Carnegie Mellon University

COVID-19 Updates

Information and resources for the CMU community

Scotty with mask and vaccination bandaid
COVID-19 Updates  ›  News & Communications  ›  Communications Archive  ›  2020
Thursday, December 17, 2020

Planning for 2021

This will be my final message in 2020, so let me begin by expressing gratitude to each of you for accomplishing a successful fall semester. Congratulations! Your vigilance in our efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus have paid off. As we now turn our attention to 2021 and the start of the spring semester, I remind everyone that all of the protocols that we have had in place throughout most of this past year will remain in effect.
Friday, December 11, 2020

CMU Announces Restricted Campus Posture Following Pennsylvania’s New Mitigation Orders

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania announced additional, temporary COVID-19 protective mitigation measures yesterday. In response to this order and the worsening conditions, effective immediately, we have changed our campus posture from modified to restricted services.
Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Prior to Winter Break

As the semester draws to a close, we know many of you will travel to another location during Winter Break. In support of students’ travel plans, the university will offer asymptomatic COVID-19 testing to all Pittsburgh-based students prior to winter break.
Wednesday, December 02, 2020

Continued Vigilance

You may be aware that last week we had another cluster of positive cases amongst our CMU community, and again this occurred in small gatherings where people are more prone to “let their guard down” because they feel safer in these familiar environments. As we approach the home stretch of this semester, I ask for your renewed vigilance in practicing all of the recommended mitigation protocols wherever you may be. 
Friday, November 20, 2020

Updated State and County Guidance and Campus Response

Just this past Monday, we communicated that the number of COVID-19 cases was increasing at an alarming rate throughout the nation and closer to home here in Pittsburgh. As a result of these rising caseloads, I write today to inform you of several updated COVID-19 guidelines recently issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Allegheny County Health Department.
Monday, November 16, 2020

Continued COVID Vigilance

I write today to draw your attention to the recent widespread, severe and potentially dangerous surges in COVID-19 cases throughout the country. Just last Friday, the number topped 180,000 in a single day. The pandemic has risen to crisis levels in much of the nation as hospitals and health care systems warn they are being pushed to capacity.
Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Asymptomatic Testing, Travel Advice & Tips, Post-Thanksgiving Campus Postures

As we approach the last weeks before the Thanksgiving break, I offer my sincere thanks for your vigilance and perseverance in helping reduce the spread of COVID-19 on our campus.
Friday, November 06, 2020

COVID-19 Cluster Identified

Earlier this week a CMU student living off campus experiencing COVID symptoms tested positive for COVID, and we have now discovered a cluster of COVID cases among a group of students that were identified through contact tracing and further testing.
Thursday, November 05, 2020

Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Prior to Thanksgiving Holiday

The university will offer asymptomatic COVID-19 testing to all Pittsburgh-based students prior to the Thanksgiving break. Each student is eligible for one asymptomatic COVID-19 test during this testing period at no cost.
Monday, November 02, 2020

CMU Campus Polling Place Rules & Election Resources

Tomorrow is election day and CMU will be hosting a polling place at Wiegand Gym in the Cohon University Center. The polling place will be observing recommended COVID-19 health guidelines. If you plan to vote in person on the CMU campus tomorrow, please keep top of mind all that is outlined in A Tartan’s Responsibility to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
Saturday, October 24, 2020

Important Notice – COVID-19

We were made aware yesterday that a CFA instructor, who was teaching in person, tested positive for COVID-19. This instructor’s in-person teaching was limited to three students during the two weeks prior to receiving the positive test.
Friday, October 09, 2020

Update on the 2021 Spring and Summer Calendars

In addition to a delayed start date, all undergraduate and graduate courses will now be required to start the spring semester remotely for the first week of classes.
Wednesday, October 07, 2020

Tartans, All In; PA Commonwealth App; Updates on Testing & Case Numbers

We are now into the second month of the fall semester and remain cautiously optimistic about our progress. As President Jahanian said in his message to campus yesterday, “Thank you, and let’s keep it up!”
Tuesday, October 06, 2020

Keep It Up, Tartans!

