This CGS Course Permission process is only to be used 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’s important to add yourself to the waitlist as early as possible. Seats that open are automatically assigned to the next qualified student on the waitlist.
Reserved seat release dates:
- Fall: August 1, 12:00 AM
- Spring: December 1, 12:00 AM
- Summer: April 1, 12:00 AM
Permission to register for a closed section before the release date may be granted only for extenuating circumstances such as documented health issues, study abroad, or other uncontrollable life events. Scheduling conflicts or preference for a different course format (online vs. face-to-face) are not valid reasons.
Graduating CGS seniors may receive priority if their advisor confirms the course is essential for completing their degree requirements.
Note: Some sections are reserved for specific CGS plans and are not open to students outside those plans.
Most courses are offered in multiple sections. Please be sure to check Class Search for open sections run by the academic department.
Special Approval for CGS Class Sections
Students may use the CGS Permission Process to request approval for:
Requisite Overrides
If you have not completed the pre- or co-requisites for a class, or if you are transferring credits to satisfy requirementss.
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 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:
- Send an email to CGS Academic Programs administration with all required information and documentation.
- Include the course subject, number, and title, along with your reason for the request.
Please note:
- 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.
Send Your RequestAsk a Question
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 your process. If your Dean authorizes the Late Add, email cgsapa@pitt.edu to request a permission number for CGS class sections.