Carnegie Mellon University

Policies

All graduate students at Carnegie Mellon University are expected to familiarize themselves with and follow applicable University policies and procedures as well as any applicable college and department policies. College and department polices may be found in the graduate student handbooks or on the websites of each particular college and department. Questions about a specific policy or procedure should be directed to the individual or office responsible for oversight of that policy or procedure. 

Below are links to various University policies that most frequently concern graduate students. Please note that the policies linked below do not represent a comprehensive list or summary of University policy. Rather, this website is intended to function merely as a convenient resource for policies frequently referenced by graduate students. Additional University policies may apply to graduate students depending upon the particular facts and circumstances of each graduate student’s relationship with the University.

Comprehensive information on University policies may be found at the University Policy Homepage.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

Summary of Graduate Student Appeal and Grievance Procedures

Carnegie Mellon's summary of the processes available to students who seek review of academic and non-academic issues.

Academic Integrity

The Policy on Academic Integrity states that that students are expected to produce their own original academic work. Failure to do so is dishonest and is the basis for a charge of cheating, plagiarism, or unauthorized assistance. Such charges are subject to disciplinary action.

Computing

This policy sets forth university guidelines for use of computing resources.

Cross-College and University Registration Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) Guidelines

This policy sets forth policies and guidelines for cross-registering for courses at a Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) Institution.

Doctoral Student Status Policy

Doctoral Student Status is a series of policies that set forth a definition of All But Dissertation (ABD) status, time limits on doctoral candidacy status, a definition of in residence and in absentia status for ABD candidates and the tuition charged for candidates in residence and candidates in absentia.

Evaluation and Certification of English Fluency for Instructors

The English Fluency in Higher Education Act of 1990 requires all institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania to evaluate and certify the English language fluency of their instructional faculty.

Examinations

The Policies on Examinations represent an understanding between faculty and students concerning an important but often stressful period, especially at the conclusion of each academic semester and at mid-semester.

Master's Student Statute of Limitations

Policy covers time to degree limits on master’s degrees.

Tax Status of Graduate Student Awards

The policy on Tax Status of Graduate Student Awards describes the three types of income taxes affecting graduate students at Carnegie Mellon and the requirements for student compliance with the tax code.

COMMUNITY POLICIES

Alcohol and Drugs

Unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by students or employees on Carnegie Mellon University property or as part of any of its activities is prohibited.

Statement of Assurance

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 vice president for campus affairs, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-2056.  Obtain general information about Carnegie Mellon University by calling 412-268-2000.

Community Standards

Community Standards defines the disciplinary process, regulations, violations, hearings, appeals and other disciplinary procedures.

Disorderly Conduct

This policy sets forth the University's definition of Disorderly Conduct and states that such action may constitute grounds for disciplinary action or criminal citation.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action

All personnel actions are administered in accordance with the university's commitment to non-discrimination and in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, statutes, orders and regulations.

Freedom of Expression

This policy sets forth the University's policy on Freedom of Expression, including the rights and responsibilities of members of the University community and considerations in planning campus events.

Riotous and Disorderly Behavior

Security officers have been instructed to arrest members of the campus community and guests who provoke riotous and disorderly behavior.

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault

This policy defines sexual harassment and sexual assault and describes procedures for reporting concerns or allegations, and for investigating allegations and taking disciplinary or other corrective actions when a violation is found to have occurred.

Smoke-less Campus

The Smoking Policy restricts smoking in most areas but provides procedures for designating and posting smoking areas.

Student Accounts Receivable Collection Policy and Procedures

A student is responsible for the payment of charges incurred at the university by the stated payment deadline. The purpose of this policy statement is to detail the specific process and action steps to be used to resolve any outstanding student account balance.

Student Health Insurance

All full-time students are required to carry health insurance and will be assessed a charge for the individual basic mandatory plan offered through the university student health insurance program. The charge will appear on the invoice of the first semester of attendance in the academic cycle.

Student Privacy Rights

This policy notifies students of their rights under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA").

Workplace Threats and Violence

The Policy on Workplace Threats and Violence states that threats or acts of violence will not be tolerated on property owned or controlled by the university.

RESEARCH POLICIES

Alleged Misconduct in Research - Handling

The Policy for Handling Alleged Misconduct in Research defines misconduct and details procedures for the investigation of allegations of misconduct of research.

Human Subjects in Research

The University is committed to the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects in research investigations conducted under the jurisdiction of the university. All research involving human subjects is conducted in accordance with federal regulations.

Prenatal Radiation Exposure

Carnegie Mellon complies with federal regulations to minimize potentially damaging ionizing radiation exposure to the embryos/fetuses of declared pregnant women working in radiologically restricted areas of the university.

Research Proposals: Government, Corporations and Foundations

All proposals, contracts and agreements related to research activities must be reviewed centrally to ensure compliance with government regulations and university policies.

Restricted Research

Restricted research is inappropriate at Carnegie Mellon University except when confined to the semi-autonomous units, which are not associated with any academic departments.

Sponsored Research Policies and Procedures

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) provides comprehensive support to faculty and staff in the administration of externally sponsored research.