CollegiateParent has published this guide in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University. Our goal is to share helpful, timely information about your student’s college experience and to connect you to relevant campus and community resources.
Please refer to the school’s website and contact information below for updates to information in the guide or with questions about its contents. CollegiateParent is not responsible for omissions or errors. This publication was made possible by the businesses and professionals contained within it. The presence of university/college logos and marks in the guide does not mean that the publisher or school endorses the products or services offered by the advertisers.
Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.
The university’s Discriminatory and Sexual Misconduct Policy contains grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of Complaints alleging any action which would be prohibited by this Policy. Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-7125
Obtain general information about Carnegie Mellon University by calling 412-268-2000
For more information, please contact: Family Engagement
Community Life Suite 1060 Morewood Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-268-2142
cmu.edu/family
Welcome
On behalf of CMU Student Affairs, welcome to the CMU family!
Carnegie Mellon students are passionate, curious and create work that matters to our communities and our world. As your student moves through their college career, they will engage in a metacurricular journey to become innovative scholars, interdisciplinary researchers, center-stage artists and leaders in their fields and industries. Your students have made an excellent decision for their college education, and I hope that you will find these years exciting and rewarding.
There is so much to look forward to throughout the Carnegie Mellon experience. It is a time when major transitions take place, such as adjusting to new schedules, living away from home and making new connections. Know that your student has an entire university community to support them. We are committed to keeping you informed and involved as a part of our Carnegie Mellon community and encourage family members to connect with current CMU families and alumni in your local area.
CMU provides the support and resources students need to thrive across academic, social, physical and emotional aspects of their lives. This guide is designed to highlight these resources, and how the Family Engagement team can support both you and your student.
We look forward to engaging with you throughout your student’s time at CMU. Please reach out to myself, or any team member, if we can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Lauren Moran, EdD Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Director of First-Year Orientation and Family Engagement
laurenmo@andrew.cmu.edu 412-268-2142
Family Engagement
Family members of our undergraduate students are an important part of the Carnegie Mellon community. Family Engagement is here to share information about university resources, important events and developmental milestones in your student’s experience so that you can facilitate meaningful interactions with your student throughout their Carnegie Mellon journey.
The Family Engagement team interacts with families remotely and in person through Family Orientation, the Tartan Family Webinar Series, Family Weekend, Spring Carnival, Commencement and other university milestones. Our team also curates The Fence Post, an email newsletter that helps family members stay connected and informed about CMU resources and events. Additionally, the Family Engagement website is
a robust source of information that connects family members to university resources for academic support, health and well-being, finances and campus safety, amongst others.
While you will see the words “parent” or “family” used on most Carnegie Mellon University websites and resources, we recognize and include all guardians, family members and others who give our students support. Our family engagement efforts are designed to welcome and include all individuals who support our students throughout their educational journey.
We look forward to working with you to support your student’s success.
cmu.edu/family 412-268-2142 family@andrew.cmu.edu
Explore upcoming events and webinars for family members: cmu.edu/family/events
Academics at CMU
Breakthroughs happen at the intersection of fields — a hallmark of the Carnegie Mellon experience.
Renowned faculty explore alongside students, collaborating on research, tackling society’s biggest challenges and delivering work that matters. Experiential learning, problem-solving and the ability to put classroom knowledge to work create the foundation for careers and more.
Across an enviable spectrum of core academic strengths, from musical theater to artificial intelligence, engineering to design to digital-age ethics, Carnegie Mellon brings together the best minds, pushing one another to dive deeper. United by curiosity and passion, CMU is a community of problem solvers driven to explore the questions that lead to change and progress. College
Life at CMU
At CMU, some of your student’s most important lessons will take place outside of the classroom.
Carnegie Mellon is home to more than 400 student organizations — everything from fraternity and sorority life and athletics to technology and the arts. Countless ways exist for students to explore community engagement and leadership development, as well as engage in campus traditions and events. If your student has a unique interest or passion, they are also welcome to start a new organization.
