News Briefs
United Way Campaign Update
Carnegie Mellon's 2011 United Way Campaign, which runs through Dec. 16, has more than $40,000 in pledges to date, and the need has never been greater. Through July of this year, calls to Southwestern Pennsylvania's United Way 211 HelpLine have increased by 79 percent for folks who lack insurance and are seeking healthcare, by 100 percent for those seeking food stamps and by 450 percent for those seeking mortgage assistance. If you have no yet had a chance to donate, you can do so online at http://www.cmu.edu/hr/unitedway.
Official 2012-2013 Academic Calendar Available
Carnegie Mellon has approved the official academic calendar for the 2012-13 academic year. The official academic calendar is posted at http://www.cmu.edu/hub/calendar.html, and classes for the fall 2012 will begin on Aug. 27. In addition, the proposed/tentative academic calendars for 2013-2014 follow the current calendar guidelines with a fall start date one week prior to Labor Day. The 2014-2015 academic calendar year will be developed following campus discussions in the spring.
Gates and Hillman Centers' Entrances Close Briefly for Repairs
The Gates and Hillman centers' level 5 entrance from Cyert Drive will be closed until 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, for repairs. Pedestrians will be directed to the Level 4 Forbes Avenue entrance and the Level 5 Pausch Bridge entrance. The Level 5 Pausch Bridge entrance will be closed 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, for repairs.
Dining Services Launches "Plaidly Serving You" Program
Beginning this Friday, Nov. 4, Dining Services will offer members of the university community special discounted menu items at its dining locations across the Pittsburgh campus during the first Friday of each month. Each month's specials will be available online at http://www.cmu.edu/dining/dining-highlights/plaidly-serving-you/index.html.
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Discounts
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is offering the university community discounted tickets to several performances in November and December. Shows include the Beijing Dance Company (Nov. 15 at the Byham Theater), Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Nov. 22 and 27 at the Benedum Center), The Priests in Concert (Nov. 30 at the ByhamTheater) and PJO Holiday Performance (Dec. 18 at the August Wilson Center). To order tickets, go to http://www.culturaldistrict.org and login using the promo code CMU1112 to receive the discount.
Discounted Tickets to Pittsburgh Opera
Staff Council has arranged for members of the Carnegie Mellon community to purchase discounted tickets to the Pittsburgh Opera's 2011-12 season. This season's schedule at the Benedum Center includes "The Pearl Fishers," Nov. 12, 15, 18 and 20; "Tosca," March 24, 27, 30 and April 1; and "The Abduction from the Seraglio," April 28, May 1, 4 and 6. For show times and to purchase tickets, go to http://bit.ly/pnghPw
Nominations Due for CIT Staff Awards
Nominations for the 17th Annual CIT Staff Awards are due to the CIT Dean's Office by Nov. 4. Nominations are also being accepted for the Burritt Education Award. For details, including nomination criteria and a list of eligible staff members, visit the CIT Staff Awards website at http://www.cit.cmu.edu/staff_awards.
Online Training for Faculty and Staff
Carnegie Mellon has an agreement with Lynda.com to provide faculty and staff with on-demand access to more than 50,000 video tutorials from expert authors covering hundreds of courses, including Photoshop, Microsoft Office, email, Flash, Final Cut Pro, design principles, digital photography, print and Web design, digital video, animation, creative inspiration and much more. Visit http://www.cmu.edu/lynda for instructions and access.
Dining Services Wants Your Feedback
Housing and Dining Services is conducting the National Association of College and University Food Services Customer Satisfaction Survey through Sunday, Nov. 13. Details about the survey can be found at http://www.housing.cmu.edu/survey/nacufs.html. All participants will have an opportunity to win prizes, such as free food or a pair of Penguin hockey tickets (donated by the campus vending company, AVI Vending). Feedback you provide will help to recognize strengths and areas for improvement. Questions can be directed to plaid@andrew.cmu.edu or 412-268-2139.