Managing your academic demands can be a challenge. Unlike high school, you have much more control over which classes you take, how you organize your time, and when and where you do your work. That’s a lot of freedom … and can be a lot of stress. Pitt provides several apps and online services to help students manage their academics and get the most out of their classes. Here are some of the most important ones for you to know.

PeopleSoft/HighPoint CX 

PeopleSoft/HighPoint Campus Experience (CX) provides a secure, web-based and mobile-friendly interface for the self-service functions of the Student Information System (PeopleSoft). It allows you to access class, academic, and financial information, as well as manage course enrollment and update your contact information. PeopleSoft/HighPoint CX is how you securely search and register for classes, check your final course grades, and view or change (during the Add/Drop period) your class schedule.

HighPoint CX also has advanced planning features that are incredibly useful. The Degree Planner module helps you lay out your academic journey to be sure you fulfill all the requirements that you need to graduate on time! It also lets you explore “what if” scenarios to see how they will impact your anticipated graduation. (For example, what if you took one extra class each summer, and took a full-time internship during the spring term?)

How to get it: PeopleSoft/HighPoint CX can be quickly accessed via its myPitt Task and the Pitt CX Mobile app is available from the Pitt Mobile App Center for Apple iOS or Android.

Canvas LMS

Canvas is the University’s Learning Management System (LMS). For each class that you take, there is generally a corresponding Canvas course that your instructor has put together. This site will generally include such information as the class roster, syllabus, class resources, recordings, assignments, and the class schedule. It’s also where you can communicate with your instructor, turn in many assignments, and see assignment and test/quiz scores. If you have a question about your class, when something is due, the instructions for an assignment, and other questions, check the Canvas site first!

You can customize the appearance of the dashboard in whatever way you find most useful. For example, Card View displays a block for each course, List View shows an enhanced To Do list across all your courses, and Recent Activity View lists all recent discussions, assignments, grades, etc. for all your courses. You can also set your notification preferences to be alerted about class activities, due dates, course updates, etc.

How to get it: Canvas can be quickly accessed via its myPitt Task and the Canvas Student app is available from the Pitt Mobile App Center for Apple iOS and Android.

Other Academic Apps

While Canvas and PeopleSoft/HighPoint CX are the major academic and learning management apps at Pitt, there are a number of other academic support apps you should also know about.

Pathways Navigate: Advising Appointments

Your academic advisor is a critical partner in your academic journey here at Pitt. They can help you select the most appropriate courses, select or change a major, and make sure you are taking all the courses you need to satisfy your major(s), minor(s) or certificate(s). They can also advise you on courses or activities that will help you achieve your post-graduation plans (for example, things you should be doing if you plan to apply to graduate school) or help you find academic support resources if you are struggling.

Navigate is the scheduling system used by the Advising Office of most of the schools at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as for online tutoring through TutorOcean (see below). Whether it’s time to register for classes for next semester, or you need an appointment to discuss your current circumstances, just log into Navigate and find an appointment time that works for you.

How to get it: You can log into Navigate directly from its MyPitt Task or through the Advising Office for your school.

TutorOcean: Online Tutoring Services

Pitt TutorOcean provides an online learning space for all types of subjects: math, writing, languages, computer programming, chemistry, and more. You can comfortably interact virtually with tutors, peers, advisors, and instructors in a virtual learning space that includes a collaborative whiteboard, file sharing, and downloadable materials. Tutoring is available via the Dietrich School Study Lab and SCI Student Success lab, as well as support tailored to student athletes, mathematics, and first-generation and low-income students. Appointment for TutorOcean are made through the Navigate system (see above). Sessions are most effective using a laptop or desktop computer, rather than a mobile device.

How to get it: You can access tutoring services through the MyPitt Task or through the Provost Office’s Tutoring website. To make a tutoring appointment, access the Pathways Navigate system.

Parchment: Transcripts

When you are applying to graduate school or applying for a job or internship, you can order a transcript or an enrollment verification certificate at any time using Parchment. You can even have a transcript automatically forwarded to a participating partner, such as the central application service for law school (LSAC) or medical school (AMCAS).

Your official transcript includes degrees awarded, academic program history, course enrollment history, grade point average, and transfer/AP/college in high school credits accepted. Be sure to select the appropriate option for current students/students who graduated after 2015.

How to get it: You can request a transcript or enrollment verification from the Registrar’s Office website or log into Parchment directly from its MyPitt Task.

Take Control of Your Academics

You have amazing talents – that’s why you were accepted to Pitt. Now take the ball and run with it! With the right tools, you can stay on top of your academic journey and achieve your goals and make it to graduation! Let us help you along the way!

-- By Karen Beaudway, Pitt IT Blogger