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| UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN 1999 - 2002 | [ Previous Page | Table of Contents | Next Page ] |
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
A strong infrastructure of services is key to ensuring academic success at any institution of higher learning. The University of Pittsburgh has a wide variety of academic resources that provide that infrastructure to aid students with their research, computing, tutoring, and advising needs.
271 Hillman Library
(412) 648-7710
uls-web-feedback@vms.cis.pitt.edu
http://www.library.pitt.edu
The University Library System (ULS) of the University of Pittsburgh is represented by 14 libraries located on the Pittsburgh campus, the Allegheny Observatory Library, and a storage facility at UPARC in Harmarville. The ULS is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Oakland Library Consortium, and Pennsylvania Academic Library Connection, Inc.
Other University of Pittsburgh libraries include the Barco Law Library and the Health Sciences Library System, both located in Pittsburgh, as well as the four regional campus libraries - Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville.
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 24,375 subscriptions.
Under the administration of the Director of the University Library System (ULS), the ULS includes the following libraries and collections: Hillman (main); African-American; Archives of Industrial Society; Buhl (social work); East Asian; Special Collections; Government Documents; University Archives; Allegheny Observatory; Center for American Music; Chemistry; Computer Science; Darlington Memorial (American history); Engineering; Fine Arts; Information Sciences; Katz Graduate School of Business; Langley (biological sciences, neuroscience, psychology); Mathematics; Music; Physics; and Public and International Affairs/Economics.
The Hillman Library is the largest library facility with seating for 1,530 users. It offers an open stack arrangement and an extensive range of library services. In addition to the main collection, which is comprised primarily of humanities and social sciences subject areas, the Hillman Library comprises seven other libraries and collections, maps, national and international newspapers, and microform facilities.
The Health Sciences Library System primarily serves the health sciences schools and the UPMC Health System. This library system includes the Bergman Library of Montefiore University Hospital, Falk Library, the Nursing Collection in the Learning Resources Center of the School of Nursing, and the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic Library.
PITTCAT is the University of Pittsburgh's online library catalog, offering author, title, subject, and keyword access to materials in all University libraries. PITTCAT currently contains bibliographic holdings and circulation information for more than three million titles, representing most of the book and periodical collections in all University libraries. In addition, the University libraries provide access to many remote resources for University of Pittsburgh faculty, students, and staff, including: Encyclopedia Britannica, EBSCOhost, IAC SearchBank, CIS Compass, MUSE, JSTOR, and numerous other electronic journals. PITTCAT and the other databases are available through the ULS Web site at http://www.library.pitt.edu.
Through membership in several Pennsylvania consortia of libraries, cooperative borrowing arrangements have been developed with other Pennsylvania institutions.
COMPUTING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT
728 Cathedral of Learning
(412) 624-4357
http://www.pitt.edu/~cis
Computing Services and Systems Development (CSSD) is the comprehensive service center for the University of Pittsburgh's computing support and systems development environment. A number of those services provided by CSSD are detailed below. For a full discussion of CSSD's services, consult the Web page listed above.
CAMPUS COMPUTING LABS
CSSD operates six primary computer labs on the Pittsburgh campus, providing students with access to Intel, Macintosh, and UNIX workstations, and an array of software applications needed to fulfill the demands of students' academic endeavors. The six campus computing labs are located at 1077 Benedum Hall, G-27/G62 Cathedral of Learning, 1E01 Forbes Quadrangle, First Floor Hillman Library, 230 David Lawrence Hall, and C114 Sutherland Hall. The 230 David Lawrence Hall lab is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For hours of operation for all campus computing labs, please call (412) 624-5061.
NETWORK AUTHORIZATION ACCOUNTS
All enrolled students are eligible for a network authorization account (NAA). The NAA will permit a student to establish a user ID and a password to provide access to the University's network resources, a Mulberry e-mail account, the Internet/WWW, the University Library System's PITTCAT system, and a printing allowance at the campus computing labs. All students who wish to use the University computing resources, including the ability to access their schedules and grades online or to shop at the e-Store, must have a network authorization account. Accounts are issued at any of the campus computing labs. Password reset and other account modifications must be made between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Accounts Office at the 230 David Lawrence Hall lab. Please contact the CSSD Help Desk at (412) 624-HELP (624-4357) for assistance with accounts.
NETWORK PORT CONNECTIVITY
Students living in the residence halls can connect to the University's computing network through an Ethernet port(s) in their rooms. Students living off-campus can access the University's network with their network authorization account and a modem through the remote access modem pool. Please contact the CSSD Help Desk at (412) 624-HELP (624-4357) for assistance.
