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COVID-19 Updates

Information and resources for the CMU community

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COVID-19 Updates  ›  News & Communications  ›  Communications Archive

Communications Archive

Read past communications from CMU regarding the novel coronavirus/COVID-19.

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Monday, December 19, 2022

Semester Transition; COVID Updates

As we approach the end of the calendar year, I want to thank you for your continued help mitigating the spread of COVID-19 on campus. Our collective behavior has enabled this past semester to progress successfully.
Thursday, September 22, 2022

Campus Updates; New Booster Available

I am glad to report that vaccination and booster rates in our campus community remain very high. Overall, 98% of students, faculty and staff are vaccinated and 96% have been boosted. You can view our immunization rates on our COVID-19 Dashboard. There is currently a medium transmission level in the county — down from the high level at the start of the semester; CMU cases have been trending downward as well, and with very low levels of severity. That said, the county levels are still changing often, so it is important we remain vigilant.
Friday, August 12, 2022

Welcome to Campus; COVID Updates

I write today to welcome you to a new academic year and to update you on our COVID strategies for the fall, including vaccine requirements, testing and masking, reporting and travel. The COVID Coordination Team, alongside university leadership and with the support of University Health Services and Allegheny Health Network experts, has been monitoring COVID conditions and metrics throughout the pandemic, including the recent rise in cases in Allegheny County. As conditions change, we will balance making decisions using the most information available and providing timely, research-based guidance to our arriving students and wider community. We look forward to the launch of the new year as we welcome our newest graduate students on Monday.
Thursday, June 02, 2022

CMU COVID-19 Update

I write to you today with updates regarding our COVID-19 risk mitigation strategy. University leadership has been tracking the increase in COVID-19 cases in our region, due in large part to the highly transmissible Omicron BA.2.12.1 subvariant. On Friday, May 27, the CDC listed Allegheny County as an area of high transmissibility (COVID-19 by County | CDC). While our CMU community continues to experience cases of COVID-19, the vast majority of those cases are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. This is due in large part to our high vaccination and booster rates.
Friday, April 15, 2022

CMU COVID-19 Update

As anticipated, with the arrival of the BA.2 subvariant and its high transmissibility, there has been an uptick in COVID-19 cases nationally, locally and within the CMU community. Given our highly vaccinated and boosted CMU community, the cases we are seeing generally range from asymptomatic to mild. As we have communicated previously, cases are no longer the critical metric, and we are increasingly focused on the severity of outcomes and the availability of medical care.
Thursday, March 17, 2022

Changes to COVID-19 Facial Covering, Gathering Requirements

I write today with updates to CMU’s COVID-19 policies related to facial coverings and gatherings. University leadership has been tracking the declining caseloads and pressures on our health care system, both nationally and locally. We have also continued our consultation with experts at CMU University Health Services, the Allegheny Health Network and peer institutions.
Friday, March 04, 2022

COVID-19 Preparations for Spring Break

I write today with updates to CMU’s COVID-19 policies related to the Daily Self-Assessment, classroom notifications, and isolation and quarantine requirements. As we begin Spring Break, our campus remains in a Transitional Posture with near capacity in-person classes and activities.
Monday, January 24, 2022

Campus Posture Change to Transitional

Today, we write with updates to our previously announced campus posture. As we collectively manage and balance the impact of the pandemic, we continue to be inspired by our community's strong commitment to one another.
Thursday, January 13, 2022

Please Upload Your Booster Information Into the Database Today

As we look toward the first day of classes next week, we write to remind you of our previously announced booster requirement. This is yet another critical tool in our COVID-19 mitigation plans as we approach the start of the spring semester. Vaccinations and subsequent booster shots have proven to be safe and highly effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and risk of hospitalization, and preliminary indications are that boosters will prove to be an effective defense against severe symptoms with the Omicron variant as well.
Thursday, January 06, 2022

Important Update About the Start of Spring Semester

As we prepare for the spring term, we continue to monitor the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, which medical experts forecast will reach its peak in mid-to-late January. While there is accumulating evidence that Omicron causes less severe illness, its extreme transmissibility remains concerning. Today, we announce our decision to shift to a Modified Campus Posture for the start of the spring semester. This means that the first two weeks of most courses for undergraduate and graduate students will be taught via synchronous remote instruction (January 18-30). While the majority of courses will be delivered remotely, courses designated in SIO and S3 as in-person only (IPO) will continue as planned with proper mitigation procedures in place. Instructions on how to view course delivery modalities may be found on The HUB website for students and the Enrollment Services website for faculty. We anticipate a return to in-person classes on January 31.
Thursday, December 16, 2021

