Welcome Back Guide 2021

Welcome Back 2021

The Pitt News

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Table of Contents ‘Public health service’: Pitt students, staff talk COVID-19 vaccines........................................ 5 ‘Last year it was tough’: Pitt community prepares for updated COVID-19 rules................... 7 Welcome Week 2021: Pitt students, staff prepare for start of in-person events..................... 8 Compass outlines dining changes, including full dine-in seating............................................ 9 Column: Volleyball, men’s soccer poised to expand on historic springs................................ 11 Uncertainty defines first month of new NIL rules......................................................................... 12 Across the board: Meet this year’s student government.......................................................... 13 Column: D-Line, QBs will lead the way in Pitt’s 2021 campaign.............................................. 14 Pitt track and field father-son coaching duo look to build upon award-winning season.... 15 Center For Creativity prepares for fall with new strategies, workspaces................................ 17 Touch grass: How to get the most out of Pittsburgh’s parks..................................................... 18 Staff Picks: Comedies to get you through the first week of classes......................................... 19 A guide to Pittsburgh’s must-see fall food festivals.................................................................... 21 Column: Dear seniors, I see you................................................................................................... 23 Column: Use psychology to transition smoothly back to in-person classes............................ 24 Column: What is the in-person experience at Pitt like?............................................................. 25 Column: How to ‘Roc’ the semester as a transfer Panther....................................................... 26 Satire: 6 pieces of advice for a (semi) normal year................................................................... 27 Column: Tips for your first year as a politically active student.................................................. 28 Letter from the Editor: Another year for the books.................................................................... 29 Gilbert Brown ready to embrace tradition in new role............................................................. 30

COVER BY ALANNA REID | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER pittnews.com

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‘PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE’:

PITT STUDENTS, STAFF TALK COVID-19 VACCINES Clare Sheedy Staff Writer

Sofia Cadahia received Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in March and won $100 in Panther Funds through Pitt’s vaccine incentive raffle. She said she wishes people understood the importance of getting the vaccine.

“I can’t control what others do,” Cadahia, a senior majoring in nutrition and dietetics, said.

“I wish that more people would acknowledge the impact of their actions and take this step to protect their community.”

In a July letter to Pitt community members, Chancellor Patrick Gallagher announced Pitt’s fall 2021 plans. Though he did not announce a vaccine “mandate,” Gallagher said Pitt is “not neutral” toward students, faculty and staff receiving the vaccine.

"Everyone who can get vaccinated should be vaccinated — and our objective is to achieve very high immunization rates on our campuses,” Gallagher said.

As the fall semester approaches, students and University leaders discussed their thoughts on Pitt’s vaccine stance.

The COVID-19 Delta variant is nearly twice as contagious as previous variants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-profit which compiles health policy information, so-called “breakthrough” infections among people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are extremely rare. Based on state data analyzed by KFF, the breakthrough case rate is well below 1%, hospitalization rate ranged from effectively zero to 1% and the death rate was effectively zero.

Pitt spokesperson David Seldin said although Pitt isn’t mandating the vaccine, its policies for unvaccinated students are similar to other universities that are requiring it, such as neighboring Carnegie Mellon and Chatham universities.

"Mandates are difficult to enforce,” Seldin said. “In fact, most institutions which say they have a mandate are not barring individuals from campuses, but rather have separate requirements for unvaccinated individuals. Pitt’s approach is in line with this.”

Dr. John Williams, director of the COVID-19 Medical Response Office and chief of the

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medical school’s division of pediatric infectious diseases, said he — along with the rest of the CMRO team — acts as “kind of a public health department for the University.” Willams said vaccination is a public health service and critical in stopping the spread of the virus.

“Many of our peers, even here in town, are doing weekly testing of the unvaccinated,” Williams said. “Unvaccinated people are far more likely to become infected and spread the virus, so it’s truly a public health service to our fellow citizens, family, friends and loved ones to get vaccinated.”

According to Gallagher, students are required to comply with different parts of Pitt’s virus control program depending on their vac-

privacy.

“I really like the way that they are treating everyone as unvaccinated unless you choose to disclose your status, so it doesn't feel like you're being forced or there's an invasion of privacy,” Wegner said. “It’s really your choice and you either have to go through the inconvenience of testing or you can disclose your status and get a vaccination.”

As a student leader for Days for Girls — a student organization that works a non-profit to provide sustainable feminine hygiene solutions to girls and women in developing countries — Wegner said she plans on hosting in-person meetings soon. The latest guidance from the Student Organization Resource Center permits

Though Chancellor Patrick Gallagher did not announce a vaccine “mandate” in a letter addressed to Pitt community members on July 23, he said Pitt is “not neutral” towards receiving the vaccine.

Image via Wikimedia Commons cinated status. Unvaccinated students are subject to mandatory virus testing, contact tracing, as well as quarantine and isolation. They also must get a negative COVID-19 test result before moving into on-campus housing and wear masks outdoors. All students must wear masks indoors and are encouraged to voluntarily disclose their vaccination status by uploading an image of their vaccination card through the Student Health Services portal.

Isabella Wegner, a junior French and ecology and evolution major, said she likes Pitt’s decision to assume each student is unvaccinated unless proven otherwise because it respects students’

organizations to hold in-person events without registering with Pitt ahead of time.

Wegner said although she was confused by the lack of University communication at first, she is now happy with Pitt’s guidelines for student organizations.

“I was pretty confused for a while, but now I am feeling pretty good. It will be a weird and slightly challenging transition back into being in person for meetings,” Wegner said. “I like the plan they have in place. Virtual meetings are convenient, so we plan on having our first meeting online. But, hopefully by our second or third meeting we will be in person!”

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For Cadahia — whose family in Spain had to wait longer to receive a vaccine — getting vaccinated was an “easy” decision and process, as was disclosing her vaccination status and entering Pitt’s raffle.

“I found the whole process to be easy,” Cadahia said. “I grew up in Madrid, Spain, and many of my friends and family members have been waiting desperately for their turn to get vaccinated. I was lucky enough to have the chance to get vaccinated much earlier than many of my loved ones and was not going to take that chance for granted.”

While Cadahia said she agrees with Pitt’s recommendation to get vaccinated, she believes implementing a mandate would be smartest.

“I feel that mandating the COVID vaccine for all students and staff is the best approach to controlling the spread of the virus on campus,” Cadahia said. “While I believe that strongly encouraging the vaccine is a great message to send students, mandating the vaccine sends a stronger message and ensures even greater chances of returning to normalcy on campus.”

Seldin said the University's CoVax Vaccination Center — which puts shots in arms in Nordenberg Hall — plans to not only vaccinate Pitt community members, but educate and facilitate conversations as well.

“The Vaccination Center is also providing training to student groups and resident assistants on how to facilitate conversations about vaccinations,” Seldin said. “In addition to these efforts, the University is promoting vaccinations through digital, video and print campaigns.”

When asked about Pitt's lack of a vaccination mandate, Robin Kear, liaison librarian and newly elected University Senate president, said she “felt good” to see the virus control program for the academic year.

“However, I know there is still, of course, concern about the new information about Delta.”

Kear said. “I’ve heard from quite a few faculty this week wondering if that changes anything. So, I think there’s still a lot of concern about what the classroom is going to look like on August 27th.”

Both Pitt’s Faculty Assembly and Senate

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CIVIC ACTIO N WE E K October 4-9

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

More Information: pi.tt/civicaction your NEW

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AIR F R E E T N VOLU Tuesday, September 14 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

William Pitt Union Lawn & Patio Rain location: Assembly Room & Ballroom

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‘LAST YEAR IT WAS TOUGH’: PITT COMMUNITY PREPARES FOR UPDATED COVID-19 RULES Punya Bhasin

Senior Staff Writer As Pitt students, staff and faculty prepare to head back to campus for the fall semester, many still wonder how COVID-19 protocols will look on campus. Some professors, like Steven Abramowitch, are excited about Pitt’s recommendation for in-person classes.

“Last year it was tough because while everyone’s cameras were off it was hard to tell how well students were understanding the material, and it made professors aware of how much we rely on the facial expressions and interactions of students to teach the material,” Abramowitch, an associate professor of bioengineering, said.

The University sent an Aug. 9 email detailing information about mask policies, guests on campus and guidelines for both vaccinated and unvaccinated students, faculty and staff. The email stated that all individuals — regardless of vaccination status — must wear face masks at all times in University buildings, unless in an “enclosed private office or dwelling.” It also said those who are unvaccinated “should wear face coverings when outdoors and unable to maintain physical distancing.”

Under the guidelines, students and staff also must register guests that are not part of the University community. Students living in on-campus housing can host up to three guests from Pitt during the school year at one time who don’t have to fill out a registration form.

According to Pitt spokesperson Kevin Zwick, unvaccinated students also must undergo mandatory testing. He also said the University will collaborate with clubs and Greek life to administer more vaccines. The guidelines also stated that Pitt community members can

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host events that are consistent with state and local guidance, with no limit on the number of attendees.

Zwick also outlined key operational changes to the University’s COVID-19 mitigation policies, including the forgoing of the tiered operational postures as

be held outdoors.

“With the recommendations of the school and the state right now, most activities such as in-person classes and activities will resume in person,” Ramanan said. “The only difference now is that we will have to wear a mask and when pos-

Uncertainty surrounding the University’s operating posture lingers as the fall semester approaches, but students and staff are optimistic about in-person opportunities. Joy Cao senior staff photographer a result of higher vaccine availability.

“With vaccines widely available, and a high reporting percentage of our campus fully vaccinated, we are better able to respond to a variety of situations without significant changes in our operations,” Zwick said.

With the new recommended guidelines, Student Government Board President Harshitha Ramanan said SGB and clubs are adapting so that activities can

sible, the activity will likely be outdoors, such as with the Student Activities Fair being at the Cathedral Lawn this year.”

She added that individual clubs can still choose to host meetings and activities virtually.

Zwick said the University is emphasizing a transition to in person after last year’s remote learning. But if trends in cases change, the University may revert back to stricter social distancing poli-

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cies.

“Our approach and rules may change throughout the term if the data suggests that changes are needed to maintain the safety of our community,” Zwick said.

Abramowitch said he expects the transition to in-person classes to be a little challenging as students and teachers adjust to the potential technological challenges, as well as the challenge of having to now wake up earlier and physically go to class.

“I had a really nice setup last year where I could just wake up and my desk was already ready with all the material and technology connected to it, and I think this year it might be more difficult to account for having to get up earlier just to get ready and prepare for class,” Abramowitch said.

Abramowitch said he’s concerned that COVID-19 mitigation policies may not be enforced after everyone’s back in person, especially for some of the high risk populations present on campus.

“I plan on wearing a mask and enforcing others in my classroom to wear a mask, but I don’t know how strictly other people might adhere to the guidelines, which raises concerns for some of the more vulnerable teachers and students,” Abramowitch said.

Zwick said the University expects the guidelines to be adhered to and encourages the use of Pitt Concern Connection to report any violations of the guidelines.

“We expect every member of the Pitt community to follow our health rules.

Those who are observed or reported as being non-compliant may be subject to discipline,” Zwick said. “You can report noncompliance through the Pitt Concern Connection, which has phone, text and web form options.”

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WELCOME WEEK 2021:

PITT STUDENTS, STAFF PREPARE FOR START OF IN-PERSON EVENTS Grace Stringer Staff Writer

From racing around campus collecting clues and earning prizes at Pitt’s rendition of the “Amazing Race” to getting airbrush tattoos at the “Welcome Back Bash,” Pitt students can celebrate their return to campus this fall with a hybrid inperson and online Welcome Week.

