2020–2021
Undergraduate Parent & Family
GUIDE
About This Guide 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. ©2020 CollegiateParent. All rights reserved.
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For more information, please contact Office of Parent and Family Engagement Student Life Suite 1060 Morewood Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412-268-2142 cmu.edu/parents
What’s INSIDE Welcome ............................................... 4 Office of Parent and Family Engagement ......... 6 Academics at CMU ................................... 7 Life at CMU ............................................ 8 Important Relationships ........................... 10 Navigating the First Semester ..................... 12 Campus Map ........................................ 14 Important Resources ............................... 18 Emergency Communications with Families ..... 26 Visitor Resources ................................... 28 Ethic of Engagement for Family Members and Student Privacy ........... 30
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Welcome We’re excited for you and your student to join our Carnegie Mellon University community. Carnegie Mellon students are passionate, curious and create work that matters for our communities and our world. As your students start their college careers, they will engage in their academic journey to become innovative scholars, interdisciplinary researchers, centerstage artists and leaders in their fields and industries. CMU will provide them the support and resources they need to thrive across academic, social, physical and emotional aspects of their lives. Your students have made an excellent choice for their college education, and I hope that you will find these years exciting and rewarding as you support their university experience. Even in this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is so much to look forward to throughout the Carnegie Mellon experience, including the beginning. We know that a major transition takes place as first-year students and their families begin the college journey. Navigating new schedules, new expectations and new connections all mark the beginning of a new chapter. Know that your student has an entire
university community to support them. We also have current CMU families and alumni that you can connect with in your local community, and we are committed to keeping you informed and involved as a part of our Carnegie Mellon family. I hope that this guide contains helpful information about the Office of Parent and Family Engagement, how we will support you and your student, and university resources to help with your and your student’s transition to Carnegie Mellon. I look forward to engaging with you in the years ahead. Until then, please reach out to me directly if I can be of any assistance. With a warm Tartan welcome, Julie Schultz
Associate Dean for First-Year Orientation and Family Engagement julieschultz@cmu.edu 412-268-2142
Carnegie Mellon University is actively monitoring guidance and response to the coronavirus outbreak. The most up-to-date information about current operations and services is available on CMU’s coronavirus website. We will communicate updates with families throughout the year. cmu.edu/coronavirus
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Office of Parent and Family Engagement Parents and family members of our undergraduate students are an important part of the Carnegie Mellon community. The Office of Parent and 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 Parent and Family Engagement team interacts remotely and in-person at Summer Welcome Events, Family Orientation, Family Weekend, Spring Carnival, Commencement and other university milestones. Our team also curates The Fence Post, a quarterly email newsletter that helps family members stay connected and informed about university news and resources. Additionally, the Parent and Family
website is a robust source of information that connects family members to university resources for academic support, health and well-being, finances, safety and travel. While you will see the words “parent” or “family” used on most Carnegie Mellon University websites and resources, we want to recognize and include all guardians, family members and others who give our students support. Our parent and 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/parents 412-268-2142 parents@andrew.cmu.edu
View upcoming events for parents and family members cmu.edu/parents/events
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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, CMU 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 of Engineering engineering.cmu.edu
College of Fine Arts cmu.edu/cfa
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences cmu.edu/dietrich
Mellon College of Science cmu.edu/mcs
School of Computer Science cs.cmu.edu
Tepper School of Business cmu.edu/tepper
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Life at CMU At CMU, some of your student’s most important lessons will take place outside of the classroom. There are more than 300 student organizations to choose from — everything from Greek life and politics to technology and the arts. There are countless ways for students to engage in philanthropy, direct service, civic discourse, activism and social justice. They can represent their peers in student government and take part in CMU’s rich history of unique events and traditions. If your student has a unique interest or passion, they are also welcome to start a new organization. No singular identity defines us. Students from all 50 states and countries all over the world attend Carnegie Mellon, and diversity, equity and inclusion are at the 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 CMU 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 what your student’s faith, spirituality or secular worldview, the many faiths and traditions represented at CMU make it easy for them to connect and to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of other perspectives.
