The McCarl Center for Nontraditional Student Success is located on the first floor of the Wesley W. Posvar Hall. It serves as a gathering place, a resource center, and an oasis all rolled into one and tucked into the midst of our busy campus. Looking for a place to relax and check e-mail between classes? Stop by the lounge in the McCarl Center. Need to make an appointment with our Career Services specialist? Carol Balk specializes in working with adult students. Want to improve your time management skills? Work with our dedicated Academic Coach at Study Lab.
The Center hosts academic success programs, career development seminars, and tutoring sessions, as well as many social and networking activities offered by the College of General Studies Alumni Society, the CGS Student Government, and other student groups. Plus, the McCarl Center’s convenient computer stations, comfortable student lounge, and quiet study room offer the chance to reset during a busy day.
Alumnus F. James McCarl, III
Supported by a gift from alumnus F. James McCarl, III (CGS ‘73), the McCarl Center for Nontraditional Student Success was established in 2002.
Jim McCarl attended CGS in the 1970s as a nontraditional student. He credits Pitt with giving him the opportunity to return to college and finish his bachelor’s degree after first attending the University of Virginia. He attended night school full-time while working and raising a family, and his fellow nontraditional students inspired him to work hard and earn his degree.
McCarl is the president and CEO of the McCarl Group, LLC, and previously served on the University of Pittsburgh’s Board of Trustees and as Chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee, received the Volunteer Excellence Award in 1994 and Distinguished Alumni Fellow Award in 2002, served as president of the Pitt Alumni Association from 2008-2010, and served as Director of the Pitt Alumni Board of Directors in 2018.