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Frequently Asked Questions

General CGS FAQ
Q: How does the College of General Studies Advising system work?
Q: Is advising mandatory?
Q: What if my advisor never told me about a specific policy or procedure?
Q: Can I walk in or email my advisor?
 Q: Why should I make an appointment with my advisor?
Q: What are the responsibilites of an advisor?
Q: What are my responsibilities as a student?
Q:What should I do to prepare for my advising appointment?
Q: What is group advising?

Degree Requirements Questions
 Q:What are the Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences requirements in the College of General Studies?
Q: What is the International Perspective general education requirement in the College of General Studies?
Q:Are there courses that students can double-count for their major and general electives or general education requirements?
Q: If I do coursework at another college, will I get credit and does the grade count?
Q: Is an internship a requirement to graduate or do I incorporate an internship into my degree only if I want to?
Q: Can I study abroad?

Grading Questions
 Q: How do I calculate my GPA?
Q: How do I get an incomplete grade?
Q: What is the Satisfactory/Audit (S/N) grading option, and how does it work?
Q: What is the monitored withdrawal period and how does it work?
Q: What happens if my GPA falls below 2.0?
Q: How do I appeal an academic suspension?
Q: How do I qualify for the Dean's List?
Q: What should I do if I am having problems in a specific class?
Q: What happens when I repeat a class?

Major Questions
 Q: What majors are offered through the College of General Studies?
 Q: How do I decide on a career or the type of work I want after college?
Q: How do I choose a major or develop an academic plan?
Q: What can I do with a College of General Studies degree?

Registration Questions
Q: How do I register for classes?
Q: How do I get into a closed/restricted class?
Q: If I want to take more than 18 credits this term, how do I get permission to do this?
Q: Can I take a graduate class and have it count toward my undergraduate degree?
Q: What is the add/drop period and how does it work?
Q: What if I need to get out of ALL of my courses?

Technology Questions
 Q: How do I find my PeopleSoft ID/Student Number?
Q: How do I get my username and password to log into https://my.pitt.edu ?
Q: How do I view my class schedule?
Q: Can I register or add/drop or withdraw online?
Q: How will the College of General Studies (CGS) and the University be in touch with me?
Q: How will I receive a bill for my tuition?
Q: Can I view a copy of my transcript online?
Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about my bill?
Q: How do I know if I need a Recitation or Lab?

Graduation Questions
 Q: What are the requirements to graduate?
Q: What is a graduation appointment?
Q: What happens at graduation?
Q: What if I apply for graduation but realize I will not be able to complete all of my requirements?

Other Questions
 Q: What types of student resources are available at the University?
Q: How do I get involved in CGS activities?
Q: Are special scholarships available to CGS students?
 Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
Q: Can I apply CLEP credits towards my degree?

Q: How does the CGS Advising system work?
A: All degree and certificate seeking students in College of General Studies are assigned an advisor when admitted. The CGS advisors are full-time professionals, from various backgrounds, trained in academic program planning and familiar with university and college requirements and policies. Students work with their advisor until they graduate or transfer to another college at the university. 

Newly admitted students must make an initial appointment with their advisor and must complete the New Student Tutorial prior to arrival.  During this meeting, the advisor will review the student's transfer credits, the distribution of studies sheet and academic advising transcript, choice of major, degree and major requirements, and course selection and registration procedures. Students are to come to the first appointment with a list of questions that they want to discuss and with a tentative schedule of classes that they want to take during their first term.

In order to make either an office or telephone appointment with their advisor, students call 412-624-6600.  Students are asked for their name, Pitt ID and telephone numbers, email address, and reason for the appointment, when they call. Students are expected to call to cancel the appointment if they will not be able to keep the appointment.

See Advising Tips for additional information.


Q: Is advising mandatory?
A: Except for the initial advising appointment and the graduation appointment, advising is not mandatory. However, students are encouraged to make an appointment with their advisor to discuss any of the issues listed under Why would I make an appointment with my advisor?.  When a student is placed on probation, the advisor's approval is required when the student is registering or adding/dropping classes.

Q: What if my advisor never told me about a specific policy or procedure?
A: You are held responsible for adhering to University policies and codes of conduct. Guidelines are found in various locations:


Q: Can I walk-in or email my advisor?
A: Advisors are available to answer questions during the Walk-In Student Planning Sessions Monday through Friday from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. on the 4th floor in the Cathedral of Learning.  Times are subject to change during peak registration periods. You can call the College of General Studies Front Desk for times (412-624-6600) Sessions last 15 minutes and are meant to help students prepare for scheduling and to address academic and program-related issues. The walk-in sessions are not for registration processing.
Students are encouraged to email the advising staff at any time with general advising questions by emailing the eAdvisor at eAdvisor@cgs.pitt.edu.

Q:Why should I make an appointment with my advisor?
A: Students may see their advisors for issues related to internships, major or degree changes, certificates and minors, academic probation and suspension, personal issues interfering with academic performance, or special needs.  Appointments are not for the registration of classes. 

Q:What are the responsibilities of an advisor?
A: 1. To understand the University's academic policies and procedures and relay that information to students.
2. To discuss suitable educational objectives as demonstrated by student abilities and interests.
3. To assist the student in planning a course of study.
4. To help the student become an independent, self confident, educational decision maker.
5. To refer student to other resources when appropriate.

Q: What are my responsibilities as a student?
A: Students are expected to:
1) To acquire the skills needed to assume final responsibility for course scheduling, program planning, and the successful completion of all graduation requirements.
2) Become knowledgeable about the relevant policies, procedures, and rules of the university and academic programs.
3) Be prepared with accurate information when contacting the advisor, whether in an appointment, by phone or
4) Access my.pitt.edu for important updates, resources, and course information.
5) Be actively engaged in seeking the academic and career information necessary to meet their educational goals.

Q: What should I do to prepare for my advising appointment?
A: 1. CONSULT YOUR DISTRIBUTION OF STUDIES SHEET.  A copy of your  distribution of studies sheet can be obtained anytime by coming to the 4th floor of the Cathedral of Learning, or it can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to you by calling the College of General Studies Front Desk at 412-624-6600.  This sheet will determine which courses and requirements you need to fulfill.

View Course Descriptions

View Degree Requirements fulfilled by each class for CGS
View Degree Requirements fulfilled by each class for A&S

To check course availability, which will require you to have your my.pitt.edu username and password, follow the steps below:

-Access the University Portal at my.pitt.edu
-Click on the Student Services tab at the top of the page
-Click on View Schedule of Classes
-Enter Term Code (Click Lookup Icon and then click "Lookup" to locate Term Code).
-Click Basic Search
-Search for open courses and create a schedule to discuss with your advisor.

Q: What is group advising?
A: In the near future, the University of Pittsburgh will launch on-line registration.  Thus, the College of General Studies Advising Unit seeks to educate its students in regard to their academic programs and use of the Peoplesoft system.  The purpose of group advising is to introduce you, the student, to the tools needed to register successfully for classes. Download the College of General Studies Group Advising PowerPoint.

Group advising is designed to:

Advisors are available during the group advising session to guide and assist students in their academic journey at the University of Pittsburgh.  To schedule a group advising appointment, contact the CGS front desk at 412-624-6600.

Q: What are the Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences requirements in the College of General Studies?
A:The Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences requirements are to provide a well rounded liberal arts education. For a list of the eligible departments under each general education requirement, consult the Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree (pdf).  To verify a specific course fulfills the CGS general education requirement, you should view the PDF document Courses that Satisfy CGS Requirements.

Q: What is the International Perspective general education requirement in the College of General Studies?
A: Information about the International Perspective general education requirement for the CGS can be found on the Requirements for a Bachelor's Degree .pdf .

Q: Are there courses that students can double count for their major and general electives or general education requirements?
A: Yes.  Normally a course that satisfies a general education, major, or elective requirement that also has a writing component can be double-counted to satisfy that particular requirement and one of the writing requirements.

Q: If I do coursework at another college, will I get credit and does the grade count?
A: Each school or college at the University of Pittsburgh has their own policy regarding accepting advanced standing (transfer) credits. It is best to check with an advisor at the college from which you will be graduating regarding whether a specific course is transferable.  However, in general:
a) all credits must have been earned at an accredited institution;
b) courses must be passed with a letter grade of C or equivalent; and
c) course credit earned from another institution may not exceed credit for a   corresponding course at the University of Pittsburgh, nor will credit be granted from the University of Pittsburgh in excess of that which is stated on the incoming transcript. .  

Transfer manuals for local community colleges are available on the web.  For students transferring credits into the College of General Studies, transfer manuals are available in transfer section. For students transferring credits into the School of Arts and Sciences or pre-professional programs, you can access the transfer manuals, or Pitt Connection Guides at http://www.pitt.edu/~oafa/transadm .html

Q: Is an internship a requirement to graduate or do I incorporate an internship into my degree only if I want to?
A: College of General Studies students majoring in Administration of Justice, Public Service, and Media and Professional Communications are required to participate in an internship, and all CGS students are encouraged to participate in one or more internships.  Many students within the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences majors have found the internship to be very beneficial.  Students have worked with local sports teams, museums and arts organizations, newspapers and magazines, and television and radio stations.  See Internships, for additional information about CGS Internship options.

Q: Can I study abroad?
A: Study abroad is an option for College of General Studies students and you are encouraged to discuss this with your advisor to make sure your coursework overseas applies toward your degree.  For information about programs, go to the Study Abroad website at:  http://www.abroad.pitt.edu  

Q: How do I calculate my GPA?
A: Your GPA is determined by dividing your total number of grade points by your total number of credits.  For a more detailed explanation you can visit the Arts & Sciences Student Record website.
Q: How do I get an incomplete grade?
A: The G grade signifies unfinished course work due to extenuating personal circumstances. Students should contact their instructor about requesting a G grade. Students assigned G grades are required to complete course requirements no later than one year after the term or session in which the course was taken. Some schools have a shorter deadline for completion of G grades; see school for details.

Once the deadline has passed, the G grade will remain on the record, and the student will be required to re-register for the course if it is needed to fulfill requirements for graduation.

Q: What is the Satisfactory/Audit (S/N) grading option, and how does it work?
A: This choice provides an alternative to a letter grade.  You are NOT allowed to take all courses with the Satisfactory/Audit option.  You are not allowed to take courses in your major using this option, and you should always check the current Schedule of Classes to verify which courses are offered Satisfactory/Audit for the term.

An "S" grade is awarded for satisfactory work completed in the course. The "S" grade is awarded when overall course performance is at the "C" grade level or above. Courses for which an "S" grade is received are counted toward graduation but not computed in the grade point average.

If less than satisfactory work is done, an "N" (audit) grade is recorded on the transcript. The "N" grade is given when performance is at the "C-" level or below. Courses with an "N" grade do not count toward graduation nor do they satisfy requirements.

To take a course with the Satisfactory/Audit option, a grade option form must be submitted at the time of registration or during the first four weeks of the term (two weeks of the summer session). This form is available on the 4th floor Cathedral of Learning main reception desk.  Be sure to check the Academic Calendar at the registrar's office for the exact deadline for each semester.

Q: What is the monitored withdrawal period and how does it work?
A: You may withdraw from individual courses from the end of add/drop period through the end of the ninth week of the term (Summer withdrawal dates vary according to the session) by completing the Monitored Withdrawal Request Form available at the College of General Studies front desk or go to registration forms. Be sure to check the Academic Calendar for the exact deadline for each semester.

This form must be submitted to the CGS Registration Office. A "W" grade will be assigned.  This grade will appear on your transcript, but will not affect your QPA.  You will be 100 percent financially responsible for any course that you have withdrawn from.

Before you make the decision to withdraw from a class, consider these tips:

1) Speak with your instructor about your performance in the class.  This class may be graded on a curve, so you might not be doing as bad as you think.
2) Discuss the implications of withdrawing with your advisor.  It may impact on your selection of classes in the future terms or may have financial aid implications.

After this period, withdrawal is permitted only in extraordinary circumstances with the permission of the Dean.  A withdrawal after the ninth week will require a submission of an Appeal for a Late Withdrawal Form with the instructor's signature and supporting documentation submitted to the Office of the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, College of General Studies.  Remember this an appeal, it is not guaranteed.  Those students who fail to withdraw properly or whose appeal is rejected will receive an "F" grade.

Q: What happens if my GPA falls below 2.0?
A: Students who have completed at least 12 quality points credits and whose GPA falls below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation and may be suspended. Once placed on academic probation, a student has 18 credits to restore the GPA to 2.0.  If the 2.0 is not reached, the student is suspended and is prohibited from registering at the University for a period of one calendar year.

Q:How do I appeal an academic suspension?
A: You may appeal your suspension by sending written notification to your academic advisor within one month of receiving your notice of suspension.

Q: How do I qualify for the Dean's List?
A: Students qualify for the Dean's List by completing at least 12 credits with a 3.5 or better GPA.  In order to qualify again, a new set of 12 credits with a 3.5 GPA must be completed.

Q: What should I do if I am having problems in a specific class?
A: There are a number of options you could pursue if you are having difficulty with a course.  You could begin by talking with the professor or instructor to see if he or she might be able to assist you.  In addition, the McCarl Center for Non-Traditional Student Success offers a number of workshops and seminars designed to introduce students to effective study skills and habits.  For current workshop dates and times, visit CGS News and Events. 

The Academic Resource Center   offers tutoring in a number of subjects.  There are also the Math Assistance Center and theWriting Centerto help you with problems in these areas, and the University Counseling Center   offers workshops, and individual and group consultation on a variety of personal issues. Please seek assistance early; do not wait until your problem becomes unmanageable.

Q: What happens when I repeat a class?
A: You may elect to repeat a course, subject to the following stipulations. These apply only to College of General Studies students, other schools may have other school-specific rules on repeating courses.

1) After completion, you should notify your academic advisor to process a course repeat form.
2) You may not repeat the same course at another institution, it must be repeated at the University of Pittsburgh in order to replace the original grade earned.
3) The original course and grade remain on the transcript; however, the grade and credits originally earned are not counted in the calculation of the QPA or GPA.
4) You may only repeat a course a maximum of three times.

Q: What majors are offered through the College of General Studies?
A: The degree program, in addition to providing certain skills and a broad exposure to the major bodies of knowledge, also allows the opportunity to specialize in a particular field or major, providing the depth of experience essential for vocational competence or future study.  The College of General Studies (CGS) offers ten majors:  Administration of Justice, Dental Hygiene, Health Services, Humanities, Legal Studies, Liberal Studies, Media & Professional Communications, Natural Sciences, Public Service, and Social Sciences.  The major is a part of the 120 credits required for the degree and most majors require 36 credits. Review the outline of each major or visit the CGS information display on the fourth floor of the Cathedral of Learning.

Q: How do I decide on a career or the type of work I want after college?
A: Choosing a career involves a number of decisions.  For some people the decision is easy and for others, it is a difficult process.  It is important to gather information both about yourself, through self-assessment, and about various majors and career options through research.  You will find many resources for information such as libraries, web sites, fellow students, professors, career counselors, and people working in the field you are investigating.  The University of Pittsburgh and the College of General Studies employ professional Career Counselors whose services are free and easily accessible.  Talking about your concerns and weighing out your options with a professional counselor can be helpful.  You can learn more about these services by calling (412) 624-6600 or view our career section of this site.

Q: How do I choose a major or develop an academic plan?