COMPUTER CONSULTING SERVICES
CSSD has a staff of highly skilled IT (information technology) professionals who are available to help troubleshoot problems 24 hours a day, seven days a week. CSSD consultants are available to help with problems such as network connectivity, software difficulties, or even hardware malfunctions. Please call the CSSD Help Desk at (412) 624-HELP (624-4357) for assistance.
COMPUTER SALES AND DIGITAL CERTIFICATION
University of Pittsburgh students, faculty, and staff have access to the e-Store, an online retail provider of hardware, software, and peripherals, for their computing needs. Shopping at the e-Store requires a network authorization account and a digital certificate ID. Please see the e-Store's Web site at http://e-Store.pitt.edu/ for University-recommended computer systems and for instructions on obtaining a digital certificate. Call the CSSD Help Desk at (412) 624-HELP (624-4357) for more information.
COMPUTING WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
CSSD offers Quickstart classes, a series of short courses designed to orient new and experienced users to the University's network, the Mulberry e-mail environment, and the selection of software applications available in the campus computing labs. CSSD also offers a selection of Java and Microsoft certification courses for students. For additional information and a schedule of classes, please see the CSSD Workshop site at http://www.pitt.edu/~workshop or call the CSSD Help Desk at (412) 624-HELP (624-4357).
311 William Pitt Union
(412) 648-7920
http://www.lsc.cis.pitt.edu/
The Learning Skills Center offers students help in study skills, math, and reading through both individual and group programs. Tutoring is available for introductory mathematics from algebra through the first course in calculus. Study skills workshops offer suggestions for improving textbook reading, lecture notetaking, memory, time management, and test-taking skills. Supplemental instruction groups give students enrolled in many introductory courses the opportunity to learn and apply study strategies directly to the content of the course. Reading services include comprehension skills, vocabulary development, textbook reading, increasing reading speed, and tips for taking the verbal sections of graduate entrance exams.
600 Epsilon Drive, RIDC Park
(412) 624-4357
http://www.pitt.edu/~cis
Network Services (NS) is responsible for the development and maintenance of the University's information technology network supporting voice, video, and data. The backbone of University-distributed computing services is PittNet, a network based on Ethernet technology that serves the diverse communications needs of the entire University community.
Local and long-distance telecommunications services for students living in the residence halls are provided through Student Telephone Services. The Student Telephone Services Office is located in 1D10 Forbes Quadrangle and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The telephone number is (412) 648-3900.
For information on other network services, please call (412) 624-4357.
501 Cathedral of Learning
(412) 624-6556
http://www.pitt.edu/~englweb/writecent.html
The Writing Center, located in the University's English Department, offers tutoring assistance for students who need help with their writing in any class. Tutors will help solve writing problems with students, but will not edit or write text. Students may drop in any time, but it is best to call for an appointment. The Writing Center is open Monday through Friday and also has some evening hours.
2816 Cathedral of Learning
(412) 624-5901
The English Language Institute (ELI) provides intensive instruction in English for people whose native language is not English and who need to meet proficiency requirements to enter a university. Courses are noncredit and cover reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar. The Institute administers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to students already enrolled in the Institute and offers classes to help students prepare for the test.
Admission to the ELI does not include admission to the University of Pittsburgh. The University of Pittsburgh requires a 500 on the TOEFL for admission to most undergraduate programs. Students who wish to be considered for admission but have not achieved 500 on the TOEFL may request to have their academic qualifications evaluated in advance. This early evaluation assures qualified students that they can register for academic courses when they meet the English proficiency requirement. Instructions for this procedure are on the ELI application form. The staff of the ELI is available to advise students about applications to colleges and universities.
For more information about the English Language Institute, call (412) 624-5901 or write to elipitt+@pitt.edu.
HOUSING
The University provides a variety of housing options and support services to students, including Residence Life and the Housing Resource Center. Students may choose to live on campus in University-owned housing or in off-campus housing.
Continuing students who want to live on campus in the residence halls must apply each year. The process takes place each spring and is governed by the Housing Services Office, located in the Litchfield Towers main lobby [the office phone number is (412) 648-1100]. Incoming students who pay their tuition deposits by May 1 are guaranteed housing in the residence halls (three years guaranteed for freshmen, one year for transfer students; see Pittsburgh Campus Freshman Admissions). For more information, see http://www.pitt.edu/~housing/applicat.html.
