Pitt IT Helps Students and Faculty Get Tech Ready for Fall

This fall, both students and faculty will need equipment that supports their work, whether it’s on campus or in a remote environment. Pitt Information Technology (Pitt IT) and the University Center for Teaching and Learning are working to facilitate access to the equipment they’ll need for learning and instruction.

On Wednesday, Pitt IT emailed students recommended specifications for laptops that are compatible with the University’s networks and services. The message also noted that different departments, schools or programs may provide their own separate list of specifications and students should follow those instead if they receive them.

“So that you are best prepared to take full advantage of the many learning opportunities on campus, it is important that you have access to a laptop computer for communicating with classmates and instructors, writing papers and submitting assignments, connecting to remote sources, participating in extracurricular activities and more,” wrote Mark Henderson, vice chancellor and chief information officer.

Pitt IT also released a separate set of recommended computer specifications for departments and faculty that explained what tools devices will need

“Having the proper device with a built-in camera and microphone is essential to using technologies like Canvas, Lecture Capture (Panopto), Microsoft Teams and Zoom Videoconferencing,” wrote Cynthia Golden, associate vice provost and executive director of the Teaching Center, and Henderson in the message to faculty.

Students and faculty who already have a Windows, Mac or Linux laptop that meets their needs and Pitt’s configuration recommendations should not need to buy a new device. But for students and faculty looking to upgrade their current devices, Pitt IT negotiated with Dell to offer discounts on laptops that meet university specifications. Students seeking more information can visit dell.com/pitt. Faculty may require a broader range of options, depending on the nature of their work; their schools and departments may purchase devices through PantherExpress.  

For students experiencing financial hardship, Pitt IT and the Office of the Provost are here to help. A limited number of devices are available to borrow for a temporary period. The program also provides a limited supply of mobile hotspots for students or faculty without reliable internet connections. For more information visit technology.pitt.edu/remotedevices.

For assistance, contact the 24/7 IT Help Desk at 412-624-HELP (4357) or connect with Virtual Technical Support if you have questions or need help with device setup.