The Provost Academy is a week-long opportunity for students to get a head start on the learning environment at Pitt through a project-based academic experience. Students get to move into their residence hall early, explore the campus and the city of Pittsburgh, participate in interdisciplinary team-based learning projects with faculty, and attend informational workshops and social events. The Provost Academy is designed to support students who are either first-generation, limited-income, or members of a group underrepresented in higher education.
Among a group of 250 students across the country, Provost Academy students will also get a sneak peek at the resources and services aimed for success. They will learn what Pitt classes are like, and they will build relationships with faculty, staff, the Provost Academy Leaders (student mentors), and most importantly, fellow incoming first-year students.
Visit the Undergraduate Studies website to learn more about the Provost Academy:
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Provost Academy First to Second Year Retention
| Provost Academy | Overall Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2019 cohort | 93.7% | 93.5% |
| Fall 2020 cohort | 94.7% | 93.4% |
| Fall 2021 cohort | 92.1% | 92.7% |
| Fall 2022 cohort | 93.5% | 92.4% |
| Fall 2023 cohort | 93.4% | 92.0% |
| Fall 2024 cohort* | 98.7% | 97.9% |
*Reflects fall-to-spring retention
Provost Scholars
Once students complete the Provost Academy, they are called Provost Scholars. Provost Scholars meet one-on-one with their Provost Academy Leader peer mentor in the fall and spring terms, are invited to Provost Scholar trips and events, receive monthly newsletters and reminders, are offered targeted academic support, obtain a special graduation stole and graduation celebration, and have exposure to a network of Provost Scholar Alumni.