Welcome Week will last from Aug. 21-29, kicking-off with a “Guided Campus Walking Tour.” This year will also feature several new events students can look forward to, including “Becoming a Sexual Citizen” on Aug. 24, “Get to Know Pitt Votes!” on Aug. 25 and “Supporting Trans and Non-Binary Students: A Resource Fair” on Aug. 26.

Breanne Donohue, interim director of New Student Programs, said Welcome Week will

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hopefully help students feel more connected to University life by exposing them to campus resources and teaching them Pitt traditions.

Events are scheduled every day during Welcome Week and, according to the Student Affairs website, the best way to stay involved and updated is to download the Guidebook app.

On the app, students can search the “Pitt Welcome Week” guide and find campus maps, dining options, campus resources, information on campus safety and up-to-date schedule of events.

A printed schedule of Welcome Week activities is also available and includes information on COVID-19 protocols for fall semester.

In keeping with Pitt’s COVID-19 health guidelines, all students will be required to wear face coverings while indoors on campus begin- Students can celebrate their return to campus with a slew of hybrid in-perning Aug. 9 and face coverings should be worn son and virtual events at this year’s Welcome Week, lasting Aug. 21-29.

Image via Pitt Student Affairs See Welcome Week on page 34

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COMPASS OUTLINES DINING CHANGES, INCLUDING FULL DINE-IN SEATING

Millicent Watt

Senior Staff Writer When students walk in The Eatery this fall, they can expect a different scene than last year’s take-out stations and styrofoam containers. New food and more conversation will be the norm, according to a representative from Pitt’s dining contractor.

Quintin Eason, the vice president of operations at Compass Group, said he anticipates that dining halls will open at full capacity with dine-in seating available this fall. Masks will be required while moving in the facilities, but they can be removed when sitting and eating. He said all University, local, state and federal guidelines will be followed to keep students and staff safe.

As the dining experience is set to return to a more pre-pandemic standard, student leaders and dining officials lay out new food options and dining locations for

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the fall and its ramifications for students’ stomachs.

Compass — a British multinational food company — previously introduced some changes after partnering with Pitt last July.

This partnership ended Pitt’s 29-year streak with its previous contractor, Sodexo. Many students had mixed feelings about this transition, including meals given in quarantine housing that supposedly didn’t follow students’ dietary restrictions.

One noticeable change under Compass was meal plan prices. On-campus meal plans under Sodexo had five tiers, with the lowest tier costing $1,550 and the highest costing $2,650. With Compass, meal plans range from $1,620 to $2,730.

Eason said Compass slightly changed its “Unlimited + $50” plan this year to include

Pitt’s 29-year streak working with Sodexo ended last July to partner with Compass Group, ushering in new meal plans, food options and dining locaSee Dining on page 36 tions for Pitt students. Alanna Reid staff photographer

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column

VOLLEYBALL, MEN’S SOCCER POISED TO EXPAND ON HISTORIC SPRINGS

Stephen Thompson Senior Staff Writer

The academic calendar has turned — ushering in a new semester and new seasons for Pitt’s fall sports. Many teams emerged gracefully from the COVID-19 pandemic, but few are equipped to renew their success this year.

Volleyball and men’s soccer are poised for historic seasons, while baseball will need to reload before it is back to competing on a national stage.

Volleyball Pitt volleyball is an easy choice. Where to begin?

Start with continuity at the top. This offseason head coach Dan Fisher lost just two players from a roster that made the deepest NCAA Tournament run in program history.

And after leading the Panthers to an Elite Eight appearance last spring, two second team all-American seniors — outside hitters Kayla Lund and Chinaza Ndee — will exercise their NCAA-granted extra year of eligibility and return to Pitt for one last run.

Aiding Lund and Ndee is a deep roster of veterans. Junior setter Lexis Akeo is back after leading the Panthers in assists per set a season ago. So is sophomore outside hitter Chiamaka Nwokolo — an honorable mention all-American — and redshirt sophomore Valeria Vazquez Gomez, who was third on the team in kills. The Panthers return their top six scorers.

The arrival of Penn State transfer Serena Gray, a two-time all-American middle blocker, and Missouri transfer Leketor MemberMeneh, a former all-SEC selection at outside hitter, are simply gravy for this already potent lineup.

They have an ambitious schedule in front of them, particularly against non-conference opponents. Ten of their 29 games will be against opponents who ended 2021 receiving votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association top-25, with six coming before conference play begins on Sept. 24.

The Panthers will be tested immediately, but on paper seem more than equipped to meet

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the moment.

After consecutive second-round exits from the NCAA Tournament in 2018 and 2019, Pitt finally broke through to make a statement on the national stage. Now it feels like “championship or bust.”

Men’s Soccer When he was done leading the Panthers to the College Cup, Jay Vidovich, the reigning ACC Coach of the Year, signed a contract extension that will keep him in Oakland as Pitt

season.

Forward Bertin Jacquesson and midfielder Filip Mirkovic — two members of the College Soccer News’ All-Freshman team — will be expected to help pick up the slack.

The defense did take a hit after the loss of Washington, who signed a professional contract with Atlanta United of the MLS, and graduate student Jasper Löeffelsend, who started 20 and 19 games, respectively. Löeffelsend also ranked fourth in the nation in

Pitt Volleyball and men’s soccer appear primed to repeat and perhaps improve on their already exceptional 2021 seasons. Baseball will need to reload before they can one-up their last record-setting spring. TPN File Photo

men’s soccer’s head coach through 2025. Vidovich, one of the most decorated coaches in college soccer history, will have bigger goals on his mind after making a deep postseason run with this Pitt program last year.

Pitt neared the summit of the sport last spring. They made it to the College Cup but ultimately fell short in the semifinals to Indiana. Sophomore midfielder and 2020 first team all-American Valentin Noel tied for second in the country in scoring a season ago and is returning with an added responsibility to produce after senior defender Bryce Washington and senior forward Alexander Dexter, the third and fourth most prolific goal scorers on the team, departed after last

assists with nine. He was followed closely by sophomore forward Veljko Petkovic, who tied for seventh nationally in assists with eight.

But there is still plenty of talent remaining and unfinished business for this program, which fell agonizingly short of the ACC title and a spot in the national championship game despite finishing the regular season ranked No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches top-25 poll.

Baseball The Panthers appeared well on their way to their first NCAA Tournament berth in 26 years when a bout of COVID-19 struck the team in mid-April and forced a shutdown of

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team activities. They were never the same in the weeks after returning to play.

Not only did they limp to a 3-8 finish over the final three weeks of play, they suffered roster turnover in the offseason that decimated a lineup that looked largely the same throughout the course of the season.

Outfielder Nico Popa — who made 43 starts and batted .313 with nine home runs and 28 RBIs out of the second spot in the order — is gone. Second baseman David Yanni, the team leader in OPS and home runs who also holds the program record for career games played, graduated this past spring as well.

The pitching staff was hit even harder.

Closer Jordan McCrum, reliever Chris Gomez and spot-starter Stephen Hansen graduated. Set-up man Chase Smith transferred to West Virginia. And right-hander Mitch Myers, undeniably the ace of last year’s squad, was drafted in the 12th round of the MLB Draft and signed with the Oakland Athletics.

Five of Pitt’s six arms with the most innings pitched in 2021 are no longer with the team.

One of either talented first-year righthander Tyler Kennedy or Penn State transfer Logan Evans will likely be expected to man the vacant starter spot, but that’s a tall ask of both the inexperienced players.

Luckily for head coach Mike Bell, the Panthers return junior third baseman Sky Duff, and the two-man designated hitter-left fielder platoon of junior Ron Washington Jr. and sophomore Kyle Hess. The trio of Hess, Washington and Duff combined to bat .307 with 15 homers and 82 RBIs in 2021. Junior starting pitcher Matt Gilbertson is also back after going 6-5 with a 4.45 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 13 starts.

But with this year’s team there are more questions than answers. The concern is not that this team doesn’t have the talent to make another run at the postseason, but that they will have to lean on unproven players to do so. Last season was cause for optimism, but don’t expect the Panthers to earn a spot back in the national tournament.

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UNCERTAINTY DEFINES FIRST MONTH OF NEW NIL RULES

Dalton Coppola Sports Editor

The Pitt band, cheerleaders and dance team paraded through the North Shore towards Heinz Field. Pitt flags waved, with blue and gold jerseys dotting the streets as the City skyline watched over the scene. Pittsburgh was alive with energy.

Trumpets blared, drums pounded and fans cheered as the Panthers commenced their trek out of the locker room, through the tunnel and onto the field before a game against the North Carolina Tarheels in November 2019. Heinz Field erupted and tens of thousands of Panther fans seemingly fell into a college football induced trance.

But as the saying goes, ignorance is bliss.

Pitt football head coach Pat Narduzzi’s salary was $4.73 million during fiscal year 2020, which ran from July 2019 through June 2020. The Pitt football program brought in more than $37.8 million that same year, as the Atlantic Coast Conference accrued $497 million. And the mastermind behind it all, the NCAA, raked in more than $500 million that fiscal year — even with college sports being put on hold in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The same Pitt

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Panthers who were wearing the shoulder pads and storming out of the tunnel didn’t see a single penny.

Since its inception, the NCAA has held that college athletes cannot and will not be paid for their name, image or likeness. Athletes were ineligible to accept endorsements or receive payment for their performance — all to maintain the amateurism surrounding college athletics. NCAA President Mark Emmert went as far to call a shift to allowing players to capitalize on their NIL an “existential threat” to college athletics.

But new rules and regulations regarding name, image and likeness benefits for college athletes will change this long-standing rule.

Until recently, there was a $5,000 limit on educational benefits outside of tuition and board that schools were allowed to provide to their athletes.

But a Supreme Court ruling in June removed the cap. In the concurring opinion that Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote, he put the NCAA’s entire business model on blast and it seemed the castle the NCAA built up was finally crumbling.

“The NCAA’s business model would be flatly illegal in almost any other industry in America,” See NIL on page 38

Universities, conferences and the NCAA have reaped major financial benefits from the efforts of college athletes. Their “amateur” status prevented them from being paid for more than 100 years — but times are changing.

Kaycee Orwig senior staff photographer

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ACROSS THE BOARD:

MEET THIS YEAR’S STUDENT GOVERNMENT Allison Radziwon Staff Writer

Pitt’s student body elects a new Student Government Board each year to be their voice during the upcoming academic year. The board is comprised of the president and nine board members. After a tumultuous election season and a year of online classes, SGB has big plans for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Pitt News spoke with the board to learn about their top priorities and plans to improve campus life this fall.

Harshitha Ramanan, president Ramanan, a junior neuroscience major, said she wants to ex-

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pand student knowledge on what SGB does for the University, as well as increase transparency between the board and the student body “with the help of her co-chief of staffs and communications team.” She plans to design a new website that’s easier to navigate, create a newsletter and ensure that all social media pages are up to date.

Ramanan also said she plans to help transition students safely back to in-person classes and activities. She said she and the board will work with Kenyon Bonner, vice provost for student affairs, Carla Panzella, incoming dean of students, and Thomas Hitter, assistant vice chancellor for policy develop-

ment and management.

Tyler Viljaste, co-chief of staff In the upcoming academic year, Viljaste, a senior politics & philosophy and finance double major, will encourage students to sign the LGBTQIA+ task force’s petition, which includes the creation of a dedicated center for LGBTQIA+ students.

Vijlaste established this task force last year to create resources for LGBTQIA+ members of the Pitt community. Viljaste also plans to work on new initiatives to better support LGBTQIA+ students on campus, such as lgbtqia.pitt.edu, which will list LGBTQIA+ resources for students. Viljaste said it will become public at the beginning of the fall term.

