimization category in bottles/cans, with 0.8 pounds per its recycling goal of 12 630 colleges and universities in a to promote the competition. It’s which schools compete to produce person. Franklin W. Olin Col- Ppounds per person in the nationwide effort to promote recy- nice to work with such an enthu- the least solid waste per person. lege of Engineering in Needham, 2011 RecycleMania competition. cling and reduce waste. Together siastic and responsible group of Pitt tallied 45.56 pounds per Mass., ranked No. 1 with 13.14 The Pittsburgh campus tal- the schools recovered 91 million students,” she said. person; North Lake College in pounds. lied 11.92 pounds per person in pounds of organic and recyclable q Irving, Texas, ranked No. 1 with RecycleMania also enables the eight-week competition that materials, saving the release of Pitt’s highest ranking overall 3.07 pounds. schools to compare their results wrapped up April 2, said Laura greenhouse gases equivalent to came in the Gorilla Prize cat- q with various peer groups. Zullo, Facilities Management’s the annual emissions from more egory, in which schools compete In individual categories for Among Big East Conference senior manager of energy initia- than 52.8 million passenger cars, for the highest gross tonnage of recycling targeted materials, Pitt schools, Pitt ranked No. 1 in paper, tives. according to competition orga- recyclables collected. The campus ranked: corrugated cardboard and bottles/ That was good for a No. 142 nizers. ranked No. 26 out of 363 schools in • No. 43 of 231 schools in cans and took second place in the finish out of 363 schools compet- Zullo said she was pleased the category, collecting 473,247.5 collecting corrugated cardboard, grand champion, Gorilla Prize, per ing in the category. Ranking No. with this year’s competition. “Our pounds. with 7.43 pounds per person. capita and food service organics 1 per capita was Union College primary reason for participating Rutgers University took first Union College ranked No. 1 with categories. of Schenectady, N.Y., with 55.69 is to increase recycling awareness place in the category, collecting 25.07 pounds. According to Zullo, Pitt’s Big pounds. within the University community, more than 3.05 million pounds. • No. 115 of 226 schools in East rankings improved over last The competition is a program particularly with our students. We In the grand champion compe- collecting paper, with 3.69 pounds year, when the campus took first of the RecycleMania steering work each year with Housing and tition, which measures recycling per person. Stetson University in place in just one category — cor- committee in coordination with Food Services, Residence Life and as a percentage of total waste Deland, Fla., ranked No. 1 with rugated cardboard. the College and University Recy- the student group Free the Planet generated, Pitt ranked No. 164 25.03 pounds. Full results are available at cling Coalition. Final results were to coordinate the event. We are out of 288 schools with 26.16 • No. 117 of 131 schools in http://recyclemaniacs.org. released April 18. particularly pleased with the work percent. California State-San food service organics, collecting —Kimberly K. Barlow n

6 APRIL 28, 2011 Teaching excellence

&TENURE

University Senate plenary session looks at the relationship between the two

ll discussions of tenure part of the mission statement, founded in scholarship can make tions of teaching are only part of date’s teaching. In one sense it’s and promotion for fac- and furthermore it is part of an no claim to excellence.” the big picture, Knapp said. “We a chance to make your case and Aulty at Pitt must derive institutional culture. Knowledge The school’s bylaws are not need to begin the day faculty arrive say: This is what I tried to do in from the premise that teaching is acquired through research, just an old graying document filed on campus and we need to expect my teaching and this how I think excellence is a fundamental com- though synthesis, through practice away, he said. In fact, the tenure them to be, or more realistically about it,” Knapp said. ponent of the University’s mission. and through teaching. In fact it’s procedures in the bylaws are to develop into, excellent teachers Perhaps more important, That was the common theme not just knowledge, but know- reviewed at all evaluation commit- and we need to make it possible for he said, this statement requires for speakers and panelists April 14 how, how to solve problems. We tee meetings, “to underline that that to happen. So we’re looking at people to reflect seriously on their at the University Senate’s spring have a faculty-based culture that those are the boundaries we’re a process that should begin as soon teaching and to think about what plenary session, “Teaching Excel- holds teaching excellence to be a interested in when we make those as they arrive and continue right their difficulties are, to begin to lence as a Criterion for Promotion fundamental component. Inspired crucial decisions,” Knapp said. on through the years,” he said. develop their own philosophy of and Tenure.” teaching keeps the flame of schol- “That’s important first of all How does Arts and Sciences teaching. Although the three panelists arship alive,” Balaban said. because it does establish that excel- take on such a tall order? In addition to documenting came to the discussion from widely lent teaching is a long-standing “There are several ways. One teaching, Knapp said, faculty varying perspectives — repre- Arts and Sciences: value of Arts and Sciences. But way, shared across the University, dossiers must include a curricu- senting Arts and Sciences, the Measuring & evaluating there’s another interesting thing is we evaluate our faculty on a lum vitae, a research statement regional campuses and the School and that is the notion that teach- regular basis,” including in annual and Office of Measurement and of Medicine — certain parallels teaching excellence ing is complex; it’s not a simple reviews by department chairs and Evaluation of Teaching student emerged regarding the defini- Panelist James Knapp, senior thing,” he said. in contract renewal discussions, evaluations. tion and importance of tenure to associate dean in the School of Part of its complexity is due Knapp said. “What we want to do “But we also encourage people faculty members’ careers and to Arts and Sciences who has served to the abundant diversity in the in Arts and Sciences is to consider to put in other supplementary Pitt’s reputation as a community on many tenure evaluation com- modes of education delivery, those evaluations within a process materials,” he said, such as course of scholars. mittees, began by reiterating the including the wide range of class that reinforces the importance syllabi, course goals and teaching The plenary session was hosted section on tenure in the school’s sizes and formats. “But teaching of teaching well and builds a strategies, feedback from students, by the Senate tenure and academic bylaws, which were developed in also takes place in science labs, culture in which excellent teach- sample examinations, lecture freedom committee and moder- the 1970s. in arts studios, in architecture ing is something the faculty will notes, sample readings and writing ated by committee chair Carey Within Arts and Sciences, studios, on stage in the theatre. It perpetuate.” assignments, including resulting Balaban, who is a professor of Knapp said, “Tenure is awarded takes place in writing workshops, Knapp leads two workshops student papers, and student- otolaryngology, neurobiology, for demonstrated excellence where people critique each other’s a year on the tenure process and generated discussion questions. communication science and dis- — together with the promise work. It takes place in undergradu- requirements for tenure-stream “As far as the workshop goes, orders, and bioengineering. of continued excellence — in ate research,” Knapp said. faculty. At the fall workshop for I’m trying to give as clear as pos- In introducing the panel- scholarship, in whatever form Teaching also includes super- new hires, he tells the new faculty sible a sense of what we think good ists, Balaban said Pitt should be that scholarship takes. Teaching vising dissertations, advising and to start a teaching portfolio. “It’s teaching is,” he said, returning to proud of its culture of teaching and research, or creative activity, student and peer mentoring, he very important to be thinking the school’s bylaws for reference: excellence. the two principal functions of added. about how am I going to be able “In judging excellence,” Knapp “So, this discussion is central to the University, are also the two “Some of these things are to show somebody a few years quoted, “the indispensable ingre- the University, but it is intended principal forms of scholarship. pretty hard to measure, but the from now that I am an excellent dient to promotion to tenured to help raise our consciousness The relationship between the two point I would make is that impor- teacher? How am I going to docu- rank should be creative intel- rather than to be an end-all,” is complex, and no single formula tant teaching is taking place in all ment that?” lectual vitality as reflected in the Balaban said. could serve as an adequate guide of them and because teaching is a As part of a faculty member’s candidate’s teaching and in the The University’s mission is the in every tenure case. central value of the University, we dossier, Arts and Sciences requires candidate’s contribution to the best starting point, Balaban said. “Excellence in research should need to learn to evaluate it very a teaching statement. “That state- advancement of knowledge or “Effective education really is not exclude the competence of well,” Knapp said. ment is an opportunity to inform in his or her artistic activity. ... a central value implicit in every teaching, and teaching that is not However, postmortem evalua- the evaluators about the candi- CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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

“As we have each said, the mis- sion of the University is critical to begin to decide what is tenure and Teaching excellence how we come about thinking how teaching fits into that,” Smith said. “Tenure for the individual who is tenured clearly is an enormous value. It certainly accords to the members of the faculty who have demonstrated that high ability and achievement the recognition they have merited for their dedication to the growth of human knowl- edge,” she said. “But the purpose of tenure transcends the individual value. It’s also intended to assure the University that there will be TENURE continuity in these experienced & faculty, so that the function for as sin is to confession. If you don’t nized as intellectual communities which faculty are responsible will participate in the former, you have around a particular subject, such be carried forth. The University very little to say in the latter.” as sciences and technology, the is recognizing the priceless worth Smith noted: “There is a spe- arts, politics, history and foreign for independence of mind and the cial connection between teaching cultures. freedom to inquire. That’s the real and advising, and research schol- “The faculty get involved in value for the individual of tenure, arship at both undergraduate and making presentations at the vil- that they are free to investigate graduate levels. As it turns out, lages, in partnering with students