Living on campus, especially during their first year of college, will allow your student to acclimate and connect with their new community, learn more about themselves, and develop meaningful relationships that inspire exploration, growth and learning. No singular identity defines us. Students from all 50 states and countries worldwide attend Carnegie Mellon. Creating a campus culture that respects and seeks to engender belonging for all students is a foundation of the CMU experience.
Now more than ever, these core values allow us to advance academic excellence and innovation, strengthen our community’s health and well-being and propel students forward as leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and global citizens.
Well-being and mindfulness are as integral to the Carnegie Mellon experience as academics. Students can take courses in mindful living and resilience, attend workshops and events on topics like mental health, healthy decision-making and self-compassion, and engage in free guided meditation sessions. No matter your student’s faith, spirituality or secular worldview, the many faiths and traditions represented at CMU make it easy for them to connect and gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of other perspectives.
What is life at CMU? It’s a bit of everything. Classwork. New experiences with new people. Research and selfreflection. Failing and growing from it. Breaking boundaries and building friendships. Leaps and bounds, and also baby steps. Challenging yourself and embracing self-care. Changing the world and opening your mind and heart to others different from yourself. It’s people and places and experiences ... that is life at Carnegie Mellon University.
Important Relationships
Investing in meaningful relationships is invaluable for students and contributes to a truly transformative university experience. There are a number of relationships that are key to your student’s experience, particularly during the first year of college.
Faculty and Teaching Assistants
If your student has questions about class material or is struggling in a course, their first step should be to talk to their course professor or teaching assistant (TA). Faculty members and TAs offer office hours to meet with students. During that time, the professor and TA can answer questions and refer to strategies for additional support. At the beginning of each course, students will receive a course syllabus that outlines the class objectives, resources and deadlines. Ask your student to refer to their course syllabus for details about their professor’s and TA’s office hours and the best way to schedule a meeting.
Academic Advisors and Academic Associate Deans
Every student is assigned an academic advisor who serves as a primary contact throughout your student’s time as an undergraduate. Advisors help students determine where their strengths and interests align, develop suitable educational plans, evaluate progress toward established goals and cultivate problem-solving and decisionmaking skills. In addition, each college has a designated assistant/associate dean who serves as a point of contact and referral for students in need of assistance in academic matters. For general information regarding academic issues, please encourage your student to reach out to their academic advisor.
Learn more about the people who can help: cmu.edu/wellbeing/resources/people
Housefellows
Each housing community has leadership provided by a housefellow, a professional Student Affairs staff member who serves as a mentor and advocate for students. The housefellow is an important contact during a student’s first year and profoundly influences the growth and development of the students in their housing communities.
Community Advisors and Resident Assistants
Each housing community has one student community advisor (CA) and several student resident assistants (RAs). CAs and RAs build community, support and mentor, promote learning and help students make the most of their CMU experience on campus.
Career Consultant
The Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) is a centralized career center that supports students with career exploration, networking and experiential learning. Each academic college or school has specialized career consultants who can help students develop their career path from choosing a major, writing a resume, learning how to interview or finding a summer internship.
College Liaisons
College liaisons are experienced Student Affairs staff who work in partnership with students, student support resources coordinators, advisors, faculty and associate deans in each college to cultivate a positive Carnegie Mellon student experience.
HUB Liaisons
The HUB is Carnegie Mellon’s one-stop shop for comprehensive enrollment services, including financial aid, billing and payments, ID cards and registration and academic records. Based on their college or school, students and families are assigned a HUB liaison who serves as their main point of contact throughout their time at CMU. HUB liaisons provide individualized services for financial and enrollment-related needs.
Student Support Resources
The Student Support Resources (SSR) team offers support and expertise for students who are navigating any of a wide range of life events. SSR staff members work in partnership with campus and community resources to provide coordination of care and support appropriate to each student’s situation.
The CMU Cares Form may be used by any member of the CMU community, including family members, if they know or feel a CMU student may be in need of support due to behavioral, mental health and/or wellbeing concerns. This form is referred to a Student Affairs staff member who will take appropriate action.
The First Semester
Carnegie Mellon supports first-year students and their families with robust and individualized resources and a strong ethic of care.
We are here to help your student thrive during their Carnegie Mellon journey and to help you provide support for your student.