As we enter the second month of classes, I am so pleased by the collective success of our community in executing a hybrid model that serves in-person as well as remote students. I am writing today to share two simple messages: Thank you, and let’s keep it up!
Thursday, September 24, 2020

Pandemic Safety Initiative, Ongoing Testing & Case Numbers

We recognize and appreciate your continued commitment to our shared responsibility as well as your participation in our numerous mitigation strategies, all of which are helping us maintain a healthy path forward.
Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Contact Tracing; Classroom & Lab Notifications; NOVID

Having completed our arrival asymptomatic screening, we are now beginning regular asymptomatic testing, and are randomly identifying students located within the Pittsburgh area to participate in this testing.
Thursday, September 10, 2020

Spring Semester 2021 Academic Calendar Update

Acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic will likely continue through the winter months and with a desire to reduce the number of weeks we are in session during flu season, CMU will delay the start of the spring semester until February 1, 2021.
Tuesday, September 08, 2020

On-Campus Service Postures

CMU has adopted three operational postures for our Pittsburgh campus – Modified, Restricted and Essential – to reflect the appropriate levels of in-person versus remote activity based on the nature of the pandemic on campus and in our region. We encourage you to review the three postures and what each one means for students, faculty and staff.
Monday, September 07, 2020

Update: CMU COVID-19 Arrival Testing

Our arrival testing designed to detect COVID-19 occurrences and prevent community spread is in progress. As a reminder, an arrival test is available to any CMU student in the Pittsburgh region and the university will pay for the cost of this testing. All students who intend to participate in any on-campus or CMU-related activities such as in-person instruction, research and campus life are expected to participate in arrival testing. Students who are residing in the Pittsburgh area but plan to solely engage through remote means are not required to participate in our arrival testing protocol.
Friday, September 04, 2020

Guidelines for the CMU Experience This Fall

Our Tartan experience this year is quite different from the norm. Many students have elected to study remotely this year, and those students opting for an in-person experience have found many changes to our physical campus. We are committed to creating a welcoming student experience that aligns with our hybrid model of education and offers options to all students, regardless of physical location.
Friday, August 28, 2020

Expanded COVID-19 Testing Strategy

As the course of the pandemic evolves, we continue our careful preparations to provide all CMU students an outstanding experience and support our collective health and well-being.
Thursday, August 27, 2020

Update: Welcome Back, Wellness Kits & Health Reminders

It has been heartening to see our community members continue their academic journeys. As orientation and residence hall move-ins proceed, we share in your excitement and look forward to the start of the fall semester.
Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Updates for Syllabus Statements and Preparations for Hybrid/Remote Teaching

As you finalize your course and syllabi preparations for Fall 2020, including a one-week delay to resuming in-person undergraduate teaching that was announced yesterday, we hope the following resources will be timely and helpful.
Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Important Information Regarding the Fall Semester

We are writing to inform you of our decision to adopt a phased approach to resuming in-person instruction and to share our plans for mitigating the spread of COVID-19 on campus.
Wednesday, August 12, 2020

A Tartan's Responsibility; COVID Daily Assessment Tracker

On Monday President Jahanian announced “A Tartan’s Responsibility,” which outlines our shared responsibilities for the continued health and well-being of CMU and our extended communities, including the specific expectations we have for all CMU students who will resume living, learning, working and interacting with our campus community, whether living on or off campus.
Tuesday, August 11, 2020

CMU Daily Self-Assessment

As part of our shared responsibility to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus on campus, every member of our community must complete a quick Daily Self-Assessment survey each day they plan to be on campus.
Monday, August 10, 2020

Your Shared Responsibilities for Returning to Campus

I am writing today to introduce “A Tartan’s Responsibility”— an agreement that details the expectations for all Carnegie Mellon students who will resume living, learning, working and interacting in our campus community.
Friday, August 07, 2020