Photos by Jim Burke/CIDDE and express what they believe and the nature of that research and in learning experiences. Faculty Senior associate dean of Arts and Sciences James Knapp what they discover.” the relationship and interaction also may sponsor a student club The process of awarding with the student is going to vary that might be discipline-related tenure, however, carries a kind of substantially,” making teaching or another where they share a CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 paradox: On the one hand, tenure evaluation a particular challenge. common interest such as sustain- These should be assessed with the the candidate and the chair what is awarded based on evidence of an Educational data show that ability,” Smith said. evidence they reveal of intellectual will be reviewed, so that everyone individual’s high ability and actual teaching graduate students typi- “We added some team-taught power and originality. Tenure is is on the same page and knows achievement, accomplishments cally advances the faculty mem- interdisciplinary academic village not a reward for past services, but what to expect, he said. that are reviewed retrospectively, ber’s current research agenda, but seminars that are just a real winner a kind of contract, a lifetime of Smith noted. teaching undergraduates makes with the students and the faculty security in exchange for a lifetime Pitt-Greensburg: “But the decision itself is faculty members ask fundamental members. The faculty are finding of continued creative scholarship.” A liberal arts college prospective. It is a decision that new questions. “Undergraduates they’re learning from one another Knapp said, “So, intellectual perspective pertains to a future that may be do not buy into assumptions. So it’s new ways of teaching. Faculty vitality, creative scholarship — UPG President Sharon Smith longer than 40 years. We must a different relationship, a different would not have any opportunity those are the key words. We’re drew on her experience as the therefore be clear in our minds partnership,” between student and to interact in this kind of shared interested in what you did the last associate director of the Project when we assign such a future teacher, she pointed out. learning experience on any other five years, but we’re more con- on Faculty Retirement, a study role to a faculty member that we Another study of graduate occasion,” she said. cerned with the next 30 years, to commissioned in the 1980s by the think about what the University programs in the sciences at the So how does Pitt-Greensburg see the kind of person who really Higher Education Association to of Pittsburgh is to become, not top universities demonstrated that gauge teaching effectiveness? cares about teaching, who’s going examine the effects of the elimi- simply what it is now. We who a graduate student enrolled in a A successful classroom per- to keep doing it.” nation of the federal mandatory make the decision have to take into program immediately after a shift formance as measured by student Experience has taught Knapp retirement age for educators. serious and equal or even greater in the discipline’s paradigm — for evaluations is an important start, that tenure candidate evaluations “That position ... really colored consideration: How does this indi- example, in the field of geology Smith said. rarely are cut-and-dried. my thinking on the nature of vidual fit into what we want the after plate theory emerged — “It is best if your system has “If we’re looking at teaching institutions of higher education, University to become over what holds a long-term career advan- every class the faculty member evaluations, for instance, and we what the meaning of tenure is will be decades of connection?” tage over a grad student who teaches evaluated and obviously have one that shows consistently and the role of faculty in those As a liberal arts college enroll- completes the program prior to the evaluations have to be done good evaluations, versus the one institutions,” Smith said. ing undergraduates exclusively, the paradigm shift. before grading. The cynic might whose evaluations are up and down “In performing the study it Pitt-Greensburg’s primary com- “If faculty are actively engaged say that’s just an evaluation of and all over the place, that second was important to understand the mitment is teaching effectiveness, in research, then the paradigm performance, rating whoever is person might be more interesting” nature of the different institutions Smith said. shift is immediately reflected the ‘best star,’” Smith said. “It isn’t. because the fluctuation might that we believed might be seri- “Nevertheless, we do not in their teaching. It’s critically It turns out that when you look at reflect the candidate’s desire to try ously affected: research universi- ignore those other criteria, important to the quality of what’s student evaluations of teaching different things, even if they are ties, where teaching loads tend because, as has been said, the going on in the classroom,” Smith effectiveness versus peer reviews sometimes unsuccessful, he said. to be lighter and the value of the relationship is complex. Actual explained. of the same teaching exercise, the “Maybe that’s the more interesting connection to a particular insti- accomplishment must be evident Teaching and service also are student evaluations are very robust person 30 years from now, and tution tends to be much higher; in each category. Extraordinary intertwined. “Teaching often measures of teaching effective- that’s what we’re trying to figure and liberal arts colleges, where achievement in one category inspires service on the campus ness, even at the undergraduate out. It’s very hard to figure that out, faculty sizes are small, teaching is does not offset insufficiency in and in the outside community,” level where the student may but that’s what we’re trying to do.” the primary mission and a single another,” she said. Smith said. never have been exposed to the Arts and Sciences also has sev- faculty member may be the only She cited a quote from John She pointed to Pitt-Greens- discipline before. It is true that the eral built-in mechanisms to aid in expert in a particular discipline. Slaughter, president of Occidental burg’s Academic Villages program, comments that are added by the a faculty member’s development So if that faculty member becomes College: “Research is to teaching in which residence halls are orga- students, supplemented by serious as a teacher, he noted, including ineffectual, the entire discipline peer reviews, are also part of that.” a requirement that every new disappears from the institution,” Equally important is how tenure-stream hire be provided Smith said. faculty respond to the feedback with appropriate mentoring. “Yes, I’m a president of a of their reviews, she noted. “A “We also require peer review of regional campus within the Uni- group of students may say that that teaching, so that your colleagues versity of Pittsburgh system, but I faculty member is disorganized. in the department have to come go back to the institutional identity If the faculty member sees that to your class from time to time. of that campus, which is a liberal as constructive feedback and acts We make it clear that that doesn’t arts college.” on that, that’s a wonderful learn- mean it’s like a movie review: ‘Well Nonetheless, Pitt-Greensburg ing experience and a clear sign I liked that great chase scene.’ But holds certain values in common of a commitment to continuous rather it’s someone who learns with all units of the University, improvement,” Smith maintained. about the class, talks to the faculty she noted. “The mission of every Promotion and tenure evalua- member beforehand, looks at the part of the University is for the tors also must be aware of certain materials, talks with you after and advancement of learning, and we trends in student evaluations to really understands the much more seek to discover the knowledge avoid attaching undue weight to holistic context of the course. and to transmit it to our students criticisms, she said. That’s something that puts you in but at the same time to help them “Data show the humanities touch with your colleagues around find careers.” are graded the most generously; the issue of teaching,” he said. In addition, Pitt’s three-part the natural sciences the most The workshop Knapp leads charge to its faculty members harshly, and social sciences in the in April is for those candidates — to demonstrate proficiency in middle. Students grade required who are up for tenure and facing teaching; research or scholarship, courses more harshly than elective an evaluation. In that workshop, and service or citizenship — is courses,” Smith said. Knapp also invites the department enforced across the board at all “At Pitt-Greensburg, knowing chairs. The goal is to make clear to campuses, she noted. Pitt-Greensburg President Sharon Smith these influences on how the classes

