Fall Course Planning and Preparations for Pittsburgh-Based Faculty

August 4, 2026

Dear Pittsburgh-Based Faculty Members and Course Instructors,

As we enter a new academic year, I want to ensure you have the necessary support and resources for a successful semester. To help you manage your preparation, this briefing is divided into three parts: Critical Action Items and Reminders that require your immediate attention, a look at Upcoming Events and Key Dates, and a Support and Resources Toolbox to bookmark for use throughout the semester.

Critical Action Items and Reminders

Please review these items immediately and take action where noted.

Mandatory Faculty Professional Development

Our commitment to student well-being is central to our mission. All faculty members must complete at least one of the following training programs focused on identifying and assisting students in distress by August 2026:

If you already have completed the requirement, thank you. If not, please register for a session by Aug. 31. Faculty unable to meet this deadline due to training availability must complete the requirement in the fall semester.

Scheduling and Course Preparation Reminders

  • Academic Calendar and Schedule: Familiarize yourself with the and the AY26-27 Academic Calendar.
  • Syllabus Registry: Add your course syllabi to the syllabus registry by the first day of class. This offers visibility for both enrolled and waitlisted students as they prepare their schedules and supports our 2026 Middle States re-accreditation. For guidance, refer to the syllabus checklist, which references Faculty Senate’s recommendations on both timing and content.
  • Canvas Course Requests: and get it set up in time for the semester start. Email eberly-assist@andrew.cmu.edu if you need assistance.
  • Guide to Religious and Spiritual Observations: Use this page to plan syllabi and organizational calendars with attention to the potential impact of important dates across traditions. You can also explore these dates on .
  • Fall Break (Oct. 12-16): Schedule assignments and exams to avoid major deadlines during or immediately after this period of intended rest.
  • Moratorium Hours (4:50-6:50 p.m. Weekdays): Limit undergraduate course activities during these hours to allow for university-affiliated activities. Exceptions require formal approval from the University Registrar.

Policies and Guidelines

  • Campus Climate and Bias Reporting Protocol: Familiarize yourself with our reporting protocols to maintain a safe, respectful environment for all community members.
  • Remote Work Guidelines: Review the university's updated remote work guidelines, effective January 2027. While these new guidelines apply to all U.S.-based staff, we also expect faculty to foster a vibrant campus community by prioritizing in-person collaboration.

Upcoming Events and Key Dates

Please add these key university events and academic milestones to your calendar. Visit the to keep up-to-date with campus events throughout the year.

Support and Resources Toolbox

Bookmark these evergreen resources and references to support your teaching and your students during the semester.

Student Care and Academic Support

  • Use this form to refer students to Student Affairs, or for students to self-refer, for general support or assistance. For immediate safety concerns, University Police is available to help triage support – they work directly with our 24/7 Student Affairs on-call staff to provide real-time access and support.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS): All enrolled Pittsburgh students can receive confidential mental health support at no cost.
  • Academic Support: Direct students to the Student Academic Success Center for academic coaching, tutoring and communication/language support.
  • Student Accommodations: Students can apply for accommodations at any time through the Office of Disability Resources. Approved accommodations will be sent to you via a secure portal.
  • : The Office of International Education provides up-to-date information and resources for international students and scholars, including the recent Final Rule on F-1/J-1 Duration of Status.

Classroom Management and Teaching Tools

Faculty Development and Resources

Thank you for your continued dedication to academic excellence and for fostering a supportive, vibrant and inclusive campus culture. Your efforts are foundational to our students' success, and I wish each of you an enriching and rewarding academic year.

Sincerely,

James H. Garrett Jr.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer