Welcome to the Carnegie Mellon family!
We encourage our students to develop independence and the life skills necessary to successfully navigate their personal affairs as young adults. We also know that family plays an important role and are key partners in our students’ success. We're here to share information about general campus resources, important events and developmental milestones in your student’s experience so that you have information to facilitate meaningful interactions with your student about their Carnegie Mellon journey.
Statement on Inclusion
Ethic of Engagement about Student Experience and Records
Family Engagement Team

Lexie Elliott | she/her/hers
Assistant Director for First-Year Orientation & Family Engagement

Arielle Frederick | she/her/hers
Senior Administrative Project Coordinator
Kari Galensky | she/her/hers
Administrative Assistant for the Community Life Office
Kari serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Community Life Office. She supports staff members of the departments of First-Year Orientation and Family Engagement, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and Residential Education. Kari also assists students and families, and lends a hand to a myriad of projects and programs. Kari graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's of Arts in Liberal Studies. She values relationship building and prides herself on her empathy, humor, kindness, and organizational skills and has a deep love of arts and culture.

Andrew Greenwald | he/him/his
Assistant Director for First-Year Orientation & Family Engagement
Andrew joined CMU in 2016 as a coordinator in SLICE and joined the First-Year Orientation and Family Engagement team in summer 2022 as the assistant director supporting incoming undergraduate students in their transition to campus and their parents and family members. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree in media and communication arts from Pace University and a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys traveling with his partner, spending time with friends, and enjoying time in the park with his French Bulldog, Sebastian.

Lauren Moran, Ed.D. | she/her/hers
Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Director of First-Year Orientation & Family Engagement
Email Lauren
412-268-2142
Lauren came to CMU in 2023 and is responsible for advancing the strategic vision to develop and enhance the university's relationship with parents, families, and incoming undergraduate students. With nearly 20 years of experience in higher education, Lauren has held a number of roles in student involvement, leadership development, fraternity and sorority life, and alumni engagement. She earned her doctorate in higher education management at the University of Pittsburgh, and master's degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University. Outside of work, Lauren serves as a national vice president for her sorority, Sigma Sigma Sigma. She is a pround aunt, and enjoys traveling, golfing, running, and exploring her hometown of Pittsburgh.