Residence Life is responsible for Resident Assistants and Resident Directors, who work with students as live-in advisors and resource persons within the residence halls. The office advises the Resident Student Association, the residence hall governing body. The staff also offers a variety of social and educational activities within the residence halls, addresses student counseling and conduct issues, and provides other assistance to residents on issues affecting the quality of life in the residence halls. Residence Life staff provides personal assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, students should contact the resident director in their hall, call (412) 648-1200, visit the office in the lobby of the Tower C residence hall, or see the Office of Residence Life's Web page at http://www.pitt.edu/~reslife/.
The Housing Resource Center provides assistance to students, staff, and faculty in identifying, renting, leasing, or purchasing suitable living accommodations. The Housing Resource Center provides the following: information on University-owned apartments; an apartment-roommate matching service; a sublet service; maps of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas; rental tips; campus shuttle schedules; free local telephone service to contact landlords; and listings of apartments inspected and approved by the City of Pittsburgh. Call (412) 624-6998, visit the office at 127 North Bellefield Street, or see http://www.pitt.edu/~property/hrc.html.
STUDENT RESOURCES
The University is committed to providing a high quality of life for its students and towards that end supports a variety of offices and activities designed to aid students in realizing their potential and having a fulfilling on-campus life.
In addition to its work with developing, implementing, and monitoring the University's affirmative action program, the Office of Affirmative Action is responsible for receiving, investigating, and mediating complaints from any members of the University community who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed on the basis of their race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era. (Note: ROTC programs discriminate against students on the basis of sexual orientation and therefore are not in compliance with the University's nondiscrimination policy.) Individuals may request information and advice anonymously if they wish. The privacy of all parties will be respected. The office is located in room 901 of the William Pitt Union; the phone number is (412) 648-7860. See http://www.hr.pitt.edu/general/Affirm.htm for further information on the office's services and the University's affirmative action policy.
The University offers a variety of opportunities for students to participate in athletics on the varsity, intramural, and club levels, as well as on-campus facilities for group sports and individual exercise.
The University offers nine sports each for men (baseball, basketball, cross country, diving, football, soccer, swimming, indoor and outdoor track, and wrestling) and women (basketball, cross country, diving, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, and volleyball) at the varsity level as well as cheerleading activities. For more information about these sports and contact numbers for varsity coaches, call (412) 648-8200 or visit the Pittsburgh Panthers Web site at http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com.
New outdoor playing fields are available behind the renovated Cost Sports Center. Call (412) 648-8210 for more information or visit the intramural program's Web site at http://www.pitt.edu/~soeforum/hpred/intramurals/Imexperi.html.
Sports clubs offer participation in sports ranging from bowling to rowing. Contact the Student Organization Resource Center [119 William Pitt Union (412) 624-7116] for more information on sports clubs.
There are a variety of sports facilities available for use by individuals and groups. In Trees Hall, there are two swimming pools [call (412) 648-8210 for pool information], a weight room, and courts for basketball, racquetball, handball, and squash. The Fitzgerald Field House also has two basketball courts and a 220-yard indoor track [call (412) 648-8213 for schedule of available times]. Pitt Stadium has an all-weather track. The Cost Center has nine indoor tennis courts, and fitness centers are available at Bellefield and Lothrop Halls.
The University owns and operates two bookstores on campus: The Book Center and The Health Book Center. The Book Center, located at 4000 Fifth Avenue, carries textbooks for most University courses, as well as a general book selection, school supplies, and sundries such as art supplies, stationery, greeting cards, and calendars. Call (412) 648-1455 or see http://www.pitt.edu/~bookctr/ for more information. The Health Book Center, located at 3527 Forbes Avenue, carries all course books for the Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Public Health. Call (412) 648-8915 or see http://www.pitt.edu/~bookctr/hbc.htm for more information.
THE UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER
The University Counseling Center, located in room 334 of the William Pitt Union, provides students with support for problems of an emotional, social, marital, academic, or career nature. The staff consists of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and career counselors. The center provides free, confidential services to all students. Call (412) 648-7930 for an appointment or see http://www.pitt.edu/~counsel/ for more information.
DISABILITY RESOURCES AND SERVICES
The Office of Disability Resources and Services (DRS) provides a broad range of support and services to assist students with disabilities. Services include, but are not limited to, the following: tape-recorded textbooks, sign language interpreters, adaptive computer technology, Braille copy, nonstandard exam arrangements, and personal counseling. DRS can also assist students with accessibility to campus housing and transportation. Contact DRS at (412) 648-7890 (voice or TDD) in room 216 of the William Pitt Union or see http://www.pitt.edu/~osaweb/drs/drs.html for more information.