The transition to college life will include learning and excitement, challenging moments and uncertainty, highs and lows, and everything else in between. There are some areas where family support is helpful, especially during the first semester.
Adjusting to the Pace and Rigor of College Courses
Many CMU students graduate at the top of their class and excelled in their high school academics. Even so, the academic demand at Carnegie Mellon can be an adjustment. Students may experience “impostor syndrome” or the feeling that they aren’t meant to be here, that their acceptance was a fluke or that they aren’t “cut out” for CMU. Imposter syndrome is common among college students at academically rigorous institutions.
In these moments of doubt, assure your student they were admitted to CMU on their own merit and that both you as family members and Carnegie Mellon believe they can be successful here. Remind them also that it takes time to adjust to new academic expectations.
Encourage your student to connect with the Student Academic Success Center, which offers academic support and skillbuilding opportunities, including tutoring, supplemental instruction, communication workshops, and academic coaching for study skills and time management.
Navigating Newfound Independence
First-year students are meeting new people, experiencing increased responsibility for decision-making, and exploring independence and new boundaries. There is a lot of excitement and growth in building new community and connections, and students are also adjusting to the changing relationship dynamic with friends from home, family members and significant others.
Students may experience homesickness, even if this isn’t their first time away from home. Homesickness is normal and it’s important to validate your student’s feelings. Remind them that it can take some time to feel at home in a new place and that there are so many ways to get involved on campus and hundreds of different communities to join.
Encourage your student to engage with peers in their classes and their resident assistants and to attend a student organization meeting or event. Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) provides a safe and confidential environment for students to talk about their transition to college and any other personal concerns.
Cultivating Inclusive Excellence
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is committed to fostering an environment where all members feel welcome, valued and positioned to thrive. We believe that education can be a transformative and enriching force for every person, irrespective of their background, identity or life circumstances. The concept of belonging is foundational to our mission
and is intricately interwoven into the very essence of our university, helping to shape our values, policies and practices.
Our community promotes civil discourse and the open exchange of ideas within a safe environment guided by our belief that every person at Carnegie Mellon should feel confident that they belong here. It’s important for our students to explore and celebrate their own backgrounds and beliefs, to share their journey with others and to learn from others along the way.
Encourage your student to engage in the Deeper Conversations series hosted by the Office of the Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement; explore what civility means in their residential house community; or connect with the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion to attend an event or workshop; and get to know staff and student leaders committed to an inclusive CMU where every student is empowered to contribute their best work.
Important Dates
Fall Semester 2025
First-Year Resident Move-In | Saturday, August 16
First-Year Orientation | Sunday, August 17–Sunday, August 24
Upper-Class Resident Move-In | Wednesday, August 20–Sunday, August 24
First Day of Classes | Monday, August 25
Labor Day | Monday, September 1; No classes
Last Day to Add Courses | Monday, September 8
Family Weekend & Scotty Saturday | Friday, October 3–Saturday, October 4
Last Day to Drop Courses | Monday, October 6
Fall Break | Monday, October 13–Friday, October 17; No classes
Democracy Day | Tuesday, November 4; No classes except evening classes after 5 p.m.
Homecoming | Thursday, November 6–Saturday, November 8
Spring 2026 Course Registration | Monday, November 17–Friday, November 21
Thanksgiving Break | Wednesday, November 26–Friday, November 28; No classes
Last Day of Classes | Friday, December 5
Final Exams | Monday, December 8–Monday, December 15
Reading Day | Wednesday, December 10, and Saturday, December 13; No final exams
Housing Buildings Close for Winter Break | Tuesday, December 16, at 12 p.m.
Winter Break | Tuesday, December 16–Sunday, January 11
Spring Semester 2026
Housing Buildings Open for Spring 2026 | Friday, January 9, at 9 a.m.
