On average, college students spend about 80 percent of their time outside the classroom, Shawn Brooks, interim director of Residence Life at Pitt, points out. Working with various academic departments, Residence Life is launching three living-and-learning programs this fall in Panther Hall, Pitt’s newest residence hall, to help bring the educational experience home to where students live.

The first of the three pilot programs is the Research Experience Program. In conjunction with Pitt’s Center on Race and Social Problems, a research community will be established involving 12 students interested in working with faculty on original research. Experts in various research fields will be brought in for discussion and the University will host a monthly dinner for participating faculty and students.

The Civic Engagement and Community Service Program, developed in collaboration with Pitt’s School of Social Work, will require 26 participating students to complete 45 hours of service learning in the community and complete two related courses.

The Entrepreneurial Experience will give 26 students opportunities to work with faculty from Pitt’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. Students will learn what it’s like to be entrepreneurs by working in small business clinics and attending a noncredit lecture series.

Also this year, Pitt’s Student Affairs division is planning retreats in November and during the spring to help undergraduates who have not yet declared majors to reflect on their academic and personal interests and goals. Some 30 students participated in a similar Student Affairs retreat last spring. In addition, an academic rush program will give undeclared students opportunities to explore Pitt departments and majors.

For undergraduates considering graduate and professional studies, Student Affairs plans to offer workshops on the tests required for admission to such programs.