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General Information

Accreditation
      The University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education. External accreditation for SHRS programs is as follows: the Coordinated Program in Dietetics is accredited and the Didactic Program in Dietetics is approved by the American Dietetic Association, Commission on Accreditation/Approval for Dietetic Education; the Health Information Management program is accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA); the Occupational Therapy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA); and the Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

University Facilities and Services

  • Office of Student Activities (OSA)
         The mission of the OSA is to contribute to the development and education of students and to enrich the overall quality of campus life. The office achieves its goal by providing a broad range of student services and a comprehensive program of co-curricular and extracurricular activities. The OSA is located in the William Pitt Union and can be contacted at (412 ) 648-7830. The OSA is responsible for the following functions:

        William Pitt Union
         The Union, located across from the Cathedral of Learning, serves as the focal point for campus activities, student organizations, and the Division of Student Affairs. The Union features a recreation center, arcade, food court, information service, art gallery, TV room, dance studio, lounges, meeting rooms, student organization offices, ticket office, dining rooms, and several program spaces.

        Ticket Office
         The ticket office, located on the main floor of the William Pitt Union, sells tickets to campus events, varsity competitions, and select local activities, and serves as the University's outlet for PAT passes. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket information is available at (412) 648-7814.

        Athletics
         The University boasts a wide variety of athletic activities for both men and women, including a number of intramural athletic teams. University teams compete in football, basketball, baseball, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, wrestling, and track. Facilities include Pitt Stadium, Fitzgerald Field House, the Cost Center, and Trees Athletic Hall Complex with its two Olympic-sized pools.
         Student Season Football Tickets. All students with a validated identification for the Fall Term are eligible for student season football tickets. Currently, one general admission season ticket to the student section may be purchased for $20. The student must show his or her identification and validation sticker along with the game pass to gain entry to the stadium. All tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are made available to currently enrolled students in March of each year, and to part-time students in July. Inquiries can be made by calling the ticket office at (412) 648-7814.
         Student Season Basketball Tickets. Tickets for all home games are distributed the week before the game through the William Pitt Union ticket office. All students with a validated Pitt ID are eligible for one ticket per game.

        Pitt Program Council
         The Pitt Program Council is a student organization that serves as the central programming organization for the campus. The purpose of the Pitt Program Council is to plan social, cultural, and educational events for college students at the University of Pittsburgh. The Pitt Program Council is located in M-30 William Pitt Union and can be contacted at (412) 648-7900. For information regarding events, check their Web site (www.pitt.edu/~ppc) and look for ads in the Pitt News.

        Student Government Board (SGB)
         SGB is the nine-member elected representative body for all non-CGS undergraduate students. It selects the representatives to the two policy-making councils in the arts and sciences; five undergraduate CAS students on the 11-member CAS Council, and two undergraduate CAS students on the 18-member Faculty of Arts and Sciences Council. In addition, the SGB selects the three students on the six-member Academic Integrity Board of CAS. SGB also maintains liaison with the individual departments and with the University administration and administers 50 percent of the student activity fee through its Allocations Committee. To help represent its constituency, the SGB has formed several standing committees that are open for general student participation: Multicultural Academic Office, Governmental Relations, and Student Relations. The SGB's constitution also calls for an Allocations Committee to assist with the budget, an Elections Committee to supervise the election process, and a Judicial Committee to adjudicate problems. Membership on these three committees is determined by appointment from a pool of applicants. For more information, call (412) 648-7970, visit room 639 of the William Pitt Union, or see www.pitt.edu/~sgb/.

        Certified Student Organizations
         More than 250 certified student organizations provide myriad opportunities for extracurricular enjoyment by students. In addition to government, media, publications, programming, fraternities, sororities, and honoraries, there are clubs for sports, recreation, performing arts, politics, religion, service, professional and academic pursuits, ethnic and cultural enrichment, and many other specialized interests. A list of certified student organizations is available through the Office of Student Activities or the Student Government Board. Both are located in the William Pitt Union.

        Fraternities and Sororities (Greeks)
         The Greek organizations play a major role in campus life and provide an effective vehicle for students to assimilate into the college community. Although the focus of the Greeks is social, opportunities for leadership experience and service abound within the system and within each chapter. Rush or recruitment activities begin in September. For information, visit the lnterfraternity Council or the Panhellenic Association in the William Pitt Union or call (412) 648-7825.

        Student Publications Board (SPB)
         The SPB is the official publisher for the Pitt News, the campus newspaper, and Panther Prints, the yearbook. Both are located in the William Pitt Union and are open for membership.

        Black Action Society (BAS)
         BAS exists to meet the social, academic, political, and cultural needs of African American students. The governance group endeavors to create and promote solidarity among African American students, faculty, and administration within the University environment. This organization also represents the interests, concerns, and needs of African American students. BAS is located in the William Pitt Union and can be contacted at (412) 648-7880.

        Student Development Programs
         The Office of Student Activities (OSA) supports the efforts of student organizations by providing leadership workshops for campus leaders and organizations and by training more than 100 freshmen yearly in its Emerging Leader Program. To help students assimilate into student life, OSA also sponsors the Freshman Student Activities Fair during Orientation. OSA has designed a Student Development Transcript to help students document and validate their extracurricular activities. Information regarding these programs can be obtained by visiting the Office of Student Activities in the William Pitt Union or by telephoning (412) 648-7830.

        Student Volunteer Outreach
         The SVO promotes, facilitates, and supports the participation of students in volunteer community service activities. The SVO sponsors about 15 service projects each month and recruits students and student organizations to staff the one-day events. It facilitates the placement of students in regular volunteer positions with over 100 local agencies and is currently promoting the development of service internships. In addition, it sponsors annual programs such as the Scouting for Food Campaign and the Alternative Spring Break Service Experience. The SVO is located at 920 William Pitt Union and can be contacted at (412) 648-1482. Their Web site is www.pitt.edu/~service.

        The Student Organization Resource Center (SORC)
         The SORC provides support services for student organizations. It administers the certification of student organizations and houses the student activities business office. The SORC offers fax, mail, notary, and copy services for undergraduate organizations and computer accounts for all groups. Assistance is available for recruitment, programming, officer training, and organization development. The SORC also offers an emergency student loan service center. The SORC is located at 119 William Pitt Union and can be contacted at (412) 624-7115 or through their Web site at www.pitt.edu/~sorc.

        The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
         GPSA is the official umbrella graduate and professional student organization at the University of Pittsburgh. The purpose of GPSA is to represent both the academic and non-academic interests of all graduate and professional students, and to provide student-initiated and student-controlled services. GPSA is not intended to supplant graduate student organizations in departments or schools, but rather to coordinate joint efforts, promote communications among the schools, and provide a unified voice of graduate students to the University community. In recent years, the GPSA has offered a number of services to graduate and professional students, including Carnegie Museum passes, travel funding, and free appointments with a lawyer. For more information, see the GPSA Web site at www.pitt.edu/~gpsa2, or call (412) 648-7844.

        Concourse Service Center
         Located at the concourse level of the William Pitt Union, the center sells newspapers, stamps, and envelopes and provides dry cleaning services, discount film processing, and a snack shop. The center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays during Fall/Spring Terms. Summer Term hours are subject to change. The center can be contacted at (412) 648-7877.

        Child Development Center
         The University Child Development Center, located at 635 Clyde Street, serves faculty, staff, and students of the University by providing quality early childhood education/child care for children ranging in age from six weeks through six years. The program is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. There is a full-day kindergarten available. A nutritionally balanced meal program is provided.
         The program is staffed with professionals who design and implement plans based on their knowledge of early childhood education and development, on the strengths each child has exhibited, and individual learning styles. Children interact with the professionals and each other in mutually respectful environments where all areas of children's "work" are represented. The Child Development Center can be contacted at (412) 383-2100 or through their Web site at http://www.hr.pitt.edu/ucdc/child.htm.