Classes Begin | Monday, January 12
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19; No classes
Last Day to Add Courses | Monday, January 26
Last Day to Drop Courses | Monday, February 23
Spring Break | Monday, March 2–Friday, March 6; No classes
Spring Carnival | Thursday, April 9–Saturday, April 11; No classes
Fall 2026 Course Registration | Monday, April 13–Friday, April 17
Last Day of Classes | Friday, April 24
Final Exams | Monday, April 27–Tuesday, May 5
Reading Day | Wednesday, April 29, Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3; No final exams
Housing Buildings Close for Summer Break | Wednesday, May 6, at 12 p.m.
Commencement Weekend | Friday, May 8–Sunday, May 10
First Day of Summer Courses | Monday, May 11
Academic Resources
Office of Disability Resources
cmu.edu/disability-resources 412-268-5940
access@andrew.cmu.edu
The Office of Disability Resources provides responsive, reasonable accommodations to help students accomplish their best work. The office aims to provide physical, digital and programmatic access to all events and information within the Carnegie Mellon community for both students and visitors. New students should contact Disability Resources during the summer to request accommodations for their fall semester courses or with on-campus housing or dining. Particularly if your student had accommodations in high school or previous settings, they are encouraged to connect with Disability Resources to review what accommodations are available at CMU. To apply for accommodations, your student will complete the application on their online portal. Students do not need to have documentation of a disability right away to initiate the process.
Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development cmu.edu/oursd
412-268-5702
OURSD-general@andrew.cmu.edu
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development supports undergraduate student research in every field of study through advising, workshops, individual meetings and mentorship. The office offers grants to cover research expenses, fellowships for full-time summer research projects and scholarships to support students who present their research at academic conferences.
Student Academic Success Center cmu.edu/student-success 412-268-6823 success@andrew.cmu.edu
The Student Academic Success Center is your student’s go-to resource for comprehensive academic support, offering a wide range of free programs designed to help every student thrive. Whether they are seeking tutoring, supplemental instruction or expert guidance on study skills and time management, this center has them covered. Their communication workshops and language support for multilingual speakers ensure that all students can excel with confidence. With both individual and group sessions tailored to different learning styles, the center provides a supportive, dynamic environment to help your student succeed in and beyond the classroom.
University Stores bookstore.web.cmu.edu 412-268-1032
The Carnegie Mellon University Stores are proud to be an Apple Authorized Reseller, offering the latest Apple desktops and laptops, iPads and accessories on campus. University Stores also offer Lenovo, Microsoft Surface and Dell devices to meet your student’s academic and professional needs. Beyond technology, they are the official provider of CMU-branded apparel and gifts. They also carry school and art supplies, office essentials and more. Course materials are easy to find through the University Store’s online portal. Your student will need their Andrew ID to order course materials. Families can shop at the University Store in-store or online, although some items are exclusively sold in-store. Follow them on social media for sales and early notifications about events and new Tartan pride merchandise.
Health and Well-Being Resources
Carnegie Mellon Athletics
athletics.cmu.edu
412-268-1236
Carnegie Mellon Athletics offers students the opportunity to participate in athletics on a number of levels from competitive Division III varsity teams to recreational intramural sports programs. Additionally, students have free access to in-person and remote fitness offerings, including personal training and group exercise classes.
Counseling and Psychological Services
cmu.edu/counseling
412-268-2922
Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) provides a safe, confidential environment for students to talk about personal and academic concerns with a therapist. Workshops, groups, skills building, individual therapy, psychiatric services, after hours phone support and referrals to community resources are offered. Caregivers and family members who are concerned about a student or have questions can consult with CaPS. CaPS also partners with TimelyCare, a free mental health virtual platform, to add a range of services to the robust scope of care provided by CaPS.
Health Insurance
cmu.edu/health-services/ student-insurance
412-268-2157
health@andrew.cmu.edu
Health insurance is vital to ensuring access to care and predictable health care costs, as well as aiding students in the achievement of their personal and academic goals. That is why CMU requires students to have medical insurance that meets university requirements each academic year, either through enrolling in the CMU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or obtaining a SHIP waiver, if your student has insurance that meets university standards. Students must complete Open Enrollment each academic year and will receive email communications about this throughout the summer.
