Regulations Governing Undergraduate Study

Note for AY 2026-27: The Undergraduate Catalog and several Office of the Provost Academic Regulations are undergoing a multiyear review and update process. Differences may exist between the Academic Regulations referenced on this page and statements found in individual School or Program Catalog pages. The Office of the Provost has approved a limited number of School- and Program-specific exceptions. Unless a School or Program Catalog page notes an explicit approval by the Office of the Provost, the Academic Regulations listed on this page supersede any conflicting statements in School or Program Catalog pages.

Introduction

Academic policies and regulations establish the shared framework that makes undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh coherent, fair, and navigable across all of the University’s schools and campuses. This resource is designed to help undergraduate students, faculty, advisors, and other student-facing staff find the regulations and policies most relevant to undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, organized thematically and linked to their authoritative sources.

This index is maintained by the Office of the Provost, which is responsible for its organization, interpretation, and ongoing revision.

The regulations and policies collected here originate from several sources, reflecting the University’s administrative structure:

• University-wide policies are issued by the Office of Policy Development and Management.
• Academic regulations governing instruction, grading, and student academic progress are issued by the Office of the Provost.
• Student conduct standards for the Pittsburgh Campus are issued by the Division of Student Affairs.
• School-specific requirements such as detailed graduation requirements, program prerequisites, and school-level academic standards are maintained within individual schools and colleges and documented in each school’s section of this Catalog.

These regulations apply to all undergraduate students at the University of Pittsburgh. Unless a school or college has a documented exception on file with the Office of the Provost, the regulations in this resource govern.

If you have questions about a specific policy or regulation, the office or unit listed as the source is the appropriate first point of contact.

This page does not provide an exhaustive listing of all University policies and regulations applicable to undergraduate students. The authoritative sources linked above should be consulted for a more complete listing.

Undergraduate Advising

At the University of Pittsburgh, advising, mentoring, and coaching are integral to the University’s educational mission as we provide a system of academic support to help undergraduate students understand all that is possible for them to achieve! As such, we advocate collaborative and holistic advising interactions.

As an institution, we champion the academic advising relationship by requiring that students meet with their advisor at least once per semester, but also encourage advisors and students to connect more often, as needed.  

The University of Pittsburgh’s undergraduate academic advising structure, as defined by NACADA, the Global Community for Academic Advising, is a shared model. In this model, the Office of the Provost Student Success Team provides central administrative coordination and support, while students are advised in their respective academic unit. 

The shared model of advising incorporates faculty mentors, academic advisors, program advisors, and resources advisors to support the students in a holistic manner. The Student Success Team works with all advising roles to ensure a coordinated approach to student support.

Pitt utilizes an “Academic Advising” hold on student accounts, which are automatically placed by the Office of the University Registrar each term and must be lifted by a student’s academic advisor or departmental administrator before enrollment can take place.

Academic advisors, mentors, and coaches actively engage with students to support student success and institutional objectives while also recognizing and respecting individual differences, lived experiences and varied perspectives. Our goals are to:

• apply student development and engagement theory while working collaboratively with students to enrich their educational experience by informing them about university resources;
• co-create cohesive and comprehensive educational plans consistent with student interests, abilities, strengths, and goals as well as educating students to make connections across their curricular and co-curricular experiences;
• advocate rapport with students to enhance equity, inclusion and the exchange of diverse ideas;
• promote student understanding of institutional policies, procedures, and requirements as well as provide professional referrals when necessary. 

More information can be found on the undergraduate advising framework, student expectations, advising contacts, and resources: https://www.undergradstudies.pitt.edu/university-undergraduate-advising-uua/advising-pitt

Allowable Credits

There are certain limitations on credits, other than those earned as part of regular undergraduate courses taken at the University, that may be applied toward a degree. Those limitations are detailed in the following resources.