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“I am deeply passionate about issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community at Pitt,” Viljaste said. “I have the institutional knowledge and the expertise and skill sets required to ensure I can see all of my initiatives to fruition and help others do the same.”

Joe Landsittel, co-chief of staff Landsittel, a senior applied mathematics major, said his main priority is establishing a strong connection with students by increasing communication through “revamping infrastructure.” He said this means establishing regular communication with the student body through social media.

Harshitha Ramanan is the president of Student Government Board.

See SGB on page 42 Pamela Smith visual editor

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D-LINE, QBS WILL LEAD THE WAY IN PITT’S 2021 CAMPAIGN Frankie Richetti For The Pitt News

“Next man up” is a cliche and overused phrase in sports media, but it’s a mantra Pitt must embrace to succeed this year. An ACC-leading six Panthers heard their name called during this year’s NFL draft, leaving the roster looking much different heading into the 2021 campaign.

Here are the position groups that will lead the way.

Defensive Line Pitt’s Defensive Line has been among the nation’s best for the past two seasons and has the potential to repeat for a third.

Pro Football Focus ranks the Panthers as the No. 8 pass-rush unit in the country heading into the season, and a number of players from last season’s unit that led the nation in both total sacks and tackles for loss are returning.

Among those not returning are First-Team AP All-American defensive end Rashad Weaver and Second-Team AP All-American defensive end Patrick Jones II, who the Panthers lost to the NFL. Weaver and Jones combined for 17 of the Panthers’ 46 sacks in 2021.

The line has big shoes to fill but will look to pick up where they left off last season. This season’s defensive line will be led by the defensive

end duo of senior Deslin Alexandre and junior Habakkuk Baldonado alongside defensive tackles junior Devin Danielson and pre-season All American sophomore Calijah Kancey.

Alexandre started in all 13 games in 2019 when Weaver missed the entire season due to injury. The senior defensive end will be tasked with stepping in and wreaking havoc in the backfield, just as Weaver did in his time with the Panthers.

Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and head coach Pat Narduzzi have excelled at recruiting and developing defensive linemen — a strength that will provide the squad with much needed depth should a player fall to injury.

With 17 sacks to make up for with Weaver and Jones’ departure, this year’s talented defensive line will certainly have its work cut out for them.

Linebackers Staying on the defensive side of the ball, another group that will flourish is the linebackers — a group ESPN writer David Hale ranks as the second best LB unit in the ACC. The group has something many other positions don’t — experience. Seniors Cam Bright, Phil Campbell III, Chase Pine and juniors Wendell Davis and SirVocea Dennis will all return to the Panthers in See Football on page 31

Kenny Pickett is Pitt football’s fifth-year returning quarterback. TPN File Photo

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PITT TRACK AND FIELD FATHER-SON COACHING DUO LOOK TO BUILD UPON AWARD-WINNING SEASON Richie Smiechowski For The Pitt News

A knee injury relegated Alonzo Webb III to the sidelines before his promising senior track season could get off of the ground in 2010. The high and long jumper had a choice — sulk on the sidelines or become a mentor to his teammates.

He chose the latter.

The following two years marked the beginning of his coaching career. His father, Pitt track and field head coach Alonzo Webb, brought him on as a volunteer assistant and quickly realized his son’s potential as a coach.

“He caught the coaching bug,” Webb said.

“After two years of coaching he did such a great job, I asked him what he wanted to do. He said ‘Man, I think I want to do this coaching thing as a profession,’ which was when I was able to hire him on the staff.”

Fast forward to 2021 and Webb III, better known as “Coach Zo,” has led the jumps and multis teams for a decade as an assistant coach.

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The 2020-21 season was unquestionably his most successful year to date.

Zo’s athletes put on a show at the 2021 ACC Indoor Championships, producing two First Team All-ACC performances and a Second Team All-ACC performer. Under Coach Zo’s tutelage, fifth-year senior heptathlete Felix Wolter posted the highest score by any Panther in the heptathlon.

Zo’s coaching achievements from the indoor season culminated in him earning his first career U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Mid-Atlantic Region Assistant Coach of the Year award. Coach Webb also notched his fourth career USTFCCCA MidAtlantic Region Coach of the Year award — his first since achieving the honor three years in a row from 2003-05.

“It was really special, something that I’ve had as a goal for a while to be able to get that award,” Zo said. “Then to get it alongside my dad, someone who’s supported me and my coaching jour-

ney from the start, it was really special. It’s a tough one to win in our region, so for us to both get it in the same year, it was pretty great.”

Zo found his niche in coaching in his postcompeting days and the transition seemed to come naturally to the once track star. Beginning when he was a young athlete growing up in the Pittsburgh area, Webb has never been shy about letting Zo know when he needs to make adjustments to perfect his craft.

Although apprehensive at first, Zo learned quickly to embrace advice from Webb regarding his coaching career, and it led to him becoming one of the most renowned assistant coaches in the country.

“The foundation of my style is firmly based on watching [my father] throughout the years,” Zo said. “Being that I am a little younger and I’m Coach Zo (left) and Coach Webb a little closer in age and mentality to the newer (right) are a father-son duo that coaches Pitt’s track and field and generation of kids, that’s where I kind of differ. cross-country teams. Image courtesy of Louis Spina, Pitt Athletics Find the full story online at

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Financial Wellness Program We are here to provide financial lessons to help you navigate through college and beyond. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions and accomplish your financial goals for a lifetime.

8/25/21 1–1:30pm Welcome Week: Financial Wellness

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16

CENTER FOR CREATIVITY PREPARES FOR FALL SEMESTER WITH NEW STRATEGIES, WORKSPACES Julie DiPietro

For The Pitt News When looking to be crafty, the Pitt community often turns to the Center for Creativity for all things art. They will have a new space this fall to draw on their imagination — literally.

The Center for Creativity opened a new creative space a few weeks ago on the third floor of the Hillman Library, called Text & conText, where students can try out bookbinding, papermaking, calligraphy, a Vandercook proof press and more.

Along with a new space, the Center is also planning for a return to some in-person activities with virtual options this fall. They hold classes and provide supplies at The Workshop below the University Store and now Text & conText.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, their programming was entirely online last year. Pitt also delayed the opening of Text & conText from early 2020.

Both spaces have walk-in hours during the week from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

Kit Ayars, the director of the Center for Creativity, said one of the center’s goals is making sure people of all artistic levels feel comfortable in their craft. This is even more poignant for this year’s slate of activities because of the close community that has developed during the pandemic, she said.

“One of our mottos is ‘amateurs welcome,’” Ayars said.

Ayars said she’s most looking forward to seeing students engage with the new center this semester.

“The big thing is the Text & conText, which students have not been able to be in before,” Ayars said. “So that will be a huge new thing especially from the student perspective, to have that space in Hillman on the third floor.”

Finding a hands-on way to make art is one of the most important missions of the Center, according to Eric Schuckers, manager of com-

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munications and programming for the Center of Creativity. He said figuring out how to do this virtually was one of the most challenging aspects of last year’s programming.

“Our mission is finding ways to encourage hands-on making,” Schuckers said. “Initially we wondered, ‘How are we going to be able to do this and take what we do and translate it into an environment where hands on really means hands on in your house?’”

The Center for Creativity introduced film festivals with virtual screenings, produced the documentary “CHASING COVID” and started a three-season collaborative podcast about creative and current events. The third season discusses the Text & conText Lab as well as the importance of writing in modern times, propaganda and the press.

Shannon Fink, manager of operations for the Center of Creativity, helped create the podcast.

She said it was one of the most fulfilling projects she worked on last year.

“I’m super proud of that because of the amount of teamwork that went into it and the way we were able to collaborate together,’’ said

Find the full story online at

pittnews.com

The Center for Creativity is finally opening their second space this year, the Text & conText Lab space, located in the Hillman Library. Image via Center for Creativity

August, 18 2021

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TOUCH GRASS: HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF PITTSBURGH’S PARKS Charlie Taylor

Senior Staff Writer Pitt’s urban campus gives students plenty to do around Pittsburgh, but all the concrete, steel and stifling city air can weigh on students’ mental health.

A 2019 study in Science Advances found that contact with nature positively impacts cognitive functioning and emotional wellbeing. Luckily, Pittsburgh offers ample opportunity for its residents to reap the benefits of the outdoors with 165 parks of varying size. But if a walk in nature only comes once in a while, it’s important to make the most of your park going experience.

Schenley Park is the closest to Pitt’s campus, just a five-minute walk from the Cathedral of Learning. The park has

hiking and biking trails, disc golf courses and an outdoor ice skating rink in the winter months.

Rylee Schwee, a rising junior economics major, spent about an hour and a half in Schenley Park almost every morning this past year. As an ultra runner — someone who runs distances further than a marathon — she said she enjoys the park’s looping running trails.

“I chose to go to Pitt partly because of the outdoor spaces, like access to trails,” Schwee said. “And all last year, it really helped me during the pandemic.”

Beyond the usual hiking, biking and picnicking, some students use Pittsburgh’s greenspaces in hopes of encountering rare birds. Garret Sisk, president Schenley Park is the closest park to Pitt’s campus, just a five-minute walk of the Birdwatching and Ornitholo- from the Cathedral of Learning. The park has hiking and biking trails, disc golf See Parks on page 33 courses and an outdoor ice skating rink in the winter months. TPN File Photo

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staff picks

COMEDIES TO GET YOU THROUGH THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES

The Pitt News Staff

It’s one of the best and the worst weeks of the semester, the first. While you’re getting all your syllabi together this fall, you should probably take a break to unwind even for just an hour or two. These comedic movies and TV shows will provide the perfect reprieve from work when class assignments start piling up.

Never Have I Ever (Netflix) // Julia DiPietro, For The Pitt News “Cheesy” may be the first word that comes to mind when watching the hit series “Never Have I Ever,” but this isn't in a bad way. Mindy Kaling, the writer behind the show, truly outdid herself. New halfhour episodes have just dropped on Netflix, providing you with two binge-worthy seasons right in time for the start of the fall semester. The story follows sophomore Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) who faces the challenges of school, crushes, friendship and recovery after the death of her father.

“Never Have I Ever” manages to perfectly juggle a large range of topics in addition to its comedic notes. It covers current issues such as racism, eating disorders, mental health and toxic relationships. However, the serious moments don’t overshadow the light-hearted and smile-provoking segments of friendship, love and family. With a star-studded cast, including narrators such as tennis player John McEnroe, Gigi Hadid and Andy Samberg, “Never Have I Ever” brings a vibrant twist to the coming of age genre and is a perfect series for any college student looking to procrastinate.

13 Going on 30 (HBO Max) // Maria Scanga, Staff Writer The quintessential early 2000s rom-com “13 Going on 30” promises every emotion under the sun in the short span of an hour and a half. Following the life of 13-year-old Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner) who wishes

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she could skip over the awkward teen years and be “30, flirty and thriving,” the movie is a cautionary tale to be careful what you wish for.

After an awkward but funny failed 13th birthday party, Jenna wishing she was 30 us-

hug your mother after watching "13 Going on 30.”

Dimension 20: Fantasy High (YouTube) // Sinead McDevitt, Senior Staff Writer Have you ever wanted to see “The

“Never Have I Ever” on Netflix is one of the staff’s picks for comedy movies and TV shows that are just what you need to survive the first week of classes.

Screenshot of “Never Have I Ever” via Netflix ing magic wishing dust from her best friend Matt. Lucky for Jenna, her wish comes true, and she wakes up in a gorgeous Manhattan apartment as a beautiful 30-year-old with the career of her dreams, stylish friends and a famous hockey player boyfriend.