        University Counseling Center
         The Center, located in room 334 of the William Pitt Union, is a free, confidential service for all graduate and undergraduate students. Call (412) 648-7930 for an appointment, or see www.pitt.edu/~counsel for more information.
         Psychological Services. Counseling psychologists and social workers provide individual counseling for students, as well as group counseling focused on specific problem areas. Among the reasons people visit the Counseling Center are relationship problems, emotional or social difficulties, and concerns about academic progress or direction. Consulting psychiatrists are also available. Appointments can be made at 334 William Pitt Union or by calling (412) 648-7930.
         Career Development Program. Counselors and a Career Resource Center provide comprehensive planning help, including individual and group career counseling and career testing. This program is also located in 334 William Pitt Union; phone (412) 648-7930.
         Sexual Assault Services. These services include counseling as well as medical, legal, and police advocacy for survivors of sexual exploitation. There is also a volunteer, co-ed, peer education program whose purpose is to create an awareness of the dynamics of sexual assault on the University of Pittsburgh Campus. The office is located in 926 William Pitt Union; phone (412) 648-7856; Web address: www.pitt.edu/~counsel/index3d.html.
         Learning Skills Center. The Learning Skills Center offers group and individual assistance for improving reading, math, and study skills. Groups and workshops are scheduled at a variety of times throughout the semester and individual sessions can be arranged by appointment. All services are free and open to University of Pittsburgh students, faculty, and staff. For further information, call (412) 648-7920 or come to the LSC located in 311 William Pitt Union. Visit their Web site at www.lsc.pitt.edu/ for more detailed information.

        Placement and Career Services
         Through an on-campus recruitment program, referrals, and position announcements, Placement and Career Services helps students establish contact with employers in the fields of business, government, health care, education, industry, and private research. The office works with both undergraduate and graduate students on the career development process. They can assist with part- and full-time jobs and information on graduate school programs. Individuals seeking part-time work while students or full-time work upon graduation can access these opportunities at their Web site, www.placement.pitt.edu. AlumNet, a joint venture of the Alumni Association and Placement and Career Services, provides a network of contacts to assist candidates in their job searches. Placement and Career Services is located in room 224 William Pitt Union and can be contacted at (412) 648-7130, or through the Web site.

        Office of International Services (OIS)
         The Office of International Services is located on the seventh floor of the William Pitt Union; office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
         The Office of International Services offers credential evaluation for records of education outside the United States, advising for foreign students and scholars on a variety of federal regulations, personal counseling, orientation, and programming assistance for foreign student organizations. The office also assists departments in bringing foreign faculty and researchers to the University. International ID cards are available, as is information on the international dimensions of the University. OIS can be contacted at (412) 624-7120. On-line address: www.pitt.edu/~ivan1/ois/oisinfo.html.

        University Center for International Studies (UCIS)
         At the University level, the University Center for International Studies provides a vital focus to programs with an international dimension. For faculty and students in education, UCIS reinforces and extends the goals and activities of the School of Education's Institute for International Studies in Education (IISE). UCIS coordinates the international research and interdisciplinary instructional programs of the University. It offers a variety of services to faculty and students, especially by providing advice and assistance in preparing applications for grants and fellowships, and also houses the University's Study Abroad Program. In addition, UCIS contains four area studies programs: Asian Studies, Latin American Studies, Russian and East European Studies, and European Studies, as well as the International Business Center, all of which are United States Department of Education national resource centers. On-line address: www.ucis.pitt.edu.