Booster Requirement, Travel Recommendations, Arrival Testing & Spring Plans

Looking toward the start of a new semester in 2022, we are sharing a preliminary outline of what to expect regarding our ongoing COVID mitigation efforts. We stress that this guidance is subject to change as we track the progress of the pandemic and in particular the impact of the Omicron variant.
Thursday, December 02, 2021

Schedule Your COVID-19 Vaccine Booster at Expanded On-Campus Clinics

I am pleased to announce that Carnegie Mellon University and Giant Eagle are partnering to host two COVID-19 vaccine booster clinics on December 13 and 14 in Rangos Ballroom in the Cohon University Center. All booster-eligible CMU community members (students, faculty, staff and vendors) are encouraged to participate free of charge. To schedule your appointment for a Pfizer, Moderna or J&J booster, please visit this link.
Monday, November 08, 2021

Updated Facial Covering and Travel Guidance

I am pleased to share that our CMU community has achieved a 99% COVID-19 vaccination rate among students and faculty, and 95% among staff. As we enter the latter half of the fall semester, I have two important updates.
Friday, October 22, 2021

Travel Guidance and Booster Shots on Campus

As the CMU community starts to make plans for holiday travel, the CDC offers considerations to help protect individuals, their families, friends and communities. Per this guidance, we continue to encourage all of our community members to wear facial coverings and avoid large events or crowded spaces as ways to limit exposure risks. Students, faculty and staff should also follow the university’s travel recommendations, including asymptomatic COVID-19 testing through Tartan Testing before and after travel as well as symptom monitoring. We strongly encourage all community members to remain vigilant as you plan your in-person return to learning, teaching and research following the Thanksgiving holiday.
Friday, October 01, 2021

Updating Capacity Limits for In-Person Meetings and Gatherings

As we begin the second month of the academic year, I want to thank you for your diligence and resilience following CMU’s protocols and mitigating the risks presented by COVID-19. It’s been invigorating to see our campus filled with energy and it’s heartening to see the renewed activity around us. As noted in our public dashboard, our community is now 95% vaccinated, CMU cases have been declining over the past three weeks, and our asymptomatic testing continues to indicate a low virus prevalence.
Wednesday, September 01, 2021

Welcome Back to Campus; Fall Mitigation Reminders

I write today to extend my warm welcome as we start a new academic year. While we are still managing the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, we begin this year in a far better place than last year given the broader mitigation tools available to us, particularly vaccines and our Tartan Testing program. It is gratifying to see our campus bustling once again with such energy and vitality.
Friday, August 20, 2021

Requiring Vaccinations for Faculty and Staff

With the start of classes a little more than a week away, and alongside concern about the delta variant, I write to inform you that Carnegie Mellon University will require all faculty and staff working in Pennsylvania, California, Washington D.C., New York, and Virginia to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Thursday, August 12, 2021

Please Upload Your Vaccination Card Into the Database Today

We write today regarding the CMU vaccine database, which is a critical tool in our planning for resuming in-person activities on campus this fall semester.
Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Updates to “A Tartan’s Responsibility”

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.
Monday, August 02, 2021

Temporary Reinstatement of Facial Covering Requirement

Out of an abundance of caution we will be reinstating the requirement for everyone to wear facial coverings starting Sunday, August 15th. This decision was informed by the recently updated CDC guidelines and we anticipate this to be a temporary measure as we plan a safe return to campus. As always, vaccinated individuals who wish to wear a mask before August 15 are welcome to do so.
Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Reminders for Returning to Campus — Including Vaccine Database Deadline

As our return to campus rapidly approaches, we remind you to upload documentation of your COVID-19 vaccination to our Vaccine Database no later than August 2nd. For instructions on how to enter your COVID-19 Vaccine Information in HealthConnect, visit the COVID-19 vaccine database webpage.
Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Launching Vaccine Database for Faculty and Staff (Return to Campus this Fall)

After nearly 16 months since our initial move to remote learning, we are heartened to be preparing for in-person experiences and the start of the new academic year. Last week, we launched the CMU Vaccine Database with students. Today, we initiate the CMU Vaccine Database with faculty and staff.
Thursday, July 15, 2021

Vaccine Database Launch, Arrival Posture, Campus Life

I write today to announce the launch of CMU’s COVID-19 Vaccine Database and to provide information about arrival protocols as we begin the fall semester. Vaccine Database: All enrolled students must participate to comply with CMU’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Easing of COVID-19 Mitigation Protocols