The Department of Food Services operates several cafeterias and food courts on campus and administers a meal plan for students. All students who live on campus are required to have a meal plan, which provides students with a card that serves much like a debit card, subtracting funds from a student's balance to pay for food ordered at cafeterias or food courts located in the following University buildings: Tower A, Tower C, William Pitt Union, Cathedral of Learning, Sutherland Hall, Lothrop Hall, Mervis Hall, Benedum Hall, and Forbes Quad. Call (412) 648-2172 or see http://www.pitt.edu/~food for more information.
HEALTH CARE AND STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE
All full-time students pay a Student Health Fee each term to cover a variety of services at the Student Health Service, located in suite 500 of the Medical Arts Building, 3708 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. The Student Health Service is a multiservice health care facility that offers outpatient clinical services, gynecology, and comprehensive health education programs. Call (412) 383-1800 or see http://www.pitt.edu/~studhlth for more information.
The University of Pittsburgh Pharmacy, located in the same suite as the Student Health Service, offers over-the-counter and prescription medicines, often at lower prices than available elsewhere. Call (412) 383-1850 or see http://www.pitt.edu/~pittrx for more information.
Students should have health insurance to protect themselves in the event of illness or injury. 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 for hospitalization and emergency care. Applications and product information are available at the Student Health Service.
Every student, faculty, and staff member at the University must get an ID card from the ID Center in room 107 McCormick Hall. This card is used to access a variety of campus buildings and to take advantage of on-campus services, including libraries, computer labs, student discounts, and the like. The card also affords access to off-campus benefits such as free bus rides on Port Authority Transit. Call (412) 624-7632 or see http://www.pitt.edu/~idcenter/ for information on the full range of benefits.
The Office of International Services (OIS) serves as a center for general assistance and services on all matters relevant to foreign students and scholars. Some of the services provided by the office include the following: evaluation of academic credentials and orientation for international students; counseling on personal, social, and financial matters; information and advising on regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and other government agencies. The office also provides international ID cards for any Pitt student planning on traveling abroad. For information on admission to the University, see International Student Admissions. For more information on OIS, call (412) 624-7120, visit room 708 of the William Pitt Union, or see http://www.pitt.edu/~osaweb/ois/oisinfo.html.
The Office of New Student Programs coordinates the orientation process of new students so that advising, placement testing, registration, and general orientation occur in a convenient and comprehensive manner. For more information, call (412) 648-7912, visit room 738 of the William Pitt Union, or see http://www.pitt.edu/~osaweb/nsp/nsp.html.
The University provides a variety of parking and transportation services, both on and off campus, some of which are detailed below. For more complete information, call the University Department of Parking, Transportation and Services' 24-hour hotline at (412) 624-8800 or see http://p-and-t.parktran.pitt.edu/.
A limited number of parking permits are available for resident students who qualify. First-year students are not eligible for permits. Daily student commuter parking is available in five lots located throughout the campus. No permit is required for these facilities; charges are based on daily or hourly rates. Commuter students may also purchase parking permits at the Biotech Center, an off-campus lot connected to main campus by a shuttle. Evening student parking permits are available at no charge to those who are registered as full-time students and have at least one evening class. For more information, contact the Parking Office, 204 Brackenridge Hall, (412) 624-4034.
RIDESHARING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Daily commuter students can save money by sharing a ride with other students. A free, computerized matching service is available to find names and phone numbers of others interested in car pooling. Call (412) 624-0687 for more information.
Students may ride any Port Authority bus, incline, or trolley within Allegheny County for free by showing their valid University ID card. Ridesharing Office staff maintains all Port Authority rider information, including maps, schedules, fares, and routes to facilitate the use of public transit. Port Authority bus schedules are also available in the lobby of the William Pitt Union.
PITTSBURGH CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
University of Pittsburgh students may ride all of the Pitt buses and shuttles for free by showing a valid University ID. In addition, students are permitted two guest riders (space permitting). Buses and shuttles normally have a 25- to 35-minute route. Detailed maps and time schedules are available in the lobbies of most campus buildings, libraries, and residence halls.
An on-call van is available after 7 p.m. (until 3 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, until 5 a.m. Thursday through Saturday) to transport students from campus to a residence or from a residence to campus. This service is only available for those not on a fixed shuttle route and within the following area around the campus: South - Second Avenue/Biotech Center parking; North - Baum Boulevard; West - Robinson/Craft Avenue; and East - Morewood Avenue. Van Call will also pick up students at the downtown Greyhound bus station on Sundays only. Call (412) 624-1700 to have the on-call van dispatched to your location.
Registration of bicycles is recommended as a deterrent to crime, to help in the identification of lost or stolen bicycles, and to help the Department of Parking, Transportation and Services accommodate cyclers at the University. Registration is free. Bicycle parking maps, regulations, and safety tips are available from the department. Call (412) 624-0687 for more information.