  • Housing
        Undergraduate. The University of Pittsburgh Housing Services, the Food Service Office, and the Office of Residence Life share the responsibility of providing an enriching and full living experience for over 5,000 resident students. The Housing Services Office, located in the Main Lobby of the Litchfield Towers, is responsible for all housing facilities, room assignments, and all operating functions of the residence halls. The Food Service Office, located in the Towers Lobby, is responsible for all meal plans and the operation of the cafeterias on campus. The Office of Residence Life, located in the Tower C Lobby, provides a capable and supportive staff to promote living/learning communities within a pleasant and satisfying environment.
         Housing facilities consist of double and single rooms in the Litchfield Towers; single, double, triple, and quad rooms in Holland Hall; four- to eight-person suites in the Schenley Quadrangle; single and quad rooms in Lothrop Hall; double rooms in Forbes Hall; and double and four- and six-person suites in Sutherland Hall. In addition, special interest areas are attractive to students who desire a program focus. Rates are available upon request from the Housing Office.
         On-campus housing is limited to undergraduate students during the Fall and Spring Terms. The housing contract is written for two terms only at the beginning of the academic year and for one term at midterm of the academic year. If the contract is not returned by the specified due date, housing cannot be assured. The contract may not be terminated prior to the second term except for the specified legal reasons as stated in the contract. Any student who withdraws for these reasons or for special considerations must submit documented evidence to the Housing Office in order to receive any credit for the room and board charges (if applicable). The room key and meal ticket/University ID must be released to the Housing Office upon the student's withdrawal. The $200 prepayment, netted from the second term of the contract, may be retained.
         All resident students must select a meal plan, and first-year resident students are required to select meal plans specified by the Food Service Office. For further information, contact the Food Service Office at (412) 648-2172.

        Graduate. Unlike many large cities, Pittsburgh has a number of pleasant residential neighborhoods with private homes that have been converted to apartments. Many graduate students live in Oakland, where the University is located, or in the surrounding communities of Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Highland Park, and Mt. Washington. All these areas are within walking or easy commuting distance of the University. Bus transportation in the city of Pittsburgh is excellent.
        While there is no residence hall on campus for graduate students for the Fall and Spring Terms, on-campus accommodations are available for the Summer Term. Rates are available upon request from the University Housing Office, which is located in the Litchfield Towers main lobby, (412) 648-1100. For the Roommate Matching Service, listings of non-University owned housing, a subletting service, and other information, contact the Housing Resource Center at (412) 624-6998. On-line address: www.pitt.edu/~property/hrc.html.

  • Fare-Free Transportation
         All University of Pittsburgh students, staff, and faculty may ride all Port Authority (PAT) buses and trolleys and the Mon Incline within Allegheny County fare-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Riders need only show the driver a valid and current Pitt ID (Pittcard). For more information, call Campus Transportation at (412) 624-8612. On-line address: http://p-and-t.parktran.pitt.edu.

  • Student Health Service
        
        The Student Health Service provides Pittsburgh campus students with outpatient health care. Services provided include general medicine, allergy injections, dermatology, orthopaedics, an on-site pharmacy, x-ray facilities, and an on-site laboratory. Health educators provide programs and information that emphasize preventive approaches toward health care. Family planning and gynecological services also are offered for students seeking education, counseling, and medical services.
        Full-time students are assessed a health fee on their invoice. Part-time students may elect to purchase the health fee during the add/drop period each term or session. All others may pay a fee-for-service at the time of the visit. The fee covers all services offered by the Student Health Service except certain elective procedures, injuries, and medication. Students are encouraged to acquire hospitalization insurance for emergency and inpatient medical care.
        Appointments are necessary for most services; however, walk-in services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday during Fall and Spring Terms. Hours may vary during Summer Term and Summer Sessions; the Health Service is closed on weekends and major holidays. The Student Health Service is located at Suite 500, Medical Arts Building, 3708 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 and can be contacted at (412) 383-1800. On-line address: www.pitt.edu/~studhlth.

  • Health Insurance
         Direct-pay medical insurance plans are available to students through various health insurance care providers. The available plans are designed to provide insurance benefits for services not offered at the Student Health Service, as well as hospitalization and emergency care. Applications and product information are available at the Student Health Service.
        Teaching assistants, teaching fellows, graduate student assistants, and graduate student researchers with eligible academic appointments may elect a Highmark SelectBlue managed care health insurance plan with the beneficial features of a health maintenance organization and the flexibility of traditional insurance. The University will cover the cost of individual membership. Coverage is available for eligible spouses and dependents by paying the difference between the Individual and Spouse/Dependent Options through a monthly payroll deduction. In addition, teaching assistants, teaching fellows, graduate student assistants, and graduate student researchers with eligible academic appointments may elect dental or a combined dental/vision plan if they elect the available SelectBlue coverage. The University does not cover any of the costs of the dental or dental/vision plan; payments are made through payroll deduction.
        Graduate students supported by fellowships and traineeships may be eligible to purchase SelectBlue membership by paying the full cost of the coverage through a monthly deduction. Information about this payroll deduction plan can be obtained in the Office of Human Resources, 200B Craig Hall, (412) 624-7000. More information on these plans is available on-line at www.hr.pitt.edu.