Update on Preparations for Fall Hybrid and Remote Instruction

I am writing today to share an update on these preparations and resources to support your teaching and build confidence in our plans to return to campus, including monitoring, testing and contact tracing plans.
Tuesday, August 04, 2020

Fall Update: New Minimum Requirements, HVAC, Travel and Visitor Protocols

I hope that all of you are managing well as we embark upon the four-week sprint that will lead us to the beginning of the fall semester. I remain grateful for your patience and flexibility as we complete our preparations for the return to campus while keeping our community’s health and wellness top of mind.
Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Fall Planning: Meet CMU COVID-19 Coordinator Daryl Weinert

I write to you today as CMU’s COVID-19 coordinator, a role I have taken on in addition to my duties as President Jahanian’s chief of staff. In this role, one of my responsibilities is to provide regular updates to you on our preparations for the fall semester, as well as ongoing information as the year progresses.
Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Information to Guide Your Fall Semester Planning (Graduate Students)

As we finalize our preparations for the fall semester we are committed to planning for the safety and well-being of our community while continuing to offer a transformative educational opportunity for each one of you. Graduate students are vitally important to our educational and research missions and we are gratified and humbled by the ways you have shown commitment to your education in the face of recent uncertainties.
Saturday, July 11, 2020

Additional Information Regarding Fall Semester

Since the release of Thursday’s update regarding the fall 2020 semester, we have received many questions from students and families. Based on these inquiries, we would like to provide you with some important clarifications as you plan for the academic year ahead.
Thursday, July 09, 2020

Information to Guide Your Fall Semester Planning (Undergraduate Students)

As we finalize our preparations for the fall semester, we are committed to planning for the safety and well-being of our community while creating a transformative educational opportunity for each one of you. We are gratified and humbled by the ways you have shown commitment to your education in the face of great uncertainty and we recognize that you are facing important decisions amidst the shifting landscape of the pandemic.
Saturday, June 13, 2020

Information Regarding the 2020 Fall Semester at CMU

As we approach a fall semester that will be unlike any time we have experienced before, we are committed to supporting you in every way possible as you pursue your world-class education at Carnegie Mellon. We wanted to take this opportunity to provide more detailed information about the upcoming fall semester.
Friday, June 05, 2020

Update to Phased CMU Reopening

Effective Friday, June 5, Allegheny County will move into the “green” phase as part of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s plan for reopening the state’s economy. The change in the county’s status does not alter our own phased approach to reopening the CMU campus and our facilities. We know many of you are eager to get back on campus, but you must wait until you are notified by your supervisor before doing so.
Tuesday, June 02, 2020

Preparing for Fall Instruction

More than ever before, our success depends on collaboration. I am confident that with your continued creativity, commitment and passion, Carnegie Mellon will deliver a distinctive and cutting-edge educational experience. I am committed to ongoing communication and transparency to support your efforts.
Friday, May 29, 2020

Welcome Message to Class of 2024+

Congratulations and welcome to you — the newest members of the Carnegie Mellon University family and a truly extraordinary group of students! On behalf of the entire CMU community, I am thrilled that you will be coming to CMU and joining us as Tartans. I am writing today to provide insight into your first semester with the university.
Friday, May 22, 2020

Strategy to Return Research Activity in CMU Pittsburgh Facilities

Today, I am pleased to provide information about our initial plans to bring research activities back to our Pittsburgh facilities in a phased fashion. We are committed to returning to on-site research operations as soon as safely possible.
Thursday, May 14, 2020

Our Path Forward

For the past several weeks, leaders from across both academic and administrative units at Carnegie Mellon have been collaborating on a comprehensive strategy for returning to on-campus activities at each of our campuses and locations. We are carefully considering every dimension of our operations in the context of this next phase, and we are focused on a very deliberate approach.
Monday, April 20, 2020

Community Bonds and Student Support

We want to take this opportunity to remind any student experiencing unexpected financial hardship as a result of the pandemic that there are resources to support you. The CMU Alumni Association has collaborated with the Office of the Dean of Students and student leadership to set up a Tartan Emergency Support Fund.
Thursday, April 09, 2020

