The European Studies Center invites you to an open series with hybrid and asynchronous forms. The series takes participants from a shared research foundation in European policy to a finished policy brief published in the Interdisciplinary Review of ValEUs (IRV).

The series teaches the craft of writing for impact and how to transform complex political, economic, and cultural questions into clear, concise, and persuasive policy briefs that reach governmental, non-governmental, and international audiences.

Participants will learn to: 
Identify and define a policy problem with precision 
Conduct concise, evidence-based analysis grounded in real research 
Communicate complex issues in accessible, policy-oriented formats 
Develop practical, actionable recommendations for decision-makers.

Who Should Participate:
Faculty and researchers seeking to broaden their academic work
Humanities Scholars
Graduate and undergraduate students
Educators (Continued-Education Certificate)
Professionals interested in public policy, international affairs, transatlantic relations/European Studies.

No prior policy-writing experience is required.

Come and learn about undergraduate and graduate students about their global learning experiences abroad in the summer!
The Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs 2026 Scholarship Awardee Poster Showcase will be held on Tuesday, October 22 from 5-6:30 pm in the Connolly Ballroom in Alumni Hall. Come join undergraduate and graduate students to learn about their global learning experiences abroad in the summer.
The NRIEP Scholarship Program is nearly sixty years old and supports study abroad, internships, independent research and experiential learning for Pitt students around the world.

4227 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260

2026 - 2027 Series
Re-Centering Narratives: Indigenous and Island Peoples

This professional development workshop series is designed for K-12 educators seeking to deepen their understanding of global issues through literature. This year, we will explore the theme of "Re-Centering Narratives: Indigenous and Island Peoples." Through global and regional perspectives, we will discuss narratives of Indigenous and Island Peoples, whose identities, spaces, and lived experiences are informed by global phenomena such as migration and displacement, economic and political struggles, environmental issues, human rights, and human conditions. By exploring compelling stories from diverse cultural perspectives, educators will gain insights into the complexities of this theme, its impact on individuals and communities, and how to engage students in meaningful discussions around these topics.

Each session features a carefully selected book, paired with historically contextualized presentations, interactive discussions, teaching strategies, and cross-disciplinary activities to inspire classroom implementation.

Sessions this year will take place virtually on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. (ET). Three Act 48 credit hours (for PA educators) and a copy of the book are provided for each session.

George Hubbard Clapp, longtime Board Member of the University of Pittsburgh, supporter of the school through its transition to Oakland, was a Renaissance-man who endowed public collections with his wide-ranging interests in mollusk shells, coins, art, and the preservation of history. The commemorative lecture will highlight George Hubbard Clapp's many contributions to the liberal arts and sciences in Pittsburgh and reveal a man whose drive was one of abundant curiosity and support.

George Hubbard Clapp donated the Early American Room to the University of Pittsburgh in the late 1930’s. Mr. Hubbard Clapp also gave funding support to each of the Nationality and Heritage Rooms that were being constructed during that time period.

At 2:00 pm, Michael Walter, Manager of Education Programs for the Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs, will share details on the life and contributions of George Hubbard Clapp.

Following the lecture, representatives of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society Sons of the American Revolution will recognize George Hubbard Clapp posthumously with the PSSAR Silver Good Citizenship Award as a recognition of his outstanding and unusual patriotic achievement and service to the Pittsburgh region.

Private, small group tours will be led in the Early American Room during the Q&A section of the lecture.

A reception will be held in the Croghan Schenley Room on the Cathedral of Learning First Floor from 4:30-5:30 pm.
The co-sponsors are: Sons of the American Revolution, PA Chapter; Sons of the American Revolution; Daughters of the American Revolution ; and the Nationality Society of the Colonial Dames of America – The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.