CGS - College of General Studies - University of Pittsburgh

Teaching Resources

Course Syllabus and Academic Policies

The University requires that all syllabi contain policy information on academic integrity and accommodations for students with disabilities. Please note that if you are uncertain of standard procedures for dealing with plagiarism or cheating, you should consult the Office of the Provost’s official site on academic integrity, at www.pitt.edu/~provost/ai1.html. A recommended syllabus statement on disability policy can be found at www.drs.pitt.edu/facstaff.html, and the Disability Resources and Services policies page is at www.drs.pitt.edu/policies.html.

All faculty members are required to keep office hours, in addition to meeting students when necessary by appointment. Times when you are available in your office should be stated on your syllabus.

All faculty members are required to arrange for the Office of Measurement and Evaluation of Teaching (OMET) to administer standard evaluations for every course. Request forms are distributed early in the semester. The OMET office is located in G-39 CL (412-624-6147).

Emergency Contact

In case of emergency or illness, call the main College of General Studies number (412-624-6600) and the office staff will post the official notice.

Requesting Media

Complete the online form to request audiovisual equipment and other media materials. For more information, please contact Michael Arenth at 412-648-7236 or arenth@cidde.pitt.edu.

Library Services

The University of Pittsburgh libraries and collections provide a wealth of information and services to the faculty, students, staff, administrators, and researchers of the University:

• Authorize others to borrow for you
• Media requests
• Book purchase requests
• Placing items on reserve 

Grade Change Request Form

Grades may be changed or entered electronically by faculty or authorized assistants only during grading periods designated by the University Registrar’s Office for each term. Once grading period deadlines have passed, Grade Change Request forms must be used to process changes. These forms may be downloaded only by faculty and authorized staff.

G Grades

In keeping with University policies, a “G” grade may be assigned only in the case of extenuating circumstances that prevent a student from completing the course work within a term.

Students assigned “G” grades are required to complete course requirements no later than one year after the term or session in which the course was taken. Once the one-year deadline has passed, the “G” grade will remain on the record, and the student will be required to re-register for the course if it is needed to fulfill requirements for graduation. A “G” grade does not automatically revert to an “F” if the work remains incomplete.

If a faculty member has questions about the assignment of G grades, please contact Linda Howard, Director of Extended Education, at 412-624-7316 or hlinda@pitt.edu.

Peoplesoft Faculty Center

The PeopleSoft Student Administration System was recently upgraded to provide increased functionality, an enhanced user interface, and simpler navigation. The Faculty Center enables faculty members to manage class and student-related activities from one centralized location, including view your teaching schedule as well as view class rosters and entering final grades.

Textbooks

To order textbooks, complete The Book Center's online form . The Book Center will email you a copy of the order for confirmation.

Faculty Staff Assistance Program

The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is a confidential service to assist University of Pittsburgh faculty, staff, and members of their households with day-to-day matters at home and work. Experienced professional counselors provide support, consultation, and information.

Counseling offices are conveniently located near all five University campuses. The University contracts with the independent provider, UPMC’s Employee Assistance Program Solutions, to provide these confidential services regardless of your health plan coverage or provider. You and your household members are covered, and there is no cost to you.