CAMPUS FACILITIES AND STUDENT SERVICES

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.

University Library System

271 Hillman Library
412-648-7710
feedback@library.pitt.edu
www.library.pitt.edu

The University Library System (ULS) of the University of Pittsburgh is composed of 18 libraries located on the Pittsburgh and four regional campuses, the Allegheny Observatory Library, and a large multipurpose building in Point Breeze. The ULS is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the NorthEast Research Libraries Consortium (Center for Research Libraries), the Oakland Library Consortium, Pennsylvania Area Library Network, and the Pennsylvania Academic Library Consortium Inc.

Other University of Pittsburgh libraries include the Barco Law Library and the Health Sciences Library System, both in Pittsburgh.

In fiscal year 2002, the University’s collections totaled more than 4.4 million volumes, 4 million pieces of microform, and 37,000 journal subscriptions. The University of Pittsburgh libraries and collections provide abundant information and services to the faculty, students, staff, administrators, and researchers of the University.

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 Publications Collection, University Archives, Allegheny Observatory, Center for American Music, Chemistry, Computer Science, Darlington Memorial (American history), Engineering, Fine Arts, Information Sciences, Joseph M. 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 composed 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 University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). This library system includes the Bergman Library of UPMC Montefiore, 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 more than 400 commercial databases including periodical indexing, encyclopedias and other reference works, full text databases, and more than 6,000 online journals. PITTCAT and the other databases are available through the ULS Web site at www.library.pitt.edu.

Computing Services and Systems Development

728 Cathedral of Learning
412-624-HELP (4357)
www.technology.pitt.edu

University of Pittsburgh students have access to the latest information technology resources provided by Computing Services and Systems Development. An overview of these services is described below. Please visit the Information Technology Web site (www.technology.pitt.edu) or contact the Help Desk, 412-624-HELP (4357), for assistance.

Technology Help Desk

The Technology Help Desk, which is staffed around the clock, serves as the single point of contact for information technology services at the University of Pittsburgh. Students, faculty, and staff can contact the Technology Help Desk at 412-624-HELP (4357) regarding computing questions, including University computer accounts, e-mail, hardware, software, networking, ResNet services, computing labs, or other information technology-related services.

Campus Computing Labs

Computing Services and Systems Development (CSSD) operates the computer labs on the Pittsburgh campus. Each lab is equipped with Windows, Macintosh, and Unix computers, self-contained flatbed scanners, media stations (providing CD mastering, image and digital video editing capability), color printers, and student consulting services. A productivity computing lab at B-40 Alumni Hall features 30 Windows computers equipped with software to assist students working on term papers and projects as well as 20 prototype Linux machines with comparable productivity software packages. The David Lawrence Hall lab is open 24 hours, seven days a week. The Benedum and Sutherland Hall labs are open 24 hours on weekdays. Lab hours are adjusted during University breaks; check the Web for hours during University holidays. The computing labs are located at 1077 Benedum Hall, G-27/G-62 Cathedral of Learning, 1E01 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, 112 Hillman Library, 230 David Lawrence Hall, and C114 Sutherland Hall.

E-mail and University Computer Accounts

All University of Pittsburgh students receive a University Computer Account upon enrollment. The computer account username serves as the student’s e-mail address. Account management tools are available online at www.technology.pitt.edu that permit users to monitor account quotas, set e-mail forwarding addresses, and change passwords. The IMAP e-mail service is the University’s centrally-supported e-mail system that is compatible with the Mulberry, Netscape communicator, and Outlook Express client programs that are available to students on the student toolkit CD.

E-mail Kiosks

More than 100 e-mail kiosks are distributed throughout the Pittsburgh campus to provide convenient locations for students to check their e-mail or browse the Web between classes and activities. Current locations include the Benedum Hall and Posvar Hall computing labs and galleria areas, the William Pitt Union lobby, the Cathedral of Learning, Litchfield Towers lobby, and Bellefield Hall’s second floor lobby.

Wireless Network Access

Wireless network access for students is available in designated public areas on campus including the Cathedral of Learning Commons Room, second floor of Posvar Hall, Petersen Events Center food court/study area, and Hillman Library. This service lets students use their laptop computers to connect to PittNet and the Internet. Any student with a laptop computer and a compatible Wireless Network PC Card can use Wireless PittNet.