A: Within the new student information system, the terms 'major' and 'plan' both represent the degree program that the student is planning and majoring in.  Students who are undecided or unsure of what they want as their major can research major requirements and should consult with their advisor for more information concerning the courses required in the major and any prerequisite coursework necessary before entering the major.  Once a major is selected, the advisor will use the distribution sheet and academic advising transcript in order plan out the undergraduate program with the student.

Students who need additional help in focusing on a major, based on their interests and career goals, will want to contact the College of General Studies (CGS) Career Counselor, who is trained to administer interest and vocational surveys and interpret their results.  The CGS Career Counselor can also discuss employment trends, help with the job search, discuss internship opportunities, make suggestions for writing a resume, and participate in interviewing skill building.  Review information concerning CGS Career Services.

Q: What can I do with a College of General Studies degree?
A: The College of General Studies (CGS) offers the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees.  To find out what you can do with a specific major, you might want to check out the information on the CGS web site posted by the Career Counselor.   If you want something more interactive, you could attend one of the What Can I Do With A Major In seminars offered in the McCarl Center for Non-Traditional Student Success.  If you would prefer to schedule an individual appointment with the Career Counselor, call (412) 624-6600.

Q: How do I register for classes?
A: Students can register at the College of General Studies front desk on the 4th floor of the Cathedral of Learning between 8:30 am and 7:00 pm Monday to Wednesday and between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Thursday and Friday.  Review additional information about registration options.

Q: How do I get into a closed/restricted class?
A: Admittance to a closed class is permitted only to a student who has obtained an Admission to Closed Class or Restricted Class Form from the program chairperson or the instructor of the class. The form must be submitted with the Registration or Add/Drop Form at the College of General Studies (CGS) front desk. The Admission to Closed Class or Restricted Class Form is also required to register for restricted classes, denoted by "R" in the special indicators column, in the course offering section of the Schedule of Classes.

Q: If I want to take more than 18 credits this term, how do I get permission to do this?
A: Undergraduate students are permitted to register for more than 18 credits in a term, provided they get approval by the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs of their school. This should be secured only after obtaining approval from their academic advisor.

Q: Can I take a graduate class and have it count toward my undergraduate degree?
A: Students may take graduate courses in order to enhance the undergraduate degree with their advisor's approval.  Once approved by the advisor, the student must get permission to enter the course from the instructor and obtain a letter from the Dean of the school offering the course.  The graduate course will appear on the undergraduate transcript and will not count as graduate work for the student.

Q: What is the add/drop period and how does it work?
A: During the add/drop period, students can make changes to their schedule by filling out an Add/Drop Form.   Add/drop ends two weeks after the start of the fall and spring terms.  Summer term deadlines will vary depending upon the session. Visit the registrar's web site  for the exact dates.  It is recommended that you consult with your advisor when making changes to your schedule.

Q: What if I need to get out of ALL of my courses?
A: If you need to drop ALL of your courses after the add/drop period ends you have several options:

1)  You may resign from all of your courses.  You will be responsible for a percentage of your charges and will receive an 'R' grade.  This option is available until approximately the ninth week of the term.
Visit the Student Financial Services Web site for instructions on how to formally resign.

2)  After the ninth week of the term, approximately, when the resignation and monitored withdrawal period is over, you may fill out a Late Withdrawal from All Classes Form through the Office of the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, College of General Studies.  You will receive a 'W' grade for all courses and you will be responsible for 100 percent of your tuition and fees for the term.  This form may be filled out until one week before the end of the term.

Q: How do I find my PeopleSoft ID/Student Number?
A: Your PeopleSoft ID/Student Number can be found by logging into my.pitt.edu Once logged into my.pitt.edu, click on the 'Student Services' tab at the top of the web page. Then click on 'Campus Personal Information'. From there, click on Demographic Information. The 'ID' field will list your seven-digit PeopleSoft ID/Student Number.

