The referral process within Pathways allows for a more intentional way to connect students with other staff on campus and provide coordinated support to students. Separate from the early progress reporting (EPR) process, which allows instructors to raise course-specific concerns about select students, Pathways referrals are not limited to feedback on academic performance.
The list of referrals that can be issued for students as well as details about what will happen when a specific referral is issued can be found by clicking the respective referral link below. More information for instructors about submitting an academic referral, can be found on our instructor referrals webpage, as well as detailed instructions.
Making a referral for a student does not violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). However, the information included in a referral would be subject to a student access request under FERPA. If you are not familiar with FERPA, the Office of the University Registrar has some great information on FERPA Training & Resources. In addition, the Pathways team has developed a robust set of resources on documenting student interactions in Pathways.
If you have an immediate safety concern for a student, do not issue a referral via Pathways. Instead call Campus Police. For more information, review these suggestions for how to proceed.
Types of Referrals - Intervention Referrals
Intervention Referrals are used when a student's situation warrants active outreach, follow-up, and case management. These referrals are intended for more significant concerns where staff interaction is needed to assess the situation, support the student, encourage behavior change, remove barriers, or coordinate services.
- Academic Referral (Pittsburgh Campus)
What is the purpose of this referral?
The Academic Referral (Pittsburgh Campus) should be made when a faculty or staff member learns that a student is struggling academically; dealing with a personal issue that may interfere with academics or require coordination with instructor; or is not attending classes.
This referral should be used for non-emergency situations only. If this is an emergency or requires an immediate response, please call the Pitt Police: 412-624-2121. If the matter for which the student is being referred requires coordination among several departments, please submit a Care and Resource Support Team referral instead.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
The case will be assigned to the student’s academic advisor(s), an academic coach and/or additional student success team members. The response to the student will depend on the nature of the issue. If they are not already aware of the situation, they will gather information from the referring person, check advising notes, progress reports, and midterm grades, and in rare cases, they may do information-gathering from instructors directly. If the student would benefit from help that is coordinated among several departments, it may be directed to the Care and Resource Support Team.
If it is believed that they need to meet with the student, they will reach out to the student via email within several days.
The student does not receive any automated emails when this referral is issued.
- Bradford Campus Academic Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A Bradford Campus Academic Referral should be made when an instructor learns that a student is struggling academically; dealing with a personal issue that may interfere with academics or require coordination; is missing assignments; or is not attending classes
This referral should be used for non-emergency situations only. If this is an emergency or requires an immediate response, please call the Campus Police: 814-368-3211.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
This referral will go to a full-time academic advisor in the Academic Success Center. The response to the student will depend on the specific situation. The Academic Success Center staff member will refer the student as appropriate for support.
The student does not receive any automated emails when this referral is issued.
- Financial Aid Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A referral to the Financial Aid Office should be made when a staff member (e.g. instructor, Academic Advisor) learns the student has a financial issue that is impacting their academics and/or personal life.
This referral should be used for students on the Pittsburgh Campus.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
On the Pittsburgh Campus, the response to the student will be a personalized email from the Financial Aid Office. A full review of the student’s file will be completed prior to contacting the student so that the message can be customized for the student’s needs.
If the file review determines that the situation is best handled via a face-to-face appointment, then contact will be made through an email to the student giving available times. The initial contact will always be through an email but may require a meeting.
On the Regional Campuses, the Director of Financial Aid will be contacted regarding the student. They will follow up with the student in line with their campuses’ protocol.
The student does not receive any automated emails when this referral is issued.
- Financial Wellness Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A referral to the Center for Financial Education & Wellness should be made when a staff member (e.g. instructor, Academic Advisor) learns the student or student group can benefit from a meeting on personal finance topics. Topics can include budgeting, saving, understanding credit, student loan repayment, financial decision making, or financial stress that the student is experiencing. Our goal is to assist students in navigating financial decisions while they are enrolled at Pitt and contribute to their overall well-being.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
The response to the student will be a personalized email from the Director of Financial Wellness or Senior Assistant Director of Financial Wellness. Contact will be made through an email to determine if a meeting is required. If a meeting is required, a counselor will meet with the individual student to discuss personalized goals and financial support options available. For group presentations, please contact finwellness@pitt.edu.
The student does not receive any automated emails when this referral is issued.
- Graduate Student Academic Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
The Graduate Student Academic referral should be made when a faculty or staff member learns that a graduate student is struggling academically; dealing with a personal issue that may interfere with academics or require coordination with instructor; or is not attending classes.
This referral should be used for non-emergency situations only. If this is an emergency or requires an immediate response, please call the Pitt Police: 412-624-2121. If the matter for which the student is being referred requires coordination among several departments, please submit a Care and Resource Support Team referral instead.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
The case will be assigned to the student's advisor or the designated student support team for the graduate school or program. The response to the student will depend on the nature of the issue. If they are not already aware of the situation, they will gather information previous advising sessions or notes, or may reach out to the instructor for more information. If the student would benefit from help that is coordinated among several departments, it may be directed to the Care and Resource Support Team.
If it is believed that they need to meet with the student, they will reach out to the student via email within several days.
The student does not receive any automated emails when this referral is issued.
- Greensburg Campus Student Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A Greensburg Campus Student Referral should be made when an instructor learns that a student is struggling academically; dealing with a personal issue that may interfere with academics or require coordination; is missing assignments; or is not attending classes
This referral should be used for non-emergency situations only. If this is an emergency or requires an immediate response, please call the Campus Police: 724-836-9865.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
This referral will go to a full-time academic advisor in the Advising Center. The response to the student will depend on the specific situation. The Advising Center staff member will refer the student as appropriate for support.
The student does not receive any automated emails when this referral is issued.
- Johnstown Campus Academic Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A Johnstown Campus Academic Referral should be made when an instructor learns that a student is struggling academically; dealing with a personal issue that may interfere with academics or require coordination; is missing assignments; or is not attending classes
This referral should be used for non-emergency situations only. If this is an emergency or requires an immediate response, please call the Campus Police: 814-269-7005.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
This referral will go to a full-time staff member in the Academic Success Center. The response to the student will depend on the specific situation. The Academic Success Center staff member will refer the student as appropriate for support.
The student does not receive any automated emails when this referral is issued.
- Study Lab Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A referral to Study Lab should be made when a staff or faculty person (e.g., Academic Advisor, instructor) learns that a student in the Dietrich School or College of General Studies is struggling academically or expresses interest in improving their grades or study habits.
This referral should be used for Dietrich School and CGS students on the Pittsburgh campus only.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
Within one week, an academic coach will reach out with a more personalized email based on the comments provided in the referral.
The student receives an automated email when this referral is issued - What does it include?
- Titusville Campus Academic Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A Titusville Campus Academic Referral should be made when an instructor learns that a student is struggling academically; dealing with a personal issue that may interfere with academics or require coordination; is missing assignments; or is not attending classes.
This referral should be used for non-emergency situations only. If this is an emergency or requires an immediate response, please call the Campus Police: 814-827-4488.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
This referral will go to the Learning Center Coordinator and ETC Executive Director. The response to the student will depend on the specific situation. The Learning Center Coordinator will refer the student as appropriate for support.
The student does not receive any automated emails when this referral is issued.
- Transitional Advising Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A Transitional Advising Referral is designed to connect students with specialized support as they explore or pursue a change of school or program on the Pittsburgh campus. In addition to submitting the referral, referral issuers should take a moment to explain why the referral is being made and how Transitional Advising can help students understand their options, plan next steps, and navigate the transition successfully.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
This referral will go to the Director, University Advising Center or be assigned to another member of the Student Success Team. Transitional advisors offer individualized support and holistic development for the student, all in collaboration with campus partners. Transitional advisors will close the case after the student has successfully transitioned to their new program, school or campus.
The student does not receive any automated emails when this referral is issued.
Types of Referrals - Resource Referrals
Resource Referrals are used to connect students with services, programs, or opportunities that may benefit them but do not necessarily require direct intervention. In many cases, the referral process is meant to provide the student with information about available resources and allows them to decide whether to engage. Resource referrals are generally informational in nature and while some resource referrals do open cases, active case management or staff follow-up is not always necessary. While all intervention referrals open cases, most resource referrals instead only trigger an automated email to the student.
- Career Center Referral
Pittsburgh Campus
What is the purpose of this referral?
A referral to the Career Center should be made when a staff person (e.g., instructor, academic advisor, RD) learns that a student needs assistance exploring careers or majors, deciding among several career interest areas, or can benefit from any career support such as internship or job search assistance or graduate school preparation.
The more information you are able to provide in the “additional comments” box, the more detailed the follow-up to that student will be.
Students in the College of Business Administration or students considering a health-related career should be referred to their respective Career Centers.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
The response to the student will depend on the nature of the issue. All referred students will receive an automated email with information about how to schedule an appointment with a career consultant and utilize the resources of the Career Center. If the Career Center believes additional outreach to a student is necessary, a staff member will follow up with a personalized email.
The student receives an automated email when this referral is issued - What does it include?
University of Pittsburgh Greensburg Campus
What is the purpose of this referral?
A referral to Career Services should be made when a staff person (or faculty, if applicable) learns that a student needs or would like assistance exploring careers or majors, deciding among several career interests, or could benefit in regard to some kind of career support (e.g., gaining experience in their major, internship/job search assistance, graduate school preparation).
