As a full-time student at Pitt juggling schoolwork, my jobs, and a busy social calendar, some weeks are bound to be chaotic. I try to convince myself that just staying organized and not procrastinating is the only way to navigate this workload, but the truth is, you just have to figure out a system that works for you!If you’re feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities, remember that you are not the only Pitt student feeling this way. College can be a lot to handle. Here’s what keeps me on track when things start to feel like too much.

Graduation is almost here, and while you’ve probably thought a lot about what comes next, there’s one thing that might not have crossed your mind: What happens to my digital services?Any soon-to-be alumni should know that while some digital services are exclusively for students, others stay with you even after graduation. Here’s a breakdown of all the tech you do (and don’t) have access to as an alumn.

As generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) becomes part of daily life, more people are asking: What does this mean for the planet? Maybe you’ve seen headlines about data centers consuming a lot of electricity and water. As society races toward an AI-powered future, it’s natural to wonder: How can we be sure the Earth can sustain this shift?

When was the last time you put your phone down and didn't pick it up again for a few hours? If you're drawing a blank, you're not alone. Between classes, meetings, emails, assignments, and the ever-present pull of social media, most of us are spending more time staring at screens than ever before.

It’s easy to overlook the clutter accumulating in your digital space, but an overabundance of stuff (even digital stuff) can make life harder. Every year, Digital Cleanup Day is a reminder to take our digital clean-up duty seriously, since a messy system can be a huge distraction.

Spring is around the corner, and you may be feeling the urge to declutter and start fresh. Going paperless is a great way to do just that. It's good for your productivity and the planet.

Whenever and wherever you travel, your digital devices are along from the ride. Nowadays, your phone is your boarding pass, your map, your hotel key, and your lifeline — which means a dead battery or spotty signal can be a major headache. Here's how to keep your power, connectivity, and digital documents working for during your next adventure.

Here's something that might surprise you: Some of the most useful features built into your Microsoft 365 apps have been hiding in plain sight — originally designed with accessibility in mind, but helpful for everybody. By understanding (and using) the accessibility tools available to you, you’ll not only be better equipped to help others, but also may find a few that can change your digital experience.

It’s time for a little digital housekeeping. Files, emails, and tabs can pile up fast, so it’s always a good idea to set aside some time to “redd up” (that's Pittsburghese for “tidy up”) your digital space. Here are a few simple ways to get started.

Did you know that your student technology account can get you way more than just email and Wi-Fi? Pitt students can access tools, software, and services worth more than $2,500 in retail value! If that’s news to you, here are some of the tech perks that can make your student life a whole lot easier.

Back in 2021, we discovered Microsoft Sway and were amazed by its ability to transform our presentations. Its dynamic design engine and narrative storytelling power were revolutionary, especially compared to our mediocre-at-best design skills in PowerPoint. But a lot has changed in the past four years. Namely, PowerPoint is now equipped with Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, bringing AI-powered design and content assistance into the mix. So, can Sway still amaze in the AI era?

If your calendar is dispersed across multiple spreadsheets, apps, and half-forgotten printed planners, this is your sign to consolidate your schedule with Outlook Calendar. As part of Microsoft 365 (which you get for free with your Pitt credentials, btw), you have access to your daily plans in whatever format you need. The mobile app, your web browser, and the desktop app are all available for you to check your schedule anytime, from anywhere.

You probably wouldn’t hand a stranger your wallet, share your Social Security number over the phone, or leave your front door unlocked when you leave for the day. But online, many of us take risks with our personal information that we’d never consider in real life and often without realizing it.

It’s the time of year when you’re probably making big plans to change your life — and we’re no exception. But our new year’s resolution doesn’t require you to overhaul your morning routine or purchase a gym membership. Instead, this year, we’re resolving to work smarter with the tools we already have.

Whether you're heading home for the holidays, catching up with family and friends, or finally taking a well-deserved break, the last thing you want is a cybersecurity incident to ruin your time off. While you're focused on relaxing and celebrating, cybercriminals are counting on you to let your guard down. Staying safe doesn't mean you need to become a cybersecurity expert overnight. With a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself while still enjoying everything the season has to offer.

Good prompts matter because they can save you time, headache, and tokens — the behind-the-scenes “currency” of generative AI. While most of us have chatted with a GenAI tool, you might need some tips to level up your prompt game. Here’s everything you need to know about what makes prompts work and why getting it right is so important.

The newest Generative AI @ Pitt tool is now available to all faculty and staff with student access coming soon. Claude for Education is designed to go beyond simple answers to deepen understanding and spark learning — you know, what we do here at Pitt. 

Generative AI can feel like a colleague, a trusted assistant, or even a confidant. Its responses are so humanlike that it’s easy to forget you’re talking to a machine. But the truth is, unlike when you’re speaking with a real person offline, the information you provide a GenAI tool may be read by someone else, saved where you can never delete it, or even repeated to another user.It can be difficult to navigate the web of information and misinformation surrounding GenAI and how it uses your data. So, let’s bust some of the most common GenAI myths to help you chat with confidence.

Between finals, year-end work deadlines, gift shopping, travel planning, and everything else life throws your way, the holidays can feel less like a break and more like another project to manage. Good thing the Generative AI @ Pitt tools are expert project managers that can help make the logistical holiday chaos a little less overwhelming.

You've done all the readings. Highlighted the important parts. Took detailed notes. Then, you’re suddenly trying to squeeze in a 3 a.m. study session but your study group is sound asleep. That's where NotebookLM can help. It’s your always available study buddy that’s not like other GenAI’s.

A strange side effect of generative AI is hallucinations, or when a GenAI tool confidently delivers completely made-up information. Maybe you asked for a works cited page and received citations for articles that don’t exist. Or you’re given a plausible-seeming statistic that turns out to be fake. Whatever way these hallucinations come up, it can be hard to tell what’s true and what’s a believable lie.

Are you too stressed to function? Making to-do lists on scraps of paper you can’t find later? Losing track of assignments amid midterm season chaos? Whether you’re chronically under-organized, or just facing an ever-increasing mountain of to-do’s, it’s time to make a plan that actually works for your workload. That’s where Microsoft Planner can help.

Your favorite Generative AI @ Pitt tools are even more powerful than you might think. Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat is now built directly into your Microsoft 365 apps and Google Gemini can help you from the sidelines of your web browser. No switching to a separate platform, no need to upload your document in one place and make changes in another. The AI assistance is right where you need it, waiting for you to use it.

Generative AI has been marketed as a magic wand able to do your thinking for you. While it’s possible that some of us would rather automate all their thinking, I started to wonder if this was really the best way to use GenAI. From my experience using the Generative AI @ Pitt tools, it’s far more effective when you (a real person!) are in the driver’s seat doing critical and creative thinking for yourself.

Over the summer, we changed our name from Pitt Information Technology to Pitt Digital, marking a pivotal evolution in our role at the University. This change reflects the ongoing transformation that began with our CIO's arrival in 2019 and will continue as we anticipate future technological innovations. While we’re really excited about our new horizons, you might be wondering what it all really means.