GEM (Greensburg Experience More)

Greensburg Experience More (GEM) is growing and a new program will be launched in January '24. Watch for more information throughout Fall '23, and please reach out with any questions or concerns. 

If you are currently working on GEM completion and are close to finishing please rest assured that you will be able to finish the current program and/or your progress will be transferred into the next stage of GEM at Pitt-Greensburg.


Overview (To be updated in January '24)

Greensburg Experience More logoThe GEM (Greensburg Experience More) program complements and enhances students' classroom learning. Participants engage in structured professional and personal skill development across five core components:

  • Leadership Development
  • Service
  • Career Development
  • Cultural Awareness and Appreciation
  • Pitt-Greensburg Pride and Traditions.

Program Structure

Each of these five GEM components includes core requirements. There are also a variety of electives from which students can choose. Each component is challenging, but will help you grow personally and professionally. The skills students develop are broadly applicable to work and academic situations. These skills are also marketable to future employers.  The requirements of each component are built around the following learning outcomes:

  • Leadership Development. Students will be exposed to a variety of leadership skills and situations. This helps you define your leadership style. You will learn how to be an active leader and learn how to lead as well as follow.
  • Service. Students will gain an appreciation and understanding of serving others in the community. You will begin a lifelong commitment to service and ethics.  
  • Career Development. Students will develop career awareness and professional skills. You will build knowledge of specific career preparation strategies. This will make you competitive in gaining employment or acceptance into graduate/professional school.
  • Cultural Awareness & Appreciation. Students will develop a deeper understanding of themselves. You will discover how your cultural perspective affects your world view.  You will gain an appreciation of the value of diversity and culture in your life.
  • Pitt-Greensburg Pride & Traditions. Students will engage in campus events. Gain an appreciation for Pitt-Greensburg traditions and school spirit! Your campus engagement will also serve as a catalyst for a broader sense of pride for your community.

GEM builds on the skills and knowledge gained within the academic curriculum. The program provides transferable skill development in the following key areas:

  • working with others in teams
  • oral communication
  • critical thinking
  • ethical judgment and decision making
  • applying knowledge and skills to real world problems
  • socio-cultural awareness.

Getting It Done

The program may be completed in anywhere from two to four years.  A student may be permitted to complete the program in less than two years.  However, consultation with the GEM staff is strongly recommended. This consultation will determine an appropriate timeline for completing the requirements. Both the core requirements and electives can only be completed while enrolled as a student at Pitt-Greensburg.  At this time, the GEM program is not intended for transfer to another institution. (This includes any of the other University of Pittsburgh campuses).

Participants will track their progress using Engage, Pitt Greensburg’s online co-curricular transcript system. As a student approaches the conclusion of the program, they will meet with one of the coordinating staff. Together, you will discuss and reflect on your GEM experience. Additionally, staff are available for consultation throughout a student’s journey. Students who successfully complete the program will receive recognition at Pitt Greensburg’s annual Honors Convocation and graduation ceremony.

Helpful Links

Engage
 

For more information, please contact the Office of Student Life and Success:
219 Chambers Hall
724-836-7869
Business hours: 8:30am-5pm

OR a member of the GEM Steering Committee:
Haley Hayden, Assistant Director, Student Involvement & First Year Experience
Troy Ross, Director of Housing and Residence Life
Al Thiel, Director of Student Involvement & Student Center Operations
Beth Tiedemann, Registrar & Director of Academic Advising
Brian Root, Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life
Dorothy Zilic, Director of Career Services