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CGS Classes Requiring Permission

CGS Course Permission

 

The CGS Course Permission process is only for class sections offered by the College of General Studies. For all other courses, you must request permission from the department offering the course.

Permission to Enter a Closed CGS Class

 

CGS courses are in high demand, and many sections fill quickly. Some seats are reserved exclusively for students in specific CGS plans.

If a class is full or restricted, it is important to add yourself to the waitlist as early as possible. Seats that become available are automatically assigned to the next qualified student on the waitlist.

Reserved Seat Release Dates

  • Spring: November 16, 12:00 AM
  • Summer: To Be Determined (TBD)
  • Fall: To Be Determined (TBD)

When Can You Request Permission?

Permission to register for a closed section before the reserved seat release date may be granted only for extenuating circumstances, such as documented health issues, study abroad, or other uncontrollable life events.

Scheduling conflicts or a preference for a different course format (online vs. face-to-face) are not valid reasons for an early permission request.

Graduating CGS seniors may receive priority if their advisor confirms that the course is essential for completing their degree requirements.

Please note: Some sections are reserved for specific CGS plans and are not open to students outside those plans.

Before requesting permission: Most courses are offered in multiple sections. Please check Class Search for open sections offered by the academic department.

Special Approval for CGS Class Sections

 

Students may use the CGS Permission Process to request approval for the following situations:

Requisite Overrides

If you have not completed the pre- or co-requisites for a class, or if you are transferring credits to satisfy requirements.

Required documentation: Faculty and/or department authorization.

Career Override

If you are a graduate student enrolling in an undergraduate CGS class.

Required documentation: Email from your graduate advisor and faculty authorization for the class.

Closed / Full Class

If you are a CGS student in your final year and the course is required for your CGS plan, or if you have a qualifying extenuating circumstance.

Required documentation: Faculty authorization.

How to Submit Your Request

 

To request permission, send an email to CGS Academic Programs Administration at cgsapa@pitt.edu.

Be sure to include:

  • Your name and PeopleSoft ID.
  • The course subject, number, and title.
  • The reason for your request.
  • All required supporting documentation and faculty or department authorization.

Important Information

  • Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Submission does not guarantee approval.
  • Requests may take up to 10 business days to process. You will be notified via your Pitt email once a decision is made.
  • Faculty authorization does not guarantee that a permission number will be granted.
  • Due to space restrictions, permission numbers cannot be issued once enrollment has reached room capacity.

Spring term requests: CGS will begin accepting permission number requests on November 17, after waitlists have filled available reserved seats on November 16.

Email CGS Academic Programs

Late Add

If you are requesting to add a course after the add/drop period, the online CGS Permission Number Request process cannot be used. Instead, you must complete a special Late Add form and obtain approval from your Dean's Office.

For CGS students: Contact your advisor for instructions or visit Course Registration: Late Add.

For students in other schools: Check with your Dean's Office for its process. If your Dean authorizes the Late Add, email cgsapa@pitt.edu to request a permission number for CGS class sections.

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