Immunization Requirements
cmu.is/health
412-268-2157
health@andrew.cmu.edu
All new students must submit required health forms and immunization information, including uploading a CMU Immunization Record Form signed by their healthcare provider before arriving on campus. Students will complete this process in HealthConnect, their secure university health portal. All of the immunization and TB testing requirements must be completed prior to arriving on campus. The deadline for your student to submit the documents is August 1, 2025. If the requirements are not completed, there is a possibility that the students will not be able to register for classes. They also may not have access to their on-campus housing if they are not compliant by the deadline.
Peer Health Advocates (PHAs) encourage and support holistic student health and well-being by providing culturally responsive peer-to-peer health education programs and services. PHAs can meet students wherever feels most comfortable for them like a coffee shop, walking around the track, a private room in the Health Promotion office or on Zoom.
University Health Services (UHS) supports a campus culture of health and well-being and provides an open climate of care for all. UHS offers primary medical care, health promotion and insurance services. UHS is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and is an institutional member of the American College Health Association. After-hours and weekend advice is available through
TeamHealth and emergency care is available at local urgent care facilities and emergency rooms off campus.
Wellness and Meaning-Making Programs
cmu.edu/wellbeing/resources/ wellness-initiatives
Wellness: 412-268-7117
Religious and Spiritual Life: 412-268-3559
Carnegie Mellon is committed to the holistic growth and development of your students. The Wellness and Meaning Making Programs team works in partnership with campus and community resources to offer a wide array of workshops, personal development opportunities, communityconnection events and services that support students’ holistic well-being and engagement in meaning-making, which includes spiritual and religious practice and exploration. They support wellness, religious and spiritual liferelated student organizations, and collaborate with community wellness and spiritual resources. CMU’s Council of Religious Advisors (CoRA) are trusted, local religious advisors who support the campus community.
Family members play an important role in the health and wellness of their students. Important information and answers to common questions are available here: cmu.edu/health-services/parents
University Resources
Career and Professional Development Center cmu.edu/career 412-268-2064 career@andrew.cmu.edu
The Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) is Carnegie Mellon’s centralized career center providing a comprehensive range of services, programs and materials. The CPDC focuses on career exploration and decision-making, professional development, experiential learning and employment assistance to meet today’s evolving workplace and student goals of finding satisfying work. The CPDC offers resources for students to navigate searching and securing internships and employment for both during and after their time at CMU.
Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion cmu.edu/student-diversity 412-268-2150
The Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion is a place for everyone. The Center actively cultivates a strong, diverse and inclusive community capable of living out our Carnegie Mellon values while advancing research, creativity and learning that changes the world. The Center offers programs and resources to enhance the student experience in dimensions such as access, personal development and success, campus climate and intergroup dialogue. We provide a centralized space for students looking to take a break between classes, hold meetings or study individually or with others.
Civility Initiatives works to build community and strengthen interpersonal relationships by teaching skills for civil dialogue, active listening, conflict resolution and restorative practices. Participation in these programs also helps your student to cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness, intercultural understanding and belonging.
Community Engagement and Leadership Development supports students becoming active members of the CMU and Pittsburgh communities. Whether it is through community engagement programs such as volunteering, advocacy work and/or democratic engagement or exploring Pittsburgh’s cultural scene or outdoor amenities, there are many ways for students to contribute to the people, places and issues they are passionate about. Numerous leadership development programs including our Emerging Leaders program, specifically designed for first-year students, will equip students with the skills to become community-minded leaders.
The CMU Pantry is committed to reducing hunger among students by providing nutritious food at no cost. The CMU Pantry serves our student community with accessible food resources to promote a healthier, balanced university experience. Nonperishable food items, fresh produce, frozen produce, ready-to-eat frozen meals as well as personal hygiene and household items are available to all students who visit the CMU Pantry.
Dining Services
cmu.edu/dining 412-268-3782
dining@andrew.cmu.edu
Dining Services offers diverse and nourishing options at more than 30 on-campus dining locations, where students can socialize and study while enjoying a delicious meal. CMU dining plans allow students to choose when, where and what they want to eat in a way that best fits their schedule and dining needs. We create an inclusive experience for students with plant and faith-based dining options and a dedicated allergen-friendly kitchen.
