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 |
Community Policies |
Research Policies |
Academic Policies
Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism |
Carnegie Mellon's Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism states that "In any presentation, creative, artistic, or research, it is the ethical responsibility of each student to identify the conceptual sources of the work submitted. Failure to do so is dishonest and is the basis for a charge of cheating or plagiarism, which is subject to disciplinary action." |
Academic Disciplinary Actions Overview for Graduate Students |
Carnegie Mellon's policy on Academic Disciplinary Actions Overview for Graduate Students describes procedures for disciplinary actions against graduate students in cases of alleged violations of academic regulations. |
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. |
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. |
Computing |
This policy sets forth university guidelines for use of computing resources. |
Policies on 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. |
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. |
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. |
Grading Policies |
Grading Policies details university grading standards for graduates and undergraduates. |
Intellectual Property |
The University's Intellectual Property Policy governs the creation of intellectual property and its ownership. |
Student Leave Policy |
Students must sometimes interrupt their studies for a variety of reasons (financial, academic or personal). Students choosing to take a leave of absence must first contact their department advisor to discuss their plans while on leave to work out any conditions that may be necessary for a smooth return to Carnegie Mellon. |
Students' Rights |
The primary right of students is to pursue their education; the second right of students is to be recognized as members of the student body. |
Student Suspension/Required Withdrawal |
University suspension is a forced, temporary leave from the university. Three types of suspension apply to both graduate and undergraduate students: academic, disciplinary and administrative. |
Withdrawal of a Degree |
The university can withdraw a degree if the work or the academic records in support of it had been falsified. |
Master's Student Statute of Limitations
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This policy covers time to degree limits on master's degrees. |
Transfer Credit |
Graduate programs generally do not accept credits for transfer. Please direct any questions to the graduate program coordinator or head of your home department. |
Definition of a Unit |
Carnegie Mellon has adopted the method of assigning a number of “units” for each course to represent the quantity of work required of students. For the average student, one unit represents one work-hour of time per week throughout the semester. The number of units in each course is fixed by the faculty member in consultation with the college offering the course. Three units are the equivalent of one traditional semester credit hour.
See Definition of a "Unit" in Course Management. |
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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 and Carnegie Mellon University is required not to discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or other federal, state, or local laws or executive orders. In addition, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs on the basis of religion, creed, ancestry, belief, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity. Carnegie Mellon does not discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders. However, in the judgment of the Carnegie Mellon Human Relations Commission, the Presidential Executive Order directing the Department of Defense to follow a policy of “Don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue” excludes openly gay, lesbian and bisexual students from receiving ROTC scholarships or serving in the military. Nevertheless, all ROTC classes at Carnegie Mellon University are available to all students. Inquiries concerning application of these statements should be directed to the Provost, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-6684 or the Vice President for Campus Affairs, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-2056. Carnegie Mellon University publishes an annual campus security report describing the university's security, alcohol and drug, and sexual assault policies and containing statistics about the number and type of crimes committed on the campus during the preceding three years. You can obtain a copy by contacting the Carnegie Mellon Police Department at 412-268-2323. The security report is also available online. 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. |
Policy on 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
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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. |
Smoking Policy |
The Smoking Policy restricts smoking in most areas but provides procedures for designating and posting smoking areas. |
Student Privacy Rights |
This policy notifies students of their rights under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"). |
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 Assault |
It is a violation of Carnegie Mellon's community standards to have sexual contact with any member of the community without the clear, freely chosen consent of those involved. |
Policy Against Sexual Harassment
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The Policy Against Sexual Harassment defines sexual harassment and describes procedures for reporting and for investigating allegations, and disciplinary actions when a violation is found to have occurred. |
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 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. |
Policy on 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. |
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Research Policies
Policy for Handling Alleged Misconduct in Research |
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. |
Policy on 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. |
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