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centers as we know them evolved for medical schools and hospitals affiliated with them. The second Teaching excellence factor, of course, was the bur- geoning of biomedical research in America, driven largely by the development of the National Institutes of Health in 1937.” In Osler’s era, physicians trained mostly in a single specialty after graduating from medical school. Now physicians often train in a second and even a third subspecialty, Smitherman noted. “With the explosion of bio- medical knowledge and biomedi- cal research, we need to teach and train more graduate students and TENURE post-graduate trainees in the basic biomedical sciences,” he said. are evaluated, we also look for the of modern medicine, and his col- “This explosion has also meant signs of a commitment to teaching leagues founded Johns Hopkins we have to keep educating our- and learning, that faculty members Hospital in Baltimore and four selves. So we have a lot of people to are actively engaged in developing years later founded its School of teach. We teach medical students, new courses that enrich the cur- Medicine. graduate students, postdoctoral riculum and the majors and that “One of Osler’s key contribu- clinical and research trainees and demonstrate the faculty creativ- tions was the importance of early we teach ourselves.” ity and the connection with the exposure of medical students to In the current academic year, emerging ideas.” hospital patients, and he later Pitt’s medical school faculty In the past four years, UPG established medical residences, teach and train more than 3,000 School of Medicine professor Thomas Smitherman faculty have developed new majors where medical school graduates individuals. in chemistry, early childhood edu- spent several years living and Large complex academic medi- man explained. way for the researcher who also cation, secondary education and sleeping in the hospital to increase cal centers like Pitt’s require an To facilitate faculty career contributes substantially to service Spanish, as well as a new track in their knowledge and skills. He ever-larger and more complex, development and planning for and teaching and whose teach- the psychology major, she noted. reduced the time spent in didactic varied and collaborative medical reviews for promotion and refer- ing activities typically account “We also look for our faculty lectures and established teaching faculty, he said. “As of March, ral of tenure, the medical school for about 10 percent of their to be engaged in assessment and rounds on hospitalized patients,” there were 2,115 faculty members, developed five somewhat nuanced contributions. The majority of revision. That demonstrates Smitherman said. up 9 percent from academic year pathways to divide its faculty. these faculty members are in the a commitment to continuous The second pivotal event took 2007. The size of the faculty has The five pathways for medical tenure-stream. improvement to the individual place in 1904 when the American more than doubled in the last 25 faculty are: clinician, clinician- • The researcher pathway is courses and the overall program,” Medical Association created the years and it has increased 200-fold educator, clinician-investiga- rarely used and it’s restricted to the Smith said. Council on Medical Education since [the school’s beginning] in tor, investigator-educator and non-tenure-stream. It is strictly Part of effective teaching at to restructure medical education, 1886,” Smitherman said. researcher. for investigators who choose to UPG includes academic advising. he said. “Our teaching has become • The clinician pathway, which contribute to the academic mis- “We have professional aca- “They developed the standards more complex, with fewer large is limited to the non-tenure- sion primarily by collaboration, demic advisers as students go of pre-medical school training, lectures, more small-group ses- stream, is for faculty members rather than as principal investi- through their freshman and and the structure of medical school sions. Almost all of our teach- who devote most of their time — gators. sophomore year, but as they go education, including requiring ing now is part of a team effort. up to 80 percent — to the direct “In all the pathways, we’ve deeper into their discipline they two years of basic sciences and Much of it is performed in small delivery of health care services, tried to place our emphasis on can find faculty to advise them,” two years at a teaching hospital.” groups at the hospital bedside or but also are active teachers and assessing the candidate for promo- she said. At that time there were 155 in outpatient clinics, operating may participate, usually as col- tion or the conferral of tenure on “There’s also special advising U.S. medical schools. “Many were rooms, procedural laboratories laborators, in research activities. our sense of the candidate’s overall for particular areas, whether it’s proprietary and for-profit with or the bench of basic laboratory Their scholarship is measured impact in teaching, service and pre-med, pre-law, K-12 teaching no affiliation with a university,” or clinical research, often closely principally by their scholarship scholarly activities. We believe or our new Ben Franklin Society Smitherman said. allied to the faculty’s clinical in teaching. we’re making some innovative to mentor our students to seek Then, in 1908 the Carnegie service and research interests,” • The clinician-educator and fruitful progress in the use of scholarships and fellowships.” Foundation began a survey of Smitherman said. pathway is for faculty members teaching excellence as a criterion In addition, student engage- medical education headed by a From the post-Flexner era into who are clinicians, but who also for tenure and promotions,” he ment includes mentoring students professional educator, Abraham the 1950s, medical school facul- devote substantial time to educa- said. in independent study and capstone Flexner. ties were much smaller relative tional efforts, often playing major “We think we’re pretty good projects, advising clubs and hon- Flexner visited all the medical to today. roles in curriculum and program at measuring the quantity of orary societies, career counseling schools in the United States and “Most of the faculty members development and revision. Their teaching for Pitt med faculty and community service. Canada and wrote an unflattering were clinician/investigators or scholarship is primarily measured members, but how do we measure “What’s the long-term impact report in 1910, citing students basic scientists, principally work- by their scholarship in teaching, the quality?” of effective teaching? It’s well- being subjected to “interminable ing as investigator-educators. but that includes curriculum and Evaluators look at two levels taught, high-achieving students lectures and recitations ... deliv- Together they sorted out much of program development. of quality: measuring the overall that are the outcome we seek now ered in methodical fashion by the basic details of human biology, “This pathway is largely lim- quality of the MD degree, as well and into the future. Those stu- part-time teachers. If fortunate the basic mechanisms of many ited to the non-tenure stream, as the quality of courses, pro- dents become successful alumni. enough to gain admission to a diseases and the basic treatment but in a very innovative approach, grams, departments and divisions; The alumni owe their success hospital, they observed more than approaches to those diseases,” each year a small number, usually and the quality of each faculty to you, the faculty. They are the participated.” Smitherman said. one or two, based on exceptional member. school’s true endowment and Pitt’s School of Medicine “They sat on a three-legged teaching accomplishments, are “I polled a number of Pitt med they are our gift to the state of traces its roots to 1886. It started stool with nearly equal legs of ser- placed in the tenure-stream,” faculty members who are heav- Pennsylvania,” Smith concluded. as a proprietary school founded vice, teaching and research. Evalu- Smitherman noted. ily invested in teaching. Using a by several local physicians and in ations of those three activities for • “The clinician-investigator 5-point score of poor, fair, good, 1892 it became loosely affiliated promotion and tenure decisions pathway is one that we have been excellent or outstanding, there was School of Medicine: with the Western University of were reasonably straightforward innovating here by substantially remarkable consensus that we do The evolution of Pennsylvania (Pitt’s former name), in that era.” resurrecting it. It is for busy an excellent job of evaluating the evaluating and became fully integrated with But today’s medical faculty clinicians who are also actively overall quality of our teaching, but medical education the University in 1908. members have to learn to sit com- involved in research and teach- at the individual faculty member Panelist Thomas Smitherman, “Flexner visited in 1910. He fortably on a stool with three legs ing. The tripartite activities of level there also was remarkable a professor in the School of Medi- commended many aspects of the of unequal length, he maintained. these faculty members are often consensus that we only do a fair- cine and a long-time member of medical school and particularly “The older and simpler methods closely related. The large majority to-good job,” Smitherman said. the school’s tenure and promotion cited it as an example of what of evaluating faculty have become are in the non-tenure stream, but “What do we use to measure committee, offered a short history could be accomplished with sound less effective.” the busy clinician who is an active teaching quality overall for our lesson on the evolution of medical university management,” Smith- Some medical schools in the teacher and is considered to be students? First, we have immedi- education as a way of comparing erman said. current era have limited confer- an exceptional investigator in the ate and extensive feedback from old and new philosophies of the “Pitt med survived the Flexner ral of tenure to those faculty who top tier of clinician-investigators students on each course and role of teaching. report, but most schools did not. function primarily as investigator- at Pitt med may be placed in the further feedback at a later time. “Medical education in America By 1935 only 66 of 155 medical educators. “That can obviously be tenure stream and now represent These are obviously helpful, but was fairly limited until the turn of schools survived and all but nine detrimental to morale, recruit- about 20-30 percent of all of the it’s noteworthy that the later feed- the 20th century. Two key events were fully integrated into a uni- ment and retention, and at Pitt candidates in the tenure-stream, back is almost always less positive were vital to change that,” Smi- versity. A new era had begun.” med we set out on a different which is rather innovative if you than the immediate feedback, therman said. He cited two other factors that course. We recognize the need look across America,” Smither- something we need to understand In 1889, Sir William Osler, a have influenced the direction of to be flexible and to identify and man explained. better,” he said. Canadian physician and scholar medical education: “After World reward excellence of all sorts with • The investigator-educator In measuring overall quality, who is sometimes called the father War II, large and complex medical promotion and tenure,” Smither- pathway is the traditional path- CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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“In conclusion, I think we can We act as educators of the public. say that recent and current experi- We present material and concepts Teaching excellence ence show that teaching excellence for policy decisions in front of plays an important role in promo- congressional committees, for tion and tenure considerations in example. And in fact we have a the School of Medicine. I think tremendous amount of serious it’s very unfortunate that many thought and dedicated effort of our faculty still may not fully going into this, how we develop recognize that,” he said. this and how we evaluate this “I further conclude that we’re to better develop it within our doing an excellent job on evaluat- faculty.” ing the educational quality of our Balaban concluded with a courses, programs and degrees quote attributed to Aristotle: “In &TENURE and that the results of these general it is a sign of the human CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 annual evaluations confirm their who knows and the human who evaluators look at student grades program residents and clinical fel- Similar to other Pitt units, excellence. Finally, however, I does not know that the former can on the three parts of the U.S. lows, and the positions into which department chairs and division conclude that while we’re doing teach, and therefore we think art medical licensing exam; the qual- nonclinical postdoctoral fellows chiefs carry out annual perfor- an adequate job of evaluating the more truly knowledge than expe- ity rankings of the internships into are recruited upon completion of mance appraisals for all activities, quality of individual Pitt med fac- rience is, for the artist can teach which Pitt students are placed; their training. including teaching. ulty members, there appears to be and humans of mere experience the performance on standard- “Our students’ scores are high “But my poll provided con- an opportunity for improvement cannot.” ized examinations and specialty and correlate to some degree with sensus that the objective of and maybe that is something that Balaban said: “I think that cap- board certification examinations their performance in medical those teaching appraisals could can be talked about further.” tures very well in our intellectual of postdoctoral clinical training school, but we recruit top students. be improved and that such q history what we’re all about as a That leaves open the question of improvement would also lead to Following the panel presenta- university. Teaching is a measure who’s responsible: bright students an improvement in conviction tions and a brief question-and- of your overall scholarship and or our teaching abilities?” Smi- of our faculty that evaluation of answer session, event moderator grasp, what an integrated person therman noted. “Students may teaching excellence is viewed to Carey Balaban said, “I think we’ve you are. We’re individuals devel- choose an internship for reasons be very important,” he said. all heard the issues very well. But oping knowledge, but it’s not other than the program quality, “In my poll again there was the most astounding part of this our knowledge, it’s the collective which also confounds the data, remarkable consensus that an in- to me, in this experiment bringing knowledge of a community of and fellows may accept a job depth peer review of each course or together representatives of what scholars within our departments, offer for reasons other than the program and each participant soon we think are three very diverse within our schools and beyond perceived quality and prestige of after the course or program was academic units of the University, that project out into society both the institution.” completed would be very valuable is how we really did have a shared in the United States and the In assessing the teaching and more effective than anything view of the role of teaching and world.” quality of the individual faculty in widespread use now. So why being educators in our career as q member, “we have feedback from don’t we do it all the time? Such scholars. Chancellor Mark Norden- the students and trainees soon activities are time-consuming, “Teaching is an integral part of berg, Provost Patricia Beeson after the teaching activity for the they’re difficult to organize and our mission at the University; it is and University Senate President individual participants as well as they could be uncomfortable, but a shared culture to have effective Michael Pinsky also offered brief for the overall course or rotation. the enthusiasm for such activities teaching across all of our units; remarks. The full plenary session This provides useful information, from so many leads me to conclude we encompass many different is available for viewing online at but the grades may be influenced that this idea deserves strong audiences, from undergraduate http://mediasite.cidde.pitt.edu/ by the popularity factor versus consideration for the future in education through continuing mediasite/Viewer/?peid=667cd9 course content or course rel- evaluating teaching at Pitt med,” education through graduate edu- b0327c41c2a7f4e0e106730d41. Carey Balaban evance,” Smitherman said. Smitherman said. cation, and everything in between. —Peter Hart n