  • Immunization Policy
         The University requires the immunization of all incoming freshmen against measles, mumps, and rubella, as a condition of attendance. Incoming freshmen must provide to the University Student Health Service documentation of immunization that includes the month, day, and year that the immunizations were administered. Completed immunization forms must be kept on file in the Student Health Service.
        Exemptions may be granted based on a written statement from a physician that the immunization may be detrimental to the health of the student or on a student's objection to immunization on religious grounds or on the basis of a strong moral or ethical conviction similar to religious belief. However, if an outbreak of measles, mumps, or rubella occurs, the State Health Department may exclude from classes students who do not provide proof of immunity to these diseases.

  • Other Health Facilities
         The hospitals of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC Health System) are adjacent to the Pittsburgh campus. Emergency health problems are treated in UPMC emergency rooms, and excellent medical and surgical care is available for serious illnesses. However, such services are not covered by the University Student Health Service fee. Each student should also carry personal health and accident insurance to cover such expenses.
        The Dental Clinic of the School of Dental Medicine, located on the first floor of Salk Hall, provides comprehensive dental care at reasonable rates.
        The psychological counseling services offered by the University Counseling and Student Development Center are described in this section. The Clinical Psychology Center, sixth floor of Old Engineering Hall, offers a number of services, including individual counseling of limited duration, designed to help with problems or concerns that might require professional assistance.

  • Judicial Affairs
         The coordinator and staff of the Office of Judicial Affairs are responsible for the operation of an internal system of governing bodies that adjudicate complaints or grievances initiated through the Student Code of Conduct. The coordinator of the University Student Judicial System is located in room 738 William Pitt Union and can be contacted at (412) 648-7918. Visit them on-line at www.pitt.edu/~osaweb/usjs/usjs.html.

  • New Student Programs
         The coordinator and student staff are responsible for conducting orientation programs for incoming freshmen and transfer students. The coordinator is also responsible for institutional compliance with the Consumer Information Act, which mandates that complete and accurate information for students be made available regarding the University and its programs.
        New Student Programs offices are located in room 738 William Pitt Union and can be contacted at (412) 648-7913. On-line address: www.pitt.edu/~osaweb/nsp/nsp.html.

  • University Honors College
         The University Honors College (UHC) seeks to provide quality undergraduate education for capable and motivated students. UHC courses, designed for students who enjoy a high degree of intellectual stimulation, emphasize challenging content, personal effort, and outstanding teaching. In addition, they stress critical thinking and synthesis rather than passive acquisition of information. This distinctive combination of qualities, demanding of both students and faculty, is intended to foster academic achievement, the development of a disciplined intelligence, and personal satisfaction.

  • Office of Disability Resources and Services
         The Office of Disability Resources and Services (DRS) provides a broad range of services and resources to assist students with disabilities, such as visual impairments, auditory impairments, mobility impairments, and hidden disabilities (learning disabilities, AD (H)D, psychological disabilities). Services include, but are not limited to: tape recorded textbooks, sign language interpreters, adaptive computer technology, braille copy, adapted testing, and personal counseling. DRS can also assist students with accessible on-campus housing and transportation. Students interested in registering for services should contact DRS to schedule an appointment. Be prepared, if requested, to provide appropriate documentation of the disability. The office is located in 216 William Pitt Union. For more information or to set up an appointment, please contact (412) 648-7890 (voice) or (412) 383-7355 (TTY), or see www.pitt.edu/~osaweb/dr/drs.html.

