Athletics, Physical Fitness & Recreation-Student Affairs - Carnegie Mellon University

Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation

Athletics Department
Skibo Gym 204, 412-268-8054 - http://www.cmu.edu/athletics
Susan Bassett, Director

For the participant or the spectator, Carnegie Mellon offers intercollegiate athletics, intramural sports, physical education classes and club sports. The Athletics Department also offers Group Exercise (Group-X) classes in the University Center and Skibo Gym as well as occasional workshops and instruction related to fitness and health.

Skibo Gym and University Center

Regular University Center Hours: Mon–Fri, 6am–2am; Sat-Sun, 10am–2am
Regular Skibo Gym Hours: Mon-Fri, 6:30am-11pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-9pm

Skibo Gym facilities include courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton, as well as weight-training and aerobic equipment. The University Center’s recreational facilities include an eight-lane pool, racquetball and squash courts, aerobics room, fitness center and gym for basketball and volleyball. All users must present a current Carnegie Mellon Card to use these facilities.

Programs

Intercollegiate Sports

Carnegie Mellon is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Intercollegiate teams compete on the Division III level, which places highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all students’ academic programs.

Carnegie Mellon seeks to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete’s athletic activities are conducted as an integral part of their educational experience and includes an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among their student-athletes and athletics staff.

The university is a charter member of the University Athletic Association (UAA), an eight-member league of universities similar in their academic and athletic programs. The UAA, founded in 1987, includes Brandeis University, Case Western Reserve University, Emory University, New York University, the University of Chicago, the University of Rochester and Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to competing with UAA members, the Tartans compete intercollegiately with other similar institutions in Division III.

Carnegie Mellon sponsors the following intercollegiate sports: football, golf, soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming and diving, tennis, cross country and indoor/outdoor track and field. Members of varsity teams, as listed on the official rosters, may qualify for national competition as a member of a team that qualifies or as an individual competitor in certain sports.

Physical Education

The Department of Physical Education offers courses with an emphasis on personal fitness and recreational sports. These courses are designed for all students. Most classes are seven-week mini-courses. Some courses include aerobic fitness, golf, karate, personal fitness, racquetball, tennis, weight training and various team sports. Carnegie Mellon also provides courses in all levels of swimming (beginner, stroke improvement, intermediate and lifeguarding).  

Intramural Sports

Skibo Gym 101, 412-268-2214

For those who seek another level of competition or just like to participate and have fun, the intramural program provides recreational opportunities and relaxation for students, faculty and staff. The intramural program annually involves more than 4000 participants annually. Men and women, both graduate and undergraduate, compete in more than 20 indoor and outdoor sports.

Club Sports

Skibo Gym 101, 412-268-2214

Club sports, directed primarily by students, are less formal than varsity sports, but are competitive and exciting. They include baseball, cricket, crew, cycling, ice hockey, lacrosse, roller hockey, rowing, rugby, ski team, soccer, softball and ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and water polo.

Group Exercise Program

412-268-8140
Donna Morosky, Director of Fitness & Health

There are many different classes offered for all levels and intensities. All classes are taught by veteran instructors who are nationally certified. Classes are offered seven days per week throughout the academic year. Check the athletics website for times and classes. Some classes offered are yoga, boot camp, zumba, pilates, indoor cycling, body sculpting and step.

Cheerleading

412-268-3776

The varsity cheerleading squad leads the student body in support of the football and basketball teams and promotes school spirit.

Other Facilities

Gesling Stadium and Track

Gesling Stadium, named for alumnus William J. Gesling (I’32), includes the newest generation of FieldTurf for football and soccer, an eight-lane, all-weather track and intramural fields. These facilities are lighted for night use.

Swimming Pool

412-268-1236

The University Center pool is available for recreational swimming seven days a week to any individual with a valid Carnegie Mellon ID.  Hours are posted on the athletics website.  Call ahead for recreational swimming sessions to make sure the pool is open.  

Tennis Courts

412-268-1236

Six courts beside Margaret Morrison are lighted for night play. During the school year, they are open for use by students, faculty and staff, except during varsity practice and competition and physical education class hours. The courts are usually closed between November and February. Students enrolled in the summer session may use the courts when available.

Recreational Facilities and Equipment Desk

412-268-1236

The first floor of the University Center features a gymnasium for basketball, volleyball, and badminton, as well as two racquetball courts, two convertible racquetball/squash courts, an eight-lane 25-yard swimming pool, and a diving pool. The second floor features the fitness and exercise rooms with a Cybex weight training circuit, stationary bikes, rowers, steppers, elliptical machines, ski machines and treadmills, as well as one squash court and an activity room for aerobics classes. For information, access the Athletics Department website at http://www.cmu.edu/athletics.