While it is hilarious to watch her go through the ups and downs of filling the gaps of the last 17 years of her life, it is also a heartwarming story of the missed romance between her and Matt (Mark Ruffalo). The perfect rom-com, Jenna’s adventures and personal growth through her new life as a 30-year-old helps her realize her current dreams aren’t really what she wants. Prepare to shed some tears, laugh loudly and

Breakfast Club” meets “The Lord of the Rings” but with a much larger margin for something insane to happen? Then you should really check out CollegeHumor’s “Dimension 20,” where current and former CollegeHumor cast members and guests play Dungeons and Dragons. Trust me, you don’t have to understand the game at all to get a laugh out of it. While most of the seasons are self-contained stories, I personally recommend “Fantasy High” as a starting point. The whole play is available on YouTube, and not all the players are familiar with D&D so more of the game’s rules are laid out.

“Fantasy High” follows the “Bad Kids,” a

August, 18 2021

group of first-years at the Aguefort Adventuring Academy, as they work to unravel a mystery involving their entire town — a description that, while accurate, doesn’t begin to capture the show’s humour. The players, made up of former CollegeHumor cast Lou Wilson, Siobhan Thompson, Emily Axford, Zac Oyama, Ally Beardsley, Brian “Murph” Murphy and Dungeon Master Brennan Lee Mulligan, play fabulously off of each other to craft a story that is simultaneously touching, hilarious and just generally off the rails.

Coming to America (Amazon Prime) // Diana Velasquez, Culture Editor If you’re looking for comedy, anything with Eddie Murphy is always a good option, and one of his best films is “Coming to America.” The movie is firmly entrenched in the decade in which it was produced — practically oozing a “late 80s” vibe — but truthfully I’ve never laughed more than the first time I watched this. It’s quirky, crazy, dated in the best way and even a tad romantic.

The movie focuses on one Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) who hails from the fictional African country of Zamunda, similar to the comic-book nation of Wakanda where Black Panther rules, in its wealth and scale. As he’s come of age, his parents task Akeem with finding a bride and future queen. When he finds the women in Zamunda lacking, he heads to America — specifically Queens, New York — to find his love. Akeem is joined by his childhood friend Semmi (Arsenio Hall) while they navigate the wonders of the wintery world of New York in the 80s, and it’s a far cry from the lovely golden-hued jungles of Zamunda. The characters are not only hysterical in their naivety but sweet in the face of all of America’s, well, “Americanness.” Will Akeem find his queen? The aptly named borough is sure to provide.

19

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20

A GUIDE TO PITTSBURGH’S MUST-SEE FALL FOOD FESTIVALS Jessica McKenzie Staff Writer

If the idea of fall semester’s upcoming work has you in a pickle, you may as well eat a few.

The Picklesburgh end-of-summer food festival Downtown has you covered. And if pickles aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other iconic food festivals in the City coming your way this fall.

This is your ultimate guide to Pittsburgh’s fall food festivals. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate the start of our first in-person semester in more than a year than to eat like there’s no tomorrow. You can get a taste of Italian food without venturing too far from

campus, or you can deepen your understanding of the Pittsburgh food scene by trying a good old-fashioned pierogi.

Pittsburgh Mac and Cheese Festival Ah, mac and cheese, the ultimate comfort food for college students. This festival offers endless possibilities for America’s cheesiest entree, with more than 30 kinds of mac and cheese for guests to sample.

The Pittsburgh Mac and Cheese Festival will take place on Sept. 18 at the Sandcastle Water Park in Homestead, which is just a 40-minute bus ride from campus. Starting at $20 for an entry ticket, guests can purchase three kinds of tickets to the festival — entry, general See Food on page 35

Picklesburgh is one of several upcoming Pittsburgh food fests, taking place Aug. 20-22 on the Andy Warhol Bridge in Downtown. TPN File Photo

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August, 18 2021

22

column

DEAR SENIORS, I SEE YOU

Julia Kreutzer

Senior Staff Columnist When I left campus in March 2020, I was desperate for respite from the stress of my sophomore spring semester. I never expected to return as a senior.

I don’t need to tell you what happened during the “spring break” that extended throughout my entire junior year, but it is startling to think that with only a year and a half of on-campus experience, we are now leading student organizations, completing senior seminars and finally cramming in the general education requirements we’ve put off. We’re supposed to soak up our last moments of college — in many ways, the last moments before being thrust into adulthood — without even fully knowing what we’ve missed.

I remember watching the Class of 2020 lose these meaningful final moments, the rugs ripped from beneath them, left only with an eerie sense of fear and grief. Amidst Zoom graduations in pajamas held in childhood bedrooms, they and their families wished for all of these experiences that we’re now being thrust into. If loss defined 2020, 2021’s word is “redemption.” It feels like we are expected to make up for this time that was stolen from so many others, all while working through confusion and grief of our own.

We’re dealing with more plagues than just senioritis, but amidst the chaos, we must make room for all of the emotions this year brings — good and complicated.

Mark Brown, a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, published his “what I miss doing most” list in February. He writes of the little things, like reuniting with the “Pesce Bianco al Spinaci” at his favorite Italian restaurant, to the big things, like foreign travel or visiting Washington D.C. after the attack on the Capitol. He asks us for help in renaming “The List,” as he calls it.

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“It’s not a bucket list exactly, though, for many of us older types it might double as such, if you understand bucket list to be a bunch of stuff you want to do before you kick the bucket,” Brown said.

“Maybe we should call it … the Lost Time List because we’re all going to be

dogs in Lawrenceville or watching a live production in the Charity Randall Theatre. Now, it seems, is the time to do it all. Yes, the list is somewhat trivial, yet it’s also a profound way to redeem the sense of simple enjoyment that the COVID-19 pandemic stole from us. This

Promiti Debi senior staff illustrator trying to make up for lost time, which is coming up on a year now. Whatever you call your list, I hope it can carry you over until the better times ahead.”

I have a “Lost Time List” of my own — trivia at Hem’s, petting strangers’

reclamation feels urgent — after all, a bucket list takes on new meaning after more than 4.2 million people globally have lost their lives.

But completing our Lost Time Lists takes — you guessed it — a lot of time,

August, 18 2021

leaving very little for the other things that we need or want to do. Author Rosanne Cash tweeted on March 14, 2020 — which, if you remember, is the day the world crumbled — that we could look to history as an example of how to make use of our quarantine.

“Just a reminder that when Shakespeare was quarantined because of the plague, he wrote King Lear,” she tweeted.

“AND he did it without toilet paper #nopressure.”

We were flooded with reminders like Cash’s, told that productivity was the way to survive the pandemic and come out with a masterpiece of our own.

Spoiler — I didn’t write my “King Lear.”

But I still feel like I have to. I’m coming out of the pandemic with crippling anxiety that I am not doing enough, and as such, I want to fill my senior year with productivity. It feels like we have to prove that all this was worth it.

Senior year is the time for living in the present — which is much harder to do when confronted with the frightening prospect of losing our student identities and being burdened with the grief of the past year and a half. My to-do list is getting longer — complete my Lost Time List, work toward my seminal masterpiece and savor my last year in Oakland.

This year is, unfortunately, not the “return to normal” we’ve longed for. We are plagued in more ways than one. The pressure of making the most of our senior year has taken on many new forms for the Class of 2022. It’s going to be another complicated, exciting, stressful and confusing year. All this to say, if you’re struggling to process the emotions of being thrust into seniordom — I’m right there with you.

I don’t have the answer as to how we should spend our senior year, but at least we get the chance to search for it.

Julia writes primarily about social issues and politics. Write to Julia at JRK142@pitt.edu.

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column

USE PSYCHOLOGY TO TRANSITION SMOOTHLY BACK TO IN-PERSON CLASSES Dalia Maeroff

Senior Staff Columnist It’s understandable that students have a wide range of emotions about the return to inperson classes after more than a year of attending lectures from bed. Some are excited about socializing again, some have gotten so used to the online format that in-person seems daunting, and others are terrified because Pitt hasn’t mandated vaccines for its students or faculty.

If you’re like me, you’re probably a mix of all three. This past year has been stressful enough, I want to make sure that everyone’s transition back to in-person classes is as smooth as possible.

Adaptability, flexibility and accepting lack of control are key When we originally began this journey through COVID-19, we quickly realized it wasn’t going to be short, and we all adapted. We all went through that adjustment period in the 2020 spring semester, whether that was as drastic as changing our work and study habits or just letting ourselves accept that we are living through a pandemic.

We now need to adapt in the other direction — back to an in-person setting with safety at the forefront of our minds. Be flexible with plans, and be ready to cancel or reschedule — whether that’s dinner with friends in a week or traveling for winter break in a few months’ time.

It’s important to remember that the University's reaction to this pandemic have been and will continue to be unpredictable — nothing is for certain and anything can happen. Returning to online classes midway through the fall semester is a real possibility due to rising case numbers and the Delta variant. Learning to accept a lack of control will help you more easily transition back to in-person classes.

Find your space During the pandemic, our stomping grounds were reduced from a large city campus to houses and bedrooms. Eating, socializing, relaxing and studying all occurred pretty much in the same place. Now is the time to reestablish separate spaces for separate activities.

This helps you reestablish your associative learning patterns, which is how your brain essentially differentiates what mode to be in. If you nap in the same chair on the ground floor

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August, 18 2021

of Hillman as you study in, you’ll start to associate studying with being sleepy. If you make a point of eating meals in that same chair, you will not only start to be sleepy when you open your textbooks, you’ll also get hungry. Not to say that snacks are out of the question, but try to keep each of these sectors of your life separate — not just in action but also in location.

If you are one of the lucky ones that got to have some time in real school before the pandemic hit, you can go back to your old haunts and adjust as needed. Go back to Thursday night yoga, Therapy Dog Tuesdays, and rejoin your old clubs and social life. Hammock in front of the Carnegie library next to those tight rope walking people. Return to your favorite study spots — unless of course, they’re the first and second floors of the Hillman library — in which case you will have to find somewhere else to hit the books.

If you were unfortunate enough to be a firstyear during COVID-19, then you get to discover everything you never knew about campus and the City! Explore your heart out, and don’t be afraid to try new things and join clubs you never thought you would like. Find your favorite mental breakdown spot before finals week so you have it ready to go.

Start getting into a routine Sleep, workout and eating schedules went out the window last year. Not a bad thing, but also just not conducive to a productive existence back in real life with in-person classes and jobs and social lives.

I like to write out my schedule for classes, then identify blocks of time that will be designated sleeping, eating and exercise times about a week before classes start. That way, I never get to 1 a.m. and suddenly remember that I forgot to eat dinner or work out that day, it will always See Maeroff on page 40

Shruti Talekar senior staff illustrator

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column

WHAT IS THE IN-PERSON EXPERIENCE AT PITT LIKE?

Jack Troy

Opinions Editor Over the course of my first year at Pitt, I had a grand total of one in-person class. Even then, it was only partially inperson — more lectures were held over Zoom than not. Based on the couple hundred times I’ve heard people say how bad they feel about my first-year experience being virtual, this is a tragedy.

Honestly, I didn’t mind it. You simply can’t beat rolling out of bed two minutes before class and still making it there on time. Assuming we’ll be in person this fall, accounting for the time it takes to go to and from class is going to be a brutal adjustment.

But I can’t deny that my tiny slice of ordinary class was enjoyable. Or, at the very least, it reminded me that I was missing out on something — not that I can reliably pinpoint that something. I struggle to articulate what I was missing because, even though I am entering my sophomore year, I still don’t know what the Pitt experience is like.