  • Office of Affirmative Action
         The Office of Affirmative Action is part of the Office of the Chancellor, and the Director of Affirmative Action also serves as an assistant to the Chancellor. This office is both an administrative and a service center for the University community. The Office of Affirmative Action provides the following services: coordinates and facilitates the development and implementation of equal opportunity and affirmative action policies and procedures for the University; monitors progress in implementing affirmative action programs and realizing affirmative action goals; prepares institutional and governmental reports; conducts studies and undertakes research projects; participates in a variety of training events; handles internal complaints of discrimination or discriminatory harassment; serves as a resource center and library on affirmative action and related topics; and serves as a link between the University and other institutions, governmental agencies, or community groups with related concerns. The staff is always available to answer inquiries or provide information. However, appointments are recommended for visitors. The office is located in room 901 William Pitt Union and can be contacted at (412) 648-7860. On-line address: http://www.hr.pitt.edu/general/Affirm.htm.

  • Office of Measurement and Evaluation of Teaching
         A consulting service is available without charge to assist students with questions related to the area of research design, measurement, and statistical analysis. A library of standardized tests is available. An appointment is required, and calls should be made as much in advance as possible due to heavy demand for services. The office is located in room G-33 Cathedral of Learning and can be contacted at (412) 624-6440.

  • Office of Veterans' Services
         The staff of this office assists veterans, war orphans, and veterans' dependents in the obtaining and use of their VA educational benefits. In addition to these services, the office implements the VA work study program. The staff serves as the veterans' representative with the University, the Veterans Administration, and related agencies. Contact may be made in G-3 Thackery Hall, or by calling (412) 648-7885. Their Web address is http://www.pitt.edu/~srfsweb/vetserv.htm.

  • Computing and Information Services (CIS)
         Computing and Information Services (CIS) provides support for instruction and research; delivers services to meet the University's computer, information processing, and telecommunications needs; provides leadership and assistance in developing policy and planning for the effective use of technology; and offers extensive University computer services. For a complete listing of the services provided by CIS, connect to the CIS Web site at www.technology.pitt.edu.

    PittNet. The University's network, which connects offices, computing labs, timesharing services, personal computers, and the Internet, is called PittNet. With a Network Authorization Account, students, faculty, and staff have access to the World Wide Web, electronic mail, Internet services, time-sharing services available on VMS and UNIX, University databases, and other computing services. PittHome, the University Web site located at www.pitt.edu, provides students with a vast array of information about Pitt's departments and procedures, from class schedules to administrative policies.

    Access to Computing Resources. The University operates eight public computing labs in various locations throughout the campus. Computers and printers in the labs are regularly upgraded to maintain a high level of performance. All lab machines provide access to E-mail and the Internet, the latest versions of operating systems, and an extensive number of software applications.
        Three of the eight public computing labs are 24-hour facilities. The labs have been renovated to provide a high quality work environment. The lab located in 230 David Lawrence Hall was renovated and equipped to serve as the premier computing lab offering a showcase for new services and equipment. It is also the site of all major student consulting services. Three computing labs are equipped with computer classrooms. Faculty and teaching assistants can reserve these rooms to provide hands-on instruction to complement their lecture sessions. For more information about the computing labs, go to www.pitt.edu/~cislabs.
        CIS supports specialized "adaptive" computing technology for students who are physically or visually disabled. Adaptive computing equipment is available in most labs. Specialized facilities include the Hillman Library Adaptive Reading Room and the Adaptive Computing Training Lab in 725 William Pitt Union. For more information on adaptive computing services, call (412) 648-7658.
        All undergraduate residence halls are equipped with ethernet ports, one port per pillow through a ResNet Program, to enable all residence hall students to access PittNet quickly and efficiently. ResNet is supported through a comprehensive support program that includes a staff of on-site Residential Consultants. Off-campus students benefit from the expansion of the modem pool; the number of modems was recently increased by 43 percent. The modem pool can be reached by dialing in to (412) 297-PITT (7488).
        To further enhance access, plans are being developed that will permit the installation and secure use of ports in public areas and classrooms on campus. A project to install JavaStations for E-mail and Web access in various locations on campus is underway.
        The University encourages personal ownership of computing equipment through the e-Store, a web-based online computer store that offers students, faculty, and staff access to University discounts on hardware and software products. Through a partnership with VeriSign, individuals are able to obtain a digital certificate to ensure secure transactions with the e-Store.
        Members of the University community can acquire a free CD-ROM, called a "Software Toolkit", which contains unrestricted software including web browsers, communications software, anti-virus applications, and help documentation. Software Licensing Services provides individuals and departments with popular software at discounted prices.

