Pioneer Pause
What is the Pioneer Pause?
Much like Downtown Pittsburgh, the Point Park University community is always on the go. Whether you are dashing between campus buildings for classes, or assisting in the everyday operations of the University, the fall semester can be both invigorating and exhausting. There all comes a point when we each must take a moment to focus on our collective well-being.
The objective of this tradition is to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, while also strengthening our social and support connections across the campus community.
Our third-annual event will take place on Tuesday, October 29th, 2024.
Important Scheduling Notes
A Schedule of Events for this year's Pioneer Pause has been posted. Please review our information regarding University operations on event day:
Classes: All day and evening classes, across all degree levels, are canceled for the Pioneer Pause. This single day of class cancellations has been approved by our Provost, Dr. Michael Soto.
University Departments/Services: As is tradition now, all Staff are encouraged to step away from their keyboards and enjoy the day's activities. For those essential workers, please be sure to rotate coverage so that everyone can have the opportunity to take a pause.
Staff may also elect to take a wellness day on 10.29.24 to take care of any health related needs such as going to the doctor, getting your flu shot, or focusing on your mental health. More information will be provided by Human Resources in a University email announcement.
Online Students & Remote Employees: Remember, you can take a part in the Pause from off campus as well. We have a list of ways you can participate, so check out our online resources!
Questions?
If you have any questions about the Pioneer Pause, please reach out to the Planning Committee Chair, Keely Sapienza, at KSapienza@PointPark.Edu.
Black Diamond II pausing to read in the Student Center lounge.
Pioneer Pause Overview:
- Students will be excused from all day and evening classes, across all degree levels. They are encouraged to sleep in, and are welcome to participate in a day full of fun activities across campus. Snacks and plenty of refreshments provided during the event.
- Faculty: Take a rest, you deserve it! You are welcome to spend the day at home, or you can join un on campus for the festivities and a free lunch.
- Staff : We recommend that all departments consider canceling meetings and closing down so that all staff can participate in the activities and enjoy a free lunch. Dress casual or embrace the timing of the Pause and break out a Halloween costume. For those who would rather relax on your own terms, feel free to take a wellness day.
PS: Staff who volunteer to help with the event can earn 10 Wellness Points in return. Contact our Planning Chair to sign up today!
Staff, Faculty, Students, and Alumni: Contact either the Planning Committee Chair, ksapienza@pointpark.edu or StaffAssembly@PointPark.Edu to take part in the planning committee or to sign up as a volunteer.
Past Event Photo Galleries
Origins
The Pioneer Pause is a grassroots initiative started in fall of 2021 by university staff members on the Academic Excellence Committee. When discussing potential priorities for the year, one common theme arose: the need to address mental wellness.
When the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, our lives were all affected in various ways. Two years later the world has not returned to the way things were – and have instead morphed into what we call “the new normal.” Feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness and a disconnect from our peers have become commonplace as we begin to move forward.
The committee began to gather benchmarking data and research, confirming that other higher education institutions are experiencing the same problems. During this process, information was gathered about "Mountain Day" -- a traditional event held at many northeastern colleges and universities. The committee utilized the idea of reserving an annual day off classes and built our own twist on it. Rather than having a randomly selected day of community building activities such as group hiking and bonfires, we would select a specific date to hold our fun and relaxing activities to reduce the stress we all experience at the midpoint of fall.
With firm data in hand, the envisioned event was presented to University leadership, who granted us the opportunity to turn our idea into reality. For more information on how the Pioneer Pause came to fruition, check out the short presentation below.
*Alternatively, you may download the presentation slides in PDF format here.
Planning Committee Chairs
To record their assistance in building this yearly tradition, our present and past staff chairs of the Planning Committee are listed below. We thank all of our committee chairs and members for all their hard work and dedication to make this event a success.
2022 Inaugural Chairs - Annie Shean & Heidi Ward
2023 Chair - Annie Shean
2024 Chair - Keeley Sapienza