Most glaringly, I haven’t survived a full schedule of in-person classes. Are these harder than Zoom classes? My guess is that, in some respects, yes. Unfortunately, you can’t turn your camera off, put your feet up and scroll through Twitter when everyone is physically sitting in the same room. Nor can you duck out when the time comes for breakout rooms, or whatever the in-person equiv-

alent of those may be. Or maybe you can, how would I know?

I’m not even sure if I’m comfortable offering advice about the classes I have taken, albeit virtually. Some of my professors were extremely sympathetic and likely went easy on us. Many opted for essays and smaller assignments over high-stakes tests, whether out of the goodness of their hearts or an acknowledgment that every remote test can easily be made open note.

Others were struggling to simply put one virtual foot in front of the other to make it through the extremely online year, so I can’t help but wonder what effect that had on the quality and difficulty of the course. My guess is that they were both lowered.

Dining was also a very unusual exSee Troy on page 40

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CLASS OF 2025!

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25

column

HOW TO ‘ROC’ THE SEMESTER AS A TRANSFER PANTHER Ashanti McLaurin Staff Columnist

Dear scared and nervous transfer student, Being a transfer student has its pros and cons — it can feel scary, lonely and like you have to reintroduce yourself all over again.

But it can also make you more extroverted, adventurous and help you build new relationships.

As a person who transferred my sophomore year of college during a pandemic, I can tell you it has been a challenge, but I think I have enough experience to help you navigate your first semester.

This is Ashanti’s “Four B’s” Transfer Survival Guide to ensure that your trans-

fer year isn’t dull and you have a successful first year at Pitt.

Become involved with campus life As a transfer student, it can be very hard to make friends. It can feel like everyone has established their friend group when you first walk onto campus, but everyone is open to including someone new in their life. By being yourself, you will attract people who match your personality and values. I know I struggled to make friends, but connecting with my classmates and hanging out with my roommates made me realize that everyone is still open to meeting new people.

Joining extracurricular activities like See McLaurin on page 37

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26

satire

6 PIECES OF ADVICE FOR A (SEMI) NORMAL YEAR

Tim Moxey

For The Pitt News Well, we’re back everybody — kind of.

This whole pandemic isn’t totally ruining everyone’s life 24/7 anymore, and that’s pretty cool. The issue is that most of you will probably have forgotten how to act like a real human being in society at this point, but don’t worry! I’m here to guide you through reacclimating to life in what will — hopefully — be a somewhat normal year. You’re welcome.

1. Stick with your hobby — unless it’s lame Chances are, you picked up something new during COVID-19. I’m something of a hobby-man, so I think that continuing with the instrument you started learning or the reading habit you picked up is a great idea.

There are some hobbies that should be left in the past, though. Stamp collecting?

Get an email. Coin collecting? Get a credit card. Knitting clothes? Also get a credit card. You won’t be able to buy back the time you wasted stabbing yarn into a scarf that looks like something my six-year-old cousin could make, but you could get a cool sweatshirt that might help you forget about how bad you are at arts and crafts.

2. Remember that you have a pet Another thing a lot of people did during the pandemic was get a pet. That pet

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is still yours. Don’t forget about it now that you can occasionally venture briefly outside of your house. That reminds me — I should probably feed my dogs before I write the next piece of advice.

you went on a year and a half ago that was going to be your “new routine” was the last athletic thing that you did. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing — yours truly hasn’t broken a workout-related sweat

TPN File Photo 3. Completely ditch your exercise routine I guess I should just say, “admit that you never really exercised.” Because let’s face it — the mile and a quarter run that

since 2018 — but it’s time to give up the charade.

4. Pick out 10-15 TV shows and 30-40 movies If you are anything like me, chances

August, 18 2021

are that your study habits are going to be similar to last year — meaning that you won’t study at all. I’m not saying that’s the best thing for your grades, but to keep the same lackadaisical energy that we all had last semester, it’s essential to have an abundance of movies and TV to watch. I tried to give a low-ball estimate, so if you feel like you’re really going to do nothing, jack those numbers way up. Reach out to me for any suggestions.

5. Remember that classes are in-person now Seriously. That’s important. I took most of my classes during COVID-19 with fewer articles of clothing on than I care to admit, but it’s important to remember that clothes are required for inperson class. As comfortable as it would be for me to walk into my Spanish class in just my boxers, I don’t know if that would fly.

6. Go to every office hour available You’ll not only get a better understanding of all your classes, but I’m sure your professors will want to speak to you twice a week for an hour at a time. Heck — you could even make a new friend! I’m telling you, office hours are the bomb.com.

Tim Moxey can be contacted at tim52@ pitt.edu or by carrier pigeon. He will most likely forget to respond to both.

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column

India Krug

TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR AS A POLITICALLY ACTIVE STUDENT

Senior Staff Columnist I remember stepping foot on campus last year and feeling incredibly nervous. I was easily one of the most politically active students at my small town high school, but I didn’t have the leadership positions and hundreds of LinkedIn connections that some of my Pitt counterparts did.

But over the year I slowly gained my political footing by making friends and participating in clubs. So here, dear readers, are my tips for your first year as a politically active college student.

1. Know the important issues and campaigns in Pennsylvania This academic year will be an important one for politics. There will be elections across

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the state on Nov. 2, including in Pittsburgh, which is likely to usher in the City’s first Black mayor. There are also seats up on all three of Pennsylvania’s statewide courts.

In the spring, primaries will determine candidates for the entire Pennsylvania House of Representatives and approximately half of the State Senate. In those primaries — which take place on May 17, 2022 — voters will also choose the new governor and lieutenant governor.

Another primary election is already gaining national attention. The race for one of Pennsylvania’s two U.S. Senate seats began heating up after Pat Toomey announced he would not be seeking re-election. There are more than 15 declared contenders, including Lieutenant Gov. John Fetterman and State Rep. Malcolm

Protestors marching on Fifth Avenue in June 2020.

See Krug on page 39 Kaycee Orwig senior staff photographer

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letter from the editor

ANOTHER YEAR FOR THE BOOKS Jon Moss

Editor-in-Chief Welcome back to campus! Walk down Fifth Avenue past the Cathedral and take in the heightened buzz of Oakland as students pour back into the neighborhood. Oh, and also the cautious optimism — or anxiety, depending on who you ask — about the return to in-person classes.

Much like last academic year, this one will definitely be one for the books, as the nation and world continue through this current phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. At this time last year, Pitt officials would not commit to a specific date, or even an estimate, about when classes could move from online only to in person, and now here we are getting ready to head out to lecture halls thanks to scientific breakthroughs in short order. Flex@Pitt, we hardly knew ye.

This year will also be a year of both firsts and lasts for many students. Sophomores did not get to experience much of campus life last year and will likely be looking for all that there is to enjoy here. Seniors — the last class currently enrolled at Pitt to experience a full prepandemic academic year — will graduate in April, taking all those memories with us. For us, this is “it” — the final year of college and time before adulthood really kicks in. Yikes.

As you settle back into Oakland, we’ve prepared this Welcome Back guide to help get you acclimated to a changing campus. Our amazing news writers have compiled numerous articles to summarize what campus will look like this fall — as we know right now, anyways. Our wonderful columnists have written many advice columns, offering their hard-won wisdom about different ways to approach your time here at Pitt and resources you may find useful.

The culture desk has the inside scoop about everything Pittsburgh, from food

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August, 18 2021

to parks. And our sports writers have all the information you need on Pitt Athletics, so you’ll be ready for the upcoming season.

Beyond this 44-page special edition, we hope you will stay tuned to TPN through the semester and this tumultuous time for the latest news about Pitt and the Oakland community. Our team of nearly 200 student journalists has been and will remain focused on covering nearly every part of campus. The best way to keep in touch is to subscribe to our email newsletter at pittnews.com/ newsletter — you’ll know about the news as soon as we do, which is even sometimes how top officials hear of it.

You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram at @ThePittNews and like us on Facebook.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to changes at TPN. We reduced our print frequency last academic year from four to only one physical newspaper per week, released Wednesdays, and began See Letter on page 41

The Cathedral of Learning Vignesh Senguttuvan for the pitt news

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Kyle Saxon

GILBERT BROWN READY TO EMBRACE TRADITION IN NEW ROLE

Senior Staff Writer From the moment he set foot in Pittsburgh, Pitt men’s basketball coach Jeff Capel expressed an adamant desire to embrace and preserve tradition.

“Look back at the great players here, and the great teams and the championships that were won in the Big East,” Capel said during his introductory press conference in 2018. “As we embark now in the ACC, I look forward to building that and being a part of a tradition.”

In his three seasons at the helm, Capel stayed true to his word, frequently citing his desire to instill within his players the

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characteristics that made Pitt’s former teams so remarkable — grit and determination. So it wasn’t surprising when Capel announced in June that former basketball standout Gilbert Brown would serve as the new director of player and alumni development.

The last time Pitt fans saw Brown on the Panther sideline back in 2011, he was donning his iconic headband and throwing down high-flying dunks. The Panthers went 111-30 in Brown’s four seasons at Pitt, and he was a part of the team that made it to the Elite Eight in the 2009 March Madness Tournament.

Basketball has always been a central

part of Brown’s life and following an extensive professional career spanning several different countries, he joined the private South Kent School in Connecticut as an associate head coach last season.

“As I was going to re-sign back to go play again, I got the chance to coach at my old prep school with my former high school coach, so I saw it as an opportunity to start my second career and get into coaching,” Brown said. “Everything aligned in that direction and pointed me towards the career I’m now seeking.”

Capel then offered the Harrisburg-native an opportunity to further his career and return to Pittsburgh. He referenced

August, 18 2021

his relationship with Capel as a contributing factor to his eagerness to accept his new role.

“When I first met Capel, I was actually rehabbing my ACL in Pittsburgh,” he said.

“He invited me to come back and work out, be around the kids, and kind of just ask questions about what made Pitt ‘Pitt’ back then.”

Coincidentally, this experience represents a large part of what Brown’s new position involves. Brown will oversee players’ transition from high school to the collegiate level, while ensuring Pitt Basketball alumni are actively involved with See Brown on page 43

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Football, pg.14 2021.

Bright, a Pro Football Network preseason first-team All-ACC Linebacker, finished top five in sacks among ACC linebackers last season.

Dennis is also listed as a preseason first-team All-ACC Linebacker in the College Football News’ rankings, as well as a top 30 player in the conference by the site, after he was third in Tackles for Loss in the 2020 season in the ACC. Davis started two games before missing the rest of the season due to injury. The junior linebacker will look to resume his starting role in the team, and is excited about what the group as a whole has to offer.

“We have a lot coming back,” Davis told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “We are probably the most underrated group in the ACC.” Considering all of the players mentioned have played together for multiple seasons under the same scheme, it seems that their success both individually, and as a unit, is more likely to become a trend rather than an outlier.

The linebackers will also be playing behind what’s likely to be one of the best defensive lines in the country. Behind them in the secondary, they have what PFF lists as a top 10 cornerback tandem in the nation in junior Marquis Williams and senior Damarri Mathis. Having an elite collection of talent in front of and behind you, makes their job a whole lot easier.

The LBs also head into 2021 with defensive coordinator Randy Bates entering his fourth year as the Panthers signal caller. Bates was named the 2020 American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year and is perceived to be one of the premier play callers in College Football. Playing under him for another season should pay dividends.

Quarterback On the opposite side of the ball, another position that will flourish is quarterback.

If super-senior quarterback Kenny Pickett stays healthy, he has the potential to have a huge year. Pickett’s return to the program was met with surprise by the fan base as well as the coaching staff.

Pickett also brings a much needed veteran presence and is the most experienced player at the position in the conference.

