More Safety Information

Megan’s Law Information and Criminal Records

Under the federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, any person who is required to register with the commonwealth as a sex offender under Pennsylvania's Megan's Law requirement must notify the state if they are employed or are enrolled as a student at a college or university. The law also requires institutions of higher education to advise the campus community how to obtain information on current registered sexual offenders and preditors residing within the campus community. Information regarding registered sex offenders residing in the Oakland area may be obtained by visiting the Pennsylvania Megan's Law Web site at www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us.

Q: Does Pitt screen prospective students for criminal history?
A: Some graduate school applicants are asked about their criminal history, and federal law requires certain disclosures on financial aid forms. In addition, residence hall students must disclose to the Office of Residence Life any felony convictions or other convictions for sexual offenses or drug distribution, sale, or manufacture. If students have any such convictions, they may not reside in University-owned housing without first obtaining permission from the Office of Residence Life. Students with such convictions must agree to assist the Office of Residence Life in conducting a background check and to adhere to any reasonable housing conditions mandated by the Office of Residence Life. Based on the nature and circumstances of past or future convictions, the student may be prevented from residing in University-owned housing. Failure to disclose convictions prior to residing on campus will be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and may result in immediate removal from campus housing.

Q: Does Pitt screen current or prospective employees for criminal history?
A: All prospective staff and certain faculty members are asked if they have ever pled guilty to or been convicted of misdemeanor or felony crimes. Certain positions, such as those in housing and residence life, those with a substantial likelihood of regular contact with minor children, and those involving hazardous materials, require criminal background checks. Pitt will not offer employment to applicants if they have criminal histories that disqualify them from the requirements of the position they are seeking.

UNIVERSITY EMERGENCY
PHONE NUMBERS

University of Pittsburgh Police EMERGENCIES 4-2121
or Noncampus Phone
412-624-2121
General Assistance 4-4040
or 412-624-4040

Sexual Assault Services
412-648-7930

Student Health Service
412-383-1800

University Counseling Center
412-648-7930

Student Conduct
412-648-7910

Environmental Health and Safety
412-624-9505

SafeRider
412-648-CALL (2255)

PITTSBURGH EMERGENCY
PHONE NUMBERS (OFF CAMPUS)

City of Pittsburgh Police,
Fire, Ambulance 911

Pittsburgh Action Against Rape
24-hour hotline 1-866-363-7273

Center for Victims of
Violence and Crime
24-hour hotline 412-392-8582

Pennsylvania Department
of Public Welfare
ChildLine for abuse reporting
1-800-932-0313