Friday, June 26, 2009

Announcement: Pratt Institute Smoking Policy

Pratt Institute seeks to maintain a healthy, comfortable, and
productive educational and work environment for all students, faculty,
staff, and campus visitors as well as to preserve the aesthetic value of
the campus. In order to provide a smoke-free environment for non-smokers
we must restrict the areas on campus where smoking is permitted. This
policy is also based on the "NYC Smoke Free Air Act", effective March 30,
2003, as modified by the "NYS Clean Indoor Act", effective July 24, 2003,
and the recent NYS legislation banning smoking in private college
residence halls, effective August 2008.

"Smoking" is defined as the burning of a cigar, cigarette, pipe or any
other smoking material. Smoking is prohibited at the Brooklyn and
Manhattan campuses in all buildings, including residence halls, and in
all spaces within the buildings. In addition smoking is prohibited within
twenty (25) feet of any building entrance or exit, as well as within
twenty-five (25) feet of all exterior building walls which contain
windows and intake vents.

Enforcement is the shared responsibility of the entire Pratt community.
The success of this policy depends upon the courtesy, respect and
cooperation of both smokers and non-smokers within the Pratt community.
Smoking on the Pratt campus is a privilege and smokers are expected to
comply with this policy and to use the receptacles provided to dispose of
cigarette butts or other smoking materials.

Any student, faculty member, staff member, or visitor may request
individuals to comply with this policy. Failure to comply by students
should be referred to the Director of Residential Life and by employees
to the Director of Human Resources. Those who fail to comply with this
policy will initially receive warnings but may be disciplined for
repeated failure or refusal to comply.

Effective date: 06/25/2009

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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

WARNING: NEVER GIVE YOUR PASSWORD TO ANYONE

To the Pratt Community,

Pratt and many other institutions continue to be the targets of a scheme
to convince users to forward their passwords or other confidential data.
This fraudulent effort known as "phishing" is used to gain access to
legitimate accounts so that the scammers can infiltrate various network
services.

NO LEGITIMATE DEPARTMENT OR EMPLOYEE AT PRATT WILL EVER REQUEST YOUR
PASSWORD. DO NOT GIVE YOUR PASSWORD TO ANYONE REQUESTING IT. If you
receive any such email DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY. If you have any questions
regarding this or other technology issues please contact the IT Service
Desk at 718-636-3765 or services@pratt.edu. You may also log on to
my.pratt.edu to review the Frequently Asked Questions or place a service
ticket. The Service Desk is the ONLY LEGITIMATE SOURCE for campus
technology inquiries.

Thank you,

Joseph M. Hemway
V.P. of Information Technology & CIO
Pratt Institute

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Announcement: ReDEFINING The Good Life

The Office of Alumni Relations invites you to attend a symposium
bringing together world-class social innovators for a day of redefining
"the good life." This symposium, led by some of today's most compelling
thought leaders, will include four talks on reconsidering creative value
in the 21st century. A keynote address will be delivered by Pratt Trustee
Kurt Andersen, critically acclaimed novelist, host of the public radio
show Studio 360, and author of the new forthcoming Reset: How This Crisis
Can Restore Our Values and Renew America (Random House, July 2009).

The conversations promise to inspire new modes of living, working, and
thinking. Be part of the dialogue.

Admission is free. Reservations are required. For more information or to
RSVP, please contact Alumni Relations at alumni@pratt.edu.

ReTURN.ReCONSIDER.ReDEFINE.

Alumni in all class years are invited to attend this and other special
events as part of ReIGNITE! reunion weekend, September 25-26. Save the
date.

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Monday, June 15, 2009

Announcement: Swedish Design Exhibition Panel Discussion and Opening Reception on Thursday, June 18 at Pratt Manhattan Gallery

The Consulate General of Sweden in collaboration with Pratt
Institute invites you to a panel discussion in conjunction with the
opening of "Design S: Swedish Design Award" on Thursday, June 18 at Pratt
Manhattan Gallery.

"Design S: Swedish Design Award"
June 18 - August 5, 2009
Pratt Manhattan Gallery
144 West 14th Street, 2nd Floor
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Panel Discussion: 4 p.m. Thursday, June 18
Opening Reception: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 18

Pratt Manhattan Gallery will present "Design S: Swedish Design Award," an
exhibition that features 19 shortlisted entries to Sweden's biggest
design award competition, with a focus on design for sustainability
issues including climate, the environment, the welfare of society, and
the long-term quality of life. The exhibition will open with a panel
discussion moderated by design critic and curator Julie Lasky at 4 p.m.
on June 18, followed by an opening reception from 6 - 8 p.m. The
exhibition, which is free and open to the public, will continue through
August 5, 2009.

"Design S: Swedish Design Award" features the most innovative Swedish
furniture, lighting, science, fashion, and transportation designs as
organized by Svensk Form, the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design; The
Swedish Industrial Design Foundation; and The Advertising Association of
Sweden. The exhibition is made possible in part by leading European
intellectual property firm Albihns, The Consulate General of Sweden, and
Saab Automobile.