What is life at CMU? It’s a bit of everything. Classwork and new experiences with new people. Research and selfreflection. Failing and growing from it. Breaking boundaries and building friendships. Leaps and bounds but 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.
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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. The academic advisor serves as a primary contact throughout your student’s time as an undergraduate student. 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.
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Housefellows
HUB Assistant Directors
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.
The HUB is a one-stop shop for comprehensive services including financial aid, billing and payments, ID cards and registration and academic records. The assistant directors of The HUB serve as liaisons to specific colleges and serve students and families with any financial or enrollment questions.
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 in residence.
College Liaisons
Student Support Resources Team The Student Support Resources team in the Office of the Dean of Students offers an additional level of support beyond these other contacts for students who are navigating any of a wide range of life events. Student Support Resources staff members work in partnership with university and community resources to provide coordination of care and support appropriate to each student’s situation.
College liaisons are Student Affairs staff who work in partnership with students, housefellows, advisors, faculty and assistant/associate deans in each college to assure support for students regarding their overall Carnegie Mellon experience.
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Navigating 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 “imposter 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 skill building 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, but students are also adjusting to the changing relationship dynamic with high school friends, family members and significant others.
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Students who move to campus 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 assistant 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.
Developing Multicultural Competence Carnegie Mellon embraces diversity in people and perspectives and promotes equity and inclusion in all that we do. Your student will meet and engage with peers, faculty, staff and others with life experiences, identities and values different from their own, and they may seek to find connections with community members from similar backgrounds, identities and interests. Our community promotes civil discourse and the open exchange of ideas within a safe environment guided by our belief that every person at CMU should feel that they belong here. It’s important for our students to explore and celebrate their own backgrounds and identities, to share their journey with others and to learn from others as well. Encourage your student to engage with the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion to find an affinity group, attend an event or training session or to connect with staff and student leaders committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive CMU.
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Campus Map ACADEMIC/ADMINISTRATIVE Alumni House........................... AH G4 ANSYS Hall................................. AN D6 Baker Hall (DC)......................... BH E6 Bakery Square...........................BK t Bramer House...........................BR G3 Cohon University Center.....CUC G5 College of Fine Arts (CFA).... CFA F6 Cyert Hall..................................CYH E4 Doherty Hall..............................DH E6 Facilities Management Services Building.................... FM D5 FMS Roads & Grounds............ FR C6 Gates Center for Computer Science (SCS).... GHC E5 Hall of the Arts..................... HOA F7 Hamburg Hall (HC)............... HBH D4 Hamerschlag Hall....................HH D6 Hillman Center for Future Generation Technologies.GHC E5 Hunt Library...............................HL F7 Integrated Innovation Institute III. C4 Margaret Morrison Carnegie Hall......................... MM G6 Mehrabian Collaborative Innovation Center..................CIC D4 Mellon Institute (MCS)............MI A3 Mill 19........................................M19 t National Robotics Engineering Center............... NR t Newell-Simon Hall................ NSH D5 Pittsburgh Technology Center.PTC t Porter Hall................................. PH D6 Posner Center............................PC F6 Posner Hall..............................POS G6 PPG 6............................................ PP t Purnell Center for the Arts.PCA F5 Rand Building............................RA B2 Roberts Engineering Hall....REH C6 Scaife Hall (E).............................SH C6 Scott Hall..................................... SC D5 Skibo Gymnasium................GYM G7 Smith Hall.................................EDS D4 Software Engineering Institute..................................... SEI B2 TCS Hall (2020)........................TCS C4 Tepper Building (TSB)............TEP E3 Warner Hall.............................. WH F4 Wean Hall................................WEH D5 West Wing............................. WWG G5 Whitfield Hall............................WF B1 WQED Building........................WQ E2 205 S. Craig...............................2SC C3 300 S. Craig (Police)...............3SC B3