Placement and Career Services helps students discover and further their career aspirations through an on-campus recruitment program, advising sessions, workshops, special events, and the posting of employment opportunities (both online and in the Placement and Career Services Office). In addition, the office sponsors job fairs, including the Opportunities Job Fair and the Pittsburgh Education Recruiting Consortium. A credential service maintains letters-of-recommendation files for students and alumni that can be sent to prospective employers and graduate schools.
The office is also an integral part of the Pitt Pathway, a development process that guides students through a four-stage career path: self discovery, career exploration, gaining experience, and implementing a job search plan. For more complete information on the programs offered by Placement and Career Services, call (412) 648-7130, stop by room 224 William Pitt Union, or see http://www.placement.pitt.edu.
The Department of Public Safety provides police and security services to the University community. For emergency calls, dial 811 from on-campus phones or (412) 624-2121 from off-campus phones. The University of Pittsburgh Police Department's main headquarters is located in G1N30 Forbes Quad. For general information calls (non-emergency), dial (412) 624-4040 or see http://www.pitt.edu/~police/.
Sexual Assault Services provides individual and group counseling designed to alleviate the trauma associated with sexual victimization. Emergency medical, legal, and police support are provided. Students are assisted in negotiating course schedule or room changes and in obtaining medical, legal, and counseling resources available to them both within the University and in 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 whose mission is to create an awareness of the dynamics of sexual assault on the Pittsburgh campus, promote effective communication, and prevent sexual victimization through educational programming. For more information, call (412) 648-7856, visit 926 William Pitt Union, or see http://www.pitt.edu/~counsel/index3d.html.
Undergraduates at the University are represented by two primary governing bodies, the Student Government Board and the College of General Studies Student Government Council.
THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT BOARD (SGB)
The Student Government Board (SGB) is an elected body of nine students that exists to promote the concerns, interests, needs, and welfare of non-College of General Studies undergraduates at the main campus of the University of Pittsburgh. As the governing body for students, SGB serves as the fundamental mode of communication between the University faculty, administration, staff, and student body and also disburses the student activity fees to various University clubs and organizations.
SGB makes appointments to University-wide committees and also oversees SGB committees whose membership is open to all undergraduates. These SGB committees include: Academic Affairs, Allocations, Community Relations, Elections, Environmental, Freshman Affairs, Government Relations, Judicial, Multicultural Counsel, or any existing task force. The SGB meets weekly during the Fall and Spring Terms. For more information, call (412) 648-7970, visit room 639 William Pitt Union, or see http://www.pitt.edu/~sgb/.
THE CGS STUDENT GOVERNMENT COUNCIL
The CGS Student Government Council is composed of five elected members who represent the interests of students in the College of General Studies. The Council coordinates a variety of student programs and services and allocates the CGS student activity fee. In addition to the five members of the Council, there are five divisions that help carry out the Council's business: Budget and Finance, Judicial Affairs, First Degree, Marketing and Advertising, and Student Programs. For more information, call (412) 648-7895, visit room 615 William Pitt Union, or see http://www.pitt.edu/~cgssg/.
Over 250 certified student organizations provide a myriad of opportunities for extracurricular activity. In addition to government, media, publications, programming, fraternity, sorority, and honor societies, 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 complete list of certified student organizations is available from the Student Organization Resource Center, 119 William Pitt Union, (412) 624-7116, or see http://sorc.studentactivity.pitt.edu.
UNIVERSITY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The University Child Development Center is a developmental child care facility for children between the ages of six weeks and five years. The center is open to children of University students, faculty, and staff. The children are free to select activities from an age-appropriate environment prepared by the teaching staff. The environment allows the child to practice previously learned skills and challenges the child to develop new psychosocial, cognitive, and motor skills in a relaxed, nurturing atmosphere. The center is located at 635 Clyde Street and is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call (412) 383-2100 or see http://www.hr.pitt.edu/ucdc/child.htm.
The staff of the Office of Veterans Services assists veterans, war orphans, and veterans' dependents in obtaining and using 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 other related agencies. The office is located in room G-3 of Thackeray Hall. Call (412) 648-7885 or see http://www.pitt.edu/~srfsweb/vetserv.htm for more information.
The Union, built just over 100 years ago and located across Bigelow Boulevard 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 service, art gallery, TV room, dance studio, lounges, meeting rooms, student organization offices, ticket office, dining rooms, and several multi-use spaces for programs. To reach the Union's information desk, call (412) 648-7815.
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| UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN 1999 - 2002 | [ Previous Page | Table of Contents | Next Page ] |