I write today with updates to the news last week announcing the easing of COVID-19 mitigation protocols on campus for those who have been fully vaccinated. As we approach the summer, with high vaccination adoption rates and continued low COVID-19 case numbers within the region, we are amending our campus posture, updating the minimum requirements and restarting domestic business travel.
Monday, June 07, 2021

New Guidance for Those Fully Vaccinated

As we begin the summer term, I am pleased to announce the easing of certain COVID-19 mitigation protocols on campus for those who have been fully vaccinated. We have decided to ease these restrictions based on the tremendous response rate to our vaccine survey and the very high percentage of respondents who indicated they have been vaccinated. We are also encouraged by the high rate of vaccine adoption in Allegheny County as well as the decreasing spread of the virus in our community.
Thursday, May 27, 2021

Action Required: COVID-19 Vaccine Data Collection

As we move into the summer, the university is evaluating its current mitigation protocols, including whether some of them may be relaxed in the weeks ahead in anticipation of the fall semester. We write today to request your assistance with informing our decision-making by participating in our COVID-19 Vaccine Data Collection effort. Your participation will enable us to better understand the level of vaccination within our campus community, and this knowledge is critical to our planning.
Monday, May 17, 2021

CMU-dedicated COVID-19 Vaccination Opportunities Tomorrow (5/18) and Friday (5/21)

As we approach the hope and optimism of robust in-person experiences in the fall, I encourage any students still in Pittsburgh who have not yet been vaccinated to take advantage of timely and convenient opportunities to receive a vaccine on campus this week.
Friday, May 14, 2021

Recent CDC Guidance Regarding Facial Coverings

I write to you today about the guidance released yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relaxing requirements for the use of facial coverings and physical distancing by individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Additional COVID-19 Vaccines Offered On Campus

We write today to announce additional opportunities to receive the Moderna vaccine through CMU’s University Health Services (UHS). UHS will distribute first doses of the vaccine in Rangos Ballroom on May 14 and May 18. These opportunities are open to all CMU students, faculty, staff, affiliates and vendors.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Vaccine Requirements for the Fall Semester

Consistent with scientific evidence on the importance of vaccine adoption to control spread of the virus, to the extent permissible by law, Carnegie Mellon University will require all enrolled students to be vaccinated for COVID-19, effective this fall semester. This policy will apply to all undergraduate and graduate students in U.S.-based programs.
Tuesday, May 04, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccines Offered on Campus This Friday, May 7th

We write to you today to share the good news that CMU’s University Health Services (UHS) has received a supply of the COVID-19 vaccination. We will distribute 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine on a first-come, first-served basis, in Rangos Ballroom, on Friday, May 7, from 1-4:30 p.m. This opportunity is open to all CMU students, faculty, staff, affiliates and vendors.
Monday, May 03, 2021

Rising COVID Cases Put CMU’s In-Person Experiences at Risk

We write to you today with concern about a significant increase in positive cases of COVID-19 among CMU students. The CMU community had relatively few cases during the semester, and while the number of cases across the country are generally trending down, there has been a sharp uptick in the number of cases on our campus over the past two weeks.
Friday, April 30, 2021

The Next Phase of Pandemic Planning

I wrote to you back in late February communicating our expectation that CMU employees who have been working partially or completely remotely would continue in that mode through at least June 30, 2021. I write today with high-level updates about Carnegie Mellon’s plans for the next phase in our return to in-person operations. As always, flexibility and adherence to public health recommendations continue to be the guideposts for our planning.
Tuesday, April 27, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Opportunity On Campus This Friday

We are pleased to update you about a new opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Our partners at the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) will hold a vaccine clinic in Wiegand Gymnasium on Friday, April 30, open to all CMU community members.
Monday, April 19, 2021

Last Chance to Schedule a Vaccine Appointment Through the Giant Eagle/CMU Partnership

Last week, we offered opportunities for COVID-19 vaccinations through our community partners. Today, we write with a reminder related to one of these efforts. Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 20, is the last day to register for Giant Eagle’s dedicated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine appointments for our Carnegie Mellon community at Heinz Field on April 26 and 27.
Wednesday, April 14, 2021

TIME SENSITIVE: Additional AHN Vaccine Opportunity for CMU Community Members

Our partners at Allegheny Health Network (AHN) are offering 950 dedicated appointments to Carnegie Mellon students, faculty, staff and vendors for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, April 20 at their Pittsburgh Mills clinic, located at 590 Pittsburgh Mills Blvd, Tarentum, PA 15084.
Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Vaccine Updates & Opportunities for CMU Community Members