Student Portal

The Student Portal at www.my.pitt.edu provides students with a single point of Web access where they can build their own Web page to view the information they will use most often such as news, weather, e-mail, and Internet search programs. The Portal also provides access to campus resources such as student services, Information Technology, and the University Library System.

Residential Networking (ResNet) Program

Students living in University residence halls have access to high-speed Ethernet network connections that provide access to services on the University of Pittsburgh network (PittNet) and the Internet. The ResNet program provides on-site support for residence hall students with computing questions and problems including Ethernet card installation and configuration, troubleshooting network connection problems, computer viruses, and more. Resident students can schedule appointments with ResNet by contacting the Technology Help Desk at 412-624-HELP (4357).

Student Toolkit CD/Student Software

CSSD provides the student toolkit CD, which contains Web browser software and plug-ins, antivirus software, and Internet connection utilities to students at no cost. All full-time students are also eligible to receive a suite of Microsoft application and operating system products at no cost, including the latest versions of Microsoft Office, Windows Professional, Visual Studio, and Office for Macintosh. In addition, Mathematica, Personal Oracle, MathCAD, Allegro LISP, SAS, SPSS, S-Plus, and EndNote are available at a nominal charge.

Training

CSSD offers free, noncredit computer and application training sessions for students. These QuickStart sessions cover a variety of topics including operating systems, software applications, e-mail, Web authoring tools, and more. Self-paced, Web-based training topics are also available to students online on selected applications including Microsoft Windows and Office applications.

Academic Support Center

311 William Pitt Union
412-648-7920
www.pitt.edu/~asc

The Academic Support Center (ASC) offers students help in study skills, tutoring, peer mentoring, time management, and test-taking skills. The ASC also maintains a tutor directory, which is a campus-wide listing of tutors and assistance provided by departments, schools, and Special Support Services. The Math Assistance Center (MAC), which is a part of the ASC, provides assistance to students enrolled in first-level algebra and trigonometry courses through faculty and undergraduate teaching assistant (UTA) office hours. The MAC is in 322 Thackeray Hall.

Writing Center

M-2 Thaw Hall
412-624-6556
www.english.pitt.edu/writingcenter

The Writing Center, part of the University’s Department of English, offers one-on-one assistance to students who need help with their writing in any class. Consultants will help with any aspect of the writing process including development, organization, revision, grammar, and proofreading 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’s hours vary from term to term. For additional information, scheduled hours, or to make an appointment, call 412-624-6556.

English Language Institute

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 offers classes in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to students already enrolled in the institute to help them prepare for the test.

Admission to the ELI does not include admission to the University of Pittsburgh. The University of Pittsburgh requires a 550 on the TOEFL for admission to most undergraduate programs. Students who wish to be considered for admission, but who have not achieved 550 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 and Web site. 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, write to elipitt@pitt.edu, or visit our Web site at www.eli.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.

Housing Application Process

Incoming Students

As part of the admissions process, the University provides entering freshmen with a three-year housing guarantee, provided they

• Have been admitted through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and their tuition deposit has been received by May 1, and

• Have submitted their Housing/Dining Services Application, contract, and deposit by the due date.

Returning Guaranteed Students

Students who have lived in University housing during their first year with a housing "guarantee" are guaranteed housing for their second and third years at the University provided that they

• Maintain their status as current and continuing full-time undergraduate students in each successive year and

• Currently reside in University Housing and meet all housing requirements (application, contract, deposit, and due date) in each successive year.

The housing application process takes place each spring and is administered by Panther Central, which is located in the Litchfield Towers main lobby. For all housing information, stop in or call Panther Central at 412-648-1100 or visit www.pc.pitt.edu/housing/index.html.

Residence Life

The manager of Residence Life is responsible for resident assistants and resident directors, who work with students as their live-in advisors and resource persons within the residence halls. The office also advises the Resident Student Association (RSA), the Residence Life governing body. The staff offers a variety of educational and social activities within the residence halls, addresses student counseling and conduct issues, and provides other assistance to residents on matters affecting the quality of life in the residence halls.