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& APRIL 28, 2011

R E S E A R C H N O T E S escalation of R&D collaboration The University Times Research between Norway and countries Notes column reports on funding Single- www.news.pitt.edu/news/Levy_ of agents that block specific excit- within North America. In the awarded to Pitt researchers and SketchSET_NatureNano. atory and inhibitory receptors 2011 round of competition, 42 on findings arising from University electron research. transistor and seeing how the brain center of approximately 150 project We welcome submissions from developed responded, Tzounopoulos’s team proposals were funded. all areas of the University. Submit Causes of determined that blocking an Zadorozhny will spend a information via email to: utimes@ A team led by Pitt research- tinnitus probed inhibitory pathway that produces portion of the summer at the pitt.edu, by fax to 412/624-4579 or ers has created a single-electron Tinnitus, a relentless and often by campus mail to 308 Bellefield Hall. GABA, an inhibitory neurotrans- University of Agder, conduct- For submission guidelines, transistor that provides a building life-changing ringing in the ears, mitter, enhanced the response in ing research on efficient data visit www.utimes.pitt.edu/?page_ block for new, more powerful is the result of under-inhibition the region surrounding the DCN processing, privacy and security id=6807. computer memories, advanced of key neural pathways in the in the control brain slices more so in large-scale information net- electronic materials and the brain’s auditory center, report than it did in the tinnitus slices. works. One of the goals of this initiated project entitled “Secu- basic components of quantum School of Medicine scientists in “That means the DCN cir- visit is to stimulate long-term rity, Services, Networking and computers. the Proceedings of the National cuits are already ‘disinhibited,’ or research projects between Pitt Performance of Next Generation The researchers report in Academy of Sciences. blocked, in tinnitus,” Tzounopou- and the University of Agder in IP-based Multimedia Wireless Nature Nanotechnology that the The discovery, which used a los explained. “We couldn’t block information and communication Networks,” which is supported transistor’s central component new technique to image auditory inhibition anymore to elevate the technology (ICT). Zadorozhny by the European Commission. — an “island” 1.5 nanometers circuits using slices of brain tissue evoked response, like we could in and his colleagues in Norway have Within this project, Pitt, the in diameter — operates with in the lab, points the way to drug the normal brain. And, when we an established track record of University of Agder and 11 other the addition of only one or two development and effective treat- blocked another inhibitory circuit research and collaboration in ICT. universities will collaborate on electrons. That capability would ment for a condition that currently mediated by the neurotransmit- Under the Leiv Eiriksson research about next-generation make the transistor important to has no cure. ter glycine, or when we blocked program, Zadorozhny will also mobile systems and wireless net- a range of computational applica- Prior research has shown that excitatory pathways, there was conduct research for a newly works. n tions, from ultra-dense memories auditory circuits in the brain are no difference in the responses to quantum processors, powerful more excitable in tinnitus suf- between the groups.” devices that promise to solve ferers, but until now it has not Tzounopoulos’s team now problems so complex that all of been clear whether that is due is trying to identify agents that the world’s computers working to hyperactivity of excitatory increase GABA-mediated inhi- together for billions of years could neural pathways, reduced activ- bition, which could be effective not crack them. ity of inhibitory ones or a bit of treatments for tinnitus. In addition, the tiny central both, explained senior investigator Pitt co-authors of the paper island could be used as an artificial Thanos Tzounopoulos, a faculty included Jason W. Middleton atom for developing new classes member in otolaryngology and and Courtney Pedersen. of artificial electronic materials, neurobiology. The research was funded by such as exotic superconductors “This auditory imbalance the National Institutes of Health, with properties not found in leaves the patient hearing a con- the U.S. Department of Defense, natural materials, explained lead stant ringing, buzzing or other the American Tinnitus Asso- researcher Jeremy Levy, a faculty irritating noise even when there ciation and the Albert and Ellen member in physics and astronomy. is no actual sound,” he said. “Tin- Grass Faculty Award. Levy worked with graduate nitus drowns out music, television, student Guanglei Cheng and co-workers, friends and family,and IS faculty researchers Feng Bi, Daniela it profoundly changes how the member Bogorin and Cheng Cen, all of patient perceives and interacts to conduct physics and astronomy, in con- with the world.” junction with researchers from According to the American research in the University of Wisconsin, HP Tinnitus Association, tinnitus is Norway Labs and the State University of the most common service-con- School of Information Sci- Campinas in Brazil. nected disability among veterans ences (SIS) faculty member Vladi- Levy and his colleagues named of the Iraq and Afghanistan con- mir Zadorozhny was awarded a their device SketchSET (for flicts. Of the 50 million people who Leiv Eiriksson Fellowship by the sketch-based single-electron tran- have experienced it, 16 million Norwegian Research Council. sistor) after a technique developed have symptoms severe enough to The Leiv Eiriksson Mobility in Levy’s lab in 2008 that works like seek medical attention and 2 mil- Programme is designed to attract a microscopic Etch A Sketch, the lion tinnitus sufferers are unable top-level researchers to Norway drawing toy that inspired the idea. to carry out day-to-day activities. and to strengthen the long-term Using the sharp conduct- To identify what goes wrong ing probe of an atomic force in the brain’s auditory circuits, microscope, Levy can create Tzounopoulos’s team created tin- such electronic devices as wires nitus in a mouse model. While the and transistors of nanometer rodent was sedated, one ear was dimensions at the interface of a exposed to 45 minutes of 116-deci- crystal of strontium titanate and a bel (dB) sound, equivalent to an 1.2-nanometer thick layer of lan- ambulance siren. Several weeks thanum aluminate. The electronic later, the scientists confirmed devices then can be erased and the the exposed mice had tinnitus by interface reused. conducting startle experiments in The SketchSET, which is the which a continuous, 70dB tone was first single-electron transistor played for a period, then stopped made entirely of oxide-based briefly and then resumed before materials, consists of an island being interrupted with a much formation that can house up to louder pulse. two electrons. The number of Mice with normal hearing electrons on the island results in could perceive the gap and, distinct conductive properties, and because they were aware some- wires extending from the transis- thing had changed, were less tor carry additional electrons startled than mice with tinnitus, across the island. whose ear ringing masked the One virtue of a single-electron moment of silence between the transistor is its extreme sensitivity background tones. to an electric charge, Levy said. The scientists then sought to Another property of these oxide determine what had gone wrong materials is ferroelectricity, which in the balance of excitation and allows the transistor to act as a inhibition of the auditory circuits solid-state memory. A computer in the affected mice. Experiments memory based on this property were performed in the dorsal would be able to retain informa- cochlear nucleus (DCN), a spe- tion even when the processor itself cialized auditory brain center is powered down, Levy said. The that is crucial in the triggering of ferroelectric state also is expected tinnitus. Imaging showed that the to be sensitive to small pressure tinnitus group had, as expected, a changes at nanometer scales, greater response than the control making this device potentially group to electrical stimulation. useful as a nanoscale charge and Most importantly, despite local force sensor. stimulation, DCN responses An atomic-scale depiction of spread farther in the affected mice. the SketchSET is available at After administering a variety

