Carnegie Mellon University

Academic Advising Resources

The department has a number of resources to help advise you, as well as provide pointers to other college and university services.

All students are encouraged, and expected, to meet with their advisor on a regular basis, but minimally once a semester (prior to the following semester’s registration).

SDS Academic Advisors

Advisors can answer your questions about course requirements, your current progress toward completing the major, various campus opportunities, and all other sorts of administrative questions.

Connie Angermeier

Connie Angermeier headshot

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Office Location: Porter Hall 208H
To schedule a meeting: https://go.oncehub.com/ConnieAngermeier

Connie advises primary majors in Policy & Management and students pursuing an additional major or minor in Decision Science. She also advises the Sociology minor.  Students who are interested in applying to SDS as a first-year student or as an internal/external transfer are welcome to talk with Connie.

How long have you been at CMU and how did you get here?

I've been at CMU (and in SDS) since August 2001.  Prior to coming to CMU, I was the director of internships for the Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh.

What is something you love about your job and/or what is one of your favorite memories of being an advisor?

I love helping students through their undergraduate journey and seeing their growth and development as they discover their academic and professional passions.  Watching students receive their diplomas each year - and meeting their families! - are some of my favorite memories as an advisor.

What is something you love about Dietrich College and/or your department?

One of my favorite things about my department is that there's no "one" type of SDS student (or their career path).  Students come to our department with many different interests and our majors are able to help them reach their goals.

What activities/hobbies do you like to do outside of work and/or what do you like to do to de-stress or unwind after a busy day?

I love spending time outside with my family and our awesome labradoodle, Mac.  We're a big sports family (both playing and watching), and I travel quite a bit for my boys' sports. 

I probably have too many hobbies: kayaking, fishing, knitting/crocheting, cooking, scrapbooking, quilting, and listening to audiobooks.  I'm usually combining at least two of my hobbies!

What is a recommendation for a fun thing you like doing in Pittsburgh?

One of my favorite places in Pittsburgh is Phipps Conservatory - and it is right next to campus!  It's worth going back regularly - the seasonal displays are incredible.  My favorite room is a tossup - either the Victoria Room or the Stove Room.  Let's talk about what room you like best!

Lizzy Stoyle

Lizzy Stoyle headshot

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Office Location: Porter Hall 208G
To schedule a meeting: https://go.oncehub.com/LizzyStoyle

Lizzy is the advisor for the primary and additional majors in Behavioral Economics and primary majors in Decision Science.

How long have you been at CMU and how did you get here?

I came to CMU in 2017 from the University of Pittsburgh where I worked as a Graduate Student Advisor for doctoral students in History and Sociology.

What is something you love about Dietrich College and/or your department?

The supportive, non-competitive atmosphere is something entirely unique to Dietrich College. The interdisciplinary degrees within Dietrich (like SDS) are a testament of that collaboration. SDS faculty come from many different disciplines (psychology, economics, statistics, policy analysis, philosophy, just to name a few!) and they work closely with the academic advisors to ensure that students are able apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world scenarios.  

What was your undergraduate major? How did you end up deciding on it?

I was a dual History-Anthropology major, with a European Studies Certificate and Italian Studies minor. I honestly did not plan to pursue any of these subjects when I went to college. I thought I would be a Biology major, but quickly realized that mathematics and science were not my interest nor my strong suit. On a whim I applied for a scholarship to study in Italy the summer of my first-year and, to my surprise, was awarded the funds. I spent three months in Siracusa, Sicily- in which time, I discovered my deep passion for human societies, cultures, and languages. The rest is history! (Please excuse the dad pun :))

When was a time when you struggled or encountered a setback? How did you respond?

My first semester in college I earned the first "C" in my life. Initially, I was disappointed and confused, as I had fallen short of my own expectations. Upon reflection, I realized that I had actually learned more in that course than I had in any others, as I had gone to office hours, took practice exams, and participated in extra credit opportunities. I really EARNED that "C" even if I wanted an "A". That "C" was one of the best things to happen in my college career, because I realized that I needed to improve my study skills and be more proactive in my studies. In the end, I was able to learn from this experience to graduate Magna Cum Laude. 

What is a fun or surprising fact about yourself?

My partner and I are realllllllly into Escape Rooms. We have completed over 50 around the country including Las Vegas, New York, D.C., and nearly all rooms in the Pittsburgh region. We've become so advanced that we have been asked to beta test a few rooms, and even won a $250 cash prize for the fastest time of the month out of nearly 75 teams.

I have two adorable dogs named Sophie and Wylie. I lovingly refer to them as my "co-advisors" as they tend to pop in to my advising meetings from time to time. Trust me- they are great listeners!

Faculty Directors

Each of our majors also has a faculty director.  Faculty directors are well placed to answer questions about research and professional opportunities associated with the major.

Behavioral Economics

Peter Schwardmann
BEPO-advisor@andrew.cmu.edu
Porter 223J

Decision Sciences

Silvia Saccardo
ds-advisor@andrew.cmu.edu
Porter 319D

Policy and Management

Christina Fong
p-and-m-advisor@andrew.cmu.edu
Porter 223I

Additional Advising Resources

Academic Development prides themselves on helping you get the most out of your academic efforts while creating a positive learning experience. They offer a wide variety of free support services including academic counseling in study strategies, peer tutoring, supplemental instruction, and EXCEL collaborative learning groups.They also publish a series of study skills pamphlets called Fast Facts and Freshmen Fast Facts that provide useful tips and strategies.

Carnegie Mellon takes great efforts to provide physical and programmatic campus access to everyone.  Qualified individuals are entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on documentation of disability. Equal Opportunity Services: Disability Resources serves as a link between individuals with disabilities and the campus community. Under the (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individuals with disabilities are guaranteed certain protections and rights to equal access to programs and services. Please check out the Disability Resources website for more information.

All enrolled students, pre-college students and visiting scholars may use Health Services. Check out their website for more information!

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers students the opportunity to talk privately about personal, academic, or other concerns in a safe, confidential setting. After an initial consultation with a CAPS therapist, students are referred to available mental health resources at Carnegie Mellon or in the larger Pittsburgh community. For an appointment, call 412-268-2922 during regular office hours.  For emergencies, their phone is answered 24/7.

The Division of Student Affairs is here to support and foster your intellectual and personal growth and help you explore and experience the different aspects of college life. They care about you, your studies, your social growth, your well-being and your future and want to help you enjoy a great Carnegie Mellon experience.

The Student Development Office has a strong focus on the first year experience with almost all first year housing supported by their office: Boss, Donner, E-Tower, Hamerschlag, Mudge, Scobell, and Stever. Their House communities strive to provide students with opportunities to enhance their own growth and development as they progress through their college years.  The Houses are distinctive communities. each with their own character, traditions, and design, but all share core focus areas: transition, support, involvement, personal development, and community commitment.

The Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a centralized career center staffed by a team of 21 seasoned and highly-educated professionals who orchestrate the career exploration, experiential learning, and career networking needs of students and alumni.