• Advanced Standing Credit - This regulation establishes the criteria for the acceptance of advanced standing credits, which are credits toward a University of Pittsburgh degree or credential through mechanisms other than credits earned through course registration at the University.  This includes transfer credit, standardized test credit, credit by course examination, and credit for educational experiences in the armed services. 
• Test Credit and Course Equivalencies - The University of Pittsburgh encourages students who are applying to college to challenge themselves while in high school through opportunities like Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or A-Level courses. Credit and course equivalencies currently granted by the University of Pittsburgh are maintained by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
• Course Repeat - This regulation places limitations upon when students can earn credit for repeated or similar courses.
• Credential Overlap - This regulation establishes guidelines for credit overlaps occurring between multiple degrees or credentials being pursued at the University of Pittsburgh.

Registration and Enrollment

Student registration and enrollment are managed by the Office of the University Registrar in conjunction with the Schools and Colleges.  Policies and Regulations governing registration and enrollment include the following:

• Registration Status (AC 56) - This policy establishes the criteria used to determine registration status, including full-time/part-time and active/inactive status.
• Registration and Add/Drop (AC 54) - This policy establishes the responsibilities and regulations regarding Registration and Add/Drop, and applies to all campuses of the University.
• Fees and Tuition (AC 30) - This policy establishes that tuition and mandatory fees are approved by the Board of Trustees and other fees and deposits are approved by the Office of the Provost. Some mandatory fees may not be applicable to all campuses; however, if assessed, the rate must be consistent with the current approved rates established at all campuses.
• Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (AC 31) - This policy establishes Satisfactory Academic Progress for students used in determining financial aid eligibility. It applies to most aid programs at the University of Pittsburgh. If a financial aid program has eligibility criteria that differ from this policy, then refer to the specific requirements of that program. The Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for individual academic programs are separate from this policy.
• Termination of Registration (AC 67) - This policy establishes Termination of Registration, a process that allows students to drop all their courses during the Add/Drop period, after which time a student resignation is required. It includes the resulting grade assignments, and academic and nonacademic financial adjustments associated with a Termination of Registration by the resignation process. This policy also documents administrative termination of registration resulting from disciplinary sanctions.
• Cross Registration from Regional Campuses to the Oakland Campus - This regulation establishes the conditions under which students from University of Pittsburgh regional campuses may cross register for courses at the Pittsburgh campus.
• Cross Registration via the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) - Cross registration is a program through the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) that provides an opportunity for enriched educational programs by permitting students to attend courses at any of ten participating colleges and universities.
• Undergraduate Extended Drop Period - This guideline describes the Fall and Spring term extended drop process for undergraduate students.

Specific resources related to registration and enrollment deadlines and processes include:

• The Office of the University Registrar maintains an Enrollment Resources website with information and tutorials related to registration, add/drop, withdrawal, and resignation. 
• The Enrollment Calendar is made up of important dates surrounding enrollment/registration into classes at the University of Pittsburgh.

For additional registration information, visit the Office of the University Registrar website.

Grading and Records

Student grades are processed by Dean’s Offices in conjunction with the Office of the University Registrar.  Policies and Regulations governing grading and student records include the following:

• Advanced Standing Credit - This regulation establishes the criteria for the acceptance of advanced standing credits, which are credits toward a University of Pittsburgh degree or credential through mechanisms other than credits earned through course registration at the University.
• Grade Point Average - This regulation establishes the University Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA).
• University Grading - This establishes the official University grades and symbols, including any corresponding grade points and definitions.  
• Course Repeat - This document establishes regulations on course repeats. 
• Grade Changes - This regulation establishes the responsibilities and regulations regarding the grade change process.

H/S/U Grade Option. Certain courses are offered on the H/S/U (Honors/Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) grade option. Under this option, students earn an H if they do exceptional work (equivalent to an A- or higher under the letter grade system), an S if they do satisfactory work (equivalent to grades from a C up to a B+), or a U if they do unsatisfactory work (equivalent to a C- or lower). The H and S grades received under this option are counted toward graduation but are not computed in the student’s GPA. The U grade is counted toward neither graduation nor the GPA.