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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- Among those faculty in the and Reproduc- by the Society for Gynecologic tive appointments. Schools of the Health Sciences tive Sciences and Investigation. We welcome submissions from all areas of the University. Send informa- tion via email to: [email protected], by fax at 412/624-4579 or by campus mail whose work has been acknowl- Magee-Wom- The award is made annually to to 308 Bellefield Hall. edged recently with awards and ens Research a senior investigator who has made For submission guidelines, visit www.utimes.pitt.edu/?page_id=6807. accolades are: Institute, was significant and lasting contribu- • James Roberts of the awarded the tions to scientific research and School of Nurs- the 2011 New Jersey Medical School of Medicine’s Depart- 2011 President’s reproductive medicine. ing has received School PM&R Teaching Award. ment of Obstetrics, Gynecology Distinguished Scientist Award • Paula Sherwood of the a Fulbright Boninger is a member of the Scholarship to American Orthopaedic Foot and help develop cur- Ankle Society, the American Acad- riculum and the emy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and research agenda the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic at the University Society. of Finland School of Nursing. In • Brad Dicianno of the addition, she will study how fami- Department of Physical Medi- lies in Finland care for loved ones cine and Rehabilitation, School with cancer and compare those of Medicine recently received experiences with family caregivers the Young Academician Award in the United States. from the Association of Academic • Dane Wukich, a faculty Physiatrists. member in the The award honors a member medical school’s of the association who has demon- Department of strated outstanding performance Orthopaedic Sur- in the areas of teaching, research gery and director and/or administration, has an aca- of the UPMC demic rank of associate professor Comprehensive or lower and is no more than five Foot and Ankle years past residency/fellowship Center, recently participated in training. the international Charcot foot • Gwendolyn Sowa, a faculty task force in Paris. member in the The American Diabetes Asso- Department of ciation and the American Podiatric Physical Medi- Medical Association convened cine and Reha- the task force of experts to make bilitation, School recommendations on diabetic of Medicine, and Charcot foot syndrome. assistant dean for • Michael Boninger, chief medical student research, was of the Division selected by the American Academy of Orthopaedic of Physical Medicine and Reha- Foot and Ankle bilitation as this year’s recipient Surgery and chair of the President’s Citation Award of the School for her abstract titled, “Alterations of Medicine’s in Intervertebral Disk Matrix Department of Homeostasis by In Vivo Dynamic Physical Medicine and Rehabilita- Compression.” tion, was selected by the faculty of As part of the award, her work the Department of Physical Medi- was highlighted in the February cine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) 2011 edition of The Physiatrist. at the University of Medicine and • Julie Childers of the medical Dentistry of New Jersey to receive school’s section of palliative care and medical ethics in the Division of General Internal Medicine, received the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine’s Award for Young Investigators in the junior faculty category. Childers was recognized for her proposal, “Managing Opioid Misuse in Palliative Care Settings: How Prepared Do Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellows Feel?” • Sandra Engberg, chair of the School of Nurs- ing’s Depart- ment of Health Promotion and Development, was appointed as associate dean for clinical educa- tion at the nursing school. Engberg maintains an active research program in incontinence and in alternative interventions for women and older-adult popula- tions. • Denise Charron-Pro- chownik has been named interim chair of nursing’s health promotion and development department. She also maintains an active research program in pedi- atric diabetes. • Daniel Pat- terson, a faculty member in the medical school’s Department of Emergency Med- icine and director of research at the CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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Social work professor emerita and her example as a social work Anne Rose Jones, who was the practitioner and educator.” founder and director of the School Anne Rose Jones Among many awards, Jones of Social Work’s undergraduate Social Work degree in 1964. Fol- the second graduating class of was named a most distinguished program, died April 16, 2011. lowing her faculty appointment the BASW program developed woman by the Pittsburgh Post- She was 89. here in 1968, she was named direc- by Jones. Gazette in 1969 and was named Jones was well-established in tor and charged with developing “Once I met Anne, I knew I Woman of the Year by the Business the local and regional social work the new undergraduate program had come home to Pitt and to and Professional Women’s Asso- agency scene prior to joining the in 1970. the social work family. She was ciation in 1971. She was honored Pitt faculty in 1968 as adjunct She was promoted to associate more than a program director; with the Distinguished Alumni assistant professor. professor in 1972, earned a PhD she was our nurturer and shepherd Award from the School of Social A native of New Castle, Jones in higher education here in 1978 through our pre-professional Work in 1985. received a bachelor’s degree from and was promoted to professor education,” Soska said. She also received the Sojourner Livingstone College in Salisbury, in 1983. She retired as professor “Not only did she lead me into Truth Award, the Neighborhood N.C., in 1944, and took a job emerita in 1989. “I knew her from our days together the social work profession by her Centers Association Special Rec- working in a migrant camp and In 1973-75 Jones served as at the Settlement House and we teaching but, more importantly, ognition honor and a proclama- children’s care home in Homer, acting chair of the Department worked on the Pittsburgh anti- by her outstanding example of tion from the City of Pittsburgh N.Y. of Black Studies. Her University poverty program together before service and her ability to bring for commitment to civil rights She came to Pittsburgh in 1948 positions also included service as she came to our school. Her matu- her practical experience into the and multicultural understanding. to join the staff of the Termon vice president of the University rity, thoughtfulness and decency classroom.” Jones served on the boards of Avenue Home for Children on the Senate (1975); co-chair of Equi- made her the perfect social worker. Jones always had time for numerous organizations including city’s North Side. During her long poise (1981); co-chair of the affir- She was a tremendous faculty students and took a personal Womanspace East, Three Rivers career, Jones also held positions mative action committee (1981- member. I don’t think there was interest in them, Soska said. “Her Adoption Council, Hill House with Community Action Pitts- 84); member of Faculty Assembly ever, ever any faculty member who smile and comforting way were Association, the National Associa- burgh, ACTION-Housing, the and Senate Council (1980-82); was more liked and respected by always uplifting, but she could tion of Black Social Workers and Anna B. Heldman Community member of the Provost’s advisory both students and faculty, and the also dispense tough love and high the Allegheny County children Center and the Irene Kaufman committee on women’s concerns staff, too. She just was a uniquely expectation — you didn’t want to and youth advisory committee. Settlement House. (1984), and member of the bicen- qualified person. I thought of her disappoint her, as she was so kind She is survived by her daughter, She was director of training at tennial committee (1987). as my saint.” and supportive,” he said. “I am Connie Rose-Leagiton; son-in- the city’s anti-poverty program in Long-time friend and col- Jones’s former student and forever grateful for her helping law, Lee Leagiton; nephews Frank the 1960s, at one point serving as league Morton Coleman, profes- advisee, Tracy Soska, now an me find a home in the school as Derr and Ronald Hill; great- acting executive director. sor emeritus of social work, knew assistant professor and director of first a student and later a faculty nephews Travis and Matthew Hill, Jones enrolled at Pitt in the Jones for 55 years. continuing education at the School member. I hope I have lived up and numerous cousins. early 1960s, earning a Master of “I loved Anne,” Coleman said. of Social Work, was a member of to her high expectations of me —Peter Hart n

