PantherBytes Blog

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.

Faculty and staff now have access to PittGPT, powered by CAI, the secure, custom-built platform designed specifically for the University community. One of the biggest advantages to PittGPT is that your conversations and uploaded documents are safe and secure, so you can fearlessly integrate GenAI into your official Pitt business.

By embracing and learning to use AI tools, students, faculty, and staff can leverage them to generate innovative ideas, identify more efficient ways to accomplish tasks, and enhance their overall contributions across their field of study or work.

Pitt’s residential network, MyResNet, plays a vital role in supporting the digital needs of a vibrant student community. During the previous year, MyResNet was used by more than 8,500 students living in over 35 buildings across campus, with peak usage reaching as high as 23,500 active devices. This level of demand for connectivity, concentrated in area of roughly a quarter square mile, is remarkable.

Pitt Information Technology is undergoing a transformative rebranding over the summer to become Pitt Digital. This change reflects our evolving role in shaping the University's digital future and our commitment to the Plan for Pitt.

Ready to dive into the exciting world of artificial intelligence (AI)? Pitt Digital is introducing Generative AI @ Pitt: a suite of user-tested, security-backed tools designed to propel the Pitt community into the AI age.

Recently, Pitt Digital's Joe Yun transitioned his role to Director of AI Enablement.

Michael Pry, a professor in the Information Technology and Cybersecurity programs at Pitt Greensburg, returned to Pitt CyberCamp for his second year as an instructor — and this time, he brought someone special along for the ride: his son.

Whether you're commuting to campus a few days a week, taking fully online classes, or working remotely as a student employee, learning to create a productive, tech-friendly home setup is essential. While it may feel relaxing to work in your pajamas from bed (we’ve all been there), your success depends on staying organized, secure, and connected — even when you’re not physically on campus.Here’s your ultimate guide to turning your off-campus space into a mini Pitt workspace that helps you stay focused, on schedule, and stress-free.

Whether you're reaching out to a professor, TA, supervisor, or potential employer, your emails make an impression. Even in an age of DMs and group chats, email remains the most professional and widely used form of communication in academic and career settings.The good news? You don’t have to be a writing major to send a solid email. You just need to be clear, polite, and a little thoughtful. Up your communication game with this guide to help you avoid common mistakes and get replies faster.

Trying to join a Zoom class or submit an assignment when your Wi-Fi won’t cooperate is the worst. Whether you're living on campus or hanging out in Hillman, a reliable connection is a must. Good news: Pitt has you covered with campus-wide Wi-Fi. Here's your guide to avoiding connection chaos and staying online all semester long.

As you dive into your classes, make new friends, and explore everything the University has to offer, there’s one more thing to add to your college to-do list: protecting your digital life. 🧠💻Whether you're living on campus or commuting, your devices are a vital part of your academic journey — and a top target for cybercriminals. But don’t panic! We’ve got your back with simple tips to keep your information (and peace of mind) secure.

Starting college is exciting but let’s face it, it can also be overwhelming. Between finding your classes, meeting new people, and learning how to do laundry (finally), technology might not be the first thing on your mind. But trust us, it should be!Pitt has tons of tech tools and support resources that will make your life a whole lot easier. Whether you're navigating your first week or getting ready for midterms, this guide will help you feel right at home (digitally speaking).

See how Pitt student Brandon Sia leverages the Student Computing Labs to power up his own studies.

Summer is almost here—and, trust us, we want you to enjoy it! Relax, recharge, and soak up the sun. But if you find yourself with some extra time between vacations and binge-watching your favorite shows, why not take advantage of the resources available to you to make for a productive few months?

On Saturday, I had the honor of walking across the stage and turning my tassel, officially becoming a Pitt alumna. I’ve been reflecting on the last four years at Pitt. As a Pitt IT student blogger, I’ve especially thought about all the tech tools that I really loved … and wish I’d taken full advantage of a lot sooner.

On April 23, Pitt launched a monumental initiative with the official ribbon-cutting for the newly established University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences and Sports Analytics Cloud Innovation Center, powered by AWS. Attendees from Pitt Information Technology, Pitt Schools of the Health Sciences, Pitt Athletics, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) came together to celebrate this innovative collaboration.

Moving out is a whole thing. You’re juggling finals or work, packing your entire life into boxes, and trying to figure out how you ended up with three coffee makers. With so much going on, your tech can easily be lost or damaged. But don’t worry, Pitt IT has your back! Follow these friendly, no-stress tips to protect your devices, stay organized, and make sure everything makes it to your new home in one piece. 

Remember Zoom bombing? It was all over the news when schools and businesses went remote during the pandemic, causing Zoom to implement features to stop people or bots from engaging in disruptive behaviors. Unfortunately, with social and political conflict at a high level, zoom-bombing attempts are making a comeback.

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!

Photo courtesy of Alex Jurkuta, Pitt News Visual Editor

Finals season is here, and whether you’re tackling final papers, projects, or exams, having the right tech tools can make all the difference. Instead of cramming at the last minute, take advantage of technology to stay organized, study efficiently, and collaborate effectively. Here’s how Pitt IT resources can help you finish the semester strong.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way students and educators approach learning. From helping with research to improving writing, AI can be an invaluable tool when used responsibly. Here are some practical ways you can incorporate AI, while steering clear of ethical and practical pitfalls:

As temperatures rise, you may be gearing up for summer travel. Whether you’ll be taking a semester abroad, doing on-site research, or just enjoying some well-earned rest and relaxation, keeping your devices safe while traveling is essential for a stress-free journey.