Search For New Chancellor

City Council Testimony – September 18, 2013

In my opinion, there is not another community in the country that has been more severely impacted by a university’s presence than the community of Oakland.

The history of Oakland has for far too long been a history where University of Pittsburgh administrators dominate the residential community. This oppressive consciousness, and the presence of an administration dictating how we in the community are to live, must end.

Decisions made by the Chancellor, University administrators, and the Board of Trustees impact longtime residents’ lives every single day. Because of this direct influence, the community of Oakland must have a voice and be represented on the search committee for a new Chancellor.

In addition to the concerns mentioned above, the following are issues that the new Chancellor has to address and resolve.

1) Expansion Must End

The new Chancellor must put an end to the University’s never-ending expansion in the Oakland community.

2) Funding Must Increase

The new Chancellor must increase the yearly direct funding to our community to match his or her annual salary.

3) SOUL (South Oakland Urban Litter) Program

The new Chancellor must accept the principle that when the University of Pittsburgh brings students into a community, it is responsible for their actions and the consequences of their actions.

4) Binge Drinking Problems

A new Chancellor must show greater caring and compassion to the residents of our community and understand how student binge drinking affects their quality of life.

5) Lack of Transparency

The new Chancellor must have a more open administration, both to our community and the media.

6) Culture of Fear Must Cease

The new Chancellor must have the confidence and courage to create an environment whereby faculty and other University employees do not fear retribution should they speak the truth about the University.

7) Fireworks Danger

The new Chancellor must move the Homecoming Week fireworks display to a venue outside of Oakland.

8) Human Dignity

The new chancellor must bring forth a new consciousness that adheres to the belief that human dignity should be the highest priority of a university.

Carlino Giampolo