Mathematics professor emeri- complete the math requirements. tus Mario Benedicty died April Mario Benedicty “He had a sense of humor and a 8, 2011, in Palo Alto, Calif. He psychological studies of math- puter punch cards and reams of cerned, and he was thereafter well- sense of perspective,” she said, was 88. ematics learning. computer paper. Of course he had disposed toward me,” she said. As adding that she was certain he Born in Trieste, Italy, during In 1987 he co-authored a worked on this in the days before there was no UESP intermediate otherwise would not have passed World War II Benedicty served in textbook on discrete mathematical PC computers,” she recalled. calculus course, Benedicty devised her. “He had the largeness of the British special forces in Italy structures with former Pitt math- Pat Schuetz, a former student one for her. “He handed me a syl- mind to understand that it made and was awarded the Italian Silver ematics student Frank R. Sledge. of Benedicty’s, credited the pro- labus, the name of the textbook, a no practical difference,” she said, Medal of Military Valor. Benedicty received the title fessor with paving the way for her schedule of his office hours and the adding that in her subsequent He received his PhD in math- professor emeritus in 1992 and career change. Schuetz had been dates when his classroom course career in systems engineering, “I ematics from the University of continued to teach at Pitt until emboldened to use her tuition would be taking exams.” never used a minute of calculus.” Rome in 1946 and taught math- he retired to Palo Alto in 1994. benefit to earn a computer science Teaching herself turned out to Benedicty is survived by ematics at Universita Gregoriana Colleague Beverly Michael degree after rewriting a profes- be disastrous. “But I showed up at his wife, Alfonsina Mucciante; in the Vatican, La Sapienza Uni- remembers Benedicty for his sor’s independent-study business every one of Dr. B’s office hours. children Gustavo Benedicty and versity of Rome and the Univer- precision and his affinity for using calculus course as part of her job I had the great good fortune to Franca Benedicty Barton Clarke; sity of British Columbia before fountain pens. “When he retired I at the University External Studies identify an error in the textbook, five grandchildren, and three coming to Pitt in 1958. inherited some of his jars of ink,” Program (UESP). Two calculus which impressed him, and he had great-grandchildren. Benedicty chaired Pitt’s math- she said, adding that they bring courses and linear algebra were the goodness to, in effect, teach Contributions in his name ematics department 1962-74. him to mind frequently. required. me the entire course in his office.” may be made to The Campaign In addition to teaching in “Once when I was working on She aced Benedicty’s UESP Knowing that Schuetz was to Build a New Health Center at the department, he collaborated creating a placement test, he told introductory calculus course. not planning on a career in math, Channing House (www.channing- with the Learning Research and me he had already done that, and “My success seemed to validate Benedicty found a way to give her house.org/new-health-center). Development Center on cognitive gave me a box filled with old com- his effort, as far as he was con- the passing grade she needed to —Kimberly K. Barlow n

P E O P L E O F T H E T I M E S CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 Center for Emergency Medi- Award from the American Health joins 118 young scientists from 54 Isabelle Champlin, a faculty ing experience including each of cine of Western Pennsylvania at Education Foundation. universities in the United States member in anthropology at Pitt- the last four sea- UPMC, recently was named a and Canada. He is the fourth Bradford, has received the UPB sons at the NCAA 2010 EMS Innovator, an award Pitt’s Dick Thornburgh Forum Sloan fellow from Pitt in the past 2011 Chairs’ Faculty Teaching Division I level. sponsored by JEMS Emergency for Law and Public Policy has three years. Award for excellence in teaching. He spent the last Medical Services. named law school adjunct pro- Rebeiz works In choosing an award recipient, season as an assis- Through numerous studies fessor Joseph S. Hornack as the at the forefront of the chairpersons of Pitt-Bradford’s tant coach at Mar- on the safety culture of EMS, the recipient of a Dick Thornburgh evolution, com- five academic divisions reviewed shall University. teamwork/conflict levels between faculty academic support grant. paring the genes letters of recommendation, stu- Prior to his stint at Marshall, providers and the effects of sleep The award will support the steps of an individual dent evaluations, syllabi and grade Barton spent three seasons at and fatigue levels on providers, necessary for Hornack to develop with a new trait distribution. Duquesne University (2007-10), Patterson has been able to show a seminar course to be offered to the genes of They also considered the including two years as associate industry-wide trends that can at the School of Law during the its predecessors. His most recent teachers’ knowledge of the subject head coach. improve safety in the field. 2012-13 academic year. research focuses on the evolution matter and their advising and dedi- Barton replaces Pat Skerry, • Robert Connamacher of This term, Hornack is teaching of fruit flies. A newly evolved cation in working with students who was named head coach at the School of Medicine has been The Law of Disability Discrimina- characteristic often is simply beyond the classroom. Towson University. selected by the Student National tion. His proposal is for a student the result of an old gene being Champlin, who has taught at Medical Association for induction who has completed this course to expressed in a new way, Rebeiz UPB for 40 years and is director of Three Rivers Youth will pres- in the SNMA Hall of Heroes. conduct research in a fall 2011 explained. He seeks to understand the international studies program, ent its Nellie Leadership Awards The distinction is bestowed on course titled Archive Research: how and why regulatory switches annually leads students on a spring May 6, honoring community individuals who serve premedical Dick Thornburgh’s Commitment change to produce novelties, that break trip to study Mayan ruins leaders who champion the cause and medical students and who help to Persons With Disabilities. The is, characteristics with no genetic in Mexico. She also has accom- of youth and families. diversify the physician workforce. results of that research will assist precedent. panied students to Japan and has Among this year’s winners Connamacher, who is out- Hornack in developing the new helped them uncover artifacts at are Robert Hill, vice chancellor reach coordinator for diversity seminar course. Nancy Tannery, associate archaeological sites in the Allegh- for Public Affairs, who is being programs at the medical school, director for user services at the eny National Forest. honored for education and civic has helped increase the number of Mark Rebeiz, a faculty Health Sciences Library System, engagement, and Pitt trustee African-American health workers member in biological sciences, was elected as chair for 2011-12 Pitt has hired Bill Barton as George Miles Jr., executive in medicine. He is a faculty adviser has been named a 2011 Alfred of the Libraries in Medical Edu- assistant men’s basketball coach. chair of Chester Engineers and for Pitt undergraduate American P. Sloan Foundation Fellow, a cation, a special interest group of Regarded as one of the top retired president/chief executive medical students. distinction that carries a two-year, the Northeastern Group on Edu- recruiters on the East Coast, officer of WQED Multimedia, In 2008, Connamacher $50,000 grant. cational Affairs of the Association Barton arrives at Pitt with more who is being honored for public received a Lifetime Achievement As a new Sloan fellow, Rebeiz of American Medical Colleges. that 15 years of combined coach- broadcast education. n