Health Guidance on Covering Your Face to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

For the health and safety of our community, we are asking everyone to wear a face covering when on campus, whether outside in public areas or inside a building. We also encourage everyone to follow CDC guidance in their personal lives and wear a face covering when you go out in public.
Monday, April 06, 2020

Supporting Our Staff Community

For CMU staff, President Farnam Jahanian outlines the ways CMU is supporting our staff community during the COVID-19 pandemic, including an alternative work marketplace for remote assignments; volunteer community service program and staff professional development; additional PTO options; and an optional reduced work schedule.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020

University Update - Summer Programs Moving to Remote and Online Operation

In light of the continued uncertainty and to ensure the health and safety of our campus community amid the COVID-19 outbreak over the next several months, university leadership has made the difficult decision that in-person, on-campus courses and formal summer programming can only be offered in remote or online formats at all U.S.-based domestic locations through August 1, 2020.
Thursday, March 26, 2020

Follow-up On Commencement

I am writing today to follow up on my letter about the 2020 Commencement on the Pittsburgh campus and to address some of the questions we have received about our specific plans. There are three main points to clarify.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Guidance to Understanding Pennsylvania Governor Wolf's Stay-at-Home Order

For CMU students in Pittsburgh, the university has issued some guidance regarding the stay-at-home order by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf to mitigate the community spread of COVID-19. The directive, which aims to combat the increasing number of cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, continues through at least April 6, and requires all individuals to stay at home and avoid social gatherings.
Monday, March 23, 2020

A Message About Commencement

I am writing with deep regret to let you know that we will not be able to hold this year’s Commencement exercises on the Pittsburgh campus on May 17 as planned. To our graduating students, this decision – like so many of the past few weeks – ranks among the hardest I have had to make as president.
Saturday, March 21, 2020

Moving to Remote Student and Campus Services

A number of student services, including housing, dining, health and counseling, have amended their policies and hours as CMU helps to slow the transmission of COVID-19.
Friday, March 20, 2020

First Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in the Campus Community

A member of our Pittsburgh campus community has been diagnosed with a confirmed case of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The student is being monitored by the proper health officials and is in self-isolation in an off-campus residence.
Thursday, March 19, 2020

Details About Transition to Remote Research and Teaching Operations

In light of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf's recent order, all CMU research and teaching activities must move to fully remote operations immediately.
Thursday, March 19, 2020

Next Phase: Transition to Remote Research Operations and Other Campus Changes

Today, to continue to be proactive in this fast-moving situation, we are beginning the next phase of our efforts to slow the potential for community spread of COVID-19. This includes modifications to research operations and certain services to minimize the number of people on campus and adhere to social-distancing guidelines.
Monday, March 16, 2020

Grading Policy Changes and First Week Expectations

We appreciate your patience as the university makes this unique transition to remote and online learning beginning on Wednesday, March 18. We understand this comes with challenges for you and our faculty.
Monday, March 16, 2020

Possible Case of COVID-19

We are writing to inform you of a potential case of COVID-19 on our Pittsburgh campus and the university's plans while we await testing results.
Sunday, March 15, 2020

Preparing for a Remote Learning Experience

We are writing to help you prepare for the many changes you will face as we transition to online teaching and learning for the remainder of the semester. This communication will supplement any direct communications and instructions you may have already received from your college or department.
Saturday, March 14, 2020

Updated Guidance for Students in CMU University Housing

We have received questions from many students and family members in response to the message I sent to you yesterday regarding COVID-19 response and its impact on university housing. Based on those inquiries, I am providing some additional guidance and clarifications.
Friday, March 13, 2020

Important Faculty Guidance: Teaching and Research Continuity and Other Updates

Our education and research missions remain the same. It is critical for everyone to understand: The expectation is that we are to teach remotely beginning Wednesday, March 18. We have canceled classes on Monday and Tuesday. Those in-service days will ensure you are prepared to teach remotely on Wednesday.
Friday, March 13, 2020

