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General Information


  • Accreditation
    The University of Pittsburgh, including the School of Social Work, is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, the School of Social Work's BASW and MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, Commission on Accreditation.


  • Libraries
    The Buhl Library of Social Work is housed on the first floor of Hillman Library. It was established in 1940 by a Buhl Foundation grant that made possible the acquisition of a fine collection of historical and current materials. These holdings were the basis for developing one of the finest social work libraries in the country.

    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 1996, the University's collections totaled more than 3.7 million volumes, 3.6 million pieces of microforms, and nearly 26,000 subscriptions. 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 in various locations on 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; and 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 PLUS may also be accessed from computers on or off campus, and via the World Wide Web at: http://www.library.pitt.edu.

    Hillman Library. The Hillman Library has been designated a depository of US 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 includes the microforms facilities including the complete microfilm series of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and all University theses. Also on the second floor is the East Asian Library that supports chiefly the 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 century through the 20th 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 Sciences, Law, the Nursing Learning Resources 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.


  • Student Organizations
    The Student Executive Council, composed of elected representatives of students in the School of Social Work, endeavors to be of service by providing student social events, forums for discussion of social issues and social action, representation on the Graduate and Professional Student Association of the University, and is active in making recommendations to faculty on curriculum and related matters.

    All students are encouraged to participate in the activities of the Student Executive Council and in the various faculty committee functions of the School. Students serve as voting members of all committees with the exceptions of the Faculty Executive Committee (elected faculty representatives), the Promotion and Tenure Committee, and the Admissions Committee.

    Other student organizations and groups in which student participation is encouraged are the Black Action Society, the National Association of Social Workers, the National Federation of Student Social Workers, the Graduate and Professional Student Association, the Alumni Association, the Student Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers, the Child Development Association, and BASW Club.


  • Financial Aid, Fellowships, and Loans

  • Undergraduate Program
    Undergraduate students interested in financial assistance to meet tuition and/or living costs should inquire very early and should direct inquiries to:

    OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID
    BRUCE HALL
    UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
    PITTSBURGH, PA 15260
    (412) 624-PITT
    Online Address: http://www.pitt.edu/~oafa

  • Graduate Program
    Students interested in financial assistance to meet tuition and/or living costs should direct inquiries to both the Office of Admissions of the School of the Social Work and the University's Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.

    Students should be advised that limited resources often preclude any one funding source from granting awards that meet total financial needs. As a result, students are strongly encouraged to seek financial aid packages consisting of partial awards (including loans and scholarships) from a variety of sources.

    University Sources

    OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS AND FINANCIAL AID
    BRUCE HALL
    UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
    PITTSBURGH, PA 15260
    (412) 624-PITT

    School of Social Work Sources

    OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
    ROOM 2104 CATHEDRAL OF LEARNING
    SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
    UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
    PITTSBURGH, PA 15260
    (412) 624-6302
    Online Address: http://www.pitt.edu/~pittssw

    Grants (as opposed to loans) are available directly from the School of Social Work and are awarded to full-time graduate MSW students on the basis of financial need. (There are no loan programs available directly from the School.) The School's Financial Aid Application entitles students to consideration for the following grants, which comprise the School's financial aid program for the master's program:

    School of Social Work Fellowships
    Alumni Association Grants
    Federal Grants
    Foundation Grants
    Graduate Student Assistantships (GSAs)

    Applications for financial assistance are accepted only after an admissions decision has been made. Awards are made for a one-year period. New applications are required for each succeeding period.


  • University Housing

    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 in 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 Tower's Main Lobby. For the Roommate Matching Service and some listings of non-University owned housing, contact the Housing Resource Center at (412) 683-1460. Online Address: http://www.pitt.edu/~property/pmhousing.html

    The School of Social Work employs a Housing Coordinator to assist students in locating appropriate housing in the Pittsburgh area. For information, call (412) 624-0074.

    Undergraduate. The University of Pittsburgh Housing Services, the Food Services 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 Office, located in the Main Lobby of the Litchfield Towers, is responsible for all housing facilities, room assignments, and all other 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 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.


  • Riding the U-Zone
    The U-Zone encompasses a limited boundary area within the Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, and Oakland neighborhoods. University members can ride buses in the U-Zone by showing a current and valid Pitt I.D. In addition to the U-Zone, Pitt also offers discounted bus passes and discounted cash fares on Port Authority buses, trolleys, and inclines. For more information, call Campus Transportation at (412) 624-8612.


  • Student Health Service
    The Student Health Service, located in Suite 500 of the Medical Arts Building, 3708 Fifth Avenue, provides Pittsburgh campus students with outpatient health care. Services provided include general medicine, allergy injections, dermatology, orthopaedics, a pharmacy, x-ray facility, and on-site laboratory. Health educators provide programs and information that emphasize preventive approaches toward health care. Family planning and gynecology services are also 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, although walk-in services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, during Fall and Spring Terms. Hours may vary during the Summer Term, and the Health Service is closed on weekends and major holidays.

  • 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, Suite 500, Medical Arts Building, 3708 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. (412) 383-1800.

    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.

    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 online at http://www.hr.pitt.edu.


  • Other Health Facilities
    The hospitals of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center are adjacent to the Pittsburgh campus. Emergency health problems can be treated in their 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 psychological counseling services offered by the University Counseling and Student Development Center are described in a later 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.

    The Dental Clinic of the School of Dental Medicine, located on the first floor of Salk Hall, provides comprehensive dental care at reasonable rates.


  • Social Work Placement Service
    The University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work Placement Office is designed to assist Social Work and Child Development students in procuring employment. The Placement Office provides two primary services: (1) A Resume Bank. Resumes of individuals actively seeking employment are forwarded to employers who notify the School of Social Work of job openings and request that resumes be forwarded. (2) Listings of Employment Opportunities. Human service organizations frequently notify the Placement Office regarding job openings. Most jobs are within a one-hour commute of Pittsburgh, although at times the Placement Office receives notification of opportunities in other areas. Listings include clinical, supervisory, administrative, and community organization positions, both full-time and part-time. Job listings are posted on the bulletin board in the Student Lounge (2201 CL) and are also available in the Placement Office.

    The Placement Office is located in 2330 CL. Hours of operation and a sign-up sheet for appointments are posted outside the office. The Placement Coordinator can be reached at (412) 624-0074, or messages can be left in the Admissions Office (2104 CL), (412) 624-6302.

  • University Counseling and Student Development Center
    The center, 334 William Pitt Union, offers the following professional services without charge:

    Psychological Services: Counseling psychologists, social workers, and consulting psychiatrists work with students through individual and group counseling. People come to the Counseling Center for various reasons: emotional or social difficulties, marital or other relationship problems, and concerns about academic progress or direction. (412) 648-7930.

    Career Development Program: Career counselors and a Career Resource Library provide comprehensive planning help, including individual and group career counseling and career testing. (412) 648-7930.

    The Learning Skills Center: The Learning Skills Center offers both individual and group help to students wishing to improve their reading, mathematics, or other study skills. (412) 648-7920.


  • Office of International Services
    The Office of International Services is located on the seventh floor of the William Pitt Union; office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    The Office of International Services offers admissions advising, personal counseling, and international programming for international students and visiting foreign faculty at the University. The office also is responsible for all matters relating to regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization Service concerning international students, research scholars, and faculty. International ID cards are available, as is information on the international dimensions of the University. (412) 624-7120. Online Address: http://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. Online Address: http://www.pitt.edu/~ucisweb


  • 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 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 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 and 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 Center can be reached at (412) 383-2100.


  • Office of Student Activities (OSA)
    The mission of the Office of Student Activities (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 reached at (412) 648-7830. The OSA can be reached online at: http://www.pitt.edu/~osaweb/studact/studact.html. 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 service, information desk, 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.

    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 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 (PPC). The PPC is a student organization that serves as the central programming organization for the campus. The council sponsors a variety of programs featuring the arts, film, video, lecture, travel, outdoor recreation, general entertainment, homecoming, the Jazz Seminar, and other special events. The PPC is located in the William Pitt Union and can be reached at (412) 648-7900. For information regarding events, watch for the PPC calendar and read the Pitt News. Membership is open to the student body by application.

    Student Government Board (SGB). SGB is the nine-member elected representative body for all non-College of General Studies (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 48 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: Affirmative Action, 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.

    Certified Student Organizations. Over 250 certified student organizations provide myriad opportunities for extracurricular enjoyment. 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 Organization Resource Center (SORC). 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 lnterfraternity Council or the PanheIlenic 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 reached 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 also trains over 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 also facilitates the placement of students in regular volunteer positions with over 100 local agencies and is currently promoting the development of service internships. It also sponsors annual programs such as the Scouting for Food Campaign and the Alternative Spring Break Service Experience. The SVO is located at 3814 Forbes Avenue and can be reached at (412) 648-1480.

    The Student Organization Resource Center. Referred to as the SORC, the office 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, and notary and copy services for undergraduate organizations and computer accounts for all groups. The SORC is located at 119 William Pitt Union and can be reached at (412) 624-7115.

    The Graduate and Professional Student Association. GPSA is the officially recognized student government for graduate and professional students of the University. GPSA is the umbrella organization for the individual graduate student governments of the 14 graduate and professional schools and, as such, conducts General Assembly meetings attended by representatives from each of these organizations. The GPSA advocates for graduate and professional student interests and provides free legal consultation, travel grants for conference participation, and Carnegie Museum passes. GPSA is located in 628 William Pitt Union and can be reached at (412) 648-7844

    College of General Studies Student Government. This organization represents the needs and interests of the CGS student body to the administration, faculty, and community and develops programs that benefit CGS students both socially and academically. The CGS Student Government is located in 615 William Pitt Union and can be reached at (412) 648-7895.

