First Year Programs

This one-credit course is your insiders’ guide to Pitt, connecting you to valuable academic resources and opportunities, introducing you to the campus and the city, and providing the opportunity to meet other first-year students in small classes. Whether you’re an out-of-state student or have lived in the Pittsburgh region your entire life, this course will provide you with indispensable information and tips for navigating your new campus and new city. Browse our website to explore the many different versions of Academic Foundations.

This application based program serves historically marginalized students who are university scholarship recipients and/ or grant recipients. Students within BRIDGES engage in a tailored first-year cohort experience that is rooted in mentorship, resource building and academic coursework. Students will have the opportunity to partake in a pre-orientation retreat, tailored sections of Academic Foundations and social outings with other first-year students and Pitt upperclassmen. Browse our website to explore if BRIDGES is the program for you.

First-Year Programs Staff

Bianca is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for students to thrive and strives to have First- Year Programs be an example of this. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and inclusive education from Nazareth College, a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University at Buffalo and a doctorate degree from Pitt’s School of Education. When not working, Bianca enjoys traveling, indoor cycling and watching crime TV shows. If you have ideas or suggestions on how to enhance First-Year Programs, please feel free to set up a time to connect.
Meet Bianca

Russ enjoys introducing students to the numerous academic opportunities available to them through the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.  He holds bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and in the history of art and architecture, a certificate in medieval and renaissance studies, and a master’s degree in information science.  All these are from the University of Pittsburgh.  Outside of work, Russ enjoys spending time in the garden, bird watching and searching for used records to add to his collection. Please feel free to contact him if you would like to learn how you can get involved with First-Year Programs.  He looks forward to hearing from you.
Meet Russ

Working at the front desk in First-Year Programs, Rachel hopes to create a welcoming space for students to learn and grow in their first year and beyond. Rachel holds a BA from Duquesne University and is currently working towards an MSW at the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors, thrift shopping, and watching reality TV. If you have questions for Rachel, please reach out by email or phone.   
Meet Rachel

Evan is passionate about ensuring academic and other university resources are accessible for students on campus, and that students have the campus resources they need to be happy, healthy, and successful. He received his bachelor's degree in psychology with a double-major in Family/Child Sciences from Florida State University. Evan also received his MEd in Education Policy and Planning from The University of Texas at Austin. In his free time, Evan enjoys playing sports, including racquetball, reading books, watching shows, hanging out with friends, and exploring Pittsburgh.
Meet Evan