Pitt IT Welcomes You to the University of Pittsburgh!

We at Pitt IT have put together this Knowledge Base to hopefully help answer questions you may run into during your time with us. You can further explore the Knowledge Base by heading to the short-url pi.tt/kb, but you're technically already here! You can check over the rest of our support articles by clicking "Knowledge Base" above, either in the article breadcrumb:

Or the header:

You can also click "Services" in the header to get to the Service Portal page for all the services we have to offer.

But! As a brief introduction, here are some of the most important things you'll need to know for your time at Pitt. Starting with...

We've put together this page with information on what to do before, during, and after you move in.

Most things at Pitt will be accessed using your singular Pitt account (also known as your University Computing Account (or UCA)), which will be provided for you once you finish enrolling in the University.

Your auto-generated UCA will be a combination of 3 letters from your name followed by some numbers. It is typically your initials, or if there isn't a middle initial provided it will be the first two letters of your first name followed by one letter of your last name. (example: Roc the Panther may receive the account RTP123 or ROP123).

Since your Pitt account is the key to the University, it's important that you do not share your password with anyone at any time. Pitt IT will never ask for your password - if you receive any emails requesting to share the password, report them to our Security team's Phishing email.

All University students, faculty, and staff are required to change their University Computing Account password twice per year. This important requirement enhances security and helps protect your data. Information about the password update process is available here.

If you don't enroll in classes for three consecutive semesters, your account will be deactivated.

Those who graduate will be entitled to an Alumni account.

More information about accounts can be found here.

Commonly Used Services

The below services are what you can typically expect to use daily. 

My Pitt

my.pitt.edu, also known as the Pitt Portal, is the one-stop-shop for access to anything you should need. You can add any page/site/service found within to your favorites!

Pitt Mobile

Like a mini version of the My Pitt Portal, right in your pocket! You can download the Pitt Mobile app from your app store of preference. More information about Pitt Mobile can be found here.

 

Duo Multifactor Authentication

Multifactor authentication (provided by Duo Security LLC) is an important part of keeping your account, as well as the University at large, safe. While every Pitt account must have at least one device registered with Duo, Pitt IT recommends registering at least two. The Duo Mobile app is available for mobile devices running Android, iOS, and watchOS. Information about setting up and using Duo can be found here.
 

Your Pitt email, provided through Microsoft Outlook, is the University's primary method of communicating with you, as well as an important method of communication within the University community. You can access your Pitt email online, through the Outlook desktop app for computers running Windows or macOS and the Outlook mobile app for devices running Android or iOS, and through supported third-party desktop and mobile email clients. The format for your address will be: username@pitt.edu (you can personalize this by setting up an email alias).
 

Through an agreement with Microsoft, Pitt provides students with full access to Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word. Microsoft 365 apps can be installed on computers running Windows or macOS, mobile devices running Android or iOS, and Chromebooks through the Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Outlook PWAs (installed from the browser's address bar). Some programs are also available online with Microsoft 365 for the Web. These programs are commonly used in the University community.

While at the University, students are provided with 5 terabytes of online storage available through OneDrive, for files up to 250 gigabytes. The OneDrive app can be installed on computers running Windows or macOS and mobile devices running Android or iOS. OneDrive is also available online. More information about OneDrive can be found here. 

Peoplesoft is the University's Student Information platform, while Highpoint CX is the easiest way to navigate Peoplesoft. You can use this service to browse and register for classes, set your schedule, and other things!

WiFi access on campus is provided through Pittnet. In the Pittsburgh dorms, WiFi is provided through MyResnet. Guests can take advantage of Guest Wifi options!

If you're ever in need of assistance with your computer or mobile device, you have options for help! You can stop into our Drop in Support Desk or give our Technology Help Desk a call! Chat and email options are also available. Keep an eye out for the "Request Help" button around the Services or Knowledge Base to get in contact as well!

Across campus, there are computers available for students to use. On the Pittsburgh campus, visit one of the Computing Labs, or take advantage of the Virtual Lab.

Every semester, students receive $63 of print quota to use at PittPrint Stations, located conveniently across campus. Black & white printing is $0.07/sheet, and color printing is $0.49/sheet. Print jobs can be sent through the Pharos Print app for iOS and Android, the Pitt Print Client for macOS and Windows, the Pharos Chrome Print Extension for ChromeOS, and more!