The Office of Community and Governmental Relations leads Pitt's Neighborhood Commitments, an effort to build stronger communities and a stronger University based on long-term partnerships. In collaboration with local communities, the University is making an investment in infrastructure, programming, and dedicated staff in neighborhoods. Commitments are led by open and inclusive networks of community leaders, residents, and University faculty and students. Supported by neighborhood-based Pitt staff, these networks share a commitment to the neighborhood and work together to advance community agendas while enriching the University’s teaching and research.
Community Engagement Centers in Homewood and the Hill District
The University's Community Engagement Centers (CECs) ground Pitt's Neighborhood Commitments in the heart of the community. Acting as a front-door to Pitt, the CECs offer a vibrant and welcoming space to foster collaboration and house services, programs, and staff dedicated to the neighborhood. Based in the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Homewood and the Hill District, the CECs do not duplicate the programs and services already found in the community. Instead, the activities and programs offered through the CEC are designed to complement and enhance what is already available. To learn more about the CECs contact Lina Dostilio, associate vice chancellor for engagment, at ldd20@pitt.edu.
Commitment in Oakland
The University is proud to be part of the Oakland neighborhood and is committed to being a valuable partner. CGR leads and a facilitates a series of institutional level commitments as part of an effort to increase community access to Pitt programs and facility resources while enhancing Pitt's support of the community's agenda.
Participation in community meetings: Each month, CGR staff attend the series of neighborhood meetings throughout Oakland. This is an opportunity for community members to have direct access to University staff, ask questions, and receive updates about the institution. CGR staff then share any concerns or ideas with institutional leaders to ensure that community voice is included in the planning and development of initiatives. The full list of community organizations and meeting dates are listed on this resources page.
Be A Good Neighbor: The Be a Good Neighbor initiative is a long-standing, student facing program that educates to build student awareness of their impact on residential neighborhood, engages to build relationship between local residents & students, and encourages responsible behavior on and off campus. Programming within the Be A Good Neighbor initiative includes block parties, tenant workshops, publication of a student guide and more. Learn more about the Be a Good Neighbor program here.
The University's Institutional Master Plan: The Institutional Master Plan (IMP) provides details related to City of Pittsburgh regulations, including building height and mass, parking, urban design and neighborhood compatibility. Throughout the development process, community input has been sought to produce a final document.