311 S. Craig.................................CA C3 407 S. Craig...............................4SC C3 417 S. Craig.................................CC C4 4516 Henry.................................UT B3 4609 Winthrop..........................GL C3 4615 Forbes............................ FRB C4 4616 Henry................................ INI C3 4620 Henry................................ PO C2 4721 Fifth Ave. .........................MC D1 477 Melwood Ave. ................MEL t 6555 Penn................................... PE t POINTS OF INTEREST Coulter Welcome Center.......WC D4 Office of Undergraduate Admission................................ AD F4 Art Park........................................AP C4 Center for Student Diversity & Inclusion.................................DI G5 Dining Services.........................DN D2 Disability Resources .............. DR I6 Entropy+ Convenience Store...........................................EN G5 The Fence.....................................FE F6 Housing Services.....................HO D2 The Hub......................................HU F4 Human Resources................... HR B1 Kraus Campo.............................KC F7 Legacy Plaza............................... LP G5 Miller ICA....................................ML F5 Office of International Education ............................... OIE E4 Pausch Bridge............................PB E5 Peace Garden............................PG F7 Student Health Services.........HS F3 University Store........................US F5 Walking to the Sky...................WS F4 RESIDENTIAL Boss House..............................BOS H6 Clyde House.............................CLY D1 Doherty Apartments...........DOH H4 Donner House...................... DON H6 Fairfax Apartments................FAF C2 Fifth Neville Apartments....... FIF D2 Greek Quad...............................GQ G3 Hamerschlag House........... HAM H7 Henderson House................ HEN H7 Highlands Apartments.......... HIL D1 Margaret Morrison Apartments Greek Housing.................... MMA I6 McGill House..........................MCG H6 Morewood E-Tower.............MOE F3
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Morewood Gardens........... MOR F3 Mudge House....................... MUD F2 Neville Apartments...............NVL D1 Residence on Fifth.................ROF D2 Resnik House...........................RES H6 Roselawn Terrace..................ROS I6 Scobell House.........................SCO H7 Shady Oak Apartments.......SHA D1 Shirley Apartments................ SHI A1 Spirit House..............................SPT I6 Stever House........................... STE F2 Webster Hall Apartments.. WEB A2 Welch House...........................WEL H7 West Wing............................. WWG G5 Woodlawn Apartments.....WOO I6 PARKING East Campus Garage............ ECG H4 Dithridge St. Garage................DS B3 Gates Garage......................... GHC E5 Mehrabian Collaborative Innovation Center Garage (CIC Garage) ...........................CIC D4 Alumni House .......................... AH G4 Bramer House ...........................BR G3 Carnegie Museum Lot...........CM C5 Children’s School...................... CS G6 Clyde St. Lot.............................CLY D1 Doherty Apartments ..........DOH H4 Donner House...................... DON H6 Fifth Neville............................... FIF D1 Fine Arts Lot ........................... CFA F6 Frew St. ........................................FS E7 GATF ......................................... FRB C3 Greek Quad ..............................GQ G3 Hamburg Hall Lot.................... HP D4 Henry St. .................................... HY C2 Integrated Innovation Institute ........................................... III C4 Melwood Ave. ........................MEL t Morewood Lot ..................... MOR E3 Pittsburgh Technology Center. PTC t South Neville Lot .....................SN C6 Tepper Quad ...........................TEP D4 Warner Hall ............................. WH F4 West Campus ...........................WE E5 Whitfield Hall ...........................WF B1 Zebina Way ...............................ZW C3 300 S. Craig (Police) ..............3SC B3 4700 Fifth Ave. .......................ROF D2 6555 Penn .................................. PE t
COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS (Dean’s office locations) E
College of Engineering
CFA
College of Fine Arts
DC
Dietrich College of Humanities & Social Sciences
HC
Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
MCS Mellon College of Science SCS
School of Computer Science
TSB
Tepper School of Business
TRANSPORTATION TO CAMPUS The Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is 22 miles from the Carnegie Mellon University campus. Travel time to campus is 45 minutes. Car rentals are available at the airport. UBER, LYFT OR TAXI: Average taxi fare: $45.00. HOTEL SHUTTLES: (Highly encouraged): Often offered by hotels within a few miles of campus. BUS: 28X Airport Flyer Bus (Port Authority Transit), stops at the Carnegie Mellon campus. Cost is $2.75 each way (exact change required) but free to students. PARKING ON CAMPUS East Campus Garage GPS: 5040 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 At times the East Campus Garage does fill. Additional metered parking is available along Frew St., Tech St., S. Craig St., Margaret Morrison St. and near the Schenley Park Visitor Center. View bicycle parking locations at cmu.edu/bicycle-parking
isit our on-campus dining locations at V cmu.edu/dining-locations
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Important Resources
19 | Academic Resources 20 | Health and Well-Being Resources 22 | University Resources 24 | Financial Resources 25 | Safety Resources 18
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Academic Resources Student Academic Success Center
Undergraduate Research Office
The Student Academic Success Center provides both course-aligned academic support and skill- and competencydevelopment opportunities for all students at no cost. Programs include tutoring, supplemental instruction, communication workshops, language support for nonnative English speakers, academic coaching for study skills and time management, and much more. The Student Academic Success Center offers both individual and group formats to accommodate diverse learning styles and skill levels.