Guidelines on Remote Work and Hiring

We recognize that some university work can be performed remotely. The university encourages supervisors to consider allowing remote work where practicable. Below are new temporary guidelines from the Office of Human Resources, which has posted additional information about these topics.
Friday, March 13, 2020

Important Guidance for Students in CMU University Housing

Move-out Procedures: We have done our best to quickly activate systems, supplies and resources that we utilize for our typical May move-out in support of this unexpected situation. All students who are moving out will be required to submit an online checkout form indicating the date that they moved out.
Thursday, March 12, 2020

Important Guidance for Students to Help Inform Decision-making

As President Jahanian stated in his message earlier this week, life on campus will be quite different moving forward. We are committed to being transparent with you as you make decisions about where to finish your semester. Below are updates we hope will help inform your decision.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020

CMU Transition to Remote Instruction and New Guidelines

Beginning next week and until further notice, all CMU graduate and undergraduate programs on the Pittsburgh campus will move to remote, virtual or alternative teaching and assessment.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Online Teaching In Effect for CMU Silicon Valley and CMU Qatar

Effective immediately, CMU-Silicon Valley is moving classes online. Non-essential employees at CMU-SV will work remotely for the foreseeable future. In Qatar, where the government has suspended in-person classes for all college students, CMU-Q courses will go online this week.
Friday, March 06, 2020

University Response to Coronavirus

We learned this morning there are two presumed cases of the virus in Pennsylvania that are in the northeastern and southeastern regions. This is not an unexpected development given the recent spread, and there is no indication that there is any immediate risk to our community in southwestern Pennsylvania as a result of this announcement.
Wednesday, March 04, 2020

Suspending All CMU-Sponsored International Travel

Today we are suspending all university-sponsored international travel until further notice. This includes all student, faculty and staff international travel for CMU-sponsored academic and research activities, such as coursework, academic and research conferences, and non-academic activities, including volunteer service trips.
Tuesday, March 03, 2020

CMU-Sponsored International Student Travel Suspended

Effective immediately and until further notice, we are suspending all upcoming university-sponsored, non-academic, international travel for students. We also strongly discourage our students from traveling abroad during spring break.
Sunday, March 01, 2020

Augmentation of CMU Travel Policy and Procedures

Until further notice, we are asking anyone returning from a country on the CDC Level 3 travel warning list to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return to the United States and before coming to campus. Currently, those countries are China, Iran, South Korea and Italy.
Saturday, February 29, 2020

Additional Coronavirus Travel Restrictions and Guidance

I’m writing to provide you with an update on the evolving situation pertaining to the new coronavirus, a respiratory illness that continues to be a serious health concern around the globe. Fortunately, at this time, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at Carnegie Mellon, in the Pittsburgh area or in Pennsylvania.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Coronavirus Update: Spring Break Travel Advisory

While a level 3 travel warning has been in place for China, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has elevated its travel restriction for South Korea to level 3 as well. Therefore, we are restricting all CMU students, faculty and staff from traveling to China and South Korea on official university business, and we urge those planning personal travel to these countries to reconsider such plans.
Sunday, February 02, 2020

Coronavirus Update, Travel Restrictions

We are writing to inform you that late Friday, the U.S. State Department elevated its China travel advisory to level 4, requesting individuals not travel to China due to the rapidly evolving situation pertaining to the new coronavirus. Also, the Administration declared a public health emergency barring entry to the U.S. of foreign nationals who are traveling from China.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Coronavirus Update; Travel Warning Elevated

On Monday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised its travel warning and is recommending that individuals avoid all nonessential travel to China at this time. I urge all members of the CMU community to adhere to this travel warning.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Coronavirus Guidance

As you may be aware, reports of a novel (new) virus called CoronaVirus 2019-nCoV have made the news in recent days. University Health Services (UHS) is monitoring the emerging facts about the disease and working very closely with the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD).
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