Q: How do I get my username and password to log into https://my.pitt.edu  ?
 A: A username and password is sent to all newly admitted University of Pittsburgh students via regular mail.  If you do not know your username and password, you should take your student ID card to one of the campus computing labs where a consultant can help reset your password, or call the Technology Help Desk at 412-624-HELP (4357).

Q: How do I view my class schedule?
A: You can view your class schedule by logging into my.pitt.edu. Once logged into my.pitt.edu, click on the Student Services Tab located at the top of the page. Then click on the Link to Student Center link in the middle of the page. Click on Self Service, then click on Student Center. Click on My Class Schedule on the left hand side of the page under Enrollment in the Academics section. Once on the "My Class Schedule" page, Select Display Option: List View, or Weekly Calendar View. Choose the term you wish to view and click Change.

Q: Can I register or add/drop or withdraw online?
A: Currently, the University of Pittsburgh does not offer phone or online registration via PeopleSoft for students.   

However, beginning with registration for the Spring 2007 term, the College of General Studies (CGS) will offer an email registration system for students.  To utilize this system you must:

1) Create your schedule and check course availability via PeopleSoft. See Creating Your Schedule before submitting your enrollment.
2) Sign an electronic waiver that you understand that eRegistration means you as the student are fully responsible for your course selection.  An advisor will NOT review your schedule to make sure your courses fulfill requirements.
3) Receive follow-up notification confirming that:  a) your eRegistration was received and b) that your eRegistration was processed successfully or unsuccessfully.

eRegistration for CGS students can take up to two business days to process. Read more about eRegistration.

Q: How will the College of General Studies (CGS) and the University be in touch with me?
A: The College of General Studies and the University of Pittsburgh will send email blasts of upcoming events, career seminars, course schedules.  Course descriptions and class schedules are available from the University of Pittsburgh Web site. Therefore, it is important that you view your university email by logging into the portal.

Q: How will I receive a bill for my tuition?
A: Bills from the University of Pittsburgh are only available online via my.pitt.edu and are called eBills. Once logged into my.pitt.edu, click on the 'Student Services' tab at the top of the web page. Then click on 'PittPay', which is located under ‘Link to Student Center.’ Use the links on the left hand side of the page to navigate PittPay.  Once logged into my.pitt.edu, click on the 'Student Services' tab at the top of the web page. Then click on 'View and Pay My eBill in PittPay'. 

You must be registered for classes before your first eBill can be posted.  eBills are posted each month between the 18th and 20th and the due date is always the 17th of the following month.

For more information about eBills, visit http://www.bc.pitt.edu/students .

Q: Can I view a copy of my transcript online?
A:You may view your transcript online by logging into my.pitt.edu. Click on the Student Services tab located at the top of the page. Click on "Link to Student Center" in the middle of the page. Then, click on Self Service and then Student Center. Click on Degree Progress under Academic History in the Academics section at the top of the page. Choose 'University of Pittsburgh' for Academic Institution and 'Academic Advising Transcript' for Report Type. Click "go". If you have any questions about your online Academic Advising Transcript, you should make an appointment with your College of General Studies (CGS) advisor by calling 412-624-6600.

Note: The online Academic Advising Transcript via Peoplesoft is new and may not be completely accurate for CGS students. Therefore, CGS students may initially find the traditional CGS Distribution of Studies sheet more accurate for tracking academic progress. See How do I obtain an updated copy of my Distribution of Studies sheet?

Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about my bill?
A: If you have questions about your eBill, you should contact the Student Payment Center at (412) 624-7520 between 8:30 am and 4:45 pm Monday to Thursday and from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm Friday.

Q: How do I know if I need a Recitation or Lab?
A: When you search for open classes in PeopleSoft, a list of search results will display on your computer screen. Your search results will contain courses offered at various times and in different formats. The course name will be indicated by a downward facing green arrow. In the course heading line, click “View All Sections”. In each section you will see a hyperlink with 4 digits followed by the letters LEC, REC or LAB then followed by a 5 digit class number in parentheses. Course sections with “LEC” indicate a Lecture, “REC” in this line indicates a Recitation, and “LAB” indicates a Lab section. Only Recitations or Labs listed directly below the main lecture section are associated with that particular lecture. For registration, you will want to note the 5 digit class number (shown in parentheses) for all components: Lecture, Recitation, and/or Lab. Courses with a green circle indicate an open course, and a blue square means the course is closed.