The Undergraduate Research Office supports 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.
cmu.edu/student-success 412-268-6823
Office of Disability Resources cmu.edu/disability-resources 412-268-5940
The Office of Disability Resources provides responsive, reasonable accommodations to help students accomplish their best work. The office provides 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.
cmu.edu/uro 412-268-5702
University Stores
bookstore.web.cmu.edu/Home 412-268-1032 The University Stores provide several unique services to the Carnegie Mellon community. Visit the University Stores to purchase CMU gear, textbooks, art supplies, and school and office supplies.
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Health and Well-Being Resources Carnegie Mellon Athletics
University Health Services
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. Up-to-date information about current athletics operations is available on the website.
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. The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) covers all Health Services visit fees and many other service fees. Students on other insurance plans are charged at the time of service. UHS is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care and is also an institutional member of the American College Health Association. After-hours advice is available through TeamHealth and emergency care is available at local urgent care facilities and emergency rooms.
athletics.cmu.edu 412-268-1236
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. CaPS also provides group therapy and outreach programs as well as consultation services for faculty, staff and family members who are concerned about a student or have questions.
cmu.edu/health-services 412-268-2157
Immunization Requirements cmu.is/health 412-268-2157
All incoming students who reside on campus must complete online immunization and tuberculosis (TB) screening forms, as well as upload
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immunization records with dates from their healthcare providers to HealthConnect after receiving their Andrew ID. Students starting remotely will receive additional immunization guidance.
Health Insurance
cmu.edu/health-services/student-insurance 412-268-2157 Carnegie Mellon University is committed to the health and well-being of all students and requires students located in the United States to be enrolled in a health insurance plan that meets or exceeds university requirements. Undergraduate students can enroll in Carnegie Mellon’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), which offers high-quality coverage with low barriers to accessing care. Carnegie Mellon also offers optional vision and dental insurance plans.
Health Care Power of Attorney
cmu.edu/health-services/images/pdfs/ power-of-attorney-and-confidentiality.pdf 412-268-2157 A Health Care Power of Attorney, also known as an Advance Health Care Directive, is a document that designates someone to make health care
decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. Student visits to University Health Services (UHS) are confidential unless the student gives permission to share their health record or the student is too ill/injured to speak for themselves. A Power of Attorney is not needed for any student in peril. The student’s emergency contact(s) will be notified if UHS learns of any student who is unable to communicate with next of kin about a health emergency.
Wellness Initiatives cmu.edu/wellness 412-268-2142
At Carnegie Mellon, individual and collective well-being is rooted in healthy connections, to each other and to university resources. There are a wide variety of resources, opportunities and people who help students be well, mindful and connected and to thrive inside and outside of the classroom. Wellness Initiatives offers the monthly BeWell@ CMU newsletter that connects students to events, activities and practices of personal well-being and wellness.
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University Resources Career and Professional Development Center
Housing Services and Residential Education
The Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) is CMU’s centralized career services center providing a comprehensive range of services, programs and materials focusing 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.
