April 28, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to announce that academic year 2022-23 will be the Year of Emotional Well-Being at the University of Pittsburgh.
The choice of this theme offers an opportunity to engage collectively with a focus on restoring and enhancing our emotional well-being. The pandemic certainly has underscored the importance of fully supporting the emotional welfare of students, faculty and staff as everyone navigates the new terrain. This is a time of burgeoning research and collective reflection on our emotional needs and the qualities that make for a good life. Undoubtedly, our Year Of topic will also yield learnings that better people's lives well beyond the boundaries of the University.
The current Year of Data and Society has been a great success. With projects like "Understanding Data, Digital Culture and Disinformation," "Making Training of Undergraduate Students to be DataJam Mentors More Equitably Available for Students in Under-Served and Under-Resourced Areas," "Addressing Water Affordability and Governance Transparency in the Pittsburgh Region with Publicly Available Data," and "Data Information Equity in Homewood," the Year of Data and Society boasted an outstanding array of diverse activity on every Pitt campus—delivered both in-person and virtually.
Looking ahead, in a year that the University trains its attention on emotional well-being, we hope to reflect, heal, and probe the resilient ways in which we can weather challenges and crises, asking profound questions and charting innovative and emotionally healthy paths forward.
I am delighted that Dr. Jay Darr, Associate Dean of Students for Wellness, and Dr. Jamie Zelazny, Assistant Professor of Nursing and Psychiatry, will lead efforts around the Year of Emotional Well-Being.
As in previous years, a committee of faculty, staff, and students will be formed to coordinate the Year of Emotional Well-Being. More information—and a website—will be forthcoming. As in years past, the Office of the Provost will provide matching funds to support events and projects related to the theme. Please start thinking of ways you, your department, or your school would like to get involved. Please share this information with your faculty and staff and let them know to watch for more information about how to participate in the Year of Emotional Well-Being.
Best,
Ann
Ann E. Cudd
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor
Professor of Philosophy
University of Pittsburgh