    Consulting, Support, and Training. Consulting and Training Services (CTS) provides a wide range of software and hardware support for University students, faculty, staff, and departments. A Help Desk service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to resolve problems and answer questions. One can access the Help Desk via the Web (http://www.technology.pitt.edu/support/helpdesk.html), over E-mail (helpdesk+@pitt.edu), by telephone (412-624-HELP [4357]), or in person (230 David Lawrence Hall).
        CIS provides several resources to help individuals resolve their own questions and problems. An on-line knowledge base called UPLINK has been introduced to offer alternatives to students interested in troubleshooting and resolving their own computer problems. In addition, CIS has written an extensive library of help sheets covering a wide variety of topics. Most help sheets can be found on the Web at www.pitt.edu/~document/html.html or in the labs. All are available on the University's UNIX server.
        Departmental consulting services include hardware and software consultations, needs analyses, written recommendations, purchase requisition reviews, installations, customized training, and on-site troubleshooting and problem resolution.
        For departments that require dedicated, customized computer and network support, CIS offers dedicated contract analysts. Because CIS recognizes the benefits in building strong relationships with departmental technical support staff, the Expert Partners program was created. Expert Partners is designed to increase communication, share technical resources, provide advanced training, and share vendor contacts.
        Training services include non-credit, one- and three-hour workshops that cover a wide variety of topics at introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. Classes are offered free of charge to students, faculty, and staff, while departments are entitled to two free workshops per semester to address specific departmental training needs. Recent enhancements to the training program have included a Web-based training pilot program, an increased number of QuickStart classes, and an emphasis on offering training for advanced software packages.
        CIS has also developed a number of student staffing and apprentice programs to provide students with a structured employment and training experience. These programs include mentoring, apprenticeships and internships, and a formal employment structure. Student employment is available in a number of CIS areas.

    Information Systems Support. CIS Information Systems serves the University community in the development and implementation of University information database services, such as ISIS and PRISM, among others. Analysts from Information Systems are also involved in report production and distribution, data security, and support of many of the University's assorted information systems, including World Wide Web services.
        Students can access their grades and other student information over the Web through the Student Information ONLINE service (student-info.pitt.edu). Currently, students can access their class schedules and grades on-line. Development is underway to provide students with access to billing and other financial aid information, while prospective students will be able to check on the status of the applications for admission or financial aid.

    Telecommunications
        CIS Telecommunications, located in 6K01 Forbes Quadrangle, operates the University's telephone systems and provides a variety of services, including:

        Telecommunications also provides assistance in ordering telephone equipment, obtaining phone directories, adding or changing listings, and resolving billing questions. For more information, please call (412) 648-5900 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5pm, or visit www.pitt.edu/~telecom/telser.

  • Libraries
         The University of Pittsburgh Libraries and collections provide an abundant amount of information and services to the faculty, students, staff, administrators, and researchers of the University. In fiscal year 1998, the University's collections totaled more than 3.9 million volumes, 3.8 million pieces of microforms, and nearly 24,375 serials are received. Hillman Library is the largest of the libraries, and houses the major collections for most of the disciplines of the Humanities and Social Sciences. The research collections of the departments of economics, fine arts, music, and all the departments of the natural sciences are housed in branch libraries located throughout campus. Many of the professional schools maintain libraries useful to Arts and Sciences faculty and students, such as the Falk Library of the Health Sciences; the libraries of the Schools of Engineering, Law, and Information Sciences; the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business; the Graduate Schools of Public Health and Public and International Affairs; the library of the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. A student with a validated identification card is entitled to privileges at all libraries.
        Information about books and serials available at the University of Pittsburgh libraries can be found in PITTCAT, the on-line catalog for the University Library System. PITTCAT currently contains bibliographic information for millions of book and periodical titles. PITTCAT terminals are located in all libraries. PITTCAT may also be accessed from computers on or off campus, and via the World Wide Web at: www.library.pitt.edu.

        Hillman Library
         The Hillman Library has been designated a depository of U.S. government publications, as well as documents from Pennsylvania and Canada. It also receives publications of the United Nations and associated international agencies. These are housed in the Documents Collection on the ground floor. Access to an ever-increasing number of databases is available in most libraries in the system. The reference librarian in each library should be contacted for information.
        On the ground floor are located most of the general service departments such as Reference and Lending Services, documents, maps, and the Reserve Book Collection.
        The first floor houses the African American Collection, the Alldred Browsing Room, which contains a collection to serve the extracurricular reading interests of the entire University community; the Buhl Social Work Collection; the Stark Listening Center with recordings, tapes, and CDs of the spoken word and selected music; and the largest computer lab on campus.
        The second floor contains the microforms facilities, including the complete microfilm series of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC). Also on the second floor is the East Asian Library that chiefly supports area studies on China and Japan.
        The third and fourth floors contain the major research collections in the social sciences and humanities. Carrels are provided here for graduate students and may be reserved each term at the ground-floor lending desk. The Special Collections Department and Archive Services Center are also located on the third floor, as well as a quiet study area. The fourth floor houses the current periodical collection.

        Library Resources
         In addition to Hillman Library, departmental and associated libraries at the University serve the various professional schools and their departments. The Allegheny Observatory Library concentrates on astronomy and astrometry; it contains an outstanding collection of star photographs. The Chemistry/Computer Science Library in Alumni Hall reflects the research interests of those departments. The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs/Economics Library contains published and unpublished data in regional and urban economics and demography. The Darlington Memorial Library is largely devoted to the Colonial period in America through the Revolution and the War of 1812, with emphasis on Western Pennsylvania. Many rare books and fine atlases from the 15th through the 20th century are here. The Henry Clay Frick Fine Arts Library collections in art, architecture, and sculpture support research in art history. Of particular interest are Oriental books and replicas of scrolls and materials covering the Byzantine, early Christian, Medieval, and Renaissance periods. Langley Biological Sciences/Psychology Library serves those departments. The Mathematics Library is primarily a graduate study and research collection for advanced mathematics. The Theodore M. Finney Music Library is a research facility containing reference works, printed music, manuscripts, periodicals, microfilm, and recordings. The Physics Library contains books and journals in physics, astrophysics, and earth and planetary sciences.
         Besides the preceding facilities, the following professional schools and groups maintain libraries: Engineering, Business, Information Science, Law, the Nursing Learning Resource Center, and the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.

        Library Resources Outside the University
         In general, the University has sufficient resources to satisfy the needs of graduate students and faculty. However, if needed material cannot be found, the Interlibrary Loan Services, located at G-27, ground floor of Hillman, assists students and faculty in obtaining it from other libraries. Cooperative arrangements have been developed between the University and neighboring academic institutions such as Carnegie Mellon (including Mellon Institute), Duquesne University, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, to provide supplementary borrowing and research privileges. Many Pittsburgh area libraries are open to scholars, including those of the Allegheny County (Law), Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Bureau of Mines.

  • SHRS Learning Resource Center
         The Learning Resource Center provides a library-like setting where SHRS students may study independently in carrels or in small groups around tables. Instructional materials are provided for specific curriculum needs and include audio and video tapes, slides, films, and models. The Learning Resource Center is located in room 4011 Forbes Tower.

  • Religion
         Heinz Memorial Chapel has been the center for religious practice and meditation on campus since its construction in 1934. One of the most beautiful Gothic structures in America, this inspiring edifice symbolizes, in soaring arches of stone and panels of stained glass, the spiritual thoughts of those who come to meditate. Mass and Sabbath services take place here each week. The doors are always open for those who seek a moment's quiet peace.
        The University maintains close contact with representatives of many faiths. Ministers and rabbis are available for individual and group counseling and for coordination of the activities of campus religious organizations. The priests of the Pittsburgh Roman Catholic Oratory visit the campus regularly and maintain offices nearby.


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