The Office of the Provost works closely with the Division of Student Affairs to develop the program each year that will enhance your new-student experience at University of Pittsburgh.
Hear from Provost Joseph McCarthy about what you can expect if you accept an invitation to the Provost Academy:
Below, you'll find information on everything related to the week, including planning and arrival, accommodations, the schedule of events, how to register, answers to frequently asked questions, and some of the people you'll be meeting during the event.
To get an idea of how the week is structured, check out the 2026 schedule preview, which reflects the tentative order of events during your week at the Provost Academy.
Registered participants will receive the official schedule via their Pitt email in August.
Registration for the 2026 Provost Academy coming soon!
2026 project descriptions coming soon. Throughout the week, Provost Academy participants have the unique opportunity to work closely with Pitt faculty members and their peers on experiential academic projects. Review the projects you can choose from!
Get all the details you need for early move-in and other resources to help you settle in comfortably on campus.
Learn more about the faculty members who will guide you and engage you in a combination of interdisciplinary lectures, cohort projects, field studies or research, and informational workshops during this special week.
PALs are Provost Academy Leaders who attended Provost Academy during their first year at University of Pittsburgh, just like you. They now serve as peer mentors for attendees.
- What Is the Provost Academy?
The Provost Academy is a week-long, hands-on experience meant to set students up for success in their first year through a combination of academic projects and social activities. Provost Academy students will spend time exploring the Pittsburgh Campus and the city of Pittsburgh as they immerse themselves in the exciting new landscape they now call home. The Provost Academy is designed to support all incoming Pitt students and help them acclimate to the higher education environment.
- Is there a fee or cost to participate?
No, the Provost Academy has no participation fee.
- Is attending Provost Academy required?
No. Participation in Provost Academy is optional to enhance your experience at Pitt and registration availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Can I start/end the program on a different day other than the Saturday or Sunday move-in days?
All students must begin on either Saturday, August 8 or Sunday, August 9 and be available throughout the program until Saturday, August 15.
- Do family members attend the Provost Academy events?
We are providing sessions on financial aid and academic tools specific for family members on Sunday, August 9, as well as a Family Information Session hosted by the Office of Parent and Family Resources. Also, the Welcome Reception and Welcome Presentation on Sunday, August 9, are open to family members with their student. The remainder of the Provost Academy week is designed for students only.
- How many incoming first-year students participate in the Provost Academy?
Each year, we estimate about 250 students will participate.
- Do I need to select a Provost Academy academic project related to my intended major?
Not at all! All our projects are interdisciplinary, and each will provide you with skills and resources to help you succeed in your Pitt classes as well as the opportunity to meet faculty and other new students. Choose which projects sound the most interesting to you!