Larissa Ciuca

Larissa Ciuca (she/her/ella) serves as the Associate Director of University Undergraduate Advising at the University of Pittsburgh. In this role, she leads centralized academic intervention, outreach, and strategic academic support efforts, using data-informed strategies to address retention and graduation gaps for at-promise student populations.

Larissa serves a key role in leading University Undergraduate Advising (UUA) services, which advocates for a system of academic support through collaborative, student-centered advising and coaching.

UUA initiatives Larissa supports include:

• Advising at Pitt: To enhance the student experience, support success, and align with the Plan for Pitt, the University is transitioning to a shared advising model on the Pittsburgh campus. We partner with academic units to standardize and strengthen holistic advising for all students.
• Academic Coaching: Academic Coaches help students identify strengths, explore interests, and co-create personalized plans for success—empowering them to thrive academically and beyond.
• Exploratory and Transitional Advising: Supporting students considering changes in major, school, or campus, or exploring additional academic credentials.
• Re-enrollment and Re-instatement: We support students returning to Pitt through programs like CompleteU, intentional referrals, and coordinated planning—all designed to foster persistence and progress toward graduation
• Student Academic Success Series (SASS): Student Success workshops, facilitated by student development professional, to build academic strengths, skills, and confidence.
• Tutoring: Tutoring at Pitt connects students with peer and professional tutors across campus to support academic success. Peer tutors and Undergraduate Teaching Assistants are fellow students who have mastered specific subjects and offer practical insights, study strategies, and encouragement. 
   

Additionally, Larissa is an active collaborator on many University-wide teams, including the Pitt PRSSIM Project, Pitt CARE Team, the University Well-being Consortium, the University Undergraduate Advising Committee, the Student Record Network, and the Financial Aid Advisory Sub-committee. Through service in these cross-functional groups dedicated to identifying and resolving student academic, behavioral, financial, and well-being concerns, Larissa ensures students receive holistic support throughout their academic journey.

Whether you are a colleague seeking to enhance student support initiatives or a student navigating academic challenges, Larissa is a collaborative partner ready to offer personalized coaching, innovative retention strategies, and empowering guidance to help individuals thrive.