Participating designers and design firms are Tobias Berneth, Michael
Bihain, Anna Bonnevier, Stefan Borselius, Ilse Crawford, Bjrn Dahlstrm,
Folkform, Jonas Hultqvist Design, James Irvine, Kollektivet, Jean-Marie
Massaud, POC Sweden, Propeller, Claesson Koivisto Rune, Sandellsandberg,
Stockholm Design Lab, Syntes Studio, Tonium och No Picnic, Gunilla
Lagerheim Ullberg.

The panel discussion, titled "Practical Makes Perfect: Design in the Age
of Obama," will be moderated by Lasky and will include panelists Per
Bornstein, architect, Bornstein arkitekter and "Design S" juror;
Katherine Nelson, editor, Metropolitan Home; and Robert Langhorn,
visiting assistant professor, Industrial Design, Pratt Institute. The
panel discussion will take place in the gallery and is free and open to
the public.

For more information, please call 212.647.7778 or email
exhibits@pratt.edu. Podcasts are available at www.pratt.edu/exhibitions.
Follow Pratt Manhattan Gallery on Facebook by searching "Pratt Manhattan
Gallery" and follow Pratt Exhibitions on Twitter at "PrattGallery."

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Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Announcement: Summer 2009 Campus Gate Closing Schedule

NOTICE:

Summer 2009 Campus Gate Closing Schedule

Be advised, effective Monday, June 16, 2009, the Institute will be
implementing is summer schedule for perimeter gate openings and closings.
(Some gate schedules may have to be altered due to summer construction
projects.)

Beginning Monday, June 16, 2009, the new schedule will be in effect for
the following gates:

(1) Ryerson Walk at DeKalb Ave. (Thrift Gate) will be open twenty-four
(24) hours, seven (7) days a week.

(2) Hall Street Gate at Hall St. and Dekalb Ave. will be closed until
the return to our fall schedule.

(3) Ryerson Walk at Willoughby Ave. Gate, will be open 8:30 AM to 6:00
PM due to construction at the Main Gate. (Upon completion of construction
summer closing time will return to 5 PM.)

(4) Steuben Street at Willoughby Ave. Gate, will be open 8:30 AM to
5:00 PM.
(Steuben Gate will remain open 24 X 7 during the closure of Main
Gate during construction.)

(5) The Main Gate at Willoughby Ave. and Grand Ave. (Except when
construction requires the Main Gate to be closed.) will remain open
twenty-four (24) hours seven (7) days a week.

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Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Announcement: Willoughby Hall and PrattStore Parking Lots

Willoughby Hall and PrattStore Parking Lots
Effective Monday June 8, 2009 all access to the subject parking lots will
be restricted. These parking lots will be completely refurbished.

Pedestrian access to Willoughby Hall will not be impacted. The pedestrian
access gate along Myrtle Avenue leading to the Pratt Store will be
closed. Construction is expected to be completed by August 15, 2009.

All vehicles and bicycles need to be removed from the parking areas
mentioned above by Friday, June 5, 2009. During the construction phase
and for the duration of the project please take note of alternate routes
to be used. Protective fencing will be used to block areas of no access.
Traffic control will be in place during the movement of heavy machinery
and deliveries, possible delays due to this activity will be experienced
so you may wish to allow extra time. Please observe these restrictions
and do not walk or drive in areas under construction as they contain
hazardous conditions. Precautions have been installed with your safety in
mind. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Construction hours will be from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday thru Saturday
and is not expected to impact the Main Campus.

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Announcement: Adam Friedman Appointed Director of Pratt Center for Community Development

Pratt Institute has named Adam Friedman as director of the Pratt
Center for Community Development, New York City's preeminent provider of
architectural, urban planning, and environmental sustainability services
to community-based organizations.

For 47 years, the Pratt Center for Community Development has been an
influential force in shaping land use and development in New York City
under its only two previous directors, Ron Shiffman and Brad Lander.
Friedman will report to the Pratt Provost Peter Barna. Lander left his
position this spring to focus on his run for New York City Council after
serving as director since 2003.

Friedman is one of New York City's leading advocates in support of
manufacturing and the employment opportunities it brings. He is founding
executive director of the New York Industrial Retention Network (NYIRN),
a non-profit economic development organization established in 1997 to
strengthen the city's manufacturing sector and promote sustainable
development while maintaining the unique diversity of New York's
neighborhoods. Previously, Friedman served as executive director of the
Garment Industry Development Corporation and director of economic
development for Borough Presidents David Dinkins and Ruth Messinger. He
has also taught urban planning courses at Pratt Institute and Columbia
University.

At Pratt Center, Friedman will accelerate the organization's work of
promoting environmental sustainability and economic opportunity for New
Yorkers. Friedman also foresees widening collaborations between Pratt
Center and Pratt Institute, involving students and faculty in
community-based planning and sustainable development. Friedman and NYIRN
have worked closely with Pratt Center on research and advocacy in support
of manufacturing, including the Zoning for Jobs campaign and a major
study of New York City industry.

