Beginning October 2019 all students who authenticate into Pitt Passport, the web page you use to access Pitt’s online services, will be required to read and agree to the University’s Financial Responsibility Agreement (FRA). You will only be prompted to read and accept the FRA twice per academic year: once in early October, and once in early March.
Is this new?
Only the process of agreeing to the FRA is new. Prior to October 2019, the FRA was embedded in the self-registration process in the student information system. Under that method, some students were presented with the agreement multiple times per term (each time they made enrollment changes through self-registration). It has been removed from self-registration and is now presented to all students up to two times per academic year, during authentication to access University online services.
What is the purpose of the FRA?
By reading then agreeing to the FRA, students acknowledge that they understand that enrollment in classes and/or receipt of some services will create a financial obligation, and that each student promises to pay all charges that are posted to the student account. It also specifies what will happen if charges are not paid in full, so students are fully informed not only about their financial responsibility, but also the potential consequences that will occur when student account balances are not paid in a timely manner. Finally, it provides permission for the University to provide specific services to students for which we need consent in order to comply with regulatory requirements.
Why do I have to sign the FRA?
This agreement, in conjunction with our website, helps define the University’s expectations for payment, and allows us to clearly inform students of our policies related to billing, late payment penalties, contact methods, etc.
I am not enrolling in classes right now, I just need to access an electronic service provided by the University. Why do I have to sign the FRA?
You are currently enrolled or classified as an active student, or you would not have access to my.pitt.edu. You may also be enrolling in classes in the near future. Agreeing to the FRA demonstrates that you understand and acknowledge that you are responsible for paying all of the charges that are posted to your student account. You are also acknowledging that you are informed about what may happen if you fail to make payment in a timely manner.
How do I get a copy of the FRA?
You will be emailed a copy of each FRA you agree to, to your University email account, each time you sign the FRA online, so you can retain it for your records. Read a PDF copy of the agreement. The University also will retain a copy for its records.
What happens if I refuse to agree to the FRA?
You will not be able to access any of the University’s electronic services until you have read and agreed to the FRA.