Residence Life also offers students opportunities to live in focused living learning communities, which are linked with specific academic departments. Residence Life staff provide personal assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, students should contact the resident director in their hall, visit or call the office in 203 Bruce Hall (412-648-1200/1201), or go to www.reslife.pitt.edu.

Housing Resource Center

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 Avenue, or go to www.pitt.edu/~property/hrc.html.

STUDENT RESOURCES

The University is committed to providing a high quality of life for its students and toward that end supports a variety of offices and activities designed to aid students in realizing their potential and having a fulfilling on-campus life.

Affirmative Action

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: Reserve Officer Training Corps [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 in 901 William Pitt Union; the phone number is 412-648-7860.

Athletics

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.

Varsity Sports

The University offers 10 sports for men (baseball, basketball, cross country, diving, football, soccer, softball, swimming, indoor and outdoor track, and wrestling) and nine sports for 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 www.pittsburghpanthers.com.

Intramural and Club Sports

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 www.education.pitt.edu/intramurals.

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 or visit the Web site at www.sorc.pitt.edu.

Sports Facilities

There are a variety of sports facilities available for use by individuals and groups. Fitness centers are available in Litchfield Towers, Schenley Quadrangle, Lothrop Hall, Sutherland Hall, Bellefield Hall, Trees Hall, and the Baierl Student Recreation Center in the Petersen Events Center. Gymnasiums and swimming pools are available in Trees Hall and Bellefield Hall. The Baierl Student Recreation Center has two convertible racquetball/squash courts and four racquetball courts. In addition, eight squash courts are available in the Fitzgerald Field House, and soccer fields are available through the Department of Athletics.

Visit www.education.pitt.edu/intramurals for a virtual tour of the facilities, reservation information, and hours of operation.

Book Centers

The University owns and operates two bookstores on campus: The Book Center and The Health Book Center. The Book Center, 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 visit www.pitt.edu/~bookctr for more information. The Health Book Center, at 3527 Forbes Avenue, carries all course books for the Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Nursing, and Pharmacy, and the Graduate School of Public Health. Call 412-648-8915 or visit www.pitt.edu/~healthbc for more information.

The University Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center, in 334 William Pitt Union, is staffed by licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors who provide a variety of services for undergraduate and graduate students. All services of the center are accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services and are confidential, free, and voluntary.

We provide individual, couples, and group counseling for students seeking assistance for relationship problems, anxiety, depression, stress, and concerns about academic progress or direction. We also provide psychiatric services and medication management for currently enrolled students. Special services such as sexual assault counseling and advocacy are provided through the center’s Office of Sexual Assault Services. In addition, drug and alcohol assessments and counseling are provided at the center.

For information about the center and its services, see www.counseling.pitt.edu. To schedule an appointment, call 412-648-7930.

Sexual Assault Services/University Counseling

The Office of Sexual Assault Services provides individual and group counseling designed to alleviate the trauma associated with sexual victimization. Emergency medical, legal, and police support is 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.

The Office of Sexual Assault Services also sponsors Peers 2 Peers. This 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, 412-648-7930, visit 334 William Pitt Union, or see www.pitt.edu/~saserv.

Disability Resources and Services

The Office of Disability Resources and Services (DRS) provides a broad range of support services to assist students with disabilities. Services include, but are not limited to, tape-recorded textbooks, sign language interpreters, adaptive computer technology, Braille translation, and nonstandard exam arrangements. Contact DRS at 412-648-7890 or 412-383-7355 (TTY) in 216 William Pitt Union or see www.drs.pitt.edu for more information.

Dining Services

The Department of Dining Services offers students a variety of dining options. All student dining services are coordinated and administered through Panther Central, which is located in the Litchfield Towers main lobby. All students residing in residence halls are required to purchase a meal plan. Students living in University apartment-style accommodations may purchase a meal plan, but are not required to do so. Students can select from a variety of meal plans, each offering different combinations of meal blocks and dining dollars. The Department of Dining Services invites you to check out all of our dining options across campus.

