Campus Safety—Pittsburgh

Campus safety is provided through the University of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management. The department consists of the University of Pittsburgh Police, Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency Management, and Integrated Security. The Pitt Police is a service-oriented law enforcement agency of the University of Pittsburgh that provides police and guard services. By statute, the University police have jurisdiction over all lands and buildings owned, controlled, leased, or managed by the University (or within 500 yards of such property). In addition to enforcing the criminal and traffic codes of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pitt Police are also empowered to enforce city ordinances and University rules and regulations, such as the prohibition against carrying any weapons on campus. All criminal and suspicious activities should be reported to the University police through their communications center by calling 412-624-2121, by visiting the Jerome Cochran Public Safety Building at 3412 Forbes Avenue, or through online submission on the Police Department website. Please be sure to carefully review safety information and crime statistics on the For Safety's Sake website. If you have any questions about safety at Pitt, please call 412-624-4288.

Child Development Center

The University Child Development Center, located at 635 Clyde Street, serves faculty, staff, and students of the University by providing quality early childhood education/childcare for children ranging in age from 6 weeks through 5 years. The program is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program offers full time (5 days per week) and part time (2 or 3 days per week) options for care. A nutritionally balanced meal program is provided. The program is staffed with professionals who design and implement plans based on their knowledge of early childhood education and development, the strengths each child has exhibited, and his or her individual learning style. Children interact with the professionals and each other in mutually respectful environments where all areas of children’s “work” are represented. The Center is licensed by the Department of Human Services, NAEYC Accredited, and has a STAR 4A rating from the Pennsylvania Keystone STARS program. Additional information is available by calling 412-383-2100.

Credit References and Employment Verification

The University of Pittsburgh uses an automated service called The Work Number to securely provide employment and income verification to verifiers such as lenders, property managers and other employers that you authorize to have that information. The Work Number can provide the following information, which is updated on a biweekly basis:

• Name
• Most recent hire date
• Separation Date
• Total Time with the University
• Current or Former Job Title
• Rate of Pay
• Gross Earnings for current year and up to two years past – including Base Pay, Overtime, and Other Compensation

Verifiers will not see Rate of Pay or Earnings information without explicit employee authorization. More detailed information may be provided by your department upon your request. See the Employment Verification section of the Payroll website for instructions.

Credit Union

The Greater Pittsburgh Federal Credit Union is entirely independent of the University, and is a nonprofit corporation chartered, supervised, and insured by the federal government. Some of the services to members include the convenience of payroll deduction, remote deposits, regular savings accounts, Christmas and vacation club accounts, both unsecured and secured loans, home equity loans, auto loans, and Visa credit and debit cards. Credit life and disability insurance coverage is also available at a low cost to members.

For more detailed information, contact the Greater Pittsburgh Federal Credit Union, 4415 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; telephone 412-621-6800. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Identification Cards

Panther Central, located in the Litchfield Towers lobby, issues the University ID card called the Panther Card. Staff members at the regional campuses can obtain ID cards by contacting their campus personnel office. The Panther Card permits you to use many University resources, including libraries, parking and transportation, access to recreational facilities and events, food service, vending machines, accounts at the University Book Center, copiers, campus buses and shuttles, the Port Authority buses, and Panther Funds.

New University hires will be required to present a form of photo identification when visiting Panther Central to get the Panther Card. There is a $20 nonrefundable replacement fee for a lost, stolen, or damaged card. ID cards are the property of the University and are not transferable. When you separate from the University, your ID card must immediately be returned to your departmental administrator.

For additional information, call 412-648-1100 or review AO 36 University Identification Cards (formerly 07-10-01).

Intercollegiate Athletics

The University competes in the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference and fields 19 varsity intercollegiate teams in men's and women's sports. The men's program includes football, baseball, basketball, cross country, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, soccer, swimming and diving, and wrestling. The women's program includes basketball, cross country, gymnastics, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, swimming and diving, soccer, softball, lacrosse, and volleyball.

Football season tickets may be purchased, through the Panthers Ticket Office, by full-time staff members at a 20% discount. If eligible, you may also purchase men's basketball season tickets at a 20% discount. Admission to women's basketball home games is free with a valid Pitt employee ID. For additional ticket information, call the Panthers Ticket Office at 412-648-7488.

