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.

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 in residence.

College Liaisons

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. HUB Assistant Directors

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 assist students and families with any financial or enrollment questions.

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.