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General University Policies


  • Patent Policy
    During enrollment at the University, a student may be responsible for new discoveries and inventions that could have commercial value and contribute to scientific, technological, social, or cultural progress. Those accomplishments should be patented in the best interest of the student, the University, the public, and the government. The University's policy on patent rights and technology transfer determines the rights and obligations of the student and the University in any technology the student may invent while enrolled in the University. Details of this policy are available from the Office of Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property.


  • Smoking Policy
    Smoking is prohibited in all University-owned and leased facilities, including residence halls and off-campus housing facilities, and in all University vehicles, including motor pool vehicles, campus buses, and vans, with explicit limited exceptions described below.

    Exceptions may be made with the approval of the Director of Environmental Health and Safety. Requests for the establishment of "Designated Smoking Areas" must be submitted to the Office of Facilities Management for review, in accordance with Procedure 04-05-03, Smoking. If approved, any expenses associated with creating a "Smoking Area," including posting of signs indicating where smoking exceptions are allowed, will be charged to the department budget of the requesting unit.


  • Sexual Harassment Policy
    The University of Pittsburgh is committed to the maintenance of a community free from all forms of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment violates University policy as well as state, federal, and local laws. It is neither permitted nor condoned. It is also a violation of the University of Pittsburgh's policy against sexual harassment for any employee or student at the University of Pittsburgh to attempt in any way to retaliate against a person who makes a claim of sexual harassment.

    Any individual who, after thorough investigation and an informal or formal hearing, is found to have violated the University's policy against sexual harassment, will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, reprimand, suspension, termination, or expulsion. Any disciplinary action taken will depend upon the severity of the offense.

    Students who believe they have been sexually harassed should contact the Office of Affirmative Action or the Counseling and Student Development Center (412) 648-7860. Also, see Sexual Harassment: Policy and Procedures for complete information on definitions and procedures for grievances.


  • Drug-free Workplace/Drug-free Schools Policy
    The University of Pittsburgh prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance on University property or as part of any University activity. Faculty, staff, and students of the University must also comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the possession and consumption of alcohol.

    Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action within 30 days, including, but not limited to, a warning, written reprimand, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, and/or mandatory participation and successful completion of a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by an appropriate health or law enforcement agency.

    Any University employee paid from federally funded grants or contracts, or any student participating in any federally funded or Guaranteed Student Loan program, must notify the University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring at the University or while engaged in University activities.


  • Immunization Policy
    Effective with the Fall Term 1991, this policy requires the immunization of all incoming freshmen against measles, mumps, and rubella as a condition of attendance at the University of Pittsburgh. All incoming freshmen must provide the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine with documentation of immunization that includes the month, day, and year that the immunizations were administered. Health forms will be mailed to each student prior to registration with the School of Dental Medicine and will be kept on file in the Office of Student Services.

    Proof of immunization is as follows:

    (1) Measles (Rubeola): All entering students born after 1956 must have two doses of live measles vaccine. A history of measles immunity proved by serological evidence showing adequate antibody to measles satisfies this requirement.

    (2) German measles (Rubella): One dose of live attenuated rubella vaccine administered at 12 months of age or older. A history of rubella immunity proved by serological evidence showing adequate antibody to rubella satisfies this requirement.

    (3) Mumps: One dose of live attenuated mumps vaccine administered at 12 months of age or older, or a physician diagnosis of mumps disease indicated by a written record signed by the physician or his designee.

    (4) A current inoculation of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.

    A student may be granted a medical exemption from immunization based on a written statement from a physician or his designee that the immunization may be detrimental to the health of the student. A religious exemption from immunization may be granted based on a student's written objection to the immunization on religious grounds or on the basis of a strong moral or ethical conviction similar to a religious belief. However, if an outbreak of measles, mumps, or rubella occurs, the State Health Department may exclude students from classes who do not provide proof of immunity to these diseases.

    Incoming freshmen who, after receipt of notification by the School of Dental Medicine that their immunization records are incomplete, fail to provide proof of immunization or a written request for exemption as described above, will be prohibited from registering for any classes beyond the term following initial enrollment.

    The School of Dental Medicine also requires that all entering freshmen receive a series of three injections of Heptavax in intervals of three months: (first shot is given one month, the next shot is given the following month, and the last shot is administered five months from when the first shot was given).The injections will begin on the first day of orientation at the School of Dental Medicine, and the other two injections will be scheduled as stated above.


  • University AIDS Policy
    The University of Pittsburgh does not discriminate against individuals who are diagnosed as HIV positive or as having AIDS.

    The University recognizes that the health condition of individuals is personal and confidential. Reasonable precautions will be taken to protect information regarding the health condition of all members of the University community.




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