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C A L E N D A R A&S/Neuroscience GSPH/Epidemiology “Stochastic Synchrony & Phase “Studies of Birth Weight & Infant CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 Resetting Curves: Theory & Mortality in India,” R. Margaret Pathology Research Seminar Thursday 12 OPDC “Oakland 2025” Action Applications,” Sashi Marella; Whelan; May 4, A425 Crabtree, “Thyroid FNA: Views, Biases Forum May 2, A219B Langley, 1 pm 11 am & Experiences,” Zubair Baloch, St. Nicholas Church, 419 S. IS/Library & Information A&S/English GSPIA Johnson Inst. Lecture Penn; 1104 Scaife, noon Dithridge St., 6-8:30 pm (RSVP: Science “The Invention of England: “Measuring America: How Eco- Staff Assn. Council Mtg. 412/621-7863, ext. 17) “Defining & Contextualizing Danes & Identity in Medieval nomic Growth Came to Define 532 Alumni, 12:15 pm American Modern Histori- Romance,” Daniel Wollenberg; American Greatness in the Late HSLS Workshop cal Documentary Editing: An May 5, 527 CL, 9 am 20th Century,” Andrew Yarrow, PhD Defenses “DNA Analysis Tools,” Carrie Analysis of Early Modern Edito- American; 3800 Posvar, 9-10:30 CONTINUED ON PAGE 15 Iwema; Falk Library classrm. A&S/Physics & Astronomy rial Theory, Methods & Their am (8-1336) 2, 1-3 pm “Two-Loop Radiative Correc- Influence on the Production of HSLS Workshop C L A S S I F I E D HIV Lung Research Ctr. tions of Electro-Weak Mixing Documentary Editions, 1943- “Adobe Photoshop for Begin- Seminar Angle for z->b\bar{b},” Yi- 1970,” Robert Barnet Riter; May • $8 for up to 15 words; $9 for 16-30 ners,” Julia Jankovic; Falk Library “HIV Lung Disease: What Cheng Huang; April 28, 316 2, 1A04 IS, 2 pm words; $10 for 31-50 words. classrm. 2, 9:30-11 am We Know & Where We Need Allen, 2 pm A&S/Economics • For University ads, submit an account Dental Medicine Craniofacial to Go,” Alison Morris; 1195 Medicine/Cellular & Molecu- “Investigations Into Charitable number for transfer of funds. Genetics Symposium BST2, 1 pm lar Pathology Fundraising,” Michael Menietti; • All other ads should be accompanied by “Ethics,” Christopher Ryan, Academic Career Develop- “Platelet-derived Growth Factor May 3, 4716 Posvar, 1 pm a check for the full amount made payable Steven Wendell & Joshua Marvit; ment Workshop Receptor Alpha Signaling in GSPH/Human Genetics to the University of Pittsburgh. 355 Salk, 10 am-noon “Becoming a More Productive Gliomas: SHPing the PI3K Path- “Circulating Biomarkers in the • Reserve space by submitting ad copy HSLS Lunch With a Librarian Writer,” Susan Johnson, U of way to Oncogenesis,” Kun-Wei Study & Early Detection of one week prior to publication. Copy and “Search Clinic,” Michele Klein- Iowa; S100 Starzl BST, 2-4 pm Liu; April 28, Hillman Cancer Ovarian Cancer,” Brian Nolen; payment should be sent to University Fedyshin; Falk Library conf. rm. Senate Council Mtg. Ctr. Nimick Conf. Rm., 2 pm May 3, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Times, 308 Bellefield Hall, University B, noon 2700 Posvar, 3 pm A&S/Intelligent Systems Herberman Conf. Ctr. 201B, of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh 15260. Chemistry Lecture Chemistry Lecture “A Focus on Content: The Use 2 pm • For more information, call Barbara “From Inhibitors to Mechanism, “Lessons From the Sea: Explor- of Rubrics in Peer Review to DelRaso, 412/624-4644. Spying on HIV Entry,” Carole ing the Chemistry & Biology Guide Students & Instructors,” Bewley, NIH; 12A Chevron, FITNESS of Marine Natural Products,” Ilya Goldin; April 29, LRDC 2nd 2:30 pm INTERESTED IN ROWING? Carole Bewley, NIH; 12 Chev- fl. Glaser Aud., 11 am The Pitt Masters Rowing Club is recruiting ron, 4 pm new members. Staff & faculty of all skill levels & ages are welcome to join. Includes indoor practice sessions & in-season water rowing. For more details about club membership, contact [email protected]. LAUGHTER YOGA 35 min. of free & friendly laughter/exercise in a joke-free zone. No special clothing or equip- ment needed — just a willingness to have some good old-fashioned fun at no one’s expense. 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7 pm, First Unitarian Church (Morewood & Ellsworth) Shadyside. Call 412/271-7660 for more info. HELP WANTED RESEARCHER Freelance. Copy source documents from the Library of Congress, the National Archives and other Federal Government agencies. Call 1-301/565-2917 or email to rushresearch@ comcast.net. HOUSING/RENT SOUTH OAKLAND Dawson St. 4 BR, completely renovated, equipped kitchen, central AC. $1,400 +. Avail- able Aug. 1. 412/600-6933. SQUIRREL HILL Spacious, sunny, 3-BR duplex. HW floors, AC, sunroom, DR, LR, storm windows, equipped kitchen, DW, storage, laundry, patio & gardens. Newly painted & on bus line. Ideal for professor or graduate student. $1,085. 412/521-7048. WILKINSBURG 1445 Cresson St. 3-BR, 1-bath townhouse. Includes LR, DR, fully-equipped kitchen, WD. No pets. $700/mo. + $700 security deposit. Credit check required. 412/243-8722 or 412/973-4347. SERVICES ELDER LAW—ESTATE ATTORNEYS Michael H. Marks & Associates. Elder law; nursing home/Medicaid cost-of-care planning; wills; POAs; trusts; probate & estate administra- tion; real estate. Squirrel Hill: 412/421-8944; Monroeville: 412/373-4235; email: michael@ marks-law.com. Free initial consultation. Fees quoted in advance. Personal & informative. Find it in the University Times CLASSIFIEDS!

Call 412/624-4644.

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APRIL 28, 2011

C A L E N D A R Event Deadline 308 Bellefield Hall. Information may be sent by fax to 4-4579 or CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 The next issue of the University email to [email protected]. n A&S/Neuroscience Theatre Co., 542 Penn Ave., reporting forms & annual data Times will include University “Competitive Activity-Depen- Downtown, Th.-Sat. at 8 pm, summary reports for their units and on-campus events of May dent Survival & Integration Sun. at 4 pm, also May 14 at 1 to the provost or sr. VC for 12-26. Information for events of Adult-Born Neurons in the pm & May 19 at 11 am (4-8498) Health Sciences by May 16. during that period must be Mouse Olfactory Bulb,” Daniel received by 5 pm on May 5 at Jimenez; May 5, A219B Langley, Exhibits 9 am GSPH/Human Genetics Hillman Library Audubon “Anti-Inflammatory Properties Exhibit of C-Peptide: A New Therapeu- “Ruby-Crowned Wren,” tic Strategy for Reducing Vascu- through May 9; “Labrador lar Damage in Type 1 Diabetes Falcon,” May 10-23; Hillman Patients,” Vincenza Cifarelli; ground fl. exhibition case, reg. May 5, 7108 Rangos Research library hours (8-7715) Ctr., Children’s Hospital, 10 am Studio Arts Student Exhibit Engineering/Bioengineering Through April 30; U Art Gallery, “Tissue Formation & Remodel- FFA, 10 am-4 pm M-F (8-2430) ing in Tissue Engineered Pul- Law Library Exhibit monary Arteries,” Chad Eckert; “Landscapes: Imagined/Real,” May 10, Bridgeside Point II 4th Timothy Thompson; through fl. conf. rm, 1 pm May 20; Barco Law Library Gal- Engineering/Bioengineering lery, reg. library hours (8-1376) “Modeling Cytokine Transport in Hemoadsorption Beads Used Deadlines to Treat Sepsis,” Jeremy Kimmel; May 11, 237 McGowan Bldg., Chancellor’s Affirmative 3025 E. Carson St., 9 am Action Award Nominations should be submit- Theatre ted to the Senate office, 1234 CL, by May 3. (info: 8-7860) Kuntu Repertory Theatre Conflict of Interest Forms “The House That Carol Built”; Supervisors must send the Con- May 5-21; Pgh. Playwrights flict of Interest management

Commencement 2011 events April May Thursday 28 Sunday 1

GSPIA Graduation Ceremony Education Recognition Cer- Soldiers & Sailors, 6 pm (8-7640) emony Fitzgerald Field House, 9-11:30 Friday 29 am (8-1774) Psychology Dept. Graduation Katz Graduation Ceremony Ceremony Alumni 7th fl. aud., 1 pm (8-1569) Lawrence aud., 9 am Information Sciences Ceremony CGS Graduation Reception 2 0 1 1 B U H L L E C T U R E UClub, 5:30 pm (4-6608) Alumni 7th fl. aud., 10 am, then brunch, 20th Century Club Saturday 30 (4-9749) University Commencement Math Dept. Graduation Break- Speaker: Sen. Benjamin Cardin; fast Petersen, doors open at 11 am, UClub Ballrm. A, 10 am (jdhall@ ceremony at 1 pm pitt.edu) Bradford Campus Commence- Greensburg Campus Com- ment mencement Speaker: Marilyn Horne; KOA Speaker: Gen. Jack Keane, US Arena, Sports & Fitness Ctr., Army; Ridilla Field, UPG, 11 am UPB, 2 pm (inclement weather: Chambers Pharmacy Graduation Dinner & Scott Gymnasium) Ceremony SHRS Recognition Ceremony Wyndham Grand, Downtown, Aaronson Soldiers & Sailors, 11 am, followed immediately following University by reception in CL Commons Rm. commencement (8-1014) Friday, April 29, 2011 Social Work Recognition Cer- (3-6554) 4:30 p.m. Mellon CBA Graduate Recognition emony Ceremony Soldiers & Sailors, 4 pm (4-6327) Institute Auditorium Heinz Hall, Downtown, 11:30 am GSPH Convocation (3-7409) Carnegie Music Hall, 5 pm (4-3004) 4400 Fifth Avenue Johnstown Campus Commence- Reception immediately following ment Friday, May 13 Mellon Institute Lobby Speaker: Elizabeth Murray; Law Commencement Ceremony Campus Mall, outside Blacking- Free and open to the public ton Hall, UPJ, 1 pm (inclement Soldiers & Sailors, 2 pm (8-1373) weather: Sports Ctr.) Titusville Campus Commence- Saturday, May 21 ment Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, Writer of the popular blog www.scottaaronson.com/blog and Creator of the Speaker: Jack Daniel; UPT gym- Dental Medicine Diploma Cer- Complexity Zoo, www.complexityzoo.com nasium, 2-4 pm emony Nursing Ceremony Heinz Hall, Downtown, 1 pm Soldiers & Sailors, 6 pm, followed (8-8422) by reception in CL Commons Rm. (4-5328) Monday, May 23 Engineering Recognition Night Sponsored by the Carnegie Mellon Department of Physics. For more information, please contact 412-268-6681. This lecture is funded Lawrence aud., 7 pm (4-6814) Medicine Diploma Ceremony under the auspices of the Buhl Professorship in Theoretical Physics, which was established at Carnegie Mellon in 1961 by the Buhl Foundation in support of an outstanding theoretical scientist who would both impact theoretical research and help establish directions for Carnegie Music Hall, 10 am n experimental investigations.