Major Residence Hall Dining Facilities:

• The Marketplace in Litchfield Towers
• Jock’s Place in Sutherland Hall

Retail Operations:

• Eddie’s Café in Litchfield Towers
• Schenley Café in William Pitt Union
• Cathedral Café in the Cathedral of Learning
• Petersen Events Center Food Court
• Starbucks Coffee Carts across campus
• Einstein Bros. Bagels in Posvar Hall and Benedum Hall

For all dining information, stop in or call Panther Central at 412-648-1100 or visit www.pc.pitt.edu/dining/index.html.

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 in suite 500 of the Medical Arts Building, 3708 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. The Student Health Service is a multiservice healthcare facility that offers outpatient clinical services, gynecology, and comprehensive health education programs. Call 412-383-1800 or visit www.pitt.edu/~studhlth for more information.

The University of Pittsburgh Pharmacy, 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 visit www.pitt.edu/~studhlth/pharmacy.html for more information.

Students should have health insurance to protect themselves in the event of illness or injury. A direct-pay medical insurance plan is available to students through University health plans. The plan is 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.

ID Cards

Every student, faculty, and staff member at the University must obtain an ID card from Panther Central, located in the Litchfield Towers main lobby. Student IDs, or "Panther Cards," are used to access residence halls (your assigned residence only), meal plan, athletic events, campus shuttle buses, recreational facilities (within your residence hall, Bellefield Hall, Trees Hall, and the Baierl Student Recreation Center), Student Health Services, computer labs and Pitt Program Council events. The Panther Card also affords access to off-campus benefits such as free admission to some Pittsburgh cultural facilities. In addition, the Panther Card offers access to Panther Funds at local participating merchants. For all Panther Card information, stop in or call Panther Central at 412-648-1100 or visit www.pc.pitt.edu/card/index.html.

International Services

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 evaluation of academic credentials and orientation for international students; counseling on personal, social, and financial matters; and information and advising on regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization Service and other government agencies. For information on admission to the University, see the International Student Admissions section. For more information on OIS, call 412-624-7120, visit 708 William Pitt Union, or visit www.ois.pitt.edu.

Parking and Transportation

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 at 412-624-8612 or see www.pts.pitt.edu.

Parking Services

Student parking is available year-round. The Parking Services Office provides several parking options to meet the different schedules and needs of students. Commuter parking is available daily on a cash basis or by the term in selected facilities by permit only. Resident student permits are available for full-time students residing in one of the University residence halls operated through the Housing Office. Evening permits are available for parking after 4 p.m. weekdays and all day on weekends, except during special events, in many University lots. For more information, contact the Parking Services Office, 204 Brackenridge Hall, 412-624-4034.

Ridesharing

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 carpooling. Call 412-624-0687 for more information.

Public Transportation

Students may ride any Port Authority bus, incline, or light-rail train within Allegheny County for free by showing their valid University ID card. The Department of Parking, Transportation, and Services, at 3525 Forbes Avenue, maintains all Port Authority rider information, including maps, schedules, and routes to facilitate the use of public transit. Port Authority bus schedules are also available in the lobby of the William Pitt Union and the Parking Services Office in Brackenridge Hall.

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 20- or 30-minute route. Detailed maps and time schedules are available at the William Pitt Union information desk, Parking Services in 204 Brackenridge Hall, and the Department of Parking, Transportation, and Services at 3525 Forbes Avenue.

SafeRider

A nighttime van service called SafeRider is available during the evening and early morning hours to transport you from one campus building to another, from local residences to campus buildings, and from campus buildings to local residences. SafeRider operates during the following hours:

For service, call the dispatcher at 412-648-CALL (2255) during these times. You will need to provide the following information when you call: your name, pick-up location and the telephone number at the pick-up location, destination, number of individuals with you, and student ID number. Consult the SafeRider brochure for additional information concerning policies and procedures.

Bicycle Registration Program

Registration of bicycles is recommended as a deterrent to theft, to help in the identification of lost or stolen bicycles, and to help better accommodate cyclists at the University. Registration is easy, and it is free! You may register bikes at www.pts.pitt.edu/Rideshar/bicreg.htm. Bicycle parking maps, regulations, and safety tips are also available. Call the Ridesharing Office for more information at 412-624-0687.

Bicycle lockers are available at two convenient locations. The locker totally encloses the bicycle, protecting it from rain and snow. There is also room to store a helmet, riding shoes, and other accessories. Lockers can be rented by the term.

