The University Council on Graduate Study (UCGS) develops basic standards, regulations, and policies applicable to all fields for graduate instruction and research.
UCGS reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to the provost concerning proposals for new post-baccalaureate degree and certificate programs throughout the University after such proposals have had prior review and approval by the appropriate people within the school.
UCGS keeps informed regarding general developments affecting graduate education.
Learn more about the Organization of Graduate Study at the University of Pittsburgh.
Meeting Dates
UCGS meets monthly September through May. For a proposal to be reviewed at the monthly UCGS meetings, it must be submitted and reviewed by the Graduate Studies team at least 11 working days in advance of the meeting. However, it is at the discretion of the Graduate Studies Team to determine if the academic program proposal can be added to a particular date's meeting agenda.
Refer to the table below for scheduled meeting dates in AY24-25. Meetings times are on Tuesdays from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.
Academic Year 2024–2025
| Fall Term 2024 | Academic Proposal Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| September 10, 2024 | August 30, 2024 |
| October 8, 2024 | September 20, 2024 |
| November 12, 2024 | October 25, 2024 |
| December 10, 2024 | November 22, 2024 |
| Spring Term 2025 | Academic Proposal Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| January 14, 2025 | December 18, 2024 |
| February 11, 2025 | January 24, 2025 |
| March 11, 2025 | February 21, 2025 |
| April 8, 2025 | March 21, 2025 |
| May 13, 2025 | April 23, 2025 |
| June 10, 2025 (tentative) |
Membership
View the current roster of UCGS members and the areas they represent.
UCGS also has subcommittees on Graduate Procedures and Graduate Student Affairs.
Agendas, Minutes, and Annual Reports
Meeting of Council agendas are available from October 2002 through the current year.
Approved minutes of the UCGS Meetings of Council are available for the years 1996 through the current year.
UCGS communicates its decisions to the faculty, students, and administrative officers of the University through annual reports on activities, available from 1997 through the current year. Annual reports are also provided by the Graduate & Professional Student Government.
Guidelines and Resources
A number of guidelines are available related to areas such as assessment procedures, program review, academic planning, certificate programs, and more.
Doctoral Mentoring Awards
The Provost’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring annually recognizes outstanding mentoring of graduate students seeking a research doctorate degree. Up to four awards are made each year.