Welcome New Ph.D. in Biological Sciences Graduate Students-Department of Biological Sciences - Carnegie Mellon University

Welcome Ph.D. in Biological Sciences Graduate Students 2012

Congratulations on being accepted to the Ph.D. in Biological Sciences program at Carnegie Mellon University! We are very pleased that you are joining us this fall, and are looking forward to assisting you as you train to become leading scientists. Use this web page as a reference tool to guide you in preparation for your arrival. Below are important dates to keep in mind.

The University-Wide Graduate Student Orientation
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, August 13, 15,16, 2012
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all students
Complete orientation schedule will be available at: http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/newsandevents/orientation.html
The International Graduate Student Orientation
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
MANDATORY for international students
Complete orientation schedule will be available at   http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/newsandevents/orientation.html
The Department of Biological Sciences Orientation
Monday-Friday, August 20-25, 2012
MANDATORY for all students
The Elizabeth Jones Annual Retreat at Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort
Saturday and Sunday, August 25 and 26, 2012
MANDATORY for all students
The First Day of Classes
Monday, August 27, 2012

Step 1: May Checklist

Various forms need to be completed as soon as possible and returned to Ms. Ena Miceli.

  • Transcript
    • If you graduated in the fall 2011 or spring 2012, send your final transcript to Ms. Ena Miceli.
  • Create Andrew Account
    • Your Andrew Account will give you access to many of the university’s computing services such as My Andrew web service, computing clusters, e-mail and other services.  To find your Andrew ID visit www.cmu.edu/directory and enter your full name. Once you have your Andrew ID, then go to https://www.cmu.edu/computing/new-user/index.html and choose the link with your affiliation to set your password (initial password is generally the first eight numbers of the Student ID).
    • For domestic students only: Your Andrew Accounts are secured with your Social Security Number.
    • For international students only: Your Andrew Accounts are secured with your Student ID numbers.
    • Ms. Ena Miceli will e-mail you when your Andrew Account and your Student ID number have been generated.
  • Complete Health History and Immunization Information Forms (domestic and international students)
    • All graduate students are required to complete the health history and immunization forms before coming to Carnegie Mellon. You are required to meet certain immunization requirements to be a fully enrolled student. The online forms may be found at www.cmu.edu/health-services and then select the HealthConnect button, which will take you to a secure site where you can enter your health and immunization information. You will need your Andrew ID and password to access the site. If you should become ill during your tenure here, the health history information assists University Health Services in providing you appropriate care. The immunization information helps us to protect you and the community against vaccine-preventable diseases. The health history and immunization information need to be completed by June 30.
  • Complete International Students Information Form (ISIF) and Affidavit of Support Form (international students only)
    • In order for the OIE to generate an I-20, all international graduate students must complete the attached International Students Information and Affidavit of Support Forms and return them to Ms. Ena Miceli immediately. The Office of International Education will process these forms, and will mail to you the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20). You should expect to wait at least 3 weeks of receipt of all necessary documents plus verification of your admission from your academic department until you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (I-20). UPS will deliver the package. After receipt of the Certificate you will then be able to pay the SEVIS fee and to contact your embassy for an appointment.

Step 2: June Checklist

  • Choose Health Insurance
    • Carnegie Mellon has a Student Health Insurance policy requiring full-time, degree-seeking students to carry adequate medical insurance, unless you are enrolled as the “dependent, partner/spouse or principal in an employer or government-sponsored insurance plan” (see Carnegie Mellon University Student Health Insurance Policy). Please review the Carnegie Mellon Student Health Insurance Web site http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/HealthServices/insurance/ so that you are aware of the waiver and enrollment deadlines. Also, students will be able to access links to the enrollment site by June 1st at http://www.cmu.edu/health-services/student-insurance/. Open enrollment will close on September 1; coverage is retroactive to August 1st.  In the 2012-2013 academic year, the Department of Biological Sciences provides a health insurance allowance of $991.76; a benefit intended to help defray the cost of your health insurance. This amount covers the basic, individual premium. If you elect to carry the enhanced insurance, you are responsible for the difference. This benefit will be provided to you in your monthly paycheck during the months of September through May 2012-2013 at a rate of $110.20/month. You are responsible for setting up payment with the insurance carrier; it is not paid directly by the Department on your behalf. Please note that both dental and vision insurances are optional and not paid for by the Department. Any questions about health insurance should be directed to shinsure@andrew.cmu.edu.
  • Think about Housing
    • University Housing Services
      • Community Housing Services at Carnegie Mellon has provided rental information on its Web site: http://www.housing.cmu.edu/communityhousing. We advise you to review the relevant links on the Web site that describe the surrounding Pittsburgh neighborhoods, explain the legal aspects of renting an apartment, and provide a community-housing checklist. To access the Search for a Listing in the Housing Registry link you will need your Carnegie Mellon e-mail address.
    • Housing: Words of Wisdom from Current Students
      • Your best resource about housing is our current graduate students. The Housing section from the Words of Wisdom from Current Students web page is a great reference tool. The web page may be found at http://www.cmu.edu/bio/graduate/prospective_students/student_life/words_of_wisdom/housing.html
      • Disclaimer: This list of advice and information was put together by current graduate students of the Biological Sciences department, and does not express the views of the department. Most of the information below has been verified, but some may have changed including URLs, dates, and email addresses, so self-verification of information is advisable.