In order to succeed, Pickett must have help around him, and he has a collection of weapons surrounding him this season.

Pickett has been a victim of dropped passes with 68 in the past two seasons — more than any other QB in the nation. PFF puts his expected completion percentage at a whopping 72.2% —

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a clear reason why he is so underrated coming into this season.

The wide receiver room is the most talented and deepest it’s been in years. Led by sophomore All-American Jordan Addison, the Panther receivers should improve greatly as a whole. Veteran receiver Taysir Mack had an injury-riddled 2020 season but looks to start opposite Addison.

The two will form one of the better WR duos in the conference.

Tight end Lucas Krull is getting much praise out of camp as he returns after playing in just one game last season due to injury. The former Florida Gator is poised for a breakout season, as FOX Sports analyst Bruce Feldman lists him as

one of the top 35 players who will break out this upcoming season.

Pickett has the weapons around him to succeed. He now finally has the stability to as well.

Since Pickett arrived at Pitt in 2017, he has played in two very different offensive schemes. In 2017 and 2018, Shawn Watson called the plays, employing an extremely rush-heavy offense. In 14 games in 2018 under Watson, Pickett threw just 310 passes.

Watson was released from his duties at the end of the 2018 season and Narduzzi opted to hire pass-heavy play caller Mark Whipple. In 12 games in 2019, Pickett threw the ball 469 times, a drastic uptick in comparison to the season

August, 18 2021

prior. Over the course of the past two seasons, Pickett has averaged more passing attempts than any other quarterback in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.

The talent on the offensive side of the ball and the stability granted to him should result in Pickett having the best statistical year of his Pitt career.

With what’s expected to be an elite front seven, an experienced quarterback with exciting talent around him and a favorable schedule, could this be one the best Pitt football seasons in recent memory?

Only time will tell.

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Parks, pg.18 gy club, leads students on birdwatching outings and helps them identify species they see on their own.

The club usually spends its first birdwatching outing of the year at Schenley.

Sisk, a rising junior environmental engineering major, said although that park isn’t the best birdwatching spot in the City, its proximity to campus makes it an accessible spot for newcomers.

“We have generally one Schenley Park outing as kind of the intro outing, because it's super accessible to Pitt students,” Sisk said. “Personally, it's not my favorite place to go birdwatching. Even though you're kind of in the green space, I still feel a lot of that urban influence on some of the birds that you'll see.”

According to Sisk, Frick Park in Squirrel Hill offers better birdwatching opportunities. As Pittsburgh’s “woodland park,” Frick has densely wooded hiking trails and a variety of bird species.

Sisk said the park’s wetland areas boast waterfowl like killdeer and king fishers, while observant visitors might see a redtail hawk near the amphitheater at the front of the park. Although it’s further from campus than Schenley Park, the 61 bus route runs close by.

“Frick Park is my favorite. Both as a bird watching spot and just like, I think it's a cool spot to walk, eat, relax. It's pretty easy to get by bus,” Sisk said.

Alana Wenk, a spokesperson for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, said she thought college students would be interested in exploring the parks’ walking trails. She also suggested visiting the sites listed in the Conservancy’s Supporter Appreciation Passport — including the Frick Environmental Center and the Teenie Harris art installation in August Wilson Park. The Conservancy also hosts free programs in the parks, such as fitness classes and open mic nights.

Sisk said choosing the right time of day can be equally important when it comes to appreciating nature. He recommended visitors sacrifice an hour or two of sleep to visit the parks in the early morning because during those hours, nature can look, sound and even smell differently.

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“If you play with that time of today, you go early in the morning, nature can explode,” Sisk said “There's so many different things that can change with time of day that I would suggest exploring.”

Sisk also recommended slowing down and avoiding treating a walk in the park like a commute from one place to the other. He said birdwatching has made him more observant and more appreciative of nature, which improves any trip he takes outdoors.

“There's a whole different experience, versus just like, ‘Okay, I'm walking through the woods to get to the other

side,’” he said, “versus walking through the woods to appreciate nature. It's a whole different experience, nothing relatable.”

Schwee said students with busy schedules should try taking just 30 minutes out of their day to get outside, because they’ll feel more grounded for the rest of their day.

“Anybody can find that time, if you wake up 30 minutes earlier to start off your day with maybe some yoga with friends,” she said. “It's really surprising how much so little can do.”

No matter what students do in the

August, 18 2021

parks, Wenk said it’s important for them to remember to be respectful visitors.

That means leaving no trace — cleaning up, respecting wildlife and leaving nature undisturbed.

“It's so crucial for park visitors to not only enjoy visiting their cherished green spaces but to help care for them as well,” Wenk said. “Remember to ‘leave no trace’ during your park visits and be a good neighbor to your fellow park users.”

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Welcome Week, pg. 8 outdoors if the student is not fully vaccinated, is immunocompromised or lives with someone who is immunocompromised. Donohue said the Welcome Week staff will abide by the rules throughout the week.

Since first-year students experienced Welcome Week completely online last year, this year’s festivities will feature multiple events targeted toward these now second-year students, such as “Second-Year Speed Friending” on Aug. 25 and “Second-Year Late Night Breakfast” on Aug. 27.

Donohue said the Welcome Week staff met with a focus group of second-year students to consider their needs and recommendations for this year. The students said they wanted more opportunities to engage with their peers due to a lack of interaction during virtual events last year.

“We wanted to offer social events for secondyear students who are still looking to connect and find community,” Donohue said. “As well as open up some of our traditional events to first-years to second-years, like Lantern Night and the Activities Fair.”

There are 10 events from Tuesday through Thursday that first-year students are required to attend, including academic programs, the New Student Convocation and Pep Rally and building-wide and floor meetings.

Hillel Jewish University Center, the center for Jewish campus life in Pittsburgh, will host several events throughout Welcome Week — starting with Shabbat on Aug. 20. Kari Semel, Janet L. Swanson director of Jewish Student Life at Pitt, said the Hillel staff is excited for Pitt students’ return to campus, especially with in-person events.

“A lot of the magic that happens at Hillel does happen because you have [one] hundred students coming together,” Semel said. “It definitely impacted our feelings of connectedness … get-

ting to see the students all together.”

Semel said there are more Hillel events, including online events, than those that are listed in the Welcome Week schedule. She said students can follow Pitt Hillel’s Instagram or subscribe to Hillel’s newsletter for updates on events and links to event Zoom sessions.

“We’re trying to pick a mix of what really feels authentic and normal to what we do,” Semel said.

“We’re really trying to have some type of virtual opportunity every day of the week.”

Monet Blackman, a First Year Mentor, said this year’s events were designed to make every student feel comfortable.

“We just want to make sure that everybody feels welcome and happy,” Blackman, a sophomore majoring in mass communication and Korean studies, said. “If you don’t want to come physically, you can always come virtually.”

According to Blackman, the FYMs play a major role in Welcome Week every year. They will host 14 events this year — such as Speed Friending on Aug. 22 and Murder Mystery on Aug. 25 — but can be found at all events. Blackman said one of the FYMs’ roles during Welcome Week is to aid in students’ transitional period from home to campus.

“I know how scary college can be, especially coming from high school or a different place,” she said. “It [is] really nice to have us First Year Mentors be that kind of bridge between getting students ready not only mentally, but physically for college.”

She added that the FYMs have Welcome Week and COVID-19 protocols under control and are ready to welcome students back to campus.

“This year has been really hard for everyone during COVID … but I would say we’re handling it pretty well,” Blackman said. “[We’re here] to represent our school and show people that Pitt is fierce and we love it here.”

First-year students were given LED lanterns to display in their windows to celebrate the 100th annual Lantern Night in 2020. TPN File Photo

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August, 18 2021

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Food, pg. 21 admission or VIP. General admission comes with 10 food tickets and a fullsize beverage, but kids under 12 years old enter the festival for free.

All guests are welcome to enjoy live music and vote for vendors they believe make the best mac and cheese in Pittsburgh. Festivities kick off at 11:30 a.m. and go on until 9 p.m. If you’re ready to take this classic microwave dinner to the next level, the Pittsburgh Mac and Cheese Festival is for you.

A Soulful Taste of the Burgh Looking for fun ways to support small, Black-owned businesses? Always hungry? A Soulful Taste of the Burgh is returning to Market Square on Labor Day Weekend to celebrate Pittsburgh’s Black Wall Street. This festival is just a stone’s throw away from campus, and everyone should take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy Pittsburgh’s downtown area.

Pittsburgh’s Black Legacy will be celebrating Black businesses through food, live music and guest speakers from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from Sept. 2 to Sept.

5. Entrance is free, and you can choose from a wide array of African and southern cuisine while learning about the history of Black entrepreneurship.

Little Italy Days Over the past year, more than a couple of students had study abroad plans that fell through. Little Italy Days gives us a chance to fly to Italy simply by walking over to Bloomfield on Liberty Avenue between Aug. 19-22. Not only will you be immersed in Italian culture through food, but there will also be more than 30 Italian musical acts over the four days of festivities.

Festival entrance is free and various parking options are available if needed.

The festival hosts a bocce ball tournament — an Italian game similar to lawn ball — on the weekend of the festival.

Additionally, Little Italy Days hosts the competition for the title of Miss Little Italy. So munch on some Italian goodies while enjoying a cluster of entertainment to celebrate Italian heritage and the end of the summer.

Pittsburgh Pierogi Fest If you’re looking to celebrate the Polish treasure of pierogies, head over to

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Kennywood Park in West Homewood on Sept. 26 for a day of all things pierogi.

Tickets for the festival are $26.99 for adults when bought online and $29.99 at the door. Guests can enjoy food from nearly 30 local vendors from 1 to 6 p.m., in addition to free parking and some iconic Kennywood rides.

The Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival also offers a beer garden for guests over 21, as well as a pop-up market with Pittsburgh and pierogi merch. Plus, what better way to bond with friends than to participate in a pierogi pinching contest?

Picklesburgh

And last but not least, late summer is the season for Pittsburgh’s ultimate pickle mania, Picklesburgh. Celebrating its fifth year of festivities, Picklesburgh will take place from Aug. 20-22 on the Andy Warhol Bridge downtown. A quick bus ride from campus will take you to this festival, which is free of charge to all guests.

Here you can enjoy the limitless possibilities of pickles to your heart’s content, as the vendors of this festival use the Heinz pickles for just about any international dish or cocktail you can imagine. There are limitless options

here — guests can even sign up for a pickle juice drinking contest.

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the programs available to help you develop both personally and professionally.

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Core Competencies August, 18 2021

for a $1,500 OCC Advantage Grant (upon OCC completion) to use towards an unpaid summer internship, research or service learning opportunity.

Download the OCC Tracking App. Search in Apple Store or Google Play for ...

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Dining, pg.9 additional dining dollars.

Compass is also launching new oncampus dining locations, including PA Taco Co. — which is replacing Taco Bell — and Wicked Pie in the William Pitt Union’s Schenley Cafe. They also added a Smokeland BBQ food truck and Saxby’s Coffee in the Cathedral of Learning and Hillman Library.

Besides dine-in seating, Eason said all on-campus dining locations will offer to-go options in either reusable — through the Choose to Reuse program — or compostable containers. With their Pitt IDs, students can receive their first reusable container free and can exchange dirty containers for a token at the OZZI Choose to Reuse machines located around campus.

Students will also have expanded menus in The Eatery and The Perch — Pitt's two cafeteria-style dining halls — including more “plant-forward dining options, vegan, vegetarian, Kosher and halal options,” Eason said.

He encouraged students to reach out and provide feedback to pitteats@pitt.edu, the @pitt.eats Instagram account or their

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feedback form.