Q: What are the requirements to graduate?
A: To graduate from the College of General Studies (CGS), students must earn at least 120 degree credits with a minimum 2.00 GPA.  Students must also achieve a 2.00 GPA in their major and in any minors.  Within the 120 credits, students must fulfill the College's general education and major requirements.  Students must earn at least half of the credits for the CGS major and the final 30 credits toward the CGS degree while enrolled as a CGS student.
Students are required to apply for graduation.

Q: What is a graduation appointment?
A: Students are required to make a graduation appointment with their advisor when registering for classes for their final term.  During this appointment, the student and advisor review all degree and major requirements and plan for the last term.  The graduation worksheet is prepared which verifies that all information concerning the student's program and graduation date are updated.  The student completes the graduation application and several university survey forms.  Details concerning commencement and graduation ceremonies are discussed.

Students should schedule their graduation appointments at the beginning of the registration period for the graduation term.  For April graduation, schedule for late October; for August graduation, mid-February; and for December graduation, mid-March.

Q: What happens at graduation?
A: Graduation occurs at the end of each of the terms:  Fall, Spring, and Summer.  Once final grades and requirements are certified, the student is notified that their degree has been awarded.  Final grades are available a week after the end of the term.  Diplomas and transcripts, with the degree posted, are available about 6 weeks after the end of the term.

The College of General Studies hosts a Graduate Recognition Ceremony at the end of each term in order to congratulate that term's graduates.  Students are also invited and encouraged to attend the University's Annual Commencement Ceremony that is held in the Petersen Events Center each April to recognize the August, December, and April graduates from all of the University's colleges and schools.

Q: What if I apply for graduation but realize I will not be able to complete all of my requirements?
A: Students who have applied for graduation, but will not finish their classes, must contact their advisor so they may be removed from the graduation roster.  They will need to reapply for the following term's graduation.

Q: What types of student resources are available at the University?
A: There is a vast array of resources available to you as a student of the University of Pittsburgh.  They range in scope from Veteran's Services and Intramural Sports to the Shuttle Service.  Contact information for some of the most frequently used services are available online or are available in a PDF form . If you do not find something, check the University's web page, www.pitt.edu .

Q: How do I get involved in College of General Studies (CGS) activities?
A: To best way to become involved in the College is to contact the CGS Student Government.  As your representatives to the University of Pittsburgh community, they host a number of programs, services, and activities.  Find more information about the organization at http://www.pitt.edu/~cgssg .

Q: Are special scholarships available to College of General Studies (CGS) students?
A: Yes, there are number of scholarships available for CGS students.  The criteria will vary for each.  For example, some of the aid available is based on financial need while other awards have specific criteria, such as number of credits completed at the University of Pittsburgh and QPA.  You can find CGS scholarship information on our web site.

Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: To apply for financial aid at the University of Pittsburgh, all students must go through the University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Students must have a completed current application for university assistance and all federal programs, including loans, on file with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid located in Alumni Hall. Specific instructions, information and forms are available on the financial aid website at: http://www.pitt.edu/~oafa/fahome.html .  

After completing all required forms for financial aid a student may apply for College of General Studies (CGS) Supplemental Financial Aid.  Students who wish to be considered for supplemental financial aid may apply through the Office of the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, College of General Studies. CGS supplemental aid is awarded on a rolling basis and is need-based. The CGS supplemental financial aid application (PDF format) is available on the web and in the Office of the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs located in Room 454, Cathedral of Learning.

Q: Can I apply CLEP credits towards my degree?
 A:Download the CLEP information PDF for details.

 

Student Resources

Apply for Non-degree Status

Transfer Students

Student Advising

McCarl Center

 

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