Technology Requirements

The College of General Studies and your instructors have dedicated much effort into bringing you online courses of the highest quality. Succeeding in a CGS Online course, however, also requires effort and self-discipline from students, just as in a face-to-face course. It also requires access to the technology you need, awareness of available resources for technical questions or problems, textbooks and other course materials, and familiarity with some of the common course requirements.

Technology Requirements and IT Resources

Computer Requirements / Web Browser

Your basic requirements are a computer with a web browser and a Pitt e-mail account, which gives you access to the online courses platform (Canvas) and to the University Web Portal (my.pitt.edu.) See Computer Specs and Discounts for Students.

Student IT Perks

For the full list of IT Resources available to you, including free download of software and apps, visit Information Technology.

Pitt E-mail

Every University of Pittsburgh student receives a free e-mail account, and you will need this account to participate in online courses. Messages from your instructor and online course administrators will only be sent to your Pitt e-mail account and through Canvas. Learn more about Multifactor Authentication at Pitt (Duo).

Canvas

The University of Pittsburgh has transitioned to the Canvas Learning Management System for Academic Year 2020-2021 and beyond. The Canvas @ Pitt Resources page contains various resources and detailed student guides that can help you get started with Canvas.

Pitt Portal

The University of Pittsburgh portal provides a single point of Web access to communication tools and University information that students, faculty, and staff use frequently. Continuing students can access their academic and financial records, along with course scheduling information through the my.pitt.edu portal. Students can enter Canvas through this portal.

Drop-In and Virtual Technical Support

Technology Problems and Device Set-Up

Pitt Information Technology offers 24/7 IT Support options, including Virtual Support via Zoom. Visit the Pitt IT Help Desk website and get the assistance you need when you need it, from setting up a new computer or tablet with Pitt resources, to trouble-shooting a thorny issue.

Canvas Support for Students

Live Canvas support is available 24/7/365 from the Help menu inside Canvas or through the Pitt IT Help Desk.

Textbooks and Other Course Materials

Consult your syllabus in Canvas to see what books or other materials you need to purchase and whether you have any materials on reserve at the library. The best place to find all your required books and course materials is the University Store on Fifth.