"Adam is a seasoned professional and well-regarded leader who brings to
the Center a deep commitment to the well being of New York City's poor
and working class communities," said Gary Hattem, chair of the advisory
board for the Pratt Center for Community Development, Pratt Trustee, and
president of Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation. "As we all work to define
a new economic path for our city, and country, Adam provides a skills set
and perspective that will build on the historic strengths of the Center
and Pratt Institute to define new ways to achieve a future of more
broadly shared opportunity and prosperity."

Friedman's advocacy has proven instrumental in the creation of several
manufacturing and sustainability initiatives. In 2005, he helped spur the
creation of Mayor's Office for Industrial and Manufacturing Businesses,
along with the designation of 16 Industrial Business Zones intended to
create safe havens for manufacturing throughout the city. Additionally,
NYIRN's RenewableNY program has helped 22 industrial businesses to
implement energy efficiency projects including two solar roofs, helping
to reduce demand by more then two megawatts, an amount that equals the
demand of 1,700 typical apartments, and its Green Manufacturing
Initiative has helped local architects and developers find local
manufactured green building products.

"Healthy communities need a wide variety of resources, from housing and
jobs to parks and strong local organizations. I am tremendously excited
by the opportunity to take a comprehensive approach in working with
communities to help them develop and implement their visions" said
Friedman. "We can emerge from the recession stronger and with a more
diverse economy than before if we invest in communities to make them more
competitive for job creation, with community-based organizations acting
as instigators for economic development projects and policies" he added.

For more information please contact prattcenter@prattcenter.net.

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Announcement: Concetta Stewart Named Dean of School of Art and Design at Pratt

Pratt Institute has named Concetta Stewart, an academic scholar
and administrator with nearly 20 years of higher education experience, as
dean of its School of Art and Design. Her appointment will begin July 20,
2009.

Stewart comes to Pratt Institute from Temple University where she has
served as dean of the School of Communications and Theater since 2000.
Previously, she served as the inaugural chair of the University's
Department of Broadcasting, Telecoms, and Mass Media as well as a faculty
fellow and an associate professor of communications. She follows Frank
Lind, an established painter and Pratt alumnus who is stepping down after
serving as Pratt's dean of Art and Design since 1999. He previously
served as the chair of the Institute's fine arts department.

As dean of the School of Art and Design, Stewart will be responsible for
leading Pratt's largest school with more than 3,000 undergraduate and
graduate students in 15 degree programs, many of which are ranked among
the top in the country.

"Based on her career history of accomplishments in academia, I am
confident that Dean Stewart will be an extraordinary leader as head of
Pratt's School of Art and Design," said Pratt Institute Provost Peter
Barna. "Her remarkable and diverse range of skills will be crucial as we
embark on ambitious strategic plans to move the school forward and to
secure its place as one of the most prestigious colleges of art and
design in the world."

Some of Stewart's most significant accomplishments during her deanship at
Temple include doubling enrollment and personnel, creating an effective
Board of Visitors, leading cutting-edge technology initiatives, and
establishing a fundraising culture that resulted in the school raising
more than $10 million over 8 years including $2.5 million in research and
technology grants.

"I am delighted to be joining the Pratt community," said Stewart. "The
level of engagement and pride among its students, faculty, and alumni is
as impressive as it is unmistakable. Pratt is a vibrant, world-class
institution that will clearly play a major role in the emerging creative
economy."

Stewart, who has published widely on subjects related to communications,
education, and technology, holds a doctoral degree from Rutgers
University in Communication and Information Studies as well as a master's
degree from the New School for Social Research in Media Studies. She
completed her undergraduate studies in European history at Rutgers.

Within Pratt's School of Art and Design are several nationally ranked art
and design programs. In the 2009 U.S. News and World Report Guide to
America's Best Graduate Schools, Pratt's program in interior design is
ranked #1, industrial design is ranked #4, communications/packaging
design is ranked #9, and fine arts is ranked #15.

The mission of the School of Art and Design at Pratt is to educate
artists and designers as well as educators, therapists, and historians in
cognate fields. Drawing on the intellectual, technological, and
professional resources of its departments, the school offers a
Renaissance-style immersion in many related disciplines. Beyond enhancing
their discipline-specific skills, students learn to be creative,
responsible professionals willing and able to contribute to society in
fundamental ways.

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Thursday, May 21, 2009

Announcement: Pratt Libraries closed May 27th and June 2nd

Dear Pratt Institute Community,

Pratt Institute Libraries, Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses, will be
closed on Wednesday, May 27th and Tuesday, June 2nd for staff
development. We regret any inconvenience this might cause.

Our complete summer hours can be found at:
http://library.pratt.edu/hrs.html

Sincerely,

The Pratt Institute Libraries staff

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Announcement: Grand Walk Improvement Project

Please Note: Phase II Construction of Grand Walk Improvement
will commence on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. As a result of construction
there will be intermittent vehicular and pedestrian closure of the
Willoughby and North hall building entrances. This work is expected to
take place for approximately four weeks, depending on the cooperation of
the weather. Security will facilitate access to the parking lots on
campus.
During this construction phase, and for the duration of the project,
please take note of alternative routes to use on campus. Protective
fencing will be used to block areas of no access. Please respect these
restrictions and do not walk in areas under construction, since they are
hazardous. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope that you will
enjoy the change once it is accomplished.

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