An In-Depth Guide to Using GUS – The Essential Student Portal at Pittsburg State University

As a student at Pittsburg State University (PSU) one of the most important online resources you’ll use is GUS, which stands for Gorilla University System. GUS is the university’s online student portal that provides access to course information, grades, registration financial aid status, and more. Having a solid understanding of how to navigate and utilize all the features GUS offers will be critical to your success as a PSU student.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about getting started with GUS as well as tips and tricks for using it effectively as you progress through your degree program. Whether you are an incoming freshman or a graduating senior read on to learn how to make the most of the GUS student portal during your time at Pittsburg State!

What is GUS?

GUS short for Gorilla University System is the online student portal used by Pittsburg State University. It serves as a one-stop shop for students to

• Register for classes
• View course schedules
• Check grades
• Manage financial aid
• Make payments
• Access academic records and unofficial transcripts
• Update personal contact information
• And more!

Essentially, the GUS portal consolidates all the critical tools and information students need in one centralized platform that can be accessed anytime, anywhere with an internet connection. It replaces the need for in-person visits to campus offices by putting essential student services at your fingertips online.

GUS gets its name from the PSU mascot, the Gorillas. For any technology issues with the GUS portal, the GUS Help Desk is available to provide technical support to students weekdays from 7:30AM to 4:30PM.

How to Log in to GUS

To access your GUS account as a PSU student, simply:

1. Go to the GUS login page at gus.pittstate.edu.

2. Enter your Username, which is the same as your PSU email prefix (the part before “@pittstate.edu”).

3. Enter your Password, which by default is initially set to your birthday in MMDDYY format but can be changed after logging in.

4. Select the “Login to MyGUS” button.

The first time you log in, you’ll need to verify your identity by answering some challenge questions. Once your account is setup, you’ll be able to use your username and password to conveniently log in to GUS anytime.

Key Features and Information in GUS

The GUS portal contains a wealth of helpful tools and resources. Here are some of the key sections and capabilities to take advantage of:

Academics

• Class Schedule – View your schedule and room assignments for each semester. You can also print course schedules.

• Grades – Look up grades for current and previous terms. Monitor progress in your classes.

• Unofficial Transcript – Check your cumulative academic record including all courses taken, grades received, and GPA.

• Degree Progress – Track progress toward completing your degree program and meeting graduation requirements.

Registration

• Add/Drop Classes – Search for courses and adjust your schedule by adding or dropping classes.

• Enrollment Appointments – See your assigned registration date and time for upcoming semesters.

• Holds – Check for any holds that may prevent registration and take steps to resolve them.

Student Accounts

• Account Balance – Review charges, payments, and current balance due for tuition, fees, housing, etc.

• Make a Payment – Securely pay your student account balance online.

• Payment Plans – Enroll in a payment plan to break up tuition payments over several months.

Financial Aid

• Awards & Status – Check your financial aid awards, application status, and steps needed to complete paperwork.

• Requirements – See any unsatisfied requirements for aid disbursement and requested documents.

• Scholarships – View scholarship awards and maintain eligibility requirements.

Helpful Tips for Using GUS

Here are some top tips to help you avoid issues and maximize usage of the GUS student portal:

• Log in early before registration periods to check for holds that could prevent enrollment.

• Print your course schedule from GUS at the start of each semester and keep it handy.

• Review grades regularly and follow up quickly if you have any grade concerns.

• Routinely check for new terms bills and make payments by due dates to avoid late fees.

• Don’t forget to update your personal information like address, phone, emergency contacts (under “Profile”).

• Enable text/email notifications so you never miss important communications and deadlines.

• Use the Degree Progress tool to map out courses needed to graduate on schedule.

• Take advantage of the mobile app to access GUS on the go from your smartphone.

Following these best practices for using the GUS portal will help every PSU student stay on top of school responsibilities, avoid surprises, and make steady progress toward earning your degree.

In closing, GUS provides the gateway to managing all aspects of your student experience at Pittsburg State University. Mastering how to effectively navigate and use the GUS portal early on will empower you to take control of your education. Bookmark the login page and make a habit of checking in regularly to stay informed. Don’t hesitate to contact the GUS Help Desk if you ever need assistance.

With your username and password in hand, you now have all the know-how to make the most of the powerful GUS platform. Log in today to view your profile, explore the available tools, and get a head start on upcoming semester preparations. Here’s to a successful year ahead – go Gorillas!