Together, Housing Services and the Office of Residential Education create an oncampus lived experience that supports, engages and inspires students. Each residential community is supported by a housefellow, a Student Affairs staff member, and student leaders such as resident assistants, community advisors, and house councils, who support student growth and development by creating vibrant and engaging lived environments and experiences.
cmu.edu/career 412-268-2064
Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion
cmu.edu/student-diversity 412-268-2150 The Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI or The Center) is a place for everyone. Actively cultivating a strong, diverse and inclusive community, The Center offers resources to enhance an inclusive and transformative student experience in dimensions such as access, success, campus climate and intergroup dialogue. Additionally, The Center supports and connects historically underrepresented students and those who are first in their family to attend college in a setting where students’ differences and talents are appreciated and reinforced.
cmu.edu/housing Housing Services: 412-268-2139 Residential Education: 412-268-2142
Dining Services cmu.edu/dining 412-268-2139
Carnegie Mellon Dining Services provides a unique and diverse food service program that meets the nutritional, educational, multicultural and social needs of students and the university community. Dining Services staff are available to discuss the meal plan and special student dietary needs.
Student Leadership, Involvement, and Civic Engagement (SLICE) cmu.edu/slice 412-268-8704
SLICE provides and supports opportunities for students to explore, connect and engage with one another to create a set of experiences that matches their unique interests and talents. Whether it is exploring Pittsburgh, developing leadership potential, joining an organization or making positive change in the community, there are boundless opportunities for students to explore their passions.
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Religious and Spiritual Life Initiatives (RSLI) cmu.is/spirituality 412-268-7682
Carnegie Mellon is committed to the holistic growth and development of our students, including creating opportunities for spiritual and religious practice and exploration. RSLI offers programs, events and interfaith initiatives, and collaborates with community institutions through the Council of Religious Advisors and with student leaders through the Council of Religious Students.
The Office of International Education (OIE) cmu.edu/oie 412-268-5231
The Office of International Education coordinates study abroad experiences and acts as a liaison to the university for international students, researchers and professors. OIE advises international students on immigration, visa, academic, social, and acculturation issues, and organizes an orientation session for new students.
Postal Services
cmu.edu/postoffice 412-268-2927 A one-stop destination for any domestic and international shipping and mailing needs, CMU 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 that fits inside the mailbox can be accessed any time and packages can be picked up at designated hours. Family members wanting to mail items to their student should address mail and packages in the following way: STUDENT NAME 5032 FORBES AVENUE SMC #### PITTSBURGH, PA 15289
Learn more about community responsibilities and policies in The Word student handbook. cmu.edu/student-affairs/theword Carnegie Mellon University 23
Financial Resources The HUB
My Plaid Student (MPS)
The HUB delivers comprehensive service and counsel to students and families regarding ID card services, financial aid, billing, payment, registration and records. They are your one-stop office to connect with Student Financial Services, Student Financial Aid, and the University Registrar.
Students can designate users, typically parents and family members, to have direct access to their financial account information including invoices, payments and financial aid; and student academic information like current class schedule, mid-semester grades and final grades. Students designate MPS users via Student Information Online (SIO). During the authorization process, students can select some or all categories of information that their invited user(s) may access.
cmu.edu/hub 412-268-8186
Student Financial Aid
cmu.edu/sfs/financial-aid 412-268-8186 Meeting the cost of higher education is a significant investment. Carnegie Mellon is committed to providing a comprehensive financial aid program that makes it possible for admitted students to attend. Nearly half of CMU undergraduate students rely on some type of financial aid to pay for educational expenses.
cmu.edu/hub/MyPlaidStudent 412-268-8186
CMU Pantry
cmu.edu/student-affairs/resources/ cmu-pantry 412-268-8704 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.
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Safety Resources CMU Alert
University Police
CMU-Alert is our emergency notification system that sends voice and text messages in the event of an emergency. Instructions on how parents and family members can enroll in the CMU Alert system are available on the alert website.