Career Services

Career Services helps students discover and further their career aspirations through an on-campus recruitment program; career counseling sessions; programs; special events; and the posting of full-time employment, part-time employment, internships, and summer job opportunities (both online and in the Career Services office). In addition, the office sponsors job fairs, including three "Opportunities" Job Fairs and the Pittsburgh Education Recruiting Consortium (PERC) Job Fair.

The office is also an integral part of the Pitt Pathway, a development process that guides students through a four-stage career path: discovering self, exploring careers, gaining experience, and implementing a job search plan. The newest edition to Pitt Pathway programming is Leadership Development Programs, including Emerging Leaders for undergraduate students. No previous leadership experience is required to participate. For more complete information on the programs offered by Career Services, call 412-648-7130, stop by 224 William Pitt Union, or see www.careers.pitt.edu.

Police Department

The University of Pittsburgh Police Department 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 in G1N30 Wesley W. Posvar Hall. For general information calls (nonemergency), dial 412-624-4040 or see www.pitt.edu/~police.

Student Government

Undergraduates at the University are represented by two primary governing bodies, the Student Government Board and the College of General Studies (CGS) 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 Pittsburgh campus of the University of Pittsburgh. As the governing body for students, SGB serves as the liaison to University faculty, administration, and staff. SGB also disburses student activity fee funds to student clubs and organizations.

SGB makes appointments to University 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, and any existing task force. The SGB meets weekly during the fall and spring terms. For more information, call 412-648-7970, visit 639 William Pitt Union, or see 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 627 William Pitt Union, or see www.pitt.edu/~cgssg.

PITT ARTS

Each year, 22,000 Pitt students experience the power of the visual and performing arts in Pittsburgh through the PITT ARTS program, which sponsors 110 free student outings per year, including trips to the symphony, cinema, opera, ballet, theater, and museums. Students may also use their student IDs to visit the Carnegie Museums of Arts and Natural History, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and The Andy Warhol Museum at no cost. Visit the PITT ARTS Web site at www.pitt.edu/~pittarts to find a listing of current arts goings-on in Pittsburgh and on campus, and explore the cheap seats page to find out about deeply discounted tickets, sold right in the William Pitt Union, to local arts organizations.

Pitt Program Council

A variety of entertainment and educational activities are planned each year by the student committees of the Pitt Program Council (PPC), the central programming organization on campus. Programs include lectures, travel packages, weekend films, miniseminars, recreational tournaments, annual homecoming activities, and art gallery exhibits. New members are always welcome. For more information, contact the Pitt Program Council at 412-648-7900, or visit www.pitt.edu/~ppc.

Student Media

Several forms of student-produced media report on news and current events of interest to Pitt students and provide training to students interested in media work and writing. Publications and broadcast media include The Pitt News, published Monday through Friday; Panther Prints, the official memory book; and WPTS-FM Radio, which features alternative and independent music programming and coverage of campus events, news, and sports.

Student Organizations

More than 300 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. Students may also participate in organizations that represent the interest of specific student groups, such as the Black Action Society. A complete list of certified student organizations is available from the Student Organization Resource Center, 119 William Pitt Union, 412-624-7116, or see www.sorc.pitt.edu.

Student Volunteer Outreach

The Student Volunteer Outreach (SVO) promotes, supports, and provides opportunities for students to participate in community service and service-learning activities ranging from one-time service projects and alternative break projects to internships and ongoing volunteer opportunities. It also sponsors annual projects and events including the SVO/SGB Pittsburgh Project, Pitt Partnership for Food, and the Agency Fair for student volunteers. The SVO is on the ninth floor of the William Pitt Union; its Web site is www.svo.pitt.edu.

University Child Development Center

The University Child Development Center is a developmental child care facility for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 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 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 www.hr.pitt.edu/ucdc.

Veterans' Services

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 Veterans' Affairs (VA) work study program. The staff serves as the veterans’ representative to the University, the Veterans' Administration, and other related agencies. The office is located in the Office of the University Registrar in G-3 Thackeray Hall. Call 412-648-7884 or see www.pitt.edu/~registrar/vetpgvetserv.htm for more information.

William Pitt Union

The William Pitt Union, built just more than 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, dining 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.