Life Solutions

Life Solutions is a free, confidential service available to you, your household members, and adult children up to age 26. Experienced Life Solutions counselors are available to consult with you about personal or work-related concerns, including stress, marital and family issues, depression, substance abuse, and relationship issues. Counseling is available in-person at locations convenient to home or work for faculty and staff at all campuses. Telephonic and video counseling options are also available.

Life Solutions provides work-life services including:

• Referrals to community resources, including child and elder care
• Referrals to home services such as plumbers, landscapers, and electricians
• Free, confidential 30 minute legal and financial consultations

Life Solutions is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. For all campuses, the toll-free number is 1-866-647-3432.

Parking, Transportation, and Services—Pittsburgh

Ridesharing

The University actively encourages the use of alternative commuting modes, including carpools (two or more people), vanpools, public transit, walking, and bicycling. Registered University carpools and vanpools at the Pittsburgh campus receive courtesy parking twice per term and access to the CommuteInfo emergency ride home program, among other incentives. The University’s regional ridesharing partner, CommuteInfo, offers a convenient, computerized matching service free of charge to commuting employees and students. Log on to the Commuteinfo website to complete a commuter profile for a carpool or a vanpool, or call CommuteInfo at 888-819-6110. You may also visit the Parking, Transportation, and Services website for commuting information. For additional information, call 412-624-4034 Extension 5 or email commuting@bc.pitt.edu.

Bicycle Registration

Bicycle registration is free and is a benefit to you because it: (1) serves as a deterrent to theft; (2) can help in the identification of lost or stolen bicycles; and (3) enables the University to better serve cyclists by helping us to plan for improved bicycle amenities at Pitt. Bicycle parking maps, regulations, and safety tips are available at www.pts.pitt.edu. Lockers are also available to rent for those wishing covered bicycle parking. Visit the PTS Biking we page for details.

Campus Transportation

You are entitled to ride all of the University of Pittsburgh’s buses and shuttles at no charge by presenting your valid University of Pittsburgh ID to the driver. Most shuttles routes have at least a 30-minute loop; however, changes in routes and schedules may be adjusted for weather conditions and University holidays. Please follow us on Twitter - @pittshuttles for service updates and note that the University Shuttle System operates on a limited schedule during the Summer Term. Detailed routing maps and schedules are available at the William Pitt Union, the Parking Services Office at 127 N. Bellefield Ave., and Forbes Pavilion. Schedules can also be found in all buses and on the Parking, Transportation, and Services website.

Port Authority of Allegheny County

You may ride all Port Authority buses, and trolleys, and inclines within Allegheny County fare-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. All you have to do is tap your valid Pitt ID as you enter the bus. Family members and guests must pay the full fare. For schedule information, visit the Port Authority website or call Port Authority at 412-442-2000. Information on Port Authority routes can be found at the William Pitt Union, the Parking Services Office, Forbes Pavilion, and on the Parking, Transportation, and Services website. For further information, email pittshuttles@pitt.edu.

SafeRider Service

SafeRider is available after 7 p.m., seven days a week—operating until 3 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday night and until 5 a.m. Thursday through Saturday night. The shuttle will transport riders from one campus building to another, from local residences to campus buildings, and from campus buildings to local residences not located on a shuttle route. To request a ride, use the new RideSystems GPS app or call 412-648-2255.

For more information and policy, go to the Panther Central website.

Parking

You may apply for a parking permit at the Parking Services Office, 127 N. Bellefield Ave., or put your name on the wait list using the website at www.pts.pitt.edu/parking. Parking Services maintains several parking choices, including monthly permits, daily rates, hourly rates, validation stickers, motorcycle parking, and special evening shift permits. Contact the Parking Services Office for information on current parking options and parking discounts for carpooling. For further information, call 412-624-4034 or email parking@bc.pitt.edu.

The Parking Services Office also offers a Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) to open car doors and jump-start vehicles with dead batteries at no charge. Call 412-624-4034 for motorist assistance, or after regular business hours, call University police at 412-624-2121 and a parking enforcement assistant will be dispatched to your vehicle.

Motor Pool/Car Rental

Vehicle rentals must be booked through the PantherExpress Travel Management Program using the Concur online booking tool or the University’s Travel Management Company, Anthony Travel.

If you require assistance please contact PantherExpress Customer Service at 412-624-3578 or submit an online inquiry.