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C A L E N D A R Health Services Research Russian Film Symposium Seminar “How I Ended This Summer”; April “Strategies to Increase Organ Screening Rm., 477 Melwood Donation,” Howard Degen- Ave., 7:30 pm University Commencement Thursday 28 Friday 29 holtz; 305 Parkvale, noon Speaker: Sen. Benjamin Cardin; Russian Film Symposium Petersen, 1 pm Friday 6 HSLS Lunch With a Librarian WPIC Meet the PI Lecture “Missing Man”; 106 DL, 2 pm “Personal Genomics, Personal- “Eyes Wide Shut: Disentangling Monday 2 Faculty Assembly Mtg. Greensburg Campus Chil- ized Medicine & You,” Carrie Relationships Among Stress, UClub Ballrm. A, 3 pm dren’s Literature Conference Iwema; Falk Library conf. rm. Sleep & Health,” Martica Hall; MMG Seminar Richard Peck & Jim Aylesworth; • Summer term enrollment B, noon WPIC 2nd fl. aud., 11 am-12:30 “Evolution of Tyrosine Kinase Smith, UPG, 8:30 am-3:30 pm period ends & classes begin. ADRC Lecture pm Regulation & Substrate Rec- ([email protected]) “Cystatin C, Inflammatory East Asian Languages & Lit- ognition,” W. Todd Miller; 503 Asian Studies Symposium Russian Film Symposium Markers & Brain Volume in eratures Colloquium Bridgeside Point II, 3:15 pm “China’s Periphery & Beyond: “Man at the Window”; 106 DL, Cognitively Normal Subjects,” “Boys Be Ambitious! The Moral Pharmacology & Chemical Perspectives From Art & Archae- 9 am Mario Riverol, neurology; Philosophy of William Smith Biology Seminar ology”; 125 FFA, 8:30 am WPIC Seminar ADRC conf. rm., S439 Monte- Clark & the Creation of the Sap- “Formation & Actions of Inflam- (also May 7, 8:30 am; www. “Emotion Processing & Brain fiore, noon poro Band,” Christy Czerwien; matory-Derived Electrophilic ucis.pitt.edu/asc/conference/ Function in Pre-School Onset OBID Concert 4130 Posvar, noon-1:30 pm Lipid Signaling Mediators,” china_periphery) Depression,” Deanna Barch; Ray Ryan Ragtime Piano; Schen- Classics Lecture Gustavo Bonacci; 1395 Starzl UPMC STAR Ctr. Conference S100 Starzl BST, noon ley Plaza, noon-2 pm “Cicero’s De Officiis: Practical BST, 3:30 pm “25 Years of Caring for Suicidal Russian Film Symposium Chemistry Seminar Stoicism for Non-Philoso- Teens: Lessons From the Clinic “Buben Baraban”; 106 DL, 2 pm “Protein Recognition of Bacte- phers?” Gisela Striker, Harvard; Wednesday 4 and Community”; WPU, 8:30 rial Glycans Containing Fura- 244B CL, 4 pm am-3:30 pm (www.starcenter. nose Residues,” Todd Lowary, Tuesday 3 • Spring term grades must pitt.edu) U of Alberta; 12B Chevron, Saturday 30 be approved by instructors Russian Film Symposium 2:30 pm GI Pathophysiology/Board by 5 pm before final posting “Reverse Motion”; 106 DL, 9 am Chemistry Seminar • Spring term ends; official Review can begin. GSPH Alzheimer’s Disease “Pathways to More Efficient date for degrees awarded. “Short Bowel Syndrome & Lecture Organic Solar Cells: What We Nutritional Consequences,” Su Greensburg Campus Autism “Promoting Quality of Life for Can Learn by Watching Elec- Min Cho; M2 conf. rm. Presby, Conference Persons With Dementia,” Philip trons Move in Real Time,” John May 7:30 am “Together We Can Build a Sloane; Rodef Shalom, 4905 Russian Film Symposium Asbury, Penn St.; 12A Chevron, Sunday 1 Brighter Future,” Nancy Min- Fifth Ave., Shadyside, 1-3 pm 4 pm “Truce”; 106 DL, 9 am shew; Smith, UPG, 7:30 am Russian Film Symposium MWRI Seminar (www.wiu.k12.pa.us) “The Edge”; 106 DL, 2 pm • Residence halls close, except “The PI3K-Foxo Pathway in Clinical Oncology & Hematol- Russian Film Symposium for graduating seniors. Germline Maintenance,” Diego ogy Grand Rounds “Silent Souls”; Melwood Screen- Castrillon; MWRI 1st fl. conf. “The Central Role of Osteoclasts ing Rm., 477 Melwood Ave., • Residence halls open for rm., noon in Multiple Myeloma,” Rebecca 7:30 pm summer term. Silbermann; “The Novel PARP Inhibitor ABT-888 in Patients Saturday 7 With Hepatic & Renal Dysfunc- tion,” Liza Villaruz; UPMC Survival Skills & Ethics Work- Cancer Pavilion Herberman shop Conf. Ctr. 2nd fl. aud., 8 am “Writing Research Articles”; Russian Film Symposium Scaife 4th fl. lecture rm. 2, 10 “Innocent Saturday”; 106 DL, am-3 pm 9 am Russian Film Symposium HSLS Workshop “My Joy”; Screening Rm., 477 “PubMed Basics,” Jill Foust; Falk Melwood Ave., 7:30 pm Library classrm. 1, 10-11:30 am Pathology Research Seminar Monday 9 “The Role of Micro RNA in the Clinical Consequences of • Summer 12-week, 6-week-1, NASH,” Arun Sanyal, VCU; 4-week-1 session enrollment 1104 Scaife, noon periods end, classes begin. Russian Film Symposium A greener “The Stoker”; Screening Rm., Tuesday 10 477 Melwood Ave., 7:30 pm Cell Biology & Physiology Thursday 5 Seminar future. “Diversity of Clathrin Function Education Conference in Membrane Traffic & Beyond,” “Designing for Motivated Learn- Frances Brodsky; 520 E&EI, ing”; UClub, 8:15 am (also May 11 am 6 at 8:15 am; 8-1782) MMG Seminar Russian Film Symposium “A Surprising Source for Tumor We’re in it for the long haul. “Another Sky”; 106 DL, 9 am Vascular Endothelial Cells,” Pathology Research Seminar Edward Prochownik; 503 Recycle your old cell phone! “The Hippo Pathway: From Fat Bridgeside Point II, 3:15 pm Flies to Huge Livers,” Robert Endocrinology & Metabolism DROP-OFF LOCATIONS Anders, Johns Hopkins; 1104 Bone Club Now you can recycle your cell phones, PDAs, and Any Campus Computing Lab Scaife, 10 am “High Bone Mass: Too Much accessories year-round at permanent “Last Call” recycling Molecular Biophysics/Struc- of a Good Thing?” Hussain Hillman Library tural Biology Seminar Mahmud; 1195 Starzl BST, drop boxes across campus. Any data left “Carbon Detected NMR of 4:30 pm Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation Intrinsically Disordered Pro- on mobile devices will be securely (153 Benedum Hall) teins,” Scott Showalter; 6014 destroyed. For details, visit Wednesday 11 Software Licensing Services BST3, 11 am technology.pitt.edu. (204 Bellefield Hall) HR Benefits Fair • Summer 4-week-1 & 1105 Scaife, noon-2:30 pm University Book Center 6-week-1 sessions’ add/drop HR Long Term Care Pre- period ends. sentation 1106 Scaife, noon Clinical Oncology & Hematol- Chemistry Seminar ogy Grand Rounds “Multicomponent Approaches “Translational Opportunities to Stereoselective Synthesis & Look During an Era of Evolving Per- Chemical Biology,” Jared Shaw, sonalized Medicine in Metastatic for these drop This program is a partnership with eLoop llc. UC-Davis; 12B Chevron, 2:30 Melanoma,” Stergios Moschos; boxes on campus! pm Hillman Cancer Center Cooper Chemistry Seminar Conf. Ctr. ground fl. classrm. “New Life for Simple Force C, 8 am Fields: Specialized Force Fields HSLS Workshop From a Transferable Protocol,” “EndNote Basics,” Ahlam Saleh; Feng Wang, BU; 12A Chevron, Falk Library classrm. 2, 10:30 4 pm am-12:30 pm CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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