Carnegie Mellon University

Final Report

Genesis of our Work

This Task Force — which grew to include more than 200 stakeholders in the community — shared a vision of CMU as a community that helps all of its members thrive. Building on the university’s strategic plan published in 2015 for Carnegie Mellon University, the Task Force aimed to investigate university culture, explore ways to engage the community, innovate spaces, enhance resources and services, and invest in the university’s greatest asset: its people.

This work felt personal to those called to the Task Force, a way to take ownership of the change the community wanted to see.

Catalyzing a Culture Shift   

“Changing culture is even harder than I imagined, but through a combination of bottom-up and top-down actions, it can actually happen." - Task Force member

A photo of students in a class led by Dr. Danks

Our task force set out to find the line between academic rigor and academic overload. One of the initial committees set out to explore the culture at CMU and develop short and long-term plans to shift toward a healthier, more vibrant experience.

Highlights: Catalyzing a Culture Shift

PROGRESS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: CATALYZING A CULTURE SHIFT

Engaging the Campus Community

“Seeing the ‘CMU Experience’ through many diverse lenses has helped to broaden my own thoughts about the topics we have discussed.” - Task Force member 

A photo of the student exhibition for the 50th anniversary

50th Anniversary Founders Day exhibition

The Task Force seized opportunities to pull people out of their disciplinary silos and come together on the issues that matter to us as individuals and as a learning community — all with a healthy dose of fun and building connections with one another and with the community.

Highlights: Engaging the campus community

PROGRESS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: ENGAGING THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY

Investing in People to Support a Culture Shift

“If we really want to change the student experience, I have learned we must build an intense focus on the needs, motivations, and insights of faculty.” - Task Force member 

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Faculty Development workshop

To better support all of CMU’s people, the Task Force was eager to implement trainings, development programs and ongoing opportunities for brainstorming and communication related to the CMU Experience as it pertains to students, faculty and staff members.

Highlights: Investing in people to support a culture shift

Progress and recommendations: INVESTING IN PEOPLE TO SUPPORT A CULTURE SHIFT

Innovating Spaces

“We can find the time and the right space and attention to follow-up on all the good ideas generated through this work. And we can keep the conversation going on these important topics.” - Task Force member

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Adirondack chairs donated by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

The physical environment of a university plays a vital role in the experience of living and learning, and when planned well can feel like an organic and intrinsic element of the campus fabric. The Task Force on the CMU Experience incorporated an exploration of space design into their work from the beginning, studying elements like seating and traffic flow, lighting and even access to electricity.

Highlights: Innovating spaces

PROGRESS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: INNOVATING SPACES

Investing in People and Resources

“Something I realized is there is a big community of people on this campus, top to bottom, who deeply care about student mental health. It makes me feel hopeful about CMU getting to be a better place every year.” - Task Force member

A student meditates using the headspace app

The popular Headspace app is free for the entire CMU community

The Task Force, in addition to building awareness to the importance of culture and people and policies, brought attention to the resources and services in need of further investment at CMU.

Highlights: Investing in People and Resources

PROGRESS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: INVESTING IN PEOPLE AND RESOURCES