University of Pittsburgh faculty enjoy robust and innovative information technology services to support teaching and research. This overview will help you quickly understand some of the key technology services for University faculty. Once you have read this page, be sure to explore the Web site. Use the "View Information For" filtering tool in the right-hand column. Set your affiliation to "Faculty" and select your computer operating system. As you navigate the site, all information will be customized to your needs.

The Basics

Your University Computing Account is your key to accessing technology services. Manage your account online. Update your contact information. Change your password. If you forget you password, you can reset it online (you must answer security questions in advance).

Use your University Computing Account to log in to the University's Web portal, my.pitt.edu and browse its many features. The Faculty Services community allows you to check your class roster, enter grades, and access CourseWeb, the University's course management system. Other popular features include online access to search the University Library Catalog (PittCAT), access to the University's Human Resource community (including benefits information), and the latest information from the University Senate. You can customize your my.pitt.edu home page to access the resources you need.

The portal also provides secure Web-based access to IMAP email and Enterprise Exchange email, available around the clock through the Internet. You can also access email from your University computer using software clients such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Entourage, Thunderbird, and others. Need access on the run? Email can be accessed from capable mobile devices or at email kiosks around campus.

Software

The Faculty Computing Program provides departments with funding for the acquisition of the latest computer technology for teaching faculty. In addition, participants have access to more than 75 application software programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, SPSS, and EndNote. Other low-cost and no-cost software programs are also available. A University discounts program enables you to purchase computers or mobile phones for personal use.

Most faculty acquire software with the assistance of departmental information technology staff or administrators. CSSD works closely with these individuals to provide them with tools and programs they need to support you. The Technology Help Desk is also available 24 hours a day. Submit a request online or call them at 412-624-HELP [4357]. If you need onsite support, the Help Desk will dispatch an Academic Consultant to assist you.

Stay Connected

The University's network, PittNet, links you to University technology resources. Wireless access is available campus wide through Wireless PittNet. Working off campus is easy, too. Many University services are Web-enabled. Secured services such as library journals are accessible through Secure Remote Access. CSSD provides a variety of telephone and voice services, including voice mail, teleconferencing, mobile phone and PDA purchasing, and more. Need to find contact information for someone at the University? Look up students, faculty, and staff with this site's Find People feature.

Web Conferencing

You can subscribe via the my.pitt.edu Web portal to the University's Web Conferencing service, a secure and convenient online solution for faculty and staff to host virtual meetings and collaborate with colleagues across campus or around the globe.

Resources for Teaching

Pitt's computing labs are equipped with Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and Unix computers. They provide printers and scanners, have more than 120 software programs, and are conveniently located across campus. Some are open around the clock. For lab hours and computer availability, call Lab Line at 412-383-LABS [5227]. Labs can also be reserved for teaching.

Resources for Research

The University of Pittsburgh hosts a number of centers engaged in computational science and focused on multidisciplinary collaborations in computational research. These centers provide access to state-of-the-art equipment and software for faculty and students who rely on parallel processing and other specialized information technology resources. The University is also a partner in the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center and an active member of the Internet2 (I2) project.

Safe Computing

All University faculty and staff have a responsibility to protect sensitive University information and technology resources. The Secure Your Data community in the my.pitt.edu Web portal provides the information and no-cost tools you need to ensure that proper security controls are in place on computers and servers. The Security section of this site also provides information about risks, protecting against identity theft, and the security services provided by CSSD.

Help!

The University's Technology Help Desk is a single point of contact for reporting problems, requesting information or answering questions on technology services. The Help Desk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 412 624-HELP [4357] to answer your technology-related questions. Questions can also be submitted online. Some problems require in-person support and the Help Desk will refer these to our technology consultants.

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