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COVID-19 Updates  ›  News & Communications  ›  Communications Archive  ›  2021  ›  August  ›  Updates to “A Tartan’s Responsibility”
August 11, 2021

Updates to “A Tartan’s Responsibility”

Dear Carnegie Mellon University Students,

Last August, President Jahanian introduced A Tartan’s Responsibility, a set of collective commitments for our students to uphold the expectations of what it means to live, work, learn and interact within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our students demonstrated resilience and resolve in upholding these commitments, which was critical to our success as a community. As we finalize preparations for a return to in-person education, we have updated A Tartan's Responsibility, which we expect all students to read as fully-informed and responsible members of our university community.

The four core principles remain the same, and by coming to Pittsburgh for any type of on-campus engagement all students agree to adhere to the following:

  • Minimize the introduction of COVID-19;
  • Prevent the spread of COVID-19;
  • Contribute to the identification of COVID-19; and
  • Support the containment of COVID-19.

With each of these agreements, there are corresponding protocols we expect students will embrace. These expectations align with the minimum requirements established by the university based on up-to-date scientific data and current public health guidance. Each of these principles is further described on the COVID-19 website, which will be regularly updated following any changes to the university’s minimum requirements, including the recent update requiring universal facial coverings effective, August 15, for the beginning of the academic year.

As Tartans, you play a crucial role in keeping one another safe and healthy by upholding these expectations. Students who fail to adhere to these rules will be subject to immediate action, which may include administrative suspension and student conduct action.

We understand you will likely have further questions about the ways A Tartan’s Responsibility affects other expectations for campus activities, and we have done our best to anticipate and answer those questions in an FAQ section.

We hope that A Tartan’s Responsibility continues to serve as a reminder to maintain diligence in mitigation protocols and to remain mindful and discerning about the ethical commitments we have to one another every day. I continue to be heartened by the spirit of our community as I watch our students exemplify the best of what it means to be a Tartan. I look forward to sharing the year ahead as we embrace an in-person CMU experience.

Sincerely,

Gina Casalegno
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students