Fraternity and Sorority Life
cmu.edu/fsl 412-268-2142
cmu-fsl@andrew.cmu.edu
Fraternity and Sorority Life at CMU is more than just a social experience—it’s a network of driven, passionate students who support each other academically, professionally, and personally. With a strong emphasis on leadership, philanthropy, and personal growth, fraternities and sororities at CMU create spaces for students to build lifelong friendships while making a tangible impact on campus and beyond. Whether organizing large-scale service initiatives, fostering mentorship opportunities, or celebrating traditions, Fraternity and Sorority Life at CMU is about finding a community that challenges and inspires you to be your best.
Housing Services
and Residential Education cmu.edu/housing Housing Services: 412-268-2139
Together, Housing Services and Residential Education craft an enriching on-campus experience that supports, engages and inspires students. Each residential community at CMU is guided by a housefellow, a dedicated Student Affairs professional who serves
as the primary contact for students. Housefellows collaborate with student staff, including resident assistants (RAs) and community advisors (CAs), to foster a residential environment focused on student growth and development. Through vibrant and engaging living spaces and experiences, they ensure that every student feels supported and empowered.
Office of Community Responsibility cmu.edu/student-affairs/oc r 412-268-2140 communityresponsibility@ andrew.cmu.edu
The Office of Community Responsibility (OCR) encourages each student to cultivate the highest standards of personal conduct, congruent with the expectations of the Carnegie Mellon University community. OCR serves as a resource for students, staff, faculty and family members looking for guidance on the Community Standards or Academic Integrity policies. The OCR team welcomes inquiries regarding educational programming, student support, conflict resolution and the university’s Community Standards or Academic Integrity Actions procedures.
The Office of International Education (OIE) cmu.edu/oie 412-268-5231 oie@andrew.cmu.edu
The Office of International Education (OIE) serves Carnegie Mellon’s international student and scholar community, focusing mainly on immigration advising and also providing a variety of resources to help international students with personal, academic and acculturation issues to help support their status while in the United States. OIE also facilitates study abroad and international exchange at CMU, advising students on programs and options and helping support their education abroad.
Postal Services cmu.edu/postoffice 412-268-2927
post-office@andrew.cmu.edu
A one-stop destination for any domestic and international shipping and mailing needs, Carnegie Mellon Postal Services offers a wide range of products and services such as stamps, postage, mailing boxes, envelopes, tape, USPS forms and money orders. Incoming students are assigned a four-digit Student Mail Code (SMC) that matches a mailbox at Postal Services. Mail or packages must be sent to their SMC mailbox and cannot be sent to their University housing address. Family members wanting to mail items to their student should address mail and packages in the following way:
STUDENT FIRST AND LAST NAME SMC ####
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
5032 FORBES AVENUE
PITTSBURGH, PA 15289
Student Involvement and Traditions cmu.edu/student-affairs/sit sitoffice@andrew.cmu.edu
Student Involvement and Traditions supports our campus student organizations and student government leaders in creating the communities and events they are passionate about. They connect students to opportunities to get involved on campus and are champions of all of the uniquely-CMU traditions that make students proud to be a Tartan.
The Undergraduate Student Senate, Graduate Student Assembly, and the Provost Office have partnered to offer all CMU undergraduate and graduate students free legal consultations. The program is limited to one free 20-minute initial legal consultation with an attorney for each particular legal issue or question.
The HUB cmu.edu/hub 412-268-8186
thehub@andrew.cmu.edu
The HUB delivers comprehensive and individualized services and counsel to students and families for financial aid, billing, payments, registration and records. It is a one-stop office to connect you and your student with enrollment management offices, including Student Financial Services, and the University Registrar. The HUB also provides ID card services for the entire campus community.
My Plaid Student cmu.edu/hub/MyPlaidStudent 412-268-8186
thehub@andrew.cmu.edu
Students can designate users, typically parents and family members, to have direct access to their student information including invoices, payments and financial aid; and student academic information like current class schedule, mid-semester grades and final grades.
Students designate My Plaid Student users via Student Information Online (SIO). During the authorization process, students can select some or all categories of information that their invited users may access.
