Course Approval
Generally, there are four different ways that a student could choose to study overseas. These include Panther Programs, Pitt-Exchange Programs, Pitt-Recognized Programs and Institutions, and Direct Enrollment. Each of the program types has a slightly different course approval process. The general approval for each program type is outlined just below. The course approval process also varies by School.
Panther Programs
Panther Programs are developed and managed by University of Pittsburgh faculty. All Panther Programs are listed in the Programs tab of this site. Normally, faculty who run Panther Programs teach their own courses tailored for a a program overseas. Occasionally, courses taught by other faculty are approved by Departments through the standard approval process. Thus, by the time a student attends their program specific orientation, courses have already been earmarked for a specific general education requirement if applicable. At their program orientation, students are given a study abroad contract, the formal document through which courses are approved. For Panther Programs, the primary objective for academic advisors is to approve courses for the major, minor, or any applicable certificates. As all of the courses taught on Panther Programs carry University of Pittsburgh course numbers, they generally count the same way that their on-campus counterparts would. However, students should still be prepared to bring any course descriptions or full syllabi to their academic advisor (s) at that advisor's discretion.
Pitt-Exchange Programs
Pitt-Exchange programs are those institutions with whom the University of Pittsburgh has a direct, reciprocal exchange agreement in place. All exchange programs are listed in the Programs tab of this site. As there can be a wide variety of potential course offerings, none of which carry specific Pitt course number designations, the course approval process for an exchange program is different than for a Panther Program. Students who participate on exchange programs attend a contract meeting which outlines the approval process. At the culmination of the contract meeting, students follow the standard operating procedure outlined by each School for the approval of elective or general education requirements. For instance, Arts and Sciences students are required to sign-up for a group advising session. At their group advising session, students meeting academic advisors in Arts and Sciences to determine the applicability of their course for general education requirements. Additionally, if a student plans to have a course overseas count for a major, minor, or certificate, s/he must also meet with a major, minor, or certificate advisor to approve any relevant courses. Advisors are asked to sign on the signature page to verify that a student has met with them. They are also asked to initial in the grid to approve a course. Students should be prepared to show course descriptions and/or syllabi (if available) at their advisor's discretion.
Pitt-Recognized Programs
The University of Pittsburgh permits its students to enroll in select Non-Pitt programs and institutions. All Pitt-Recognized programs are listed in the Programs tab of this site. The course approval process for this type of program is identical to the Pitt-Exchange programs. As with the exchanges, there can be a wide variety of potential course offerings, none of which carry specific Pitt course number designations. Students who participate on Pitt-Recognized programs attend a contract meeting which outlines the approval process. At the culmination of the contract meeting, students follow the standard operating procedure outlined by each School for the approval of elective or general education requirements. For instance, Arts and Sciences students are required to sign-up for a group advising session. At their group advising session, students meeting academic advisors in Arts and Sciences to determine the applicability of their course for general education requirements. Additionally, if a student plans to have a course overseas count for a major, minor, or certificate, s/he must also meet with a major, minor, or certificate advisor to approve any relevant courses. Advisors are asked to sign on the signature page to verify that a student has met with them. They are also asked to initial in the grid to approve a course. Students should be prepared to show course descriptions and/or syllabi (if available) at their advisor's discretion.
Direct Enrollment
Students could choose to enroll directly into a Non-Pitt program. In this case, a student who directly enrolls does not maintain a registration on Pitt's campus. Academic advisors are not required to approve courses taken on direct enrollment programs prior to a student's participation. Instead, students who choose to participate on a direct enrollment program should plan to keep all of their syllabi and coursework. Students will then follow the standard transfer credit procedure for their respective school(s), demonstrating an official transcript and any requested syllabi and coursework.