S/NC Grade Option. Certain courses are offered on the S/NC (Satisfactory/No-Credit) grade option. This option was designed to encourage students to explore new and potentially difficult subjects without fear of the risks of failure. Under this option, a student who does satisfactory work (a grade of C or better) in a course receives the grade of S. If the student’s work is not satisfactory (a grade of C- or lower), the grade of NC (No Credit) is given. Courses for which an S is received are counted toward graduation but are not computed in the GPA. Courses in which an NC is received are counted toward neither graduation nor the GPA.

Specific resources related to grading and records deadlines and processes include:

• The Office of the University Registrar maintains a Grades Resource page and a Grades Calendar.
• An academic transcript serves as the official external record of a student’s academic history.  The transcript is a cumulative record of the student’s GPA, as well as a record of the subject, title, and grade for each course in which the student has enrolled and a summary of advanced standing information.  Information on requesting transcripts can be found on the Office of the University Registrar Transcripts & Verification page.

• The academic record is not an official University transcript, but a document containing a student’s more detailed University of Pittsburgh academic history. In addition to the information provided on the transcript, the academic record may display additional course details, certain academic events and detailed advanced standing/placement/transfer credit information.  Students can view a copy of their academic record in the Student Center at my.pitt.edu.

Students whose grades indicate outstanding academic achievement are recognized on their school’s Dean’s List. The following schools have a Dean’s List:

• Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
• School of Business
• School of Dental Medicine
• Swanson School of Engineering
• College of General Studies
• School of Computing and Information
• School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
• School of Nursing
• School of Pharmacy
• School of Public Health

Schools and programs may have additional ways of recognizing academic achievement by students, such as Phi Beta Kappa, Tau Beta Pi, or a Term Honor List. More information about these opportunities is available through the school.

Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress

While enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, students are expected to meet certain cumulative GPA standards and maintain progress toward their degree.  The University of Pittsburgh makes use of multiple levels of academic standing to identify students at risk of jeopardizing successful completion of their degree and to provide multiple opportunities for intervention and coaching towards successful completion. 

This process is described in more detail in the following regulations:

• Academic Standing for Undergraduate Students - This regulation establishes the criteria for determining academic standing for undergraduate students, and includes Academic Review, Academic Notice, Academic Leave, Academic Program Change, and Academic Dismissal.
• Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (AC 31) - This policy establishes Satisfactory Academic Progress for students used in determining financial aid eligibility. It applies to most aid programs at the University of Pittsburgh. If a financial aid program has eligibility criteria that differ from this policy, then refer to the specific requirements of that program. The Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for individual academic programs are separate from this policy.

Further information on school- or program-specific processes and contacts can be found on school or program catalog pages.  Questions about the effect of unsatisfactory academic standing on financial aid should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid in Alumni Hall at 412-624-7488.

Graduation

• Requirements for Graduation: Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits of coursework, be in Good Academic Standing with a minimum 2.00 GPA, and satisfy all requirements for their degree in order to be eligible to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.  See specific schools and programs for detailed graduation requirements.
• Application to Graduate: Students must file an application for graduation by the deadline set by their school.

• Graduation with Honors: Undergraduate members of a graduating class who have attained an outstanding scholastic record may graduate with University honors.
• Commencement: Candidates for graduation are encouraged to appear in person at commencement. The official certification of degrees typically occurs several weeks after the ceremony. With the exception of students who receive their diplomas at individual school ceremonies, all diplomas are mailed to students approximately four weeks after the official certification date for each graduation period.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

The information that follows summarizes several key University-wide policies affecting undergraduate students, but students are also responsible for being familiar with those University, school, and departmental regulations relevant to their programs of study.

• Academic Integrity Policy: Students have the responsibility to be honest and to conduct themselves in an ethical manner while pursuing academic studies. Students have the right to be treated by faculty in a fair and conscientious manner in accordance with the ethical standards generally recognized within the academic community (as well as those recognized within the profession). Should a student be accused of a breach of academic integrity or have questions regarding faculty responsibilities, procedural safeguards including provisions of due process have been designed to protect student rights. These may be found in Guidelines on Academic Integrity: Student and Faculty Obligations and Hearing Procedures here.
• Computing Use Policy: This policy governs who may access and use computing resources provided by the University of Pittsburgh.
• Student Code of Conduct: The Student Code of Conduct is an outline of the non-academic rights and responsibilities of University students. The code defines offenses by and against students.
• Pitt Promise: A Commitment to Civility: The University of Pittsburgh is committed to the advancement of learning and service to society. This is best accomplished in an atmosphere of mutual respect and civility, self-restraint, concern for others, and academic integrity. The Pitt Promise outlines common principles that contribute to a civil campus environment.
• FERPA: The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, provides students’ rights of access to their education records, as well as limited control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from their education records.  The University’s commitment to safeguard student privacy and comply with the regulations is reflected in Policy AC 04 and Procedure AC 04.

Statements of Compliance

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for VA Educational Beneficiaries - 38 US Code Section 3675(b)

This policy applies to students who are VA beneficiaries and is intended to prevent the submission of VA-claims (“certifications”) for those students who are suspended.  Specifically:

• In this instance, VA beneficiaries are defined as students receiving VA educational benefits under Chapter-30, Chapter-33, Chapter-35 and Chapter-1606, Title 38 U.S. Code.
• Students placed on academic probation at the end of the term may be certified for VA educational benefits for the subsequent term.  If the student does not meet satisfactory academic progress in that subsequent term-defined as attaining a cumulative GPA at or above 2.00 for full-time students or attaining a cumulative GPA at or above 2.00  after attempting 12 additional credits for part-time students-the university will immediately suspend further VA certifications on behalf of the student. 
• Students returning from one calendar year of suspension must re-apply for admission to the university.  If accepted, those students may be certified for VA educational benefits.

Certification of Chapter-31 students will be at the discretion of the student’s VA vocational rehabilitation counselor. 

VA Educational Beneficiaries - 38 US Code Section 3679(e)

As a matter of policy, the University of Pittsburgh allows students identified as covered individuals* to attend and participate in all course(s) of education for any given term in which the student has been certified for VA educational benefits.  This policy includes those circumstances in which VA payment(s) for student tuition and fees is late or delayed for up to 90 days after date of certification.  The University retains the right to impose late fees upon those students who incur or retain an outstanding balance beyond the amount of expected VA tuition & fee payment for the term.  

It is school policy to request all beneficiaries of VA educational benefits-including covered individuals*-provide the following documentation as part of certification process:

• VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Statement of Benefits as printed from the VA.gov website
• Completion of a certification request form (in hard-copy or on-line), which includes biographical information necessary for submission in the VA’s IT system of record-VA-Once. 

Failure to provide such documentation will result in the delay of any VA claim or certification. 

* Note:  VA defines a Covered Individual as any individual who is entitled to VA educational assistance under the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program (38 U.S. Code Chapter 31) or the VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill® (38 U.S. Code Chapter 33).

(“GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill).

Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 - Section 1018

In accordance with the “Responsible Education Mitigating Options and Technical Extensions Act” or the “REMOTE Act” of 2021 to Section 1018 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116-315)., the University of Pittsburgh provides a College Financing Plan (formerly known as Financial Aid Shopping Sheet) to every student who completes a FAFSA application including all VA beneficiaries.

Per Veterans Benefits Administration notification, “Isakson and Roe, Section 1018 Changes, dated June 13, 2022: The REMOTE Act affords the opportunity for schools to use the College Financing Plan (CFP), available through the U.S. Department of Education as a means to satisfy the requirements of section 3679(f). An Educational Training Institution that utilizes this form is providing sufficient consumer information, will be exempt from all section 3679(f) requirements, and does not need to apply for a waiver.   An Educational Training Institution does not need to be participating in Federal Title IV Federal Student Aid to utilize the CFP to satisfy the requirements of section 3679(f).