Student Emergency Support Funding cmu.edu/student-affairs/dean/loans 412-268-2075
sa-esl@andrew.cmu.edu
There are three forms of student emergency support funding available: emergency student loans, parental loans and non-qualified scholarships from the Tartan Emergency Support Fund. These funds have been established through the generosity of alumni, trustees, friends of the university, Undergraduate Student Senate, Graduate Student Assembly and student organizations. A member of the Office of the Dean of Students will help determine the type of funding appropriate for your student’s situation.
Student Financial Aid cmu.edu/sfs/financial-aid 412-268-8186
thehub@andrew.cmu.edu
Carnegie Mellon is committed to making a CMU education affordable and accessible to everyone. The Student Financial Aid Office, along with The HUB team, are available to assist and guide students throughout the financial aid application process. From understanding financing options to enrolling in a tuition payment plan, our professional staff members are ready to help answer questions and provide services, so students can focus on their education.
Safety Resources
Emergency Help Stations
There are more than 200 emergency “blue light” stations located throughout campus to use during emergencies. With the touch of a button on the help stations, the caller is immediately connected to the CMU Police Department dispatcher.
Hazing Prevention and Response cmu.edu/hazingprevention hazing@andrew.cmu.edu
CMU has a comprehensive policy, education program and procedures to address any potential of hazing in our community. Anyone with a hazing concern is urged and encouraged to report it.
Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX cmu.edu/title-ix 412-268-7125 institutionalequity@andrew.cmu.edu
The Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX (IEX) is dedicated to promoting equity at Carnegie Mellon University, which includes coordinating the university’s efforts to prevent and effectively respond to forms of discrimination, bias and sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence and stalking, which impact community members.
Rave Guardian App cmu.edu/erm/guardian.html
The Rave Guardian App is a customized Carnegie Mellon safety app that will send CMU-Alert notifications to your phone and provide you with a direct connection to a CMU Police dispatcher. It also includes a safety timer and links to helpful campus safety resources. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Shuttles and NightSafe Transit cmu.edu/parking/transport transportation@andrew.cmu.edu
Shuttle service for students operates on fixed routes in the campus area. NightSafe Transit is available to give students a ride from campus to intersections nearby their offcampus residences in the evening.
CMU Police Department cmu.edu/police 412-268-2323 campuspd@andrew.cmu.edu
The CMU Police Department (CMU PD) works to enhance and promote safety at the university through collaboration, proactive problem-solving, open communication and the delivery of professional and dependable police and security services. Police and security officers patrol campus throughout the day and night. CMU PD can be reached through more than 200 emergency phones on campus, the Rave Guardian App and by calling 412-268-2323 .
Learn more about your student’s responsibilities as a member of the CMU community and related policies in The Word student handbook: cmu.edu/student-affairs/theword
Emergency Communications and Preparedness with
CMU-Alert
Carnegie Mellon University maintains a robust emergency response system to communicate with students in the case of a campus emergency. There are also ways for family members to stay informed and receive emergency communications.
CMU-Alert Website cmu.edu/alert
All CMU-Alert notifications are regularly updated on the CMU-Alert website, which is the most comprehensive safety resource available for families.
CMU-Alert Emergency Notification System
CMU-Alert is the university’s emergency notification system that sends voice and text messages in the event of an emergency. All students are automatically registered for CMU-Alert based on the contact information in our student portal, Student Information Online (SIO). Instructions on how family members can enroll in the CMU-Alert system are available on the CMU-Alert website.
CMUSafe Video Series
The CMUSafe Video Series contains a library of videos designed to provide safety and emergency preparedness training to the CMU community. Videos include active shooter training, shelter in place, emergency communications and how to avoid scams. Videos are available on CMU-Alert.
Crime and Safety Alerts
Carnegie Mellon Crime and Safety Alerts keep the campus community safe by notifying community members of the date, time, location and description of incidents that occur on or near campus that could directly impact members of the campus community. Alerts also share safety and prevention tips. Crime and safety alerts are not sent directly to family members but are available to the public on the CMU Police website.