Disability Resources and Services

The Office of Disability Resources and Services (DRS) coordinates rides for individuals with disabilities on the Pittsburgh campus on a specialized van equipped with a wheelchair lift and standard passenger seating. This van operates five days a week when classes are in session. Individuals needing rides should contact DRS 24 hours in advance of the ride time needed. Ride availability may be constrained by the existing permanent schedules of student passengers. To schedule a ride or for information regarding weekend service or service at the regional campuses, call 412-648-7890.

Physical Recreation

The athletic and recreational facilities of the Fitzgerald Field House, Cost Sports Center, Trees Hall, and Bellefield Hall have been designed to accommodate staff during designated hours. The Athletic Facilities Scheduling Office posts available times for swimming, squash, racquetball, lacrosse, exercise rooms, indoor track, and other sports areas. A current University ID card is necessary for admission. Lockers are available in Trees Hall on a day-to-day basis without charge; however, for these transient lockers, users must provide their own locks. Review AO 42 Use of University Athletic Facilities (formerly 04-01-04).

Pittsburgh Employees Activities Association (PEAA)

PEAA offers special rates for various activities, such as Heinz Hall performances and Consol Energy Center events, as well as travel and discount purchasing opportunities. A wide range of goods and services is available at a discount through independent suppliers. An information rack containing literature about PEAA activities and other discount opportunities is maintained in the reception area of the Office of Human Resources.

Pitt Volunteer Pool

Pitt in Service to the Community

The University of Pittsburgh has a culture of service imbedded not only in its mission statement, but also through opportunities that demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism and serving our most vulnerable neighbors. Annually, Pitt logs over 400,000 hours of direct service, contributes charitable donations, and provides funding support that results in a multi-million dollar impact on the region. Staff can get involved in service to the community in a number of ways. Visit the PittServes website to find information on partner organization profiles and search for opportunities. Signature opportunities for service available to staff and faculty include:

• The United Way Day of Caring
• Pitt Make a Difference Day
• MLK Day of Service
• People for Pets
• Central Blood Bank Blood Drives
• Pitt Partnership for Food
• Christmas Day at Pitt
• Be A Good Neighbor Day
• Produce to People
• Staff Council Food Drives
• Volunteerism through Pitt’s Community Engagement Centers

For questions or more information on any of these initiatives, please contact:      

Community and Governmental Relations: cgrinfo@pitt.edu, Community Engagement Centers: LDD20@pitt.edu, PittServes: serves@pitt.edu, Staff Council: sac@pitt.edu.

Engage Your Legislators

Pitt Advocates is a volunteer network of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and parents who share a commitment to higher education and the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt Advocates have the opportunity to attend educational events, engage their legislators on important topics related to higher education, network with public officials and likeminded individuals, and receive legislative updates. Join the growing group of people who are championing the University of Pittsburgh by visiting the Stand With Pitt website or texting H2P to 52-886! Membership is free and open to anyone who supports Pitt and the cause of higher education. For questions, please contact advocates@ia.pitt.edu.  

Staff Blood Drives

In cooperation with the Central Blood Bank of Pittsburgh, the University sponsors Staff Quarterly Blood Drives throughout the year. Supervisors are encouraged (but not required) to give release time, and all medically eligible staff are invited to participate in this life-saving activity.

For information on becoming a Pitt staff blood donor, call 412-624-7708 or email hirth@pitt.edu.

Ticket Service

The Ticket Office, located on the main floor of the William Pitt Union, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year, and is closed from May through July. The Ticket Office sells tickets to on- and off-campus events, in addition to discounted AMC movie theatre tickets. For more information, call 412-648-7814.

United Way

Through the University’s participation in the United Way of Southwestern PA’s annual fundraising campaign, you have an opportunity to support the local community and the many health and human service agencies that rely on United Way funding. When you donate, you may allocate your contribution to one or more of the many United Way supported agencies and initiatives.

Wellness Program

The Faculty/Staff Wellness Program is coordinated by the School of Education and offers you health and fitness services, including exercise testing for cardiovascular fitness, body composition analyses, blood lipid profiles, nutritional evaluations, and psychophysiological stress profiles. After completion of the cardiovascular screening, participants can enter supervised exercise programs.

For additional information about the program and other services provided, call 412-648-8251 or visit the Wellness Program Office, located in A149B Trees Hall.