Little-known university offices that may help you out

Many students go through Pitt without realizing just how much they can get for the thousands… Many students go through Pitt without realizing just how much they can get for the thousands of dollars they put into their education. Here are a few of the lesser-known offices and services at Pitt that are definitely worth looking into.

“Getting Fit at Pitt”

Worried about the Freshman 15? The “Getting Fit at Pitt” program may be just what you need. Headed by Kory Stauffer, the fitness coordinator at the Baierl Student Recreation Center, this service provides students with help developing and maintaining healthy lifestyles. In addition to offering free health assessments, which include measurements of body composition, heart rate, blood pressure, blood-glucose levels, flexibility and cholesterol, “Getting Fit at Pitt” staff members assist students in developing fitness goals and exercise programs. For more information, students can visit the Web site at www.education.pitt.edu/intramurals/getting-fit-program.html, or call (412) 383-8687.

Office of Experiential Learning

So you’re a neuroscience major, and there’s a lecture coming up about new treatments for Parkinson’s disease that you’d love to attend, but it’s hundreds of miles away, and plane tickets are definitely not in your budget. How does 300 bucks to cover travel expenses sound? Or maybe you’re a film studies major, and you have a great idea for a short film, but no camera. Does a little extra cash to help cover the cost of a video camera sound pretty good right now? Then check out the Office of Experiential Learning. This office, headed by Margaret Heely, offers small grants — as much as $500 — to facilitate out-of-the-classroom learning experiences by paying for things like travel expenses or research equipment. The grant application is easily accessible on OEL’s Web site and requires basic information about the student, a description of the proposed project or event and a faculty sponsor’s signature.

Additionally, the Web site includes information about research projects for students, available internships, service-learning programs and undergraduate teaching opportunities.

The Research Experience for Undergraduates programs are open to students from across the country and run from early June to early August. By participating in REU programs, students are included in research projects, seminars about related topics, ethics forums and the Duquesne Research Symposium.

Service-learning opportunities include the Amizade Global Service Learning program, Student Volunteer Outreach, Kuntu Repertory Theatre, the Urban Studies program and the Community Outreach Partnership. SVO sponsors the Alternative Spring Break program and puts students in touch with the Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance. Another volunteer opportunity is the Puzzle Play program, which pairs university students with elementary school children to facilitate learning through games.

Another form of experiential learning is teaching. As undergrads, Pitt students can become tutors, Peer Leaders or Student Academic Counselors, or they can participate in the Undergraduates Teaching Undergraduates program.

For details about the opportunities offered by the Office of Experiential Learning, students can drop by B4 Thaw Hall between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., call (412) 624-6828 or visit the Web site at www.pitt.edu/~oel.

Writing Center

Need help revising the final draft of a term paper? The Writing Center offers help in all stages of the writing process, from planning to proofreading. Students may make appointments for help, but walk-ins are welcome, as well. The office, located in M-2 Thaw Hall, is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drop-in sites in Hillman Library and Tower A allow students to find help when the main office is closed. In Tower A, the drop-in site is located in the 12th floor lounge and is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Students can also visit the ground floor encyclopedia alcove in Hillman Library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 1 to 4 p.m. To make an appointment or find more information, students can call (412) 624-6556.

Housing Resource Center

For students looking to move off campus, the Housing Resource Center offers information about choosing an apartment, picking a neighborhood, calculating housing costs, finding renter’s insurance and selecting a roommate. The center’s Web site, www.pitt.edu/~property, provides housing guides, apartment listings, a subletting service and roommate matching. Located at 127 N. Bellefield Ave., the office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, students can call (412) 624-6998.