The Carnegie Mellon University Police Department (CMUPD) works to enhance and promote safety at the university through collaboration, proactive problemsolving, open communication and the delivery of professional and dependable police and security services. Police and security officers patrol campus throughout the day and night. University Police can be reached through more than 50 emergency phones on campus, the Rave Guardian App and by phone call.
cmu.edu/alert 412-268-2323
Rave Guardian App
cmu.edu/erm/guardian.html The Rave Guardian App is a customized CMU safety app that includes safety timers and virtual buddy systems, helpful links to university resources and emergency communication to CMU Police. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Shuttles and Escort Service cmu.edu/parking/shuttle
Shuttle service for students, faculty and staff operates on fixed routes in the campus area. Overnight escorts are available to give students a ride from campus pick up locations to their off-campus residences in nearby neighborhoods including Squirrel Hill, Shadyside and Oakland.
cmu.edu/police 412-268-2323
Office of Title IX Initiatives cmu.edu/title-ix 412-268-7125
The Office of Title IX Initiatives is dedicated to promoting gender equity at Carnegie Mellon University, which includes coordinating the university’s efforts to prevent and effectively respond to all forms of gender discrimination, including gender identity discrimination and sexual misconduct like sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, and stalking.
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Emergency Communications with Families 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 parents and family members to stay informed about and receive emergency communications. CMU-Alert Website All CMU-Alert notifications are regularly updated on the CMU-Alert website. This website is the most comprehensive safety resource available for families and includes current information on the coronavirus pandemic.
CMU-Alert Emergency Notification System The CMU-Alert emergency notification system sends voice, text messages and
emails in the event of an emergency. Instructions on how parents and family members can enroll in the CMU-Alert emergency notification system are available on the alert website.
Social Media CMU-Alert notifications are posted to Carnegie Mellon’s main Facebook and Twitter accounts for parents and families, alumni and the general community to access.
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Additional Emergency Communications with Students All students are automatically registered for CMU-Alert based on the contact information in our student portal, Student Information Online (SIO). In addition to the methods available to parents and family members, students have additional emergency communications that are shared directly with them.
Crime and Safety Alerts
Emergency Help Stations
CMU 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 parents and family members but are available to the public on the CMU Police website.
More than 50 emergency help stations are located throughout campus. In the event of an on-campus emergency, the help stations will emit alert tones, offer verbal instructions and provide a way to communicate with University Police.
Sign up for CMU-Alerts and learn more: cmu.edu/alert | cmu.edu/police | cmu.edu/health-safety
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Visitor Resources David and Susan Coulter Welcome Center
cmu.edu/visit/welcome-center.html 412-268-2082 When campus is open for in-person operations, the Carnegie Mellon University Coulter Welcome Center is a unique destination point for campus visitors, drawing people in to see firsthand how Carnegie Mellon’s expertise, ambition and world-leading technologies across business, the sciences, the humanities and the arts all benefit humankind.
Maps, Parking and Transportation cmu.edu/visit/maps-parkingtransportation.html 412-268-2052
Parking and 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 and the Robert Mehrabian Collaborative Innovation Center (CIC) Garage. The East Campus Garage is free for visitor parking weekdays after 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays.
Port Authority and Campus Transportation cmu.edu/idplus/services/ transportation.html 412-268-8186
Carnegie Mellon students have access to Allegheny County’s Port Authority Transit (PAT) system. Students enrolled on campus may use their ID card to gain access to the PAT bus system for unlimited rides. The 28X bus route connects the CMU campus with the Pittsburgh International Airport. More information about PAT, including schedules, routes and how to purchase a guest ConnectCard, can be found on the Port Authority website.
Travel and Hotels
cmu.edu/parents/events/travel-andhotels.html 412-268-2142 The Office of Parent and Family Engagement compiles a partial list of area hotels to help families plan their travel to Pittsburgh. Maps, parking information, visa information for international visitors and things to do in Pittsburgh are also included on this website.
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Ethic of Engagement
for Family Members and Student Privacy cmu.edu/hub/privacy cmu.edu/health-services/about-us As your student makes the transition to college, your role as a parent or family member is also transitioning. 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 parents and 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 parents and 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 parents and 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 and/or health 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.
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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, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, 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. Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the university ombudsman, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-1018.
