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.
🎓 Welcome to Your Alumni Account
About four weeks after graduation, your student University computing account will automatically convert to an alumni account. That means that you can keep your @pitt.edu email address — so long as you remember to log in at least once every 180 days to keep the account active.
Along with your email address, you’ll also maintain your access to PeopleSoft for grades, transcripts, and enrollment verifications.
📦 What to Save Before You Go
While your alumni account saves your email address and any correspondences, most other digital services will close out in the weeks following graduation.
- Canvas: Your account will be disabled once you're no longer a registered student. If there are course materials, project files, or assignment submissions you want to hold onto, download them now.
- OneDrive: Any files you have stored in Pitt cloud storage will need to be transferred to a personal account or external storage device before graduation.
- Microsoft 365: The documents you created in apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel will still exist, but you’ll have limited access to the premium features you’re used to.
- Zoom: If you have any recorded meetings saved in the cloud, download them from Panopto or Zoom before you go. You can always create a free personal Zoom account to stay connected after.
If there are any particularly important documents (like capstone projects or research), be sure to save those as soon as possible. That way, you can rest assured that your hard work will stay with you.
⏳ Use LinkedIn Learning While You Still Have Full Access
Your free access to LinkedIn Learning is available for one semester past graduation. So, if there’s a skill you’ve been meaning to build, a tool you want to get certified in, or a course that would strengthen your resume, now is the time to dive in.
Before your access ends, make sure your LinkedIn profile is connected to your Pitt license so your completed courses stick around in your learning history even after your free access expires.
✅ Three Must-Do’s Before Graduation Day
There’s a lot to keep track of, but Pitt Digital has a comprehensive Graduation Checklist that walks you through every step. Before you walk across the stage next week, take a moment to make sure your tech is taken care of.
And if you get swept up in finals and celebrations, here’s what to remember:
- Log into your alumni account at least once every 180 days to keep it active or update any personal accounts (banking, subscriptions, job boards) that are linked to your @pitt.edu email so you don't lose access to anything important.
- Transfer your OneDrive files to a personal storage account before your Pitt storage disappears.
- Download Canvas content you want to keep — course materials, feedback, projects that belong in your portfolio.
🔵 You're a Panther, Always
While graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter, Pitt Digital is still here for you. Through your alumni account, you can stay connected to the University long after you finish your last class. Take a few minutes before the festivities begin to run through the checklist, save what you need, and set yourself up for a smooth transition.
Congratulations, Panthers. We're proud of you.
— Pitt Digital