Step 3: July Checklist

  • Course Registration
    • During the departmental orientation, you will meet both as a group and individually with the Graduate Advising Committee to discuss coursework. Changes in the curriculum are ongoing. You may want to familiarize yourself with available courses at http://www.cmu.edu/bio/courses/index.html. Also, we do not have a recommended reading list; however, students may want to brush up on fundamentals of cell biology and biochemistry in preparation for the Core Course.
    • During the fall semester, all students must take the combined Core Course in Biochemistry (03-745; 6 units) and Cell Biology (03-746; 6 units); any other courses are of your choosing, depending on your areas of interest. During the first year, each student must carry 48 units each semester; thereafter, students register for at least 36 units (full-time status) per semester. There will be a discussion with the Graduate Advisory Committee during the Departmental Orientation to guide you on your interests. The Web page that lists what biology courses will be taught in the fall may be found at http://www.cmu.edu/bio/courses/
    • Directions on how to register for classes:
      1. Go to the HUB website http://cmu.edu/hub/
      2. Click on On-Line Registration (OLR)
      3. Type in your Andrew User Name and Password and click OK (your password is the first 8 digits of your Social Security Number or Student ID)
      4. Review the Welcome Screen for further directions
    • If you want to take a course outside our department, go back to the HUB website and click on Schedule of Classes.

Step 4: August Checklist

  • Paycheck
    • Beginning on September 30, you will be paid the last working day of every month.
  • Finances
    • You should arrive with $2,500 to $3,500 in traveler’s checks to cover your initial costs and a small amount ($100- $300) of U.S. currency in small bills ($5 and $10). These funds will be used for your arrival expenses such as taxis, meals, books, supplies, and other personal needs.
  • Emergency Loans
    • All students regardless of their program are eligible for the Emergency Student Loan, which is an interest-free and emergency base loan repayable within 30 days. It is available through the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs; students may apply for the loan by stopping in the Student Affairs Office or by calling 268.2075 for an appointment.
    • First semester graduate students who receive a stipend are eligible for the Graduate Student Transition Loan. The loan is available to assist with transition costs and may not exceed 75% of the student’s monthly gross stipend (exclusive of tuition). The loan must be requested prior to September 15 of the academic year, and it will be repaid through payroll deductions in the months of September, October, November and December. Students may apply for the loan by stopping the Coordinator, Graduate Student Affairs.
  • Student ID Card
    • Your Carnegie Mellon Card is your official identification card. The Card Office has an easy way for you to get ready to be a Carnegie Mellon graduate student. To submit a photo ID application, you will need to follow the directions found at the Card Office web site at http://www.cmu.edu/idplus/idcards/issuance.html.
    • You may also visit the Card Office after August 1st during normal business hours and complete the Identification Card Request Form and the card office will issue the card at that time. Valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, must be presented to obtain an ID card. The Carnegie Mellon Card Office staff will verify card eligibility based on enrollment and/or employment status in University systems at the time of card issuance.
  • Social Security Form (international students only)
    • International students who will be employed in the U.S. are required to have a Social Security Number (SSN). A SSN is a type of national identification number that is required for employment in U.S. An SSN is not required for living in the U.S but is used by the U.S. government to withhold taxes from pay. Prior to the week of the University-Wide Graduate Student Orientation, please make an appointment with Ms. Ena Miceli to pick up the Social Security form. You will then have the OIE Advisor sign this form at your Immigration Check-in. Students then take the form, in person, to the local Social Security Administration office to begin the application process. Take your passport, I-20/DS-2019, I-94 card (found in your passport) to apply.