“Pitt and Compass Group look forward to sharing delicious, exciting dining experiences with students as we prepare to transition to increased on-campus operations for the fall semester,” he said.

Danielle Obisie-Orlu, president of the Resident Student Association, said RSA works with Dining Services to create “safe, engaging and experience-rich environments for students” and ensure student feedback is acknowledged.

“In terms of the dining and meal plans, we collaborate with Dining Services to ensure that student feedback and response are incorporated in the core steps of the meal plan creation process in the form of focus groups and committees,” Obisie-Orlu said.

Obisie-Orlu said RSA also partnered with the Student Government Board to form a joint task force that focuses on making dining spaces more “accessible and sustainable.”

“It was important to work with other student organizations that are focused on advocacy and sustainability, as that collaboration is key to creating and maintaining a campus culture of student voices mattering and making sure that students feel well

represented in the rooms where decisions are being made,” Obisie-Orlu said.

SGB member Daniel Temmallo said the board welcomes and looks forward to Compass Group’s changes for the fall semester.

“We will always be in favor of more diverse options to better accompany every student’s diets, and we look forward to seeing growth in terms of vegan, vegetarian, halal and Kosher options. We also can’t wait to try the new options on campus!” Temmallo said.

As for allergy-friendly options, Katie Miller, a junior communications rhetoric and film and media double major, said she often had difficulty finding food options to accommodate her gluten allergy at The Perch after moving to upper campus last spring. She said she preferred The Eatery’s gluten-free pasta and hamburgers over The Perch’s grilled chicken.

However, she feels like Compass is a big step up from Sodexo. She especially appreciated Compass adding gluten-free options to more of Pitt’s on-campus restaurants, such as Burrito Bowl.

“As far as dining dollar locations go, with Sodexo I felt like you'd get smooth-

August, 18 2021

ies and there was one place you could get a salad but that was pretty much it,” Millier said. “But now, with Compass I feel like they're really taking that into consideration because there's more options, like even if I just go to the Burrito Bowl in the Pete, or there's like a salad place with a bunch of gluten-free options, and they are starting to market on their menu which is really helpful.”

She also felt like the staff was better trained to handle food allergies. One time a worker at The Perch specially made her a gluten-free meal after seeing she didn’t have any options — he even threw in a gluten-free brownie.

Obisie-Orlu said while adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging, RSA’s mission to provide students with positive residential experiences remained constant.

“It has been really important to us that we make sure that the residential experience, whether some of it is virtual or inperson, is one that is positive and allow students to reflect upon their time within the residence halls, and at the University at large, with hope and appreciation,” ObisieOrlu said.

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McLaurin, pg. 26 sports or clubs that match your interests and hobbies is a good start. If you like art, join Pitt’s Level B Studios, if you want to live out your Robin Hood fantasies, join the Archery Club or if you like looking out for people, join Student Government Board.

I major in English so I made it my mission to join The Pitt News. I love to cheer so I made sure to try out for the Pitt cheerleading team — spoiler alert, I made the team. Don’t be afraid to try something new or revisit something old.

Build bonds with your advisor and professors When I first started classes at Pitt last fall, I was wondering how I would form any type of bond with my professors, advisers or faculty from my department, especially starting my first year on Zoom. It was a struggle thinking, “How am I going to make a good first impression to my professors and advisers properly if I’m never going to meet them in person?”

I received good advice and positive energy from my department advisers after talking with them about graduation, my major and my future career path and goals. Take charge in your college career and make sure you and your adviser have an understanding about what you want to do in life.

I still keep in touch with a few of my professors from this past year — my two nonfiction writing professors and my Chinese language professor. I was able to build a bond with each one of them in and outside of the classroom.

Be open to try new things Transferring schools is all about being in a different environment physically and academically. I never thought I would take Mandarin Chinese then minor in it, or take an African American Lit class then minor in Africana Studies. If you want to be a part of organizations and sports teams you never thought about trying or even heard of, Pitt has a variety of clubs and organizations that will fit what you like.

Be satisfied that you transferred schools Don’t feel bad for leaving your old college or university. According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, more than a third of students transfer at least once. It can be different and nerve-

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racking to stray away from the friends you made at your previous college or be away from your family, but those reasons shouldn’t stop you from regretting your choice to transfer to your dream school.

I stayed in my home state my first year of college — most people from my high school were there, so I didn’t feel out of place. Though I liked my former college, I felt the program I was in didn’t match my needs and desires. Now as a junior here at Pitt, I’m glad I made the decision to transfer.

For most people, there are four years in your undergrad college life to make

memories, work toward your career choice and have fun. Transferring colleges is all about you and if you take these four B’s and apply it when you first step onto your new college campus, your transfer year will make you realize why it was worth it.

Sincerely, Your certified transfer advice mentor P. S. I’m still using this survival guide for myself, so don’t worry if you feel like the new kid again.

Ashanti McLaurin primarily writes about Black culture, human injustices and gives life advice. Write to her at azm18@ pitt.edu.

$269 $339 $399

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August, 18 2021

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NIL, pg.12 Kavanaugh said.

But many of college athletics’ leaders staunchly defended this system for decades, claiming the change would take the spirit out of college athletics. Pitt Athletic Director Heather Lyke expressed some hesitation in May regarding the potential shift to collegiate athletes being eligible to capitalize off of their name, image and likeness. “[Pitt Athletics is] supportive of this type of legislation,” Lyke said. “I think the biggest challenge again is [NIL] focuses on your name, your image and your likeness … it’s kind of counterintuitive to what the team is about … that’s the only thing, that name, image and likeness sends a message to young people that ‘there’s a value that’s placed on me.’ I don’t love that philosophy or mentality that comes out of name, image and likeness. But we’ll manage through it.”

Just over a year ago, Lyke said in an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that students signing and selling merchandise “didn’t feel quite right.”

The June ruling seemed to be the first of many dominoes to fall in the coming weeks as many states, including Pennsylvania, passed legislation allowing college athletes to capitalize off of their NIL — forcing the NCAA to pass NIL

pittnews.com

rules of their own.

Now the NCAA and leaders such as Lyke have shifted their tone toward more of a cautious excitement for athletes.

“Our goal is to be progressive, innovative and helpful in every aspect of their student-athlete experience, and the world of name, image and likeness is no different," Lyke said in a June statement. "We look forward to helping our studentathletes learn more about this topic.”

Shortly after the new laws passed, athletes took to social media to express their excitement and open their inboxes to anybody who wanted to form a partnership.

Fifth-year quarterback Kenny Pickett made waves through not just the Pitt community, but the entire college sports landscape when he announced his first endorsement deal. It was different in the sense that he wasn’t being paid cash.

Instead, he would promote the Oaklander Hotel’s Spirits and Tales restaurant one time on social media in exchange for a weekly dinner for his offensive line.

Pickett has since released his own logo and a partnership with a local radio station, as well as an agreement with a trucking company to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylva-

Find the full story online at

pittnews.com

August, 18 2021

38

Krug, pg. 28 Kenyatta.

There are also a slew of issues worthy of students’ attention. An election reform bill that would require voter ID passed in the Republican-controlled state legislature and was vetoed

by Gov. Tom Wolf in June. But, it is likely to be re-introduced after Wolf said he is no longer opposed to considering new voter ID rules.

Also, Pennsylvania currently does not have a clear timeline for redistricting ahead of the 2022 primaries. Redistricting is a process done by legislators to draw state legislature district boundaries, deciding how many seats each district gets and who gets to vote for each legislator. House Republicans said it will be the “most transparent” redistricting process ever and the Legislative Reapportionment Commission scheduled three public hearings in early August.

2. Do not be quick to accept unpaid internships It is important to think very critically before accepting any position that is unpaid. One of the Democratic party’s main talking points is raising the minimum wage, but, until recently, many campaigns and legislative offices were not offering paid internships.

A common excuse for not paying interns is that they are still gaining experience and can use it for their resumés. But when a young person is struggling to afford tuition, rent and meals, it is a completely unreasonable expectation. Work is work. And you should be compensated for helping someone get elected or keep their office running.

3. Participate in a wide variety of extracurriculars Pitt really has it all. There are organizations that relate to your area of study such as the Political Science Student Association and Student Government Board, and also partisan clubs like the College Democrats or College Republicans. But it is also easy to intertwine your love of politics and advocacy with one of your interests.

If you are passionate about reproductive rights, you could join the Planned Parenthood Generation Action Club. If you are passionate about the environment and access to food, you could join Plant2Plate. If you are passionate about community aid and housing, you could join Habitat for Humanity.

4. Make friends within your major Politically active students naturally stay very informed, which can definitely lead to stress. Having someone who will do homework

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with you and also tell you when it’s time to turn off the news can be helpful. Also it’s really nice to make a friend group that looks out for one another when it comes to finding internships, running for positions and going to rallies.

It was harder for Pitt students to make friends last year because so much was online.

The availability of in-person classes this year will allow us to build communities with those who have the same passions and goals as us.

So, remember to say hello to your classmate in your American Politics class and reach out to upperclassmen in your clubs!

5. Don’t forget about the City One of the best parts about Pitt is its loca-

tion. Pitt has a lot of opportunities for young people looking to enter political work. And when you step off campus, you have a wide array of local nonprofits and organizations to connect with. If you want to learn more about civil rights work, you could check out Pittsburgh’s ACLU. If you want to learn more about immigration justice, you could check out Casa San Jose. Utilize the alumni network or contact a legislative office. From the school board level to the U.S. House of Representatives, there are City leaders looking to work with young minds.

6. Remember your worth You might feel like a small fish in a big pond here at Pitt, especially if you come from a rural

August, 18 2021

area like me. It can be easy to fall down a rabbit hole of resumé building and five-year plans. But it’s important to remember why you are here — to learn, grow, gain some independence, meet new people and have fun. Work hard, but don’t spread yourself too thin.

My advice? Immerse yourself in your classes and find a few extracurriculars that are fulfilling and keep you energized. As Sen. Elizabeth Warren once said, “A good education is a foundation for a better future.”

India writes primarily about politics for The Pitt News. Write to her at ilk18@pitt.edu or follow her on Twitter @indialarson_.

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Maeroff, pg.24 just be scheduled in. Having set times for all three of these things can help stabilize physical health and mental health and improve cognitive functioning — which you need to be at peak performance to study and retain information.

In-person classes I’m not going to sugarcoat it — in-person classes are going to be hard to navigate. Workloads were lessened in many courses due to the stresses of the pandemic, and for many, doing work online was just simpler. I got used to multitasking, and so did many others. I usually could get a lot done during a Zoom class — make and eat a meal, go on a walk in the park, make jewelry, do homework and rewrite notes.

The point is, I got used to doing mindless work when my camera was off. Even with the camera on, I could always work on a small project beneath the view of my Zoom camera, but in-person classes are not so forgiving. In large lectures, almost anything goes — my large lecture staples used to be a snack and watercolor paints for in between taking notes.

In smaller discussion classes, usually students don’t feel the need to take notes, especially when we were all online, because it’s a discussion rather than information being presented

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on Powerpoint slides. Don’t be fooled, taking notes in these smaller discussion-based classes will not only leave you with, well, notes, but also a way to limit distractions and really absorb the material. An added bonus of having notes on the discussion — that really long, horrible term paper at the end of the semester will be a lot easier if you have a written record of which ideas worked in class and which didn’t. If regular note taking is too boring for you, try using fun colors and images!