We are encouraged by Governor Wolf’s announcement that effective today, all people aged 16 and above are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Pennsylvania. We are writing with updates on upcoming opportunities to secure vaccine appointments through partnering providers.
Friday, April 09, 2021

Update: AHN’s Vaccine Clinic Expanded to Include 1C Eligibility Today and Tomorrow

We write with a timely update that Allegheny Health Network has been given permission by Pennsylvania’s Department of Health to administer the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine to Phases 1A, 1B and 1C. Although Pennsylvania will expand vaccine access to Phase 1C statewide on Monday, April 12, AHN has been granted special expanded access to begin administering to those eligible in the three phases today and tomorrow.
Thursday, April 08, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available

We are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with Allegheny Health Network (AHN) for distribution of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Carnegie Mellon community members will have access to appointments later this month at one of AHN’s vaccination clinics.
Friday, April 02, 2021

Pennsylvania Expansion of COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility

As we eagerly await the promise of expanded access to COVID vaccines, we are pleased to provide updates and guidance to the Carnegie Mellon community.
Thursday, March 18, 2021

Updates to CMU Policies for Outdoor Gatherings, Travel, Quarantine & Vaccines

I write today with updates to CMU’s policies related to travel, quarantine and outdoor gatherings. With growing optimism due, in part, to increasing vaccine supply and coverage, we are now able to revisit and modify our virus mitigation protocols.
Friday, March 12, 2021

2021-2022 Academic Calendar and Programming for Summer and Fall Semesters

I write to share the university’s plans for programming this summer, announce the university’s 2021-22 academic calendar and look ahead to the return of a robust student experience on campus beginning in the fall semester.
Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Update on Remote Work Dates and Vaccines

I want to begin by updating our previous guidance from last December regarding returning to work on campus. It is now our expectation that CMU employees who have been working partially or completely remotely will continue in that mode through at least June 30, 2021. As virus prevalence and vaccine availability evolve, vice presidents, deans and department heads will follow up with specific information pertaining to their divisions, colleges and departments.
Friday, February 19, 2021

Tartan Testing Appointments Available for Week of Feb. 22

I am pleased to announce that we have completed the ramp-up period of the Tartan COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing Program, and beginning the week of February 22, all Pittsburgh-based faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in Tartan Testing. Appointments are now available, and we invite you to schedule ONE asymptomatic COVID-19 test for next week.
Thursday, February 11, 2021

Tartan Testing Updates for Week of Feb. 15

For the upcoming week of February 15, we expect to invite all Pittsburgh-based students and all previously invited faculty and staff to participate in Tartan Testing. Those invited to participate will receive a separate email with detailed directions for participation.
Wednesday, February 10, 2021

On-Campus Posture Changes to “Modified Services”

I hope that you are all safe and well as we begin the spring 2021 semester. As we approach the start of in-person instruction and learning beginning on Monday, February 15, campus will move back into a modified services posture beginning at 11:59 p.m., Friday, February 12.
Thursday, February 04, 2021

Tartan Testing: Important Scheduling Updates for Week of Feb. 8

As we near the start of hybrid instruction on February 15, we want to be sure that all students in Pittsburgh as well as faculty and staff who will be delivering in-person instruction have had the opportunity to be tested at least once this week or next week. To ensure we can accomplish this, we are adjusting who is invited to participate in Tartan Testing for the upcoming week of February 8. 
Friday, January 29, 2021

Tartan Testing Progress Update

As we get closer to the start of the Spring semester, Carnegie Mellon University continues to ramp up the operations of our Tartan COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing Program. Thanks to the participation of many members of our community, the program is steadily growing and improving.
Thursday, January 21, 2021

Updates to the CMU Experience This Spring

As we embark on the spring semester still impacted by COVID-19, we do so with the knowledge and experiences gained from a successful fall semester in hybrid mode. Although life as a Carnegie Mellon student is of course different living through a pandemic, I am so proud of how our students have created new ways of coming together to enrich our university culture and explore your passions.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021

First Two Weeks Will Be Remote Only; Guide for Spring Semester Planning

As part of our continuing mitigation efforts, we have decided to delay the start of in-person instruction by one additional week. This means that the first two weeks of classes for all students (both graduate and undergraduate) will be remote-only (February 1-12), and in-person classes will begin on Monday, February 15. 
Monday, January 04, 2021

Tartan COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing Program: January Update

I am pleased to provide additional information about the Tartan COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing Program, which President Jahanian announced in December. The Tartan Testing Program uses a new, regulated on-campus laboratory to better support our strategy to detect and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
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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