OSCAR
OSCAR (Off-campus Student Computer Assistance and Resources) provides commuter students with the same support services provided to students living in residence halls, including data backup and recovery, PittNet networking assistance, software installation, and virus and spyware removal. OSCAR is located in 108 Bellefield Hall. To schedule an appointment call the Help Desk at 412 624-HELP [4357].
Please review the following guidelines for use of this service.
OSCAR Service Guidelines
- Service is provided by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, contact the Technology Help Desk at 412-624-HELP [4357].
- OSCAR services include software installation and upgrades, networking assistance, data backup and recovery, virus and spyware removal, and general software troubleshooting.
- Hardware repair services are not provided. If OSCAR consultants determine that your problem is hardware related during troubleshooting, they may recommend possible third-party solutions.
- Networking support is provided for wireless or dial-up access to PittNet only. Assistance is not provided for problems that involve outside Internet Service Providers (ISP), such as Comcast, Verizon, or AOL. Contact your ISP for assistance with problems involving these services.
- Students who live in the residence halls are not eligible to use OSCAR. Resident students should contact the Technology Help Desk at 412 624-HELP [4357] to use the Residential Consulting program (ResNet).
- OSCAR does not provide support to faculty and staff. Faculty and staff with computing questions should contact the Technology Help Desk at 412 624-HELP [4357] for assistance.
Student Responsibilities
Before an OSCAR appointment, you should:
- Review the University's Personal Computing Support Guidelines.
- Back up your computer prior to your appointment.
When you go to your OSCAR appointment, you should:
- Present your University of Pittsburgh student ID card when you arrive for your appointment.
- Bring your computer and any unique peripherals to the appointment. The OSCAR office supplies standard PC and Mac monitors, mice, and keyboards for troubleshooting purposes.
- Bring the original software or license verification for any software being installed.
- Remain with the computer at all times while the consultant is working on your computer.
- Understand that all appointments are two hours maximum in length. If more time is required to troubleshoot a problem, you must schedule an additional OSCAR appointment by contacting the Technology Help Desk at 412 624-HELP [4357].
Customer Escalation Procedures
OSCAR service is committed to providing you with the best possible service. In the event your questions or problems are still unresolved after consultation, please report your situation to the Technology Help Desk at 412 624-HELP [4357].