Go slow The need to say yes to every club, outing, event and class will be strong at the beginning of the semester. We’ve all been stuck inside with severe cabin fever for almost a year and a half now, but remember to go slow and take things at your own pace. With pandemic stress still looming, it will be exhausting to readjust to new schedules and prepandemic levels of social and mental exertion. I personally had the luxury of being able to schedule my earliest class at 1 p.m. this fall, to allow for a slow waning of my sleeping-in habit and to readjust to a commute. Allow yourself time and extra self-care to get back to being a real-life student again instead of a virtual one.

Dalia Maeroff writes primarily about issues of psychology, education, culture and environmentalism. Write to her at DAM291@pitt.edu.

Troy, pg. 25 perience, something I didn’t fully grasp until I talked with The Pitt News’ resident Perch fanatic Jon Moss. Turns out, food isn’t ordinarily served from behind plexiglass and then consumed at a dorm room desk.

If I had a dollar for every time I ate a veggie burger under a desk light while watching — and I’m not proud to admit this — “Family Guy” clips, I’d have a nice chunk of change. It’s a foregone conclusion that my class is going to have far less eventful first-year stories to tell.

During the time it was available, not once did I book a reservation at a Pitt dining hall. I suppose this is my own fault, but booking a Perch date never quite seemed like the move. Given that I’ve decided to move off campus this year, this strange, limited capacity experience is likely the only one I’ll ever get.

I also have collected absolutely no new knowledge about Pitt sports. I’ve maintained my low baseline through a combination of apathy and an assumption that few spectators were allowed at games. I’ll likely attend at least one football game this year, so hopefully I can expand my knowledge of Pitt football traditions beyond “Sweet Caroline.”

It’s also worth noting how few in-person experiences I’ve had with clubs and organizations. There’s a story often told at The Pitt News, which I dispute the accuracy of, about how I didn’t know we had a physical office until I interviewed for this position.

I will admit to having, outside of several summer production nights with a tiny crew of editors, never attended an extracurricular meeting in person. I’m very much looking forward to ditching

August, 18 2021

Zoom, though accounting for travel time will also be a challenge here.

There were plenty of other things that I missed out on or had some diluted experience with. Some I’ll hopefully get my fair share of this time around, others were kind of a one shot deal. There were trips to a half capacity Hillman — though, in a way it’ll be half capacity once again this year — and uniquely 2020 moments like flicking on my little plastic candle for Lantern Night.

There were also plenty of robbed social experiences. By the time I could have visitors in my dorm, many of my friends had understandably opted to spend the spring semester at home. And any spontaneous social energy that existed on my floor was snuffed out after some poor RAs had to bring down the social distancing hammer on us. That little hallway get-together — which happened during my first or second week on campus — was the last time I interacted with at least half of my floor.

I’m assuming many other sophomores feel the same way. Robbed? Shortchanged? Yes, especially when it comes to the tuition bill. I know and love Pitt, even if it’s not in the same exact way that juniors, seniors and alums do. But I am — fingers crossed — hoping to learn all about the proper, in-person experience this year.

Jack Troy writes about politics, SGB and being tired of capitalism. Write to him at jpt40@pitt.edu.

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Letter, pg. 29 publishing email newsletters on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. We believed that this was the correct move both from a financial perspective, due to industrywide advertising declines, and also from a journalist’s point of view. But don’t despair — we saw both high print pickup rates and many record-shattering days of web traffic, likely leading to a larger number of people seeing TPN journalism than ever before. We will keep these changes for this year, as well as continue to take a hard look at how people are consuming news these days and how we can best inform the community. Look this year for our staff experimenting with new ways of distributing and presenting our journalism across a variety of platforms.

As readers and new members of the Pitt community, we want to hear from you. Feel free to reach out with story ideas, things you think we should be covering, Op-Eds, responses to articles, what you think of our new publishing format or any questions about our 110-year-old newspaper. Nothing is too big or too small.

If you are interested in helping to tell the story of the Pitt community, we would be honored to have you join our staff. We are always looking for our next team of editors, reporters, photographers, videographers, illustrators and copy editors to work at our award-winning newspaper. No prior experience is necessary to join — I joined my first year barely knowing how to format a quote properly, and now the chancellor knows me by name. If I can do it, so can you — if you’re interested in joining our team, you can apply across nine different positions at pittnews.com/application.

I hope you were able to safely move into Oakland and are set for the semester. Remember to keep in touch with us for updates throughout the semester.

TPN File Photo

All my best, Jon Moss Editor-in-Chief editor@pittnews.com 412-648-7985

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SGB, pg.13 campaign season. He wants SGB to include more opinions on future initiatives and proposals.

“SGB should be a responsive body that actively hears the students,” Landsittel said.

Aboli Kesbhat, vice president of operations Kesbhat, a senior neuroscience and psychology double major, said she intends to work with the Allocations Committee, which she formerly chaired, to make it “more accessible to students.” She said she plans to have open discussions with administrators, organizations and departments, so students always know where their money is being used — a highly debated topic during last year’s SGB election campaign. With a surplus in Student Activity Fees money from last academic year, Kesbhat said she hopes to rework that money into scholarship and project funds for students.

“Whether that be adding to a COVID student relief fund — something like we did last year, especially coming out of a pandemic with tuition increases happening — using those funds, going back to students who paid into it in the first place,” Kesbhat said. “The other thing is reworking those funds hopefully into scholarships, whether that be for minority students, for projects that students wanna do on campus, stuff like that.”

Kesbhat would also like to work on disability awareness and making sure students with disabilities feel “valued and wanted, just like everyone else.” She said she intends to work to make sure education and student activities are accessible to everyone.

Danielle Floyd, vice president of initiatives Floyd, a junior economics major, said the pandemic has taken a toll on students, especially for first-years and sophomores, who mostly interacted with their pods of about six people throughout the whole year. As wellness committee chair last year, Floyd helped lead the planning for Mental Health Awareness Month and established mental health liaisons in student groups.

She said this year she wants to talk to administration and staff about student well being, so they can make “meaningful changes.”

“I think because of the pandemic and social justice movements that took place last year, we know that many students have had a change in their needs, whether that's a need to be connected to more resources around campus, or to cope with additional anxieties they might feel,” Floyd said. “It’s important to me that whenever I go into these spaces, I continue to advocate and shed light on these issues.”

Floyd also intends to “[continue] the conver-

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sations” that were started last year about diversity, because they helped “plant the seed of change.”

She said she plans to work with the task force SGB launched last spring, Students of Color in Solidarity, which brings together student organizations that represent communities of color that are underrepresented at Pitt.

“I want to make sure they’re leading to actionable items for us to continue to work on throughout the year and into the future,” Floyd said.

Ryan Murphy, vice president of governance Murphy, a junior political science and history double major, said he wants to focus on community and civic engagement. He said he plans to do so by advocating for the Civic Engagement Hub — the center to help students find civic and community opportunities across campus and support the greater Pittsburgh community.

He said he wants to expand on previous board members’ efforts — like Viljaste, Cedric Humphrey and Kathryn Fleisher, who all created the Civic Advising program — to increase student awareness of the program. He plans to work with the Oakland Planning and Development Corp. as well as Dominic Victoria, chair of the Community and Governmental Relations committee, to make this possible.

“Unlike many other large college campuses, Pitt finds itself in the center of a large urban area, surrounded by non-student residents,” Murphy, who was previously Community and Governmental Relations chair, said. “Therefore, I think it is important for us to not only find a way to coexist with our neighbors, but rather build strong relationships to better our community as a whole.”

Murphy also said he will focus on helping

students become more “politically engaged,” working with the PittVotes Student Task Force to both increase voter registration and turnout.

Daniel Temmallo, board member Temmallo, a sophomore political science and public and professional writing double major, intends to have a “campus tour,” where he and other board members will visit each residence hall to talk directly to students. Temmallo said he hopes to make SGB “more directly accessible” to the student body and the dorm visits will make it easier to answer student questions and concerns directly.

“The most common comments I found when talking to students, especially the firstyears, were ‘what does SGB actually do?’ and ‘I didn’t even know we had a student government.’

I want to fix that,” Temmallo said. “I think SGB can be a vehicle for direct change in the lives of Pitt’s student body, more so than it has been.

I want people to think of SGB as an entity that people can come to for anything.”

Nikhita Chakraborty, board member Chakraborty, a junior history and political science double major, said mental health resources are her top priority. She said she hopes to help advertise already available resources more publicly, such as virtual counseling services, as well as introduce more mental health workshops. She also said she would like to advertise in-person counseling services as Pitt transitions back into in-person environments.

Chakraborty, who was previously the vice chair of the Community and Governmental Relations committee, said she plans to work with both the Wellness Committee and Floyd to accomplish her goals.

“Mental health should always be the forefront concern for students on campus,” Chakraborty said. “It can often go neglected, and especially with this new post-vaccine life, there are going to be all sorts of new hurdles to deal with.”

Chakraborty also plans to tackle diversity issues among University staff “on all levels.” She said she wants to talk to student leaders facing these issues and create a pathway of communication to administration so student leaders are actually heard.

“As a woman of color myself, this issue is near and dear to my heart,” Chakraborty said. “I understand the pain of not being represented in academic spaces, and don't want this to continue on a campus I love.”

Caroline Goodwin, board member Goodwin, a junior biological sciences major, said she intends to help Ramanan with managing the transition from online classes to in-person instruction.

Goodwin also said she plans to work with Viljaste on the LGBTQIA+ task force. As the liaison to the diversity and inclusion committee, Goodwin said she will be “active” in their initiatives and events.

Find the full story online at

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Brown, pg.30 the players.

“I’m here as another person on the staff, to work with the kids and help them grow as individuals on and off the court,” Brown said, “as well as with the alumni, to try to bridge the gap and connect these guys so that they can use them as resources to become better players and better people.”

Ronald Ramon, another former Panther who previously held Brown’s position, accepted an assistant coaching position at Fordham University — opening the door for Brown. Brown explained that Capel’s willingness to communicate with former players as well as his character lends itself to a good working relationship with Pitt Basketball’s alumni.

“I think everybody’s actually embraced Capel for the simple fact that he’s the way he is,” Brown said. “Just his mannerisms, his demeanor and what he brings to the table — and of course his involvement with former alumni. I feel like from the alumni standpoint, because of his character as a man, the guys that I know I came up with during my era at Pitt, we support

him 100%.”

Brown’s duties will be made easier by the trust and respect that Pitt’s prominent alumni already have for Capel. The next step for Capel and Brown will be to build that same trust with the squad’s current roster.

Toughness and togetherness have remained recurring themes throughout Capel’s tenure as head coach. Brown said these values were central to the success he had as a player, and are essential to any great team.

“If I had to say what I think Pitt is as a program, there’s a certain toughness about

Pitt,” Brown said. “There was a certain grit about Pitt in the era that I played that we’re trying to bring back … A team that’s together, they never fall apart.”

While he’s only held his title for a couple of months, he immediately began familiarizing himself with the players in an attempt to kickstart his connections.

“Since I’ve been back, I’ve definitely tried to build relationships with the players and all the guys that are coming in from the moment I got here,” Brown said.

“I’ve watched their videos and highlights just to try and see what kind of players they are on the court, and just trying to

learn them as much as possible off the court.”

The 2021-22 season continues to creep closer each day and preseason curiosity and excitement continues to grow for the new-look Panthers. With the addition of Brown to the staff, the Panther faithful hope to see the program continue to grow..

“There are a lot of characteristics that I see from the beginning that I know I had when I was a player here,” Brown said. “It gives me a lot of hope and excitement for this current roster that we have, and the future of Pitt.”

Gilbert Brown, the headband-wearing Pitt basketball folk hero, is returning to the program in a new role. As director of player and alumni development, Brown will look to preserve and embrace the traditions Pitt was built upon. Image courtesy of Matt Plizga, Pitt Athletics

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