Congratulations, soon-to-be graduates of the University of Pittsburgh! As you approach this significant milestone, it's crucial to address several IT-related tasks to ensure a seamless transition from student life to your next phase. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the tech aspects of graduating from Pitt! For detailed information on these benefits, refer to the IT Graduation Checklist.

Benefits of Your Alumni Computing Account

Upon graduation, your University student computing account will convert to an alumni computing account. There are several tech benefits that you get to keep:

• Pitt Email Address: Continue using your @pitt.edu email indefinitely, provided you log in at least once every 180 days to keep the account active. (Note that forwarding your email to another account does not register as activity. In addition, forwarded email cannot be flagged for suspected phishing.)
• Pitt Guest Wi-Fi Access: You will keep the ability to connect to Pitt's Wi-Fi network when on campus.
• PeopleSoft Access: Retrieve grades and academic records as needed.
• Pitt Password Manager (LastPass): You will keep access to your password vault, though the account will transition to a Basic account.

Access to Software and Services

Most of the services and software you got from Pitt as a student will expire when you graduate.
This includes Microsoft 365, your OneDrive cloud account, Canvas, Zoom, and Qualtrics. Some may still be valid or can be transitioned to a personal license (see the Software page for specific details individual apps), but most will require you to sign up for or purchase your own license/account.

Managing Your Email and Online Accounts

To ensure continuous communication and safeguard your online presence:

• Account Updates: If you don’t intend to check your Pitt email account frequently, you may want to transition online accounts (e.g., Amazon, Netflix, social media) that are linked to it to ensure uninterrupted access.
• Unsubscribe from Mailing Lists: Opt out of university mailing lists that are no longer relevant to avoid clutter in your inbox.
• Update Your Account: You will still have access to Pitt’s Account Self-Service to update your name and photo, change or reset your password, and other account information.

Preserving Your Academic and Personal Files

You’ll lose access to OneDrive, Canvas, Qualtrics, and Panopto upon graduation. If there are any files saves in any of these locations/systems that you want to keep, you will need to save it to a personal cloud account, drive, or device.

• OneDrive Files: Transfer documents from your Pitt OneDrive account.
• Canvas Course Materials and Projects: Download your course assignment submissions or the course content (if enabled by the instructor).
• Personal Media: Don't forget to back up personal photos, videos, and other media accumulated during your time at Pitt.
• Other Apps: You can also download saved meeting recordings from Zoom or Panopto, signed documents from DocuSign, or surveys from Qualtrics. 

Utilizing University Resources for Graduation

Stay informed about commencement details and available:

• Commencement Information: Visit the University of Pittsburgh's Commencement page for up-to-date information on ceremony dates, times, and locations.
• Regalia and Announcements: Order your cap and gown, graduation announcements, and other memorabilia through the University Store on Fifth.
• Order Transcripts: Order your transcript or forward it to an in-network system (like AMCAS or LCAS) through Parchment.

Planning for Post-Graduation

As you embark on your next chapter, be sure to use the resources at Pitt to help you along the way:

• Continuous Learning: Utilize LinkedIn Learning throughout the summer to enhance your skills, prepare for job interviews, and explore professional development courses.
• Alumni Network: Engage with Pitt's alumni community through Career Central and connect with colleagues and professors in LinkedIn to expand your professional network and explore opportunities.

By proactively addressing these IT considerations, you can ensure a smooth transition from university life and position yourself for future success.

Congratulations once again, and best wishes for your endeavors beyond Pitt!

-Pitt IT