Welcome to the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences! We hope the information on this page will be useful for you as you transition to the University as an incoming first-year student.
Please watch the video below to learn more about the academic advising process for new students in the Dietrich School and then carefully review the following steps to help support your transition. We look forward to working with you!
Please follow these steps to schedule and prepare for your initial academic advising meeting as a new Dietrich School student:
- Step 1: Register for the University's online orientation program.
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Make sure you have pre-registered for the University's online orientation by completing this form. Please note that the online orientation will not be available to first-year students until on or after May 15, 2024.
- Step 2: Complete the Academics module of the online orientation.
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Complete the Academics module of the online orientation and be sure to complete the Advising Intake Survey at the end of that module to let us know you have reviewed this important information. Please note that the online orientation will not be available to first-year students until on or after May 15, 2024.
- Step 3: Schedule your initial advising meeting.
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Check your Pitt email regularly for an invitation from our Pathways system to schedule your initial academic advising meeting. Be sure to check the "Other" section of your inbox! Once your meeting is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email with Zoom meeting information.
- Step 4: Plan to attend a pre-enrollment information session to help prepare for the enrollment process.
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Plan to attend a pre-enrollment information session with our advising and Peer Advising staff. You will receive an email from Pathways inviting you to sign up once you have scheduled your advising appointment, but you can also sign up using the Navigate Student app. Look for Undergraduate Advising as the type of help you need and the DSAS - Information Session service type. Your confirmation email will include the Zoom meeting link.
- Step 5: Make sure you can login to myPitt and Zoom prior to your meeting.
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You can login to myPitt with your University username and password via the "Sign in" link at the top-right of the page. Set up your Zoom account by following these instructions from Pitt IT. Be sure to click on the link included in your appointment confirmation email to initiate the Zoom meeting just prior to your scheduled appointment time. You will be entered into the waiting room, and your advisor will admit you when it is time to begin.
- Step 6: Complete any necessary placement exams.
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Follow the placement guidelines and complete any assessments that apply to you. Placement assessments are required for some courses offered in the biological sciences, English composition, mathematics, music theory, and second languages.
- Step 7: Explore the academic programs that interest you.
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Review the major/minor/certificate requirements for the programs you are interested in exploring, either within or outside of the Dietrich School. Be sure to note any programs or courses you would like to discuss with your academic advisor!
- Step 8: Familiarize yourself with PeopleSoft/Highpoint CX.
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Try adding your anticipated courses to your enrollment shopping cart in PeopleSoft/Highpoint CX. Information on how to do this is in the Academics module of the online orientation, and you can also use the information on our Enrollment Resources page.
If you have questions about how to get started, you can always reach us at advcentr@pitt.edu or (412) 624-6444. You can also schedule an individual meeting with one of our Peer Advisors! Use the Navigate Student website or app to schedule a 30-minute DSAS - Peer Advising meeting after selecting "Undergraduate Advising" as the type of help you need.