News
COMMRC Networking Event returns Thursday, November 12, 6–8 PM
This fall’s networking event focuses on young alumni and early career academics. Join us on Thursday, November 12 from 6–8PM on the 14th floor of the Cathedral of Learning.
Still Building Your Spring 27 Schedule? Here’s Where There’s Room
Enrollment season is in full swing, and a handful of COMMRC courses still have real seats open for Spring 2027.
Intro-LevelCOMMRC 0300 — Communication and Society
Explores how communication shapes — and is shaped by — society, media, and institutions. Fulfills a Social Science gen-ed.
Two sections open: Dr. Deborah Danuser (MW 10:00–10:50 AM, plus recitation, 324 Cathedral) and Dr. Ronald Zboray (MW 8:00–9:15 AM, 229 Cathedral).
Looking for Communication Connections? Comm Club is For You!
On Monday nights, laughter and conversations drift from the 14th floor of the Cathedral of Learning, where students gather for Pitt’s Communication Club meetings. Through its meetings, guest speakers, and professional development activities, the goal of Comm Club is to help students explore their interests and discover how their degree will benefit them in different careers.
Three PhD Alumni Honored with Awards from the National Communication Association
Three recent doctoral alumni from the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Communication have received awards from the National Communication Association (NCA). NCA is a professional organization for students, professors, and researchers that advances the academic study, teaching, and practice of communication. Dr. Elfriede Fursich, director of graduate studies in Pitt’s Department of Communication, said the awards recognize the alumni’s contributions to critical and cultural scholarship.
COMMRC How To: Enrolling in Courses
Before scheduling classes, reach out to a COMMRC advisor to get your holds lifted and talk through what courses you need, want, or have questions about. Advising appointments are available on Pathway and are staggered by class year, so check your enrollment window and plan ahead — appointment windows typically open before enrollment itself does.
COMMRC Students Publish on HCUAP Artist Residency
COMMRC students Grace Lucas and Mollie Young, with mentorship from Communication graduate student Nikki Fernandes, published a piece on the 2026 Hemispheric Conversations Urban Art Project Residency in Petrichor Magazine.
Read their full piece at Petrichor Magazine.
Art on Strawberry Way: HCUAP Public Art Project Unveiled Downtown
The Hemispheric Conversations Urban Art Project (HCUAP), a Department of Communication-supported initiative, celebrated the launch of its collaboration with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership this week. The project unveiled new public art along Strawberry Way alongside the Mayor’s office, bringing together international and national visiting artists, eight local artists, and a section created by the community.
New CTRL Report Maps the Political Influencer Industry
A new report from Pitt’s Communication Technology Research Lab (CTRL), led by Dr. Sam Woolley, pulls back the curtain on the political influencer industry — a multi-million dollar ecosystem the public typically only sees a sliver of. Released in partnership with the Center for Democracy and Technology, “Paid to Post: Mapping the Political Influencer Industry” visualizes the people, institutions, relationships, incentives, and technologies that put political influence into action, alongside an interactive industry map.
Resolved: October Was a Good Month for the WPDU
The William Pitt Debating Union’s season kicked off with activities in October, each being a smashing success, with local and national wins.
October 3rd saw the conclusion of the Duquesne Invitational, in which new debaters Yasser Bachra and Maria Kilada debated together against several regional powerhouses, including Duquesne University and Pennsylvania State University. At the event, the team earned 4th place and Maria was recognized as the 2nd best speaker in Parliamentary Debate.
Vox's Astead Herndon on Midterms and the State of Journalism — Oct. 20
Astead Herndon, Vox editorial director and host of the podcast "America, Actually," joins Pitt on October 20th for a conversation about the 2026 midterm elections and the changing landscape of political journalism.
Herndon is known for reporting that translates complex political dynamics into stories that land with political insiders and general readers alike — work that earned him the National Association of Black Journalists' 2025 Journalist of the Year award and DePaul University's Distinguished Journalist Award.
Lambda Pi Eta (Communication Honors Society): Fall 2026
For students looking to become more involved in Communications while receiving recognition for their academic achievements, University of Pittsburgh's chapter of Lambda Pi Eta offers an opportunity to do both.
Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) is the National Communication Association's official honor society. LPH is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS) with over 500 chapters worldwide. The Omicron Psi Chapter at Pitt has been in existence since 2005 and has over 200 members.
Agora Speaker Series, Fall 2026
Agora continues this fall with talks and panels from visiting and Pitt-affiliated scholars.
Sept 4, 3:00–4:30 PM, CL 602: "And I Would Always Choose the Bear": The Man vs. Bear Consent Debate in Post-Digital Folk Music and Romantic Literature
— with Dr. Laura Niebling, Managing Director of DIMAS, University of Regensburg.
Oct 30, 3:00–4:30 PM, CL 242: The Sprawl: Archival Methods for Environmental Disability
COMM Club's Fall Semester Lineup
COMM Club has announced its fall meeting schedule. The group meets Mondays 9–10pm in 1414 CL.
William Pitt Debating Union: Two Public Debates in October
The William Pitt Debating Union is hosting two public debates this month.
The Front-Yard Squabble — Oct 19, 6pm, Posvar Hall. Eight of Pitt's top speakers face off across seven debates. OCC credit and refreshments provided.
Marcella Finegold Debate & Carlow Debate Team Inaugural Debate — Oct 22, 6–8pm, Carlow University, AJP 107. Keynote address by Dr. Carly S. Woods (University of Maryland). Featuring debaters from Pitt and Carlow. OCC credit available, catering provided.
Both events are free and open to the public.
PhD Student Seth Davis Publishes Article in Feminist Media Studies
Seth Davis, a PhD student in the Department of Communication and Rhetoric, has published "Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski: Postfeminism and the Representation of Latina Scientists" in Feminist Media Studies.
The article is the first publication to emerge from Dr. Litzy Galarza's inaugural graduate seminar in Latinx Media Studies — using coverage of physicist Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski to examine how media narratives about "exceptional" Latina figures can flatten the actual substance of their work.