In an email sent last week from the Office of the Provost, Point Park announced instruction will be remote during the week of the NFL draft, April 20 to 25, 10 days before final exams begin.
A portion of the draft events will be held at Point State Park, just a short walk from campus.
Provost Shari Payne said the decision was made after working closely with city officials who are preparing for the NFL draft.
“One of the things that started to become clear is that there will be some logistical issues because we’re so close to where the action will be,” Payne said.
According to Payne, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) is editing its routes and parking is expected to be limited.
“It’s still coming in, sometimes piecemeal,” said Payne about the information provided by the NFL.
Jeffrey Kostelnik, a sophomore, said he lives in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh and commutes to class on the bus.
“I think [going online] was the best decision because buses are going to be a total mess,” Kostelnik said.
Kostelnik said he will be “staying away” from campus during the week of the draft.
Although it comes with its own challenges, Payne said the NFL draft is a unique opportunity for on-campus students.
“Going remote allows our students to be involved in the activities that are happening a few blocks away,” Payne said.
Payne said professors are encouraged to integrate the NFL draft into their curriculum where relevant.
Paloma Pelfrey, an on-campus student, said she understands why Point Park decided to switch to an asynchronous schedule.
“It makes sense,” Pelfrey said, “but it’s kind of disappointing.”
Pelfrey said she doesn’t know if she will participate in the event’s festivities.
Point Park police are anticipating increased activity Downtown and are following protocol for similarly large events, like Picklesburgh.
Sgt. Matthew Mays said Point Park police will be responsible for Downtown while Pittsburgh police manage other areas of the city.
“It will be all hands on deck, supporting the city where they need us,” Mays said.
According to Payne, the remote schedule will not affect normal dining hall operations and campus housing will remain open.
