Carnegie Mellon Parent & Family Guide

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.

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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.

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

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.

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, expectations, and connections, all mark the beginning of a new chapter. Know that your student has an entire university community to support them. We encourage family members to connect to current CMU families and alumni in your local

community, and we are committed to keeping you informed and involved as a part of our Carnegie Mellon family.

This guide provides helpful information about university resources and how the First-Year Orientation and Family Engagement office will support both your and your student’s transition to Carnegie Mellon.

On behalf of the entire First-Year Orientation and Family Engagement team, welcome to CMU! We look forward to engaging with you in the years ahead. Please reach out to myself, or any team member, if we can be of assistance.

Sincerely,

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 with families remotely and in-person at Summer Welcome Events, 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 Parent and Family website is a robust source of information that connects family members to university resources for academic support, DEI+B (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) topics, health and wellbeing, finances, safety and travel.

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 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

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 of Engineering

engineering.cmu.edu

College of Fine Arts

cmu.edu/cfa

Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences

cmu.edu/dietrich

Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy

heinz.cmu.edu

Mellon College of Science

cmu.edu/mcs

School of Computer Science

cs.cmu.edu

Tepper School of Business

cmu.edu/tepper

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 politics to technology and the arts. There are countless ways for students to engage in philanthropy, community service, civic discourse, activism and social justice. They can represent their peers in student government and participate in CMU’s rich history of campus events and traditions. 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, and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 offers support and expertise for students who are navigating any of a wide range of life events. Student Support Resources staff members work in partnership with campus and community resources to provide coordination of care and support appropriate to each student’s situation.

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 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, but students are also adjusting to the changing relationship dynamic with friends from home, family members and significant others.

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 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 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 Carnegie Mellon 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 Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and 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.

Campus Map

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: $4500

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

Visit our on-campus dining locations at cmu.edu/dining-locations

 View bicycle parking locations at cmu.edu/bicycle-parking

Academic Resources

Student Academic Success Center

cmu.edu/student-success

412-268-6823

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.

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

or dining. Particularly if your student had accommodations in high school or previous settings, we encourage them to connect with Disability Resources to review what accommodations are available at Carnegie Mellon.

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development cmu.edu/uro

412-268-5702

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.

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.

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 concerns with a therapist. Workshops, groups, skills coaching, and referrals to community resources are offered. CaPS supports students and family members who are concerned about a student or have questions. Additionally, TimelyCare is a free mental health virtual platform that adds a range of services to the robust scope of care provided by CaPS.

CMU Cares Form

cmu.is/CMU-Cares

The CMU Cares Form may be used by any member of the CMU community, alumni, family member or friend if they know or feel a CMU student may be in need of support or assistance due to behavioral, mental health and well-being concerns. This form refers the student of concern to Student Affairs staff who will assess and take appropriate action.

University Health Services

cmu.edu/health-services

412-268-2157

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.

Immunization Requirements

cmu.is/health

412-268-2157

All incoming students who reside on campus must submit immunization information, including uploading vaccine and immunization records to HealthConnect from their healthcare providers before arriving on campus. Effective August 1, 2023, the COVID-19 vaccine will be strongly recommended, but no longer required for students. More information about vaccine requirements and exemptions is available on the University Health Services website.

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 access to high-quality coverage and 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/wellbeing/resources/ wellness-initiatives.html

412-268-7117

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 health and well-being.

University Resources

Career and Professional Development Center

cmu.edu/career

412-268-2064

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. 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.

Civility Initiatives

412-268-3592

Civility Initiatives focuses on proactive community building and engagement with an emphasis on civility and respect. These initiatives increase

opportunities for respectful discourse, enhancing students’ capacity to resolve conflicts and cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness, intercultural understanding and belonging through dialogue and restorative practices.

Housing Services and Residential Education

cmu.edu/housing

Housing Services: 412-268-2139

Residential Education: 412-268-2142

Together, Housing Services and the Office of Residential Education create an on-campus lived experience that supports, engages and inspires students. Each residential community is supported by a housefellow, a Student Affairs professional, 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.

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 meal plans 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.

The Office of Community Standards and Integrity

cmu.edu/student-affairs/ocsi

412-268-2140

The Office of Community Standards and Integrity (OCSI) is dedicated to the growth and development of students in and outside of the classroom. OCSI serves as a resource for students, staff, faculty, and family members seeking guidance on conduct or academic integrity concerns. The OCSI team welcomes inquiries regarding educational programming, student support, and advice about the university’s student conduct and academic integrity processes.

Religious and Spiritual Life Initiatives (RSLI)

cmu.edu/wellbeing/resources/ religious-spiritual

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.

The Office of International Education (OIE) cmu.edu/oie

412-268-5231

The Office of International Education serves Carnegie Mellon’s international student and scholar community by advising on immigration, personal, academic, social, and acculturation matters. In addition to providing a variety of resources for international students and scholars, OIE facilitates study abroad and international exchange at CMU, and advises students on programs and options.

Postal Services

cmu.edu/postoffice

412-268-2927

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 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

Financial Resources

The HUB

cmu.edu/hub

412-268-8186

The HUB delivers comprehensive service and counsel to students and families regarding ID card services, financial aid, billing, payment, registration and records. It is your one-stop office to connect with Student Financial Services, Student Financial Aid, and the University Registrar.

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.

My Plaid Student

cmu.edu/hub/MyPlaidStudent

412-268-8186

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 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 user(s) may access.

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.

Safety Resources

CMU Alert

cmu.edu/alert

CMU-alert is the university’s 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.

Rave Guardian App

cmu.edu/erm/guardian.html

The Rave Guardian App is a customized Carnegie Mellon 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/transport

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.

University Police

cmu.edu/police

412-268-2323

The Carnegie Mellon University Police Department (CMUPD) 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. University Police can be reached through more than 50 emergency phones on campus, the Rave Guardian App and by phone.

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 such as gender identity discrimination and sexual misconduct like sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, and stalking.

Hazing Prevention and Response

cmu.edu/hazingprevention

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.

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 which is the most comprehensive safety resource available for families.

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

facebook.com/carnegiemellonu twitter.com/CarnegieMellon

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.

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

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 parents and family members but are available to the public on the CMU Police website.

Emergency Help Stations

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.

Visitor Resources

412-268-2082

The Carnegie Mellon University 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.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit and Campus Transportation cmu.edu/idplus/services/ transportation.html

412-268-8186

Carnegie Mellon students have access to Allegheny County’s Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) system. Students enrolled on campus may use their ID card to gain access to the PRT bus system for unlimited rides. 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.

Travel and Hotels cmu.edu/parents/events/ travel-and-hotels.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.

Student Privacy and Ethic of Engagement for

Family Members

cmu.edu/hub/privacy cmu.edu/health-services/ about-us/#privacy

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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