Visitor Resources
David & Susan Coulter Welcome Center cmu.edu/visit welcomecenter@andrew.cmu.edu
The David & Susan Coulter Welcome Center serves as the front door to the university and the primary hub for campus visits, allowing visitors to engage with the university’s community, grab giveaways, learn about CMU’s academics and gather Pittsburgh information. Located on the first floor of the Tepper Quad Building, the center offers in-person and virtual tours led by Tartan Ambassadors as well as newly updated displays created by the School of Design students and faculty.
Maps, Parking and Transportation cmu.edu/visit/maps-parkingtransportation.html 412-268-2052 transportation@andrew.cmu.edu
Transportation Services provide parking and transportation resources to the Carnegie Mellon community. Visitor parking is available for an hourly fee at the East Campus Garage, Dithridge Street Garage, Gates Garage, the Robert Mehrabian Collaborative Innovation Center (CIC) Garage and Morewood Lot. The East Campus Garage is free with a CMU ID weekday evenings between 6 p.m.–10 p.m. and on weekends. The Morewood Lot is free after 5 p.m. on weekday evenings and all day on weekends.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit and Campus Transportation cmu.edu/transportation/transport
Carnegie Mellon students have free access to Allegheny County’s Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) system. Students enrolled at the Pittsburgh campus are eligible to ride PRT vehicles for free. The 28X bus route connects the CMU campus with the Pittsburgh International Airport. More information about PRT, including schedules, routes and how to purchase a guest ConnectCard, can be found on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit website at www.rideprt.org
Travel and Hotels
412-268-2142 family@andrew.cmu.edu
The Office of Family Engagement compiles a partial list of area hotels to help families plan their travel to Pittsburgh. This list features hotels with a special rate for CMU families. Maps, parking information, visa information for international visitors and things to do in Pittsburgh are also included on this website.
CMU looks forward to supporting your visits to campus and Pittsburgh. Find information about hotels, campus maps and parking here: cmu.edu/family/events/travel-and-hotels
Student Privacy and Ethic of Engagement for Family Members
As your student progresses through their college years, your role as a parent, caretaker or family member continues to evolve. An important outcome of the undergraduate experience is for our students to develop the life skills necessary to successfully navigate their personal affairs and develop independence as young adults. Alongside our value for student autonomy and agency, we also know that family members play an important and supportive role in their student’s life. Family members are key partners in our students’ success. To that end, we provide family members with information about university resources.
In times when a family member wants to share a concern or consult with the university, we welcome your contact so that we can be a sounding board on the particular circumstances facing your student. In turn, should we have an elevated concern about your student’s welfare, we will partner with them to reach out to you so we can work together. In cases when a student is exhibiting signs that they will not appropriately direct such engagement, and we are concerned
about their safety and well-being, Student Affairs leadership will review the situation to determine next steps, which often includes outreach to family.
For non-emergency, routine requests for information, it is important to note that federal privacy law often restricts parent and family access to student educational and health records. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student education records and student medical treatment records. FERPA restricts parent and family member access to student educational and medical records unless they have direct written consent from the student.
Many family members find the FERPA restrictions to be a significant change from the K–12 U.S. educational environment. Should a student wish to provide access to release their educational records to a parent or family member, consent forms are available on The HUB website. Additional information about health records privacy can be found on the University Health Services website.
My Plaid Student
After a student grants permissions, the family member has access to:
○ Make payments
○ View invoices and account activity
○ View the most recent financial aid award letter
○ Request enrollment verifications
○ View mid-semester or final grades, as well as QPA
Help Your Tartan Find an Internship
Encourage Early Action
Help your student explore internships early by using their network — talking to professors, connecting with alumni and attending career fairs.
Promote Strong Applications
Remind your student to tailor their resume and cover letter for each opportunity, highlighting relevant work experience and using keywords from the internship description to improve success with Applicant Tracking Systems
Support Persistence
Encourage setting weekly goals for applying and following up and using CPDC resources like advising, resume reviews and internship funding support.
Visit the Career & Professional Development Center (CPDC) webpage for FAQs and resources to help you support your student’s career journey: cmu.edu/career/about-us/parents