The more information you are able to provide in the “additional comments” box, the more detailed the follow-up to that student will be.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
Following a referral, the response to the student will depend on the nature of the issue discussed. All referred students will receive an email from a staff member with information about how to schedule an appointment with a career consultant, the topics typically discussed, and how to utilize the resources of Career Services. If Career Services believes additional outreach to a student is necessary, a staff member will follow up for scheduling purposes. Following the initial outreach to the student, the response or lack of response will determine the next steps in addition to the issue to address.
The student does not receive any automated emails when this referral is issued.
University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Campus
What is the purpose of this referral?
A referral to Career Services should be made when an advisor, staff member, or faculty learns that a student needs or would like assistance exploring careers or majors, taking the Strong test, deciding among several career interests, or could benefit in regard to some kind of career support (e.g., gaining experience in their major, internship/job search assistance, graduate school preparation).
The more information you are able to provide in the “additional comments” box, the more detailed the follow-up to that student will be.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
Following a referral, the response to the student will depend on the nature of the issue discussed. All referred students will receive an email from a staff member with information about how to schedule an appointment with a career consultant, the topics typically discussed, and how to utilize the resources of Career Services. If Career Services believes additional outreach to a student is necessary, a staff member will follow up for scheduling purposes. Following the initial outreach to the student, the response or lack of response will determine the next steps in addition to the issue to address.
The student receives an automated email when this referral is issued - What does it include?
- Frederick Honors College Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A Frederick Honors College referral should be made when a student expresses a general or specific interest in Frederick Honors College opportunities (e.g., Honors courses, research programs, national scholarship competitions, the BPhil degree, applying to the Honors program), or when an advisor believes a student can benefit from engaging with the Frederick Honors College.
This referral should be used for students on the Pittsburgh Campus unless the student is transferring from a regional campus, and only if they are not currently in the Frederick Honors College. Students currently in the Honors Degree or Honors Distinction programs should be referred directly to their assigned advisor.
This referral does not open a Case.
The student receives an automated email when this referral is issued - What does it include?
- Global Experiences Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A referral to the Global Experiences Office should be made when a student expresses interest in studying abroad. The more information you are able to provide in the “additional comments” box, the more detailed the follow-up to that student will be.
This referral does not open a Case.
The student receives an automated email when this referral is issued - What does it include?
- Johnstown Math Achievement Center Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A Johnstown Math Achievement Center Referral should be made when a faculty member feels a student would benefit from additional support in any of the following math courses: Math 0001, 0002, 0004, 0121, 0221, or 0231.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
The student will receive an automated email with Johnstown Math Achievement Center staff contact information, center hours and location.
A member of the Math Achievement Center will also respond to the student with a personalized email. If detail is provided in the additional comments box, the email will refer the student to the specific service offered by the MAC that may be most appropriate for them. The email will be sent within 2-4 business days.
The student receives an automated email when this referral is issued - What does it include?
- Office of International Services Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A general referral to the Office of International Services could be made for international students in the following instances:
- Interest in an internship/field placement/practicum, etc., OFF CAMPUS
- Withdrawal from class after Add/Drop period
- Leave of Absence
- Transfer to a different institution
Post-Graduation Plans (employment, grad school, etc.)
This referral does not open a Case.
The student receives an automated email when this referral is issued - What does it include?
- Office of Veterans Services Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A referral to the Office of Veterans Services should be made when a staff person (e.g., instructor, advisor) learns that a military affiliated student is struggling academically; dealing with a personal issue that may interfere with academics or require coordination with instructor; or is not attending classes.
This referral does not open a Case.
The student receives an automated email when this referral is issued - What does it include?
- Pre-Health Resource Center Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A referral to the Pre-Health Resource Center should be made when a staff person (e.g., instructor, academic advisor, RD) learns that a student is considering a health-related career, deciding among health-related careers, considering graduate health professions programs, or preparing an application to a graduate health professions program.
This referral should only be used for students on the Pittsburgh Campus unless the student is transferring from a regional campus.
This referral does not open a Case.
The student receives an automated email when this referral is issued - What does it include?
- University Center for International Studies Referral
What is the purpose of this referral?
A referral to the University Center for International Studies (UCIS) should be made when a student expresses interest in international studies credentials; resources and scholarships that support research and study abroad; and the events, professional development opportunities, and social activities for students interested in a particular world region or global theme.
This referral should be used for students on the Pittsburgh Campus unless the student is transferring from a regional campus.
This referral opens a case - How is the case managed?
UCIS will respond to the student with a personalized email. If detail is provided in the additional comments box, the email will likely refer them to an academic advisor in a particular UCIS center (African Studies, Asian Studies, etc.). If no detail is provided, the email will refer the student to general UCIS resources and a list of advisors in each program. The email will be sent within one week.
The student does not receive any automated emails when this referral is issued.