    Concourse Service Center. The center is located at the concourse level of the William Pitt Union. In addition to handling Bell Telephone payments, 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 reached at (412) 624-6342.

    Association of Chaplaincies. The Office of Student Activities serves as liaison to the association. For more information, contact the association at 801 William Pitt Union or call (412) 383-7270.


  • Judicial Affairs
    The coordinator and staff 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 Office of the Coordinator of the University Student Judicial System is in 738 William Pitt Union, (412) 648-7918. Online Address: http://www.pitt.edu/~osaweb/usjs/usjs.html

    Other University policies may more appropriately apply to a given grievance or avenue of redress.


  • New Student Programs
    The coordinator and a 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.

    Contact may be made on the seventh floor of the William Pitt Union, or by calling (412) 648-7913. Online Address: http://www.pitt.edu/~osaweb/nsp/nsp.html

  • 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 G-33 Cathedral of Learning. (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 Thackeray Hall or by calling (412) 648-7885.


  • Office of Disability Resources and Services
    Disability Resources and Services provides comprehensive support services for students, faculty, and staff with physical and learning disabilities. Services include, but are not limited to: adaptive test administration, interpreters for the hearing impaired, Braille copy, tape-recorded textbooks, and on-campus transportation service for persons with physical disabilities. Individuals needing rides must contact the office to verify ride availability and to set up a ride schedule. The office also assists students with special testing arrangements, financial aid, counseling, training on adaptive equipment, and resolution of accessibility problems. 216 William Pitt Union, (412) 648-7890.


  • 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 901 William Pitt Union and can be reached at (412) 648-7860. Online Address: http://www.hr.pitt.edu/general/affirm.htm


  • Office of Sexual Assault Services
    Sexual Assault Services, located in the William Pitt Union, provides individual and group counseling designed to alleviate the trauma associated with sexual victimization. Emergency medical, legal, and police advocacy are provided. Students are assisted in negotiating course schedule or room changes and obtaining medical, legal, and counseling resources available to them within the University and local communities.

    Sexual Assault Services also sponsors "PEERS"Peer Educators for an Environment free of Rape and Sexual Exploitation. PEERS is a volunteer student outreach program, the mission of which is to create awareness on the Pitt campus of the dynamics of sexual assault, promote healthy sexual relationships through effective communication, and prevent sexual victimization through educational programming.


  • Immunization Policy
    The University requires the immunization of all incoming freshmen against measles, mumps, and rubella, as a condition of attendance at the University of Pittsburgh. 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 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.


  • Graduation

    Candidates are expected to appear in person at commencement exercises to receive their degrees; however, diplomas will be mailed.


  • Patent Policy
    During enrollment at the University, a student may make 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 patents 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 University policy are available from the Office of Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property.


  • 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.


  • Faculty-Student Relationship Policy
    The University's educational mission is promoted by professional relationships between faculty members and students. Relationships of an intimate nature (that is, sexual and/or romantic) compromise the integrity of a faculty-student relationship whenever the faculty member has a professional responsibility for the student. The University prohibits relationships between a faculty member and a student whose academic work, teaching, or research is being supervised or evaluated by the faculty member.

    If an intimate relationship should exist or develop between a faculty member and a student, the University requires the faculty member to remove himself/herself from all supervisory, evaluative, and/or formal advisory roles with respect to the student.

    Definition Note: In this policy, the definition of "faculty member" refers to anyone appointed by the University as a teacher, researcher, or academic administrator, including graduate and undergraduate students so appointed.


  • 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.


  • 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.

    Based on medical evidence that indicates that there is no risk of transmitting HIV through casual contact in the classroom or circumstances involving only casual contact with others, the University will impose no undue restrictions on faculty, staff, or students who are infected with HIV.


  • 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 departmental budget of the requesting unit.


  • Student Rights and Responsibilities

  • Student Rights and Student Code of Conduct
    A full statement of the rights accorded to students and the conduct expected of them may be found in the Student Code of Conduct and Judicial Procedures, available from the Office of Special Student Programs, 738 William Pitt Union.

  • Social Regulations
    The responsibility for determining the nature and extent of the social regulations in specific cases rests with the student governing body in each area. Residence hall social regulations, for example, are determined by the Resident Student Association.

    Specific regulations regarding student conduct may be found in one of the publications listed below:

    The Pitt Pack: Student handbook consisting of four individual pamphlets: (1) "General Information," (2) "Student Organizations," (3) "Student Services," (4) "Finances and Academics"

    Kaleidoscope: residence hall social policy.

    Interfraternity Council Constitution and Bylaws: fraternity social policy.

    Student Code of Conduct and Judicial Procedures

  • University Policy on Students' Rights
    In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the University guarantees that students have the right to inspect all personally identifiable records maintained by the institution and may challenge the content and accuracy of those records through appropriate institutional procedures. It is further guaranteed by